Exactly my thoughts! I thought this story would be interesting, but so far, I’m kinda just like eh. I don’t like the dynamic between the male and female lead, like Ik they’re gon inevitably end up together…but I honestly don’t know how you can love a man who blackmailed you into marrying him and then left you dangling in fear all the time. And why does she never voice her thoughts either, like she just seems jumpy around him all the time, he already knows you saw so at least just tell him you won’t say anything to get him off your back even a lil. Sigh smh, I hope it gets better
Eh, I think I'm dropping this. It doesn't seem like it's going to give me anything i actually want, so I'll just move on. As you said the dynamic between the leads isn't great, and I too cannot see Regina falling in love with Arsene in a way that I'll find believable and enjoyable. Good luck to you though! I hope your patience with this story is rewarded. ^^
The art is alright, which is always nice, but the story, well when it's summarized is fine, but when you actually read it, it's not that great. A lot of people have complained that it's boring, and while i kind of get where their coming from, it wasn't really boring for me, but more frustrating. This plot needs more character moments for me. Like the best friends interact, but they don't talk about anything important. Like the main character witnessed a murder and got coerced into marriage. I get that this is trying to be like Beauty and the Beast, but in that story, the Beast had very strong reasons to not harm Belle, and to treat her well in hopes that she could maybe come to love him. And thus save EVERYONE who was cursed.
In this story, Arsene seems to develop some feelings of affection towards Regina, but she sure as hell doesn't see it, is constantly terrified being with her murderer (except when she's not which is just contrived as fuck) and has no guarantees he wont kill her. She is alive because Arsene chooses to let her live, for no particular reason other than... "taking control of public opinion"?? Which i found paper thin as far as reasons go, and have no idea why or how he actually needs her. And the story doesn't show it either. They do not discuss anything, Regina never even says "please let me go, i swear i wont tell, you saw that i covered for you right? Please! I won't ever tell, I don't wanna die!" she thinks things to this effect, but never says them to him, and he- doesn't really take it to heart? Like he acts like he likes her, but doesn't give a single thought as to why she may smile in the company of her friends more than with him, or why she's constantly jumpy around him. If anything he finds it funny.
The weird rivalry between Isota and Arsene is just... huh?? I get why Isota's wary and wants to get her friend away from this guy, but Arsene? Why is he inserting himself into their time together? Why is he acting like Isota's someone to fight over Regina for? It's just baffling, and we get no character moments, or thoughts from anyone on the subject other than Regina thinking "well this is weird". And that's just it.. why isn't she reacting more? Why doesn't she talk about anything? Why isn't she asking why Isota's so against Arsene? Doesn't she want to protect her friend from potentially getting hurt? Also the whole convo where Regina asked Arsene about how he feels about Isota is just so weird! None of the more important questions are asked, it just feels like a waste.
Regina talks about making plans to get away, but we aren't shown her actually doing it, or talking to anyone about it. Like she's alone, and she should be looking for allies or routes out of the kingdom, or something. This stuff with the empress dowager would be interesting, but it's not the main focus of the story, and unfortunately so far the main focus is all talk with nothing to show. I feel Regina's fear, and I hate when they insidiously insert the "Oh why did i just think of him?" trope in the middle of that fear. It's just so out of place!