The arranged marriage while wearing a veil story idea is so good. Love the little darkness to it. It had me thinking about maybe a fluffy one with a little angst. Derek and Stiles are promised to one another, Stiles village or kingdom is terrible and verbally abusive to him by putting him down constantly cause he doesn't fit the ideal image of a manly man and that he's ugly to them. His skin is smooth with a pale color and spots scattered across his face and body, lean build with long arms/legs with big brown eyes, and cupid bow lips. His father has defended him, kept him safe but maybe his father had passed and left him in the care of the kingdom, and made into an errand boy turned him into a bargaining chip for the hales. He wears a veil cause the king tells him that his looks are off-putting, Stiles believes him and does his best to keep it on during their ceremony and celebration wanting to charge his husband with his words and personality in hopes of making him look past his face when he finally sees it. He lies to them about it being a tradition that they keep it on until they consume their marriage. When it's revealed, Derek is stunned by the beauty but Stiles thinks it's cause of him being unattractive and apologizes and then it turns to Derek having to reassure him that it's the opposite and he proves it as they make love. Everyone in the castle both the royal hale family and servants is mesmerized by his beauty and it possibly that it takes a few days before Stiles believes it.
[I'm glad you liked it — I'm pretty sure I originally meant to go fluff/romantic and my brain just decided to switch for some reason. at least your ask allows me to redeem myself MAYBE]
also, how tragic that Stiles’ own little empire shows him no respect? since he was born, people made sly comments about his appearance. how they hoped he wasn't soft and fair skinned for too long, making comments to John advising him to toughen the boy up, that hanging out with his mother too much would make him vulnerable.
unfortunately, queen Claudia would die and Stiles would grow into himself and end up looking more like his mother with every year. John tried to be a fair king, but then too much talk was getting around about how much the townspeople hated Stiles, despised his looks, that no one would want him unless he kept a sack over his head. so John would begin to banish anyone who spoke poorly of his son.. but that would only leave his kingdom dwindling in population more and more.
it didn't matter if Stiles was well-trained in hand to hand combat, didn't matter if he knew his way around a sword or bow and arrow, didn't even matter if he was noble, kindhearted, and smart. his kingdom viewed him as weak and hideous, undeserving of loyalty or respect. maybe at Stiles’ 18th birthday celebration, a tomato is aimed at his head. a few men in the back laughing and cheering; one stands to say that a prince should resemble their father, to be the exact replica of what strength and power looks like otherwise how are they to rule a nation of people?
John ends the celebration then and there, having guards arrest the men who threw fruit at their feet and insulted them. Stiles tells his father, "it's alright, truly." but it's not alright! Stiles ends up never leaving the castle, never attending celebrations or ceremonies, stops showing up for combat training. he stays in his room or walks his mother's garden, having maids run errands for him instead of doing it himself as he had done so many times. Stiles knows it worries his father, but he'd rather keep to himself than continue to have his father relentlessly defend his existence.
even more unfortunate, John would die some time later, leaving Stiles king of this small and ungrateful village. and Stiles tries his best to be a good king, giving the people whatever they want if they have the resources for it. its not long before they take advantage of Stiles’ kindness and depression. Stiles would hide behind a wall of guards as townspeople come up to make requests. a man asks for a few coins; Stiles waves a hand and a young assistant throws a small bag of gold coins to the beggar. an old man approaching about a dispute over land with a neighbor; Stiles shrugs and the young assistant shouts for him, "the majesty does not care, settle it out between yourselves." "i'll just kill him and take his land then," the old man mutters before walking away. a young mother with a child on her hips says she's been sleeping in the streets, desperate for a warm cot and milk; Stiles thinks nothing of it and tells his assistant to set up a temporary room for her in the castle — that very night, Stiles’ home would be ransacked and looted. and he just can't bring himself to care.
all that remains untouched are his mother and father's portraits, the garden, and his mother's jewels and veil that were locked away and hidden. one of Stiles’ advisors (or his only advisor, as the remaining council had left upon john's death and didn't believe in Stiles' ability to rule) approaches Stiles with a letter. Stiles skims it; a request for his presence to the Hale kingdom, a young prince in need of a mate, arranged marriage, "blah, blah, blah, no!" Stiles decides, throwing the letter into the fire, "return a message; we reject the proposal and know there are better suitors out there!"
his advisor doesn't budge, stands up straight in front of Stiles as he tells him that he should accept the proposal. "this could be good, your highness! the Hale’s are a very powerful family with a very vast kingdom. you could marry Talia’s only son and return home to provide so much more for your village—" "if I marry him, there will be no more village. why would I think to return in the first place?" Stiles scoffs but goes unanswered as his advisor continues. "he doesn't even have to know what you look like! we'll have a veil made for you and you won't have to take it off until the marriage is made official. that way, prince Derek has no way of taking it back!"
"a veil?" Stiles asks in offense. the advisor bows his head apologetically, looking up once more to say, "please consider it."
Stiles thinks it over for the next few days, giving too much consideration into what might be good for his people, his kingdom.
a dark brown veil with black laced embroidered onto it is presented to Stiles the night before his travels.
"they say he's not much of a looker," Laura says with an amused smile, her eyes not even leaving the book she's reading. Derek stopped pacing the room, looking at her and then his mother, "then why am I considering marrying him then?" Talia rolls her eyes, smacking at Laura's head before gently telling Derek, "don't listen to your sister, you know she just likes to tease."
Derek sighs, "she's right though, what if I don't like him? what if we have nothing in common…. what if he's an idiot? and an ugly one too? dear, god" he groans, falling dramatically against the cushioned seating. "never thought my son to be so shallow," Talia snides playfully before leaving the room, just as Deaton walks in to announce that prince Stiles would be arriving in short time. Derek figures it's enough time to try and get his mind off of it.
he busies himself with his studies, horse riding, bugging the kitchen staff for fruits or sweet breads before dinner. his hand is smacked away by one of the cooks just as he hears the trumpets sounding for the young prince's arrival. Derek quickly snags a piece of bread, shoving it in his mouth before running out of the kitchen, giggling at the cooks that shout after him.
Talia levels him with a look as he scurries up beside her at the front steps. Laura shoves at him from the other side and Derek shoves her back, leading them into little slap fights until Talia whistles at them to stop. "act like you were raised with some sense, please," she scolds at them and they both immediately stand up straight, Derek straightening out his vest and swiping crumbs from his lapels.
the carriage abruptly stops and a young blond man jumps out of it. he's not well dressed but he is handsome, tall, and muscular. Derek wonders if this is prince Stiles. the young man smiles kindly as he rushes up the steps, bowing repeatedly before announcing that prince Stiles will just be a minute, ".. he's a little nervous, your highness." "so you're not prince Stiles?" Laura asks. the man's face upturns and he immediately denies it, "god, no. I mean.. no, your highness. I'm just Parrish, his advisor, or right hand I guess you could say. well, I was more of his father's but then— you know what, doesn't matter. why don't I go fetch him!" "yes.. do that.." Talia smiles, already seemingly annoyed.
Parrish nods and bows again an unnecessary amount of times before he's skipping down the steps back to the carriage. Derek watches as the man whispers through the window of the carriage, turns and gives them a thumbs up.
another minute or so passes until the doors swing open and someone else exits the carriage. Derek looks to Laura confused as they both stare back at the veiled man that slowly approaches. the veil is dark, leaving nothing exposed from head to shoulders, and there's intricate black lace that blocks out any possible features. "damn, is he that ugly?" Laura mutters under her breath, receiving a pinch from Talia.
the prince remains silent as Parrish introduces him and his grand title. Talia tilts a head and asks for the veil to be removed. Parrish becomes flustered, stammering nervously as he says, "actually, it's accustomed in the Stilinksi kingdom that veils are not to be removed until after the wedding night. we believe it bad luck for a face to be revealed before union, y'know?" albeit ridiculous, Talia nods and apologizes for the request and the young prince bows silently in return.
Talia then introduces princess Laura who bows and prince Derek, who takes Stiles’ hand, placing a nervous kiss across his knuckles which are gloved. there's a quiet gasp that escapes from under the veil and Derek looks up, stealthily trying to get a peek but fails as Stiles shifts on his feet and backs away.
"well, we're glad you accepted our invitation," Talia says, breaking the awkward silence, "please, come inside. dinner should be ready."
as they sit at the large table, Derek keeps a close eye on Stiles. he wonders why the man won't speak, why he's covered from head to toe completely, and can he even be trusted? prince Stiles is not the first royal that's been invited around for the opportunity of marriage. Derek and Laura have had a number of potential partners come through; some who simply weren't good enough and most with ulterior motives. Derek had lost quite a bit of trust in the process after one rejected duchess had threatened to burn their castle to the ground.
so Derek would keep his eyes glued to Stiles; noticing how he avoided lifting his veil to eat, only picking at his bread or grapes to slowly feed himself under the fabric. "shall we cheers?" Derek tries, lifting his cup as the others followed. "hear, hear!" Laura cheers and Stiles raises his cup… only to set it back down on the table. "are you not satisfied with the wine, sir?" Derek asks, "we have milk if you prefer? fresh pressed fruits or water, perhaps?" "no, its fine," Stiles finally speaks and Derek can say that at least Stiles sounds young.
Derek finally looks to his sisters and mother, all shrugging before they go on with dinner. afterwards, Derek follows sneakily behind Deaton as he shows Stiles to his guest room. Derek quietly runs up just as he sees Stiles’ back is turned and the door still slightly open, attempting to catch Stiles remove his veil. but just as he reaches the door, its slammed shut by Deaton who gives him a look. "what?" Derek feigning ignorance, "just wanted to wish him a good night." Derek shoves his hands in his pockets, whistling a tune as he slowly walks away. when he bends the corner, he quickly runs to the courtyard, climbing the trellis just outside Stiles’ room. he only manages to get a glimpse of Stiles’ brown hair and back before the candles are blown out and the room is drowned in darkness.
Derek whispers curses to himself before he hears Boyd grit from under him, "get down from there!" Derek swiftly jumps down, pointing a finger at Boyd and saying, "you are supposed to be on my team." Boyd smirks and says, "it is my job to protect you, not aid and abed in your tomfoolery and silly side quests." Derek rolls his eyes, mimicking his friend before he's lead back inside.
Derek would spend the next few days, weeks even, trying to see Stiles without the veil. he invites Stiles for a swim, but Stiles claims he doesn't know how. he spills mead over Stiles’ shoulders, pretending to be apologetic as he grabs a cloth to dab at the veil, slipping a finger underneath to try and lift. Stiles quickly stands, almost shouting, "it's fine," before he storms off with Parrish fast behind him. Derek even outright asks one night. they're walking beside each other in the courtyard, the moon is high and Derek reaches for Stiles’ hand. they sit against a bench in front of roses and Derek tells him, "if you'd let me, i'd love to kiss you tonight. would you remove your veil? just this once?" Stiles is quiet for a moment, Derek catching the veil flowing with every breath from underneath. Derek leans in, hoping Stiles would do the same, only for the young prince to turn away and stand on his feet. "I promise," Stiles says, "on the night of our marriage, you'll finally see me."
the way Stiles says it gives Derek some concern, as if Stiles is not at all excited about removing the veil or the wedding in general. it had took Stiles some time to open up to the Hale’s, but Derek had thought they were starting to create a true bond. all doubt and hesitation Derek had preconceived was out the window once Stiles finally spoke to them. Derek had loved Stiles’ laugh, how he seemed to be just as sarcastic and bounced jokes back and forth with Laura and Cora better than Derek ever could. Stiles was smart, oh so incredibly smart and shared Derek’s same love of constellations and moon phases. Derek had stood back in awe as he watched Stiles shoot a target dead on with a bow and arrow. Derek truthfully thought they were falling for each other… but he so desperately wanted to see Stiles’ face. he didn't care what Stiles looked like, he was just dying to know.
its the day of the wedding and Stiles finds himself hiding in his room, wiping away tears as he curls into himself. he's staring out the window, watching the castle get done up for the ceremony and he lets out an anxious breath. he had fallen for Derek, that was for sure, but he was nervous for tonight. that once he removed the veil, Derek would turn away in disgust, declare his hate for him, spit at him and maybe resent him for the rest of their lives. Stiles thinks he wouldn't be upset if Derek locked him away and took a lover.. or lovers.
Derek was incredibly handsome; had Stiles smitten upon sight. he remembers letting out a nervous breath as Derek gently grabbed at his gloved hand and kissed at his knuckles on that very first day. he knows Derek had been dying to see what he looked like under the veil. knows Derek was playing tricks in attempts to get him to remove it; spying on him, spilling wines, asking for kisses under moonlight. it pained Stiles to turn away from Derek, to tell him no. he wanted to kiss Derek so badly, wondering what his lips felt like, what they tasted like — sweet, he's sure.
there's a knock at his door and Stiles readjusts the veil over his head. when he swings the door open, its Deaton only there to remind him of the festivities, that maids will be by to bathe and dress him before he is to walk down the aisle. Deaton gives him a look over, placing a gentle hand at his shoulder and giving encouraging words, "you've made it farther than most. which means there must be a true connection for the both of you. do not think to harshly of yourself; something about you has prince Derek head over heels and that boy does not fall in love easily."
the words cause Stiles to grow a knot in his stomach. its meant to be encouraging but now all Stiles can think is how much of a disappointment he'll be to Derek. Stiles simply nods before closing the door, falling against his mattress and breaking into tears until he falls asleep.
he wakes at a sudden knock at his door; the sun is still shining and Stiles can hear excited chatter from all around. he looks out the window to see the decorations for the celebration are complete. there's white fabric hanging from pillars, roses arranged perfectly, pink petals against stone floors, and a small band filling the courtyard with music. "my sweet," Stiles hears Derek call from the other end of the door. Stiles leans against the door, placing a hand against the soft wood, sensing Derek doing the same. "I know you're there," Derek says quietly, "I just want you to know that i'm ready when you are. please, do not rush — i'll understand." with that, Stiles hears Derek’s footsteps retreating down the hall and he lets out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding.
minutes pass by and then maids are rushing in, pushing him towards the bath, scrubbing him raw before rubbing him in fragrant perfumes and oils. they insist on doing his hair or applying a stain to his lips but Stiles refuses, holding down his veil until they leave him alone about it. they help him into incredibly tight pants, a matching blouse, and a corseted vest. Stiles thanks them before dismissing them from his room. his corset is so tight, he can't even sit. so he falls back against his bed, trying to muster up the courage to meet Derek at the alter in due time.
he recalls Deaton's words. he most importantly recalls Derek’s actions. how Derek had treated him so kindly, so full of love — something Stiles hadn't felt in a very long while; not since his parents died. he'd gotten so used to how his kingdom treated him so cruelly, insulted and ridiculed him since birth, that he'd forgotten not all people are so mean-spirited and harsh. even Laura and Cora had treated Stiles with such kindness and grace. Talia too had soon began treating Stiles as if he was already apart of them, that he belonged.
Stiles rolled over off his bed, trying his best to stand straight before marching out of his room. he rushed to the courtyard, stopped by a handmaiden at the threshold who smiles kindly at him and passes him a very small bundle of flowers. Stiles thinks it a bit odd, asking, "does Derek also have flowers?" the handmaiden continues to smile as she shrugs, "my dear, you're wearing a veil. we just thought it'd be fitting." Stiles nods side to side, accepting the flowers and starts his walk towards Derek.
there's murmurs and quiet chatter as Stiles saunters down the stone aisle, feeling his heart beat out of his chest and nervousness rise in the pit of his stomach again. Parrish is bouncing excitedly behind Deaton at the very end. Derek himself looks nervous but is standing still, arms behind his back, and a reassuring smile across his face as Stiles makes it to him. "glad you came," Derek whispers and Stiles bows lightly.
Deaton begins to officiate and the entire thing feels like it takes hours. soon enough, Deaton says the words, "you are now as one — through life and death." the crowd erupts in cheers and the celebration kicks off. Derek gently tugs at Stiles’ hands, asking, "can I see you now? am I allowed a kiss?" Stiles lets out a shaky breath, squeezing at Derek’s hand and saying, "not yet, my moon." Derek nods in understanding and does not ask again for the rest of the night.
they spend the entire celebration in each others embrace; they dance, they sing, they talk for hours on end. Stiles catches Derek looking intently at him when he tries to sneak a quick sip or a piece of chicken under his veil. Derek just smiles and squeezes at Stiles’ shoulder before turning away. Stiles’ heart aches at just how considerate Derek is.
the celebration ends just before midnight. Stiles is shown to a different room, one made for him and Derek for the night. when he walks in, there's petals across the floor and bed, candles dimly lighting the room, and a small bowl of oil sitting bedside. Stiles takes a nervous breath, standing at the foot of the bed as his fingers fidget with the hem of his veil.
mere seconds later, Derek quietly walks in, huffing at the set up of the room. "its a bit much for my tastes," Derek tries joking, his smile faltering when he notices Stiles still standing anxiously. "no need to be scared," Derek tells him, "i'll be gentle, I promise." Stiles feels a single tear fall, and although he hadn't initially thought of that, he's more so scared of Derek’s reaction when the veil is gone.
Stiles takes in a deep breath and simply quips, "just get me out of this!" Derek chuckles before moving behind Stiles, untying the corset Stiles could barely breathe in in the first place. the corset falls to the floor and Stiles lets out another exhale, rubbing at the tender skin under his blouse. Derek circles around him, replacing Stiles’ hands, rubbing soft and soothing circles against his skin. Derek’s eyes are wide, a silent question playing at his face and Stiles nods, letting Derek push the loose blouse off of his shoulders. his boots and pants fall to the floor next and Stiles covers his now naked body with his arms, sitting at the bed to curl into himself self-consciously.
"your body is beautiful," Derek declares and Stiles feels his face grow red. he always thought he was too skinny; although he trained hard, he had a harder time growing any kind of muscle. his fingers were too long, legs too gangly, his torso too thin compared to his broad and freckled shoulders. he felt like a freak, knew he was a freak as he's heard it too many times.
he shook his head, only stopping when he felt Derek kneel down before him, gentle hands caressing at his legs. "show me," Derek said sternly yet gentle. Stiles hesitated as he grabbed the bottom of his veil. he raised it slowly, watching as Derek looked on with quiet anticipation. Stiles closed his eyes, throwing the veil off with sudden quickness just to get it over with. he waited with bated breath for Derek to say something but the room fell eerily silent.
Stiles peeked open one eye, seeing Derek’s confused expression; his eyebrows furrowed, lips parted, head tilted as if a million thoughts were going through his head. Stiles felt his lip begin to quiver and his eyes begin to well. "I'm sorry," Stiles says in a timid tone, unable to stop his tears from falling. "i'm so sorry," he said louder, now sobbing, crumpling the veil in his fists and shoving it against his face. "we shouldn't have- I shouldn't have come here. I shouldn't have married you! you don't want me now, I know this. they were right— no one would love me. i'd be better with a sack over my head and thrown into the streets to live among the rats and mangey dogs." Stiles continued to sob, falling back against the bed to hide under the sheets.
"you're talking nonsense," Derek says so matter of factly, "you deserve the world." Stiles’ own face turns to confusion, hiccuping as his crying comes to a stop. he leans up, pulling the sheets just under his eyes to look at Derek who looks back at him with a raised eyebrow. "you're as dramatic as you are beautiful." "beau- do your eyes work?!" Stiles questions, baffled by Derek’s comment. Derek stands to sit at the edge of the bed. there's a beat of silence as Derek looks over Stiles still hidden under the sheets.
Derek gently lifts the sheets at Stiles’ feet. "I see ten gorgeous toes attached to feet. i'd kiss whatever ground they'd walk on," he says before kissing at both ankles. the sheets slide further aside, exposing Stiles’ legs. "I see beautiful, strong legs. I admire the long strides they take as we walk the halls or the fields together," Derek tells him, kissing at both knees. the sheet moves again, revealing his hips and naked member. Derek smirks, "self explanatory," kissing at Stiles’ hips. Derek tugs further at the sheets so now Stiles’ entire torso and arms are exposed. "every inch of you is gorgeous, my love," Derek says, kissing at Stiles’ fingers, his wrists, up to his shoulders and down to his chest. he kisses just above Stiles’ navel before he's up by his neck, leaving more pecks and licks, sucking marks onto his pale skin.
"please believe me," Derek begs, kissing along Stiles’ jaw, at the moles that smatter across his face, comparing them to constellations, his nose, his eyebrows, and finally his lips. Stiles breathes in deep as he tastes Derek’s lips against his own. sweet, as he expected. "allow me to make you feel beautiful?" Derek asks. Stiles feels tears fall down his cheek once more but this time for good reason. he nods quietly, pulling Derek down for another kiss.
Derek’s gentle with him as promised, thrusting into him slow and meticulously. his large hands hold and cover every bit of him. and he spends the entire night speaking softly into Stiles’ ears between moans and low grunts. Stiles comes messily between them when Derek whispers once more, "you're beautiful and I love every bit of you."
"I love you," Stiles says back, his voice coarse and shaken. he smiles against Derek’s shoulder when he comes inside him, collapsing against him moments later.
Stiles hums in delight as Derek rolls over and pulls him into his arms. the doubt and anxiety drips away and Stiles cannot stop smiling as he settles against Derek. "whoever told you those lies, that you weren't beautiful, are fucking fools," Derek says behind him, his voicing growing low as he tells Stiles, "don't ever think low of yourself again."
Stiles wishes he could stop crying, but a tear falls regardless; a tear of happiness, at least. "yes, husband," Stiles says.
by morning, they walk down the halls together towards breakfast. the handmaids and staff they walk by stare in shocks, jaws dropped, tripping over themselves. when they reach the table, Cora chokes on her water, Laura looks up with furrowed brows, and Talia smiles fondly. with a mouthful of bread, Laura says garbled, "so he was just gorgeous this whole time? oh, fuck off!"
"Laura, language," Talia scolds before gesturing at Derek and Stiles to sit. "my beautiful boys," she grins, "and I must say, Stiles, you are glowing!" "thank you, my queen," Stiles bows, feeling his cheeks go red. Derek stares at him smugly, kissing his cheek and muttering in his ear, "I told you."
[and no they don't go back to Stiles’ village, cause fuck 'em!]
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