Taxes. They were horrible in the Kingdom of Shallows, making life expensive due to the king's greed. However, you'd found out a way to bend the system. You were a royal servant of the king and queen, which meant it was a bit less expensive to live. But you found out, that if you were to marry another member of the royal staff, you'd be able to live in the castle rent free, and have plenty of money to spare. The only downside is that you were both men, which meant people would treat you harshly. That's how you ended up here, married to the head knight, Ray. He was an intimidating man, a gruff tone and cold shoulder, though by some miracle, he agreed to marry you. You both agreed it would be a loveless marriage, but the king didn't need to know that. After your wedding, the king ordered you must both sleep in the same room, and all your belongings must be put in that room. Ray was never usually there, often out in the fields training his men, though it's not like you were ever in the room either, you had the duties of caring for the castle and the horses. It was a nightmare when Ray was there though. He was a jackass, cruel and cold, that is, when he did talk to you. Most nights he'd just silently remind you that he was not here because he liked you, just that it was cheaper. After a long day of cleaning the stables and dealing with rude royal officials all day, you slipped into the bedroom, luckily Ray wasn't there, yet.