[2557] The Thorn King's Bride Ch 1

I recently posted my prologue and got some great feedback so I thought I'd come back again to shape up my first chapter. This is a Dark Fantasy steeped in medieval history, focusing on court intrigue and romance.

This chapter is a fair bit slower, focusing mostly on dialogue, some world-building, and character introduction. Let me know your thoughts below!

Here are just some general questions I have:

1. If you read my prologue, how does this hold up next to it? There's a stark change in tone as well as pace, but that's what I wanted since we're shifting to a totally new POV. But of course let me now if it's all a little too much.
2. This chapter is very dialogue heavy and I tried to tread the line between "old-timey" language and punchy dialogue. Let me know if I veered too far one way or the other!
3. Do you like the characters in this? How do you feel about them and how do you think they feel about each other?
4. Let me know how the pacing was and of course, if it left you wanting to read more?

Thank you all again and I'm totally looking forward to what you have to say about this :D

Chapter One

Crits

[1383] + [4416] + [2442] - [2618] (previous submission) = 5,623