tw: talk about abusive ex

Tbh a lot of things, but the biggest change he’d want to make is erasing the entirety of his relationship with his abusive ex-Lythir. He blames a lot if the shit that happened on himself since, while it was an arranged marriage, he did have a choice to reject Lythir before they were engaged.

At first things were "perfect". Lythir was charming, intelligent, and happy to let Ronan set the pace at first. All things Ronan values in a partner. They were happy, Lythir would wax poetic about is beauty and intelligence, lavish him in gifts, etc. Basically was the perfect example of Lunelicorne courting. Ronan was not in love with Lythir but he could see himself growing to love him through time and effort so he happily accepted Lythir's marriage proposal. And things were good for a time, until Ronan started having opinions on things that conflicted with his fiancé's idea of a traditional marriage which Lythir was not happy about. He felt like he was “owed” Ronan’s affection and obedience, and when it became clear sweet charm would not get his way he turned snide and cruel. He complained about Ronan's "coldness", his perceived disinterest in romantic and sexual connection, and would cause quite a fuss not only in their own home but in public as well. Public opinion shifted, Ronan was no longer the shy, awkward prince, the darling boy of Isilmere. Now he was seen as cold, antisocial, and (in some circles) cursed to have an unfeeling heart of ice.

Ronan couldn't take the ridicule and hid himself furth and further away, allowing Lythir to take more and more liberties with his boundaries. It got to a point where Ronan broke off the engagement, but not before his self confidence was utterly crushed. He was already introverted, but after that he closed himself completely off from others.

To this day, Ronan feels stupid for not seeing the signs earlier.