You guys, the conversation has gone way off track.
In their first night, Maxi doesn't know or understand what s*x while Riftan assumes she does. So did she consent? No, she can't because she didn't know what she's getting into. Then by definition, it's rape. But in my opinion Riftan isn't fully to blame here. Maxi was neglected all her life, her whole family doesn't bother to educate her what transpire during a wedding consummation. And I think this is what divides the opinion.
Riftan is an opportunist and somewhat manipulative, Maxi's father is looking for a scapegoat so he doesn't have to go to the dragon expedition, potentially dies, and left his family with nothing because he doesn't have an heir. Riftan take advantage of that to be with the woman he's infatuated with. After that he makes sure that Maxi properly knows he cares about her, and Maxi clings to whatever affection Riftan offer her. Sounds toxic? Because it is. The circumstances that leads these two together is so toxic. But the point of the story is that they gradually learn about each other, how to work through each other's insecurities and traumas, and learn how to truly love each other.