Spoils of War-Germania x Reader (Preview)

I've had this one in my writing folder for a while! Tell me what you think and if I should continue it! (it'll be a reeeeeaaally long story, tons of chapters!) Btw, Germania doesn't show up just yet + I will be using human names!




You grabbed a small strand of your (h/c) hair and twirled it around in your fingers as you stared at your image in the mirror. A stunning white dress tugged at your features and flowed to your feet, and at your waist a simple woollen belt. A sad sigh escaped your painted lips as you remembered why you were doing this.

"I don't find the idea of me being an item of bargain too appealing, but... I guess this is what I must do for the sake of my family's safety." You heart ached at just the thought of them. After the ceremony, it was very likely you would never see them ever again. Your only solace came from knowing that they would be cared for and safe. Tears pricked at your eyes as you thought of how reluctant your father was to let you go into the arms of a man like him. But this was the last chance for your family. "At least now they'll have a better life." The soft click of the door opening behind you caused you to turn around quickly. You relaxed when you recognized the kind, aged face of your soon-to-be handmaiden.

"Dear, you look so lovely!" she beamed as she eyed your dress from the floor to the neck. Her smile faltered as she glanced upon your head. "Oh, but sweetie, I think you're missing a piece!" she sang as she revealed what she had been hiding behind her back. You glanced upon the long, yellow fabric in awe: a veil. It was accented with beautiful lace roses around the trim and looked to be made from the finest fabric you had ever laid eyes upon.

It's very beautiful, you thought.

"I see you like it!" The maid grinned wide and giggled as she delicately placed the stunning veil atop your head. She walked back a few steps and gasped in awe, bringing a hand to her mouth. "You are...perfection, my dear!" She noticed the sad smile on your face and softly grabbed your chin and tilted your face down to hers. "Hey, chin up dear! Master Vargas isn't as bad as you think." She let go of your chin and patted your hand lovingly, "It'll be alright." She smiled warmly at you, and for the first time that day, you gave back a genuine smile of your own. "Well!" she started suddenly, still holding your hand. "It's time. Are you ready?" You cleared your throat in a attempt to make your voice sound strong.

"Yes," you stated simply, a straight look written on your face.

"Ok then love, I'll make sure everything's in order and then come back in to lead you down the aisle, alright?" she smiled. You gave a weak smile in return as she exited your room. You turned back to the mirror and stared, deep in thought.

You remembered the day your father told you the deal that had been offered to him. Your hand for the wellbeing of your family. Ever since your father was handicapped while on the job, money was hard to come by; three kids can only do so much. You did all you could for your family; taking any jobs available just to be able to feed your brother and sister. Father told you Mother would have been proud of you for taking care of your siblings. At the thought of your mother, you unconsciously touched the simple, beaded chain that dangled from you neck. Your thumb found its way to the oval ornament, weighted at the end of the chain. It was the same necklace your mother wore on her wedding day. She married for love, and you always thought you have the chance to do the same. You traced over the blue stone inside the pendant, gaining as much courage as possible. Some people say your family was lucky the most important man in the city-state spotted you on the cobble streets. What rotten luck. Of course Julius Vargas took a liking to you, and as soon as he heard about your compromising situation, he was already forming a plan. He promised your father that he and your siblings would never again go to bed hungry, if he just offered his oldest daughter's hand in marriage to him. Your father knew what kind of man he was: a rich, conniving man with more wives than he could count; he could never give his daughter to this man.  And although you didn't want to be with Julius either, you jumped at the chance to save your family. You would never be able to forgive yourself if you had to send your siblings to bed without a meal one more time. You were jostled out of your thoughts when the handmaiden touched your shoulder gently.

"They're ready for you," she said with a warm smile as she gripped your hand and led you out of the room. You glanced at the mirror one last time and drew in a large breath of air. You sighed deeply as you faced forward.

I can do this.