About 10 minutes later the dragon landed in a large court yard. A servant came running over to the king.

"Welcome home your majesty!" She said curtsying low.

"This is Keeva. We are to be married tomorrow. If she escapes, its your life." Galbatorix said, watching Keeva for a reaction. She didn't give him one. "Take her to her chambers, " he ordered while walking away.

"This way ma'am." The young girl said. Keeva reluctantly followed. "So you're the one the king picked, I was hoping it would be me, being his slave is no easy feat." The girl said,

"I can imagine." Keeva answered. "What is your name child?" Keeva asked, for the girl was a child compared to her 19.

"Mona, ma'am" she answered shyly.

"Little noble one." Keeva muttered thoughtfully. "How old are you Mona?" Keeva asked.

"13 ma'am" Mona answered.

"Please, call me Keeva." She said, smiling at Mona.

They walked up about three flights of stairs and through so many corridors Keeva couldn't even begin to know where she was.

"In here." Mona said, opening a door and walking into a room.

The room had a large canopy bed against the far wall, one window on each side of it. To the left of the door stood a desk and chair, a candle, ink jar, quill pen, and parchment sad on top in perfect order. Near the window on the right was a rocking chair with ornate design all over it. On the left wall was a huge book shelf.

"Would you like a bath?" Mona asked.

"What?... oh, yes, please." Keeva said slowly as she continued to stare at the beautiful decor of the room.

Mona went to a door on the right that Keeva hadn't seen before. She gasped; the room had a huge bathing tub, a sink, a water closet, and a huge wardrobe against the wall. All the furnishings had intricate Roman Designs.

"This is amazing!" Keeva said, momentarily forgetting her reason for being there.

While Mona prepared a bath, Keeva went to the window and looked out. She looked towards her home and could see smoke rising from the chimney in the distance. How she longed to be there, to help her mother with dinner and care for Aislinn. Her mind drifted to a better time. A time when she wasn't alone, a time her mother smiled and laughed. It seemed so long ago. Keeva longed to feel her father's strong arms wrap around her and comfort her. She could almost hear him whispering to her telling her it would be ok, that God would never forsake her, that he loved her. A knock at the door made her come back to present time.

"Oh Lord, don't let it be Galbatorix." She prayed softly as she walked to the door and opened it. A woman in her 50's stood outside.

"Hello miss, I was sent to measure you for a gown, my name is Cara." She said smiling.

"Please come in Cara." Keeva said stepping aside.

Cara came in, took measurements, and promised to return with a dinner gown and bed clothes.

"Your bath is ready." Mona said "Would you like assistance?"

Keeva looked at the girl to see if she was teasing, she wasn't. "No thanks." Keeva answered smiling. Mona left the room closing to door behind her. Keeva went and slid the deadbolt in place.