Chapter Five

Ok, I'm updating early today! Don't expect this in the future, though. Enjoy! :)

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I awoke to Oden gently shaking my shoulder. I groaned and pulled a blanket over my head. The previous day came rushing back to me and my face turned red, even though I was half asleep.

"Time to wake up, Britta," Oden murmured, lifting the blanket to kiss my cheek, then my neck. "My mother is here to hear your dreams and tell you the meaning. I need to leave to get your morning gift ready."

I pulled the blanket back down, not wanting to see Oden at all. I remembered all the things I had said and done last night and I just wanted to disappear.

I heard Oden leave and I sat up to see Oden's mother Alwilda standing beside the bed, smiling at me. I felt the cold air on my skin and realized I was still naked. There was a red love bite on my breast and I blushed, pulling the blanket up to my chin.

"How are you, Britta?" She asked, sitting down on the bed next to me.

I shifted and winced. I was a bit sore. "I'm well. Please don't ask me how last night was."

She laughed and took my hand. "Oh, I wasn't going to. That's between you and Oden. But I would like to know wat you dreamed about."

I closed my eyes and tried to remember. Honestly, I remembered. I had dreamed about making love with Oden. "I don't remember. What does that mean?"

Alwilda looked at me like she knew I was lying. "I'd say it means the future is uncertain."

I tried not to roll my eyes. "Mmmm. That's nothing I didn't know before."

She smiled and tossed me a dress, her braid falling over her shoulder. She was the reason for Oden's flaming red hair.
"Get dressed and meet Oden in the commonhall." She winked and left me alone to dress.

I pulled back the blanket and hopped out of the bed. A red spot stained the soft fur that covered the wooden planks. It was still hard for me to believe that I was a married woman now.

I sighed and slipped into my dress and made my way around the corner and out into the sunlight.

My mother was waiting for me outside and she threw her arms around me in a tight embrace. "How are you, sweet one?" She kissed my cheek and pulled back to look in my eyes.

"I'm well." I nodded. "It was good," I said, knowing it was what she wanted to hear. "He was gentle and sweet."

She smiled. "I'm so happy for you, darling." Together we headed toward the commonhall, where Oden was waiting for me.

A few other people were there, including my father and my brother. Oden was standing in the middle of the room with a foolish smile on his face. His red hair looked darker in the dimly lit building. He was handsome and as I remembered last night, I found it hard to look at him.

I reached him and he took my hands, the warmth of his touch spreading through me.

"My love, I want to give you a gift as thanks for the gift you gave me last night, and your willingness to warm my bed in the future," he said softly, looking into my eyes as I blushed. He placed a pouch in my hands and I opened it up to see several gold necklaces and rings, on top of gold coins.

I looked up and smiled at him, placing a sweet kiss on his lips. "Thank you." Turning, I strode out of the longhouse and took off in a run into the forest, heading to my secret place. As I ran, I tied my pouch of gold to my belt.

When I got tired of running, I sat by a stream and caught my breath. I winced as I sat on the bank, between my thighs was aching. I slipped a hand under my dress and when I pulled it back out, my fingertips were covered in brown blood. It was old blood, but it still reminded me of everything I wanted to forget.

"My gods," I whispered, feeling tears flood my eyes. Last night still seemed like a dream. I felt like crying, like my innocence was ruined, like my childhood was over. I tucked my skirt up into my belt and splashed into the stream, letting the cool water sooth my senstive skin.

"I have to take care of a household now," I murmured to myself as I climbed out of the stream. "I have to cook all the meals, make all the clothes, clean everything on my own." Sure, I was used to helping my mother with her work, but I never had to do it all myself unless she went somewhere with my father.

Moving on, I reached my secret place, the beautiful clearing in the woods, and fell down in the grass, tired from the long journey. This place was miles away from the village. That's why I liked it. I could stay in the clearing as long as I wanted without the risk of anyone disturbing my peace.

More than anything, I needed this time alone. The past few days were filled with people I didn't know and talking about uncomfortable things and doing uncomfortable things. I needed some time, a moment to myself.

Clouds drifted through the beautiful light blue sky and the smell of grass and dirt calmed me right down. I closed my eyes and let myself drift off to sleep. I hadn't gotten much sleep last night, or the nights before.

When I woke up, the sun was almost ready to begin it's decent in the west. I sat up and rubbed my eyes.

"Damn it!" I had been gone far too long. I jumped to my feet and raced back into the forest.

My legs and feet were aching, along with the rest of my body when I arrived back at the village. The sun was about half an hour away from setting.

Most of the villagers where in their longhouses eating their evening meals, and I made my way back to mine and Oden's house.

He was sitting by the fire, eating an oatmeal cake that looked old and hard. He looked up at me and cocked an eyebrow.

I picked a blade of grass out of my hair and tried to smooth down my dress, and smiled. "Hello, Oden."

He tossed the oatmeal cake into the fire and brushed off his hands. "Where have you been?"

"In the woods," I said, and sat down across the fire to him. "I'm sorry, Oden." I looked down at my hands. "Yesterday was...overwhelming, and I needed time alone with my thoughts today."

He sighed and smiled. "I understand. Now, come here." He patted the spot next to him. I moved around the fire and sat beside him, leaning on his shoulder.

Wrapping his arm around my waist, he kissed my forehead. "Are you well?"

I smiled and tilted my chin up, and he lowered his lips to mine. His kiss was slow and sweet, and when he pulled back, I whispered, "I'm fine."

He brushed my hair away from my neck and began kissing the sensitive skin there. I shivered and smiled, laying my hand on his knee. His hand slipped under my dress, caressing the inside of my thigh.

"I want you," he murmured, nibbling on my ear. His fingers brushed my womanhood and I gasped, jumping to my feet.

"All right, Oden," I said, shifting on my feet. "I'm not too eager to make love now. I'm, um, a bit...sore."

Oden's face turned red, matching his hair. He chuckled. "Alright, then. Hmm."

My hands went to my hips and I frowned. "What?"

He shook his head and held up his hands, just like he was hiding something. "Nothing, love. It's fine if you don't want to lie with me tonight."

I moved slowly toward him and sat in his lap, wrapping my arms around his neck. "I didn't say I didn't want to. I just meant it might be painful for me."

He cupped my face in his hands and looked into my eyes. "My father and your father told me that a woman may still be sore during lovemaking for the first few times."

I winced. "My father gave you advice about making love to me?"

Oden shrugged. "He wanted to be sure that I'd take good care of you in bed."

I closed my eyes and held up my hand. "That's enough. I don't want to hear anything more about that."

He chuckled again and kissed my lips with longing. "Can I take you to bed now?"

"Mmm," I hummed against his lips, moving closer to him as I felt the tent in his trousers. He stood and carried me to the bed and laid me down.

His eyes were hungry, in way that hadn't been last night. Like he had taken his first sip of wine, and now he wanted more. With quick, yet gentle fingers, he removed all my clothing.

I felt the urge to cover up, but pushed it away since he had already seen me uncovered. The ache between my legs was still there and I winced as I thought of him entering me.

"Are you still afraid of me?" Oden murmured, sweeping my hair back away from my face.

I never was in the first place. "No, not afraid," I whispered, winding my fingers into his flaming red hair.

My answer seemed to satisfy him and he lowered his mouth to mine, rocking his hips forward against me. My lips parted as I groaned into the kiss.

"I've wanted to make love to you all day," he murmured against my lips, his hands stroking down my sides, our legs tangled together.

My heart was pounding and I arched my hips toward his, and with a single gentle movement, Oden slid into me without much pain.

I took a deep breath through my nose and relaxed, allowing myself to enjoy the full feeling of him inside me. Leaning down, I captured his mouth, losing myself to the taste of his lips and the feeling of our bodies coming together.

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The next morning when I woke, I slipped quickly out of bed and pulled on a dress. Oden was still fast asleep and he didn't notice that I was leaving.

The weather was beautiful, though slightly chilly. The village was active and noisy, little children running around. I smiled, and ruffled the hair of a little boy as I walked past him.

I went searching for my brother, needing his company. I had a strong desire to show him my secret spot in the woods.

People smiled and nodded at me as I passed, and I returned the smiles. They would be my friends and someday my husband would be their leader. I couldn't believe how my responsibility I had taken in such a short time. If I thought about it too much, I felt a heavy cloud of dejection settle over me.

I found Toki wrestling with another young man in the village. A crowd stood around them, cheering and shouting. I remembered that the wedding feast was still happening and everyone was playing games and sports.

Standing in the back of the crowd, I stood on my tiptoes to see over shoulders. Toki got the other boy in a headlock and released him, raising his hands up in victory. Everyone moved in and clapped him on the back, so I lagged back and waited for the crowd to disperse.

Finally, as the last few people were wandering away, Toki saw me and came to me with a smile.

"Hello there, beautiful sister. How is married life?" He grinned, looking so much like our father.

I blushed and smiled, moving forward to warmly embrace him. "I'm not sure yet. I've stayed hidden, mostly."

"And why is that?" Toki said and placed a soft kiss on the top of my head.

I pulled away and looked up into his eyes. "I just feel...lost. Like I don't know what my life is going to be like a week from now. I mean, I didn't know those things even before I was married, but then I felt comfortable in the unknown. But now I just want to know what to expect and what's around the corner."

Toki nodded and smiled gently before reaching out to touch my cheek. "It's alright for you to feel that way. Maybe you need to tell Oden what you just told me."

I shook my head. "I can't right now." I reached out and took his hand, leading him toward the forest.

"Why are you taking me?" He asked, chuckling.

"I want to show you my secret place in the woods," I said and grinned at him.

It was wrong of me to leave Oden on his own for another day when this was our special first few days together, but something made me want to slip away.

I passed our longhouse and Oden stepped out, watching me with his arms folded over his naked chest.

My steps faltered and I let go of Toki's hand. "Oden..."

"Where are you going?" He asked, tilting his head and frowned. His eyes held an emotion I didn't want to acknowledge.

Excuses flashed through my mind, searching for the right thing to say. I didn't want to tell him about my secret spot in the woods.

Toki came close to my side and wrapped his arm around me, leaning down to whisper in my ear. "Spend the day with him, Britta. No more running away." He kissed my temple then walked away.

I moved forward and wrapped my arms around Oden's neck, looking up into his ocean blue eyes. "Take me somewhere, Oden. Take me somewhere it's just you and me."

His lips turned up in a charming smile, and he nuzzled his nose against mine. "I know a place. I believe you'll like it."

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Oden's horse stepped lightly and carefully over the rocky mountain terrain, and I clung tightly to Oden, my arms tight around his waist.

"I hate riding horses," I murmured into his shirt, keeping my eyes closed. "I thought you said I 'd like this."

"You will, I promise," he said and kicked his horse into a faster pace. "The view is worth the journey."

I breathed deeply to calm myself. "You had better be right, otherwise I'll have some choice words for you."

He covered one of my hands on his stomach with his own. "I would not put you through suffering if there wasn't a beautiful result."

A smile spread over my lips despite my fear.

Finally, we leveled out some, and then came to a cliff.

Oden helped me dismount the horse and led me toward this cliff, which was like a pathway which led straight out of the side of the mountain, over-looking a valley with a thick river flowing through it. If One of us fell, we'd make a deadly splash.

"This is a beautiful view," I said, without moving out onto the cliff.

Oden took my hand and tried to lead me out, but I resisted.

"Come on, don't be afraid," he said and kissed my cheek. "I would never let you fall."

Shaking with fear, I let him lead me out onto the cliff and sat in the middle, my hands spread over the rock.

Oden sat in front of me, looking out at the valley. "I wanted to talk to you."

My stomach tightened. "What about?"

He brought his eyes to mine and smiled. "I'm not angry with you, so don't worry. It just seems to me that you don't want to spend time with me. Yesterday you snuck off to spend the day alone, and today you wanted to go somewhere with your brother."

He paused when I looked away and hooked his finger under my chin to make me look at him. "Are you avoiding me?"

Guilt over-whelmed me, because it was true. I was. "Oden...listen. This...our marriage...has been a massive change in my life and sometimes I get scared thinking about being a wife and having children and running a home. I have so much more to worry about now than I did before. Like how to please you." I stopped and looked away, blushing.

Oden was silent for a few moments and the sounds of nature filled the silence. His disappointment was almost tangible.

I wanted to fill the silence but I had nothing more to say. I needed him to ease my fears but instead he remained silent.

Tears were starting to flood my eyes and I rose to my feet, intending to find my way down the mountain so I could be alone.

"Sit down, Britta." His voice was firm. An order. One of my first orders from my husband. I wanted to hiss at him like an angry cat but I did as I was told, and sat in front of him again and waited for him to speak again.

"You are one of the most desired women in the North and possibly even Finland and Sweden," he said and my eyes widened.

"What are you talking about?" I asked, feeling angry with him. The lying bastard. As if I wouldn't know that I was so desired.

Oden's eyebrows rose in surprise. "You did not know this? Well, you are. Your mix of Norse and Irish blood is very enticing and many men want you in their beds."

I licked my lips and frowned. Surely he was lying. In my own village I was known for my beauty and charm, but all of Norway, Sweden, and Finland seemed quite foolish. "Why are you telling me this?"

"I paid a grand price for you, and with it the jealousy of many men." He reached out and took my hand. "It is very important to me that this marriage turns out well."

My eyes narrowed. "Because of the gold you spent on me?"

Oden groaned and got to his feet. "Yes and no, love. I want to love you, I do. But there are other things that are more important."

More tears filled my eyes and this time they rolled down my cheeks. There were other things more important to him than loving me. My throat felt like it was closing up. "I wish to return home now."

Oden helped me up onto the horse and we started back to the village. My cheek was pressed to Oden's back and by the time we reached our longhouse, the back of his shirt was wet from my tears.

Eating together that night was quiet and awkward, and the last thing I wanted was to return to bed with him. I stalled and played with my food, even after Oden was finished with his food.

"Would you like some wine?" Oden asked, pouring himself a horn of the red wine.

For a moment I considered getting drunk, but then pushed the thought aside. That would not solve any of my problems.

"I know you are upset," Oden said and came to my side. I turned my face away and tossed my uneaten food into the fire.

"I thought you wanted me because I was a good woman, someone you could be happy with. I thought you wanted me," I whispered. "Now I know you wanted me because I am desired by many, if what you say is true."

"I do want you," Oden murmured and moved my braid out of the way and lowered his mouth to my neck. I had desired him before but now his action repulsed me. Placing a hand on his chest, I tried to push him away.

Instead he wrapped me in his arms and carried me to the bed. I let my head fall back on the pillow and turned it away.

He lifted my dress and slid in between my legs, thrusting into me. I winced, for my body was not ready to receive him, as I was not aroused. The pain continued as he rocked against me, shaking the bed.

I bit my lip and waited impatiently for him to finish. Finally he did, and rolled off me, his whole body flushed.

I did not move an inch until I knew he was asleep, and then I rose, still feeling the ache between my legs. Trying not to cry, I found some water and splashed myself, cooling the ache a little.

Slipping outside, I sat under the light of the moon and tried to clear my thoughts. How had things changed so much in so short a time?

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"Why did you not tell me?" I stood in front of my mother, seething with anger. How could she not have told me that I was desired by nearly every man in the land?

"We thought it would be best if you didn't know," my mother said, her eyes filled with compassion. "I am sorry, but I thought Oden would be different then everyone else."

My head began to ache and I lost the will to care. "Fine, mother. I suppose it was all for the best." I turned and stormed away.

My family left Oden's village to return home and I was left alone with Oden, who still treated me mostly with respect and gentleness, and out of loneliness I decided to forgive him for the painful night together and the fact that he married me because I was desirable.

Early one morning I was curled up beside Oden, our legs still tangled together from our lovemaking.

In the silence of early morning, I heard a muffled pounding in the distance, like many hoofbeats.

"Do you hear that?" I asked Oden and sat up.

"Yes." He jumped out of bed and dressed quickly, before rushing outside. I did the same and followed.

The other villagers had woken as well and watched as an army of horses came over the rise, the King's flag raised high.

I gasped and turned to ODen. "The King? King Valgard? What does he want with us?"

Oden wouldn't look at me. "I am afraid they are here for..." He trailed off as the horses came closer.

I felt a bit of panic as they rode into our village, the King proud and tall atop his horse.

I fell to my knees along with everyone else. My whole body shook, my breaths rough and uneven.

"Your Majesty," Oden's father said and bowed deeply as the King dismounted. "Please tell us. Why have you given us this great honor?"

The King looked in control and calm, and was quite handsome with dark wavy hair and blue eyes. He looked young for a King, in hismid-twenties.

He searched the crowd, who were all still kneeling. "Where is Britta, daughter of the chieftain Asvald?"

I gasped as my eyes flew to the King's face. My heart had dropped into my stomach and my head felt light. Oden reached out and wrapped his fingers around my wrist.

"Speak out, Britta, on pain of death," the King said and I rose to my feet, trembling.

"I am Britta, daughter of Asvald and Eachna." My voice shook as the King's gaze met mine.

"You were wise and also brave to speak up, beautiful one," he said and came toward me, his lips tilting up in a smile. "I hear the Irish influence behind your Norse." He reached out and stroked my cheek, his fingers warm.

I swallowed and lowered my gaze. I felt like I would vomit. "How may I be of service to you, my lord?"

He chuckled and the sound made me tense. "I wish to have you as my wife. And who can deny the King?"

I gasped and took a step back. The King's guards moved forward and grabbed a hold of me. I screamed and kicked against them. Oden rushed to help me, but more guards grabbed a hold of him.

"You let her go! She is mine!" Oden screamed and fought against the men that held him, swearing at the King. "She is my wife!"

I stopped fighting and gasped for air. Oden, you cannot speak to the King like that! Let me go!

The King turned to the men that held me and said, "Take her away. The lady does not need to see this."

I searched the faces of the villagers, who were scared for themselves and for me. My gaze landed on Oden's mother, whose face was streaked with tears. My eyes were wide, starting to fill with tears. What was happening? Then I was yanked away and led over a hill.

"What is happening?" I asked and struggled, frightened beyond belief.

The guards would not answer me, only looked at me with pity. It was only when I heard the piercing scream of Oden's mother that I understood what happened. Oden was dead.

My heart was pounding as I was led back to a horse, where one of the guards tied my hands together and lifted me onto the horse. My stomach was tight and I felt like I would be sick.

Oden's body lay in the grass, his head severed from his body. Blood puddled around him. "No!" I screamed as tears followed down my cheeks. Oden's mother was kneeling by his body, her face pressed to his chest. I had to press a hand to my mouth to calm my roiling stomach. "No!" I screamed and sobbed, trying to throw myself off the horse. Oh gods, Oden! Oh gods, oh gods!

The guard swung up behind me and kicked the horse into a canter, his arm tight around my waist. And away we went.

So many questions swirled in my mind as we rode. What was going to happen to me? Was I going to be the bed thrall of the king or would I be the next queen?

I sobbed until no more tears came, and my head ached. My eyes were swollen and tired, my heart numbing against the pain of Oden's death.

Night was falling when we reached the castle, which was lit up with the light from torches. My stomach rumbled with hunger and my head ached from stress. The skin of my wrists was raw from the rope they had used to bind me.

We came closer to the gates and my heart nearly stopped beating. Once inside those walls, I would have no chance of escape. Shifting, I looked over my shoulder and saw by the light of the touches that the King and most of his men were behind me, blocking the road of freedom. Perhaps I could jump off my horse and somehow get away. I had to try, whether I got away or not. I would not go behind those walls without a fight.

With sudden force, I threw myself from the back of the horse and hit the hard ground with a gasp. The air had been knocked out of my lungs but I tried to struggle to my feet.

By now my guard had dismounted, along with the others. Only the King remained on his horse.

I made a move toward the edge of the bridge, but my guard was on me in an instant and slapped me hard across the cheek. My cheek stung and burned, and I blinked tears from my eyes.

"Cease," the King said and dismounted his horse. "No harm must come to her." He came toward me, his face as calm as ever, his blue eyes almost gentle. He was known for being a fair king and a kind one, though he did like getting what he wanted.

"Look, my lady, all you have done is hurt yourself," he said and lifted my arm. My elbow was skinned raw and was bleeding, along with a cut along my cheek. Blood oozed from the wound.

"What are your intentions for me?" I asked, my voice shaking.

"Certainly no harm," he said and used his sleeve to wipe away the blood on my face. I wondered at his actions. Why would he soil his precious cloth that way?

"Am I to warm your bed?" I asked, feeling my knees shake together.

He smiled and his blue eyes seemed to light up. "Only as my wife." He motioned for his guards to come, and the guard lifted me onto the horse once again and we rode on into the castle, where the gates closed behind us, locking me out of my own homeland.

The guards lifted me off the horse and took me up a staircase and down a few halls until we came to a room.

One of the guards opened the door and I stepped inside, followed by the King, who dismissed his men. My stomach trembled at the thought of being alone with him.

I glanced around the room and saw a large bed, a small widow, a desk and chair, a fireplace and more chairs.

The King closed the door but did not lock it. "Please, sit," he said and motioned to the chairs before the fire.

My legs shook as I went and took a seat, folding my hands on my lap. I did not know how to behave before a king. The king was also seated.

"My lord, I fear that I do not know how to show you proper respect."

The King smiled again and tilted his head. "As long as your tone remains polite and you speak in such a way as to honor me, you could cause me no offence."

I nodded and gazed at the fire. "May I speak freely?"

"Of course," he said and leaned forward, listening intently.

"I am not pleased about the death of my husband," I said and tears pricked my eyes. "I did not love him as a wife should love her husband, but I was learning to. We shared a great amount of affection for each other. I fear his loss has pained me greatly."

The King nodded and settled back in his chair. "I cannot say that I am sorry."

I swallowed and turned my eyes away from the fire. "When am I to become your wife?"

"I will give you a few days to mourn your loss and then we shall exchange vows and rings before the witnesses and that will be that," the King said and grinned.

"My lord, why me? Yes, I am of Irish blood but why does that interest you? With all due respect, of course," I said quickly, for I could not risk angering him.

"perhaps that is something for me to know, and for you to wonder about," he said and chuckled. I wouldn't look at his eyes, so instead I watched his broad chest rise and fall as he breathed.

"Will someone come to tend to my wounds?" I asked and touched the cut on my face, wincing. My body felt bruised from the fall and I knew I would be in even more pain tomorrow.

"I will tend to them myself," he said and went to the small chest, on which a silver pitcher and bowl sat. He poured the water into the bowl and grabbed a towel, dunking it in the water.

Coming back to me, he knelt and took hold of my arm, twisting it gently so he could get to my elbow. It seemed like such a humble thing for a king to do. A wrinkle formed across the bridge of his nose as he intently cleansed my wound. He was so close I could smell him. He smelled like a male, but not so much that it repulsed me.

His hands were gentle and soon my elbow was clean of dried blood. He reached to take hold of my skirt, ripping off strips. "Excuse me, my lady. You will receive new clothing on the morrow."

He used the cloth from my skirt to bind the wound on my elbow. "This will do until the morning."

He went to the bowl of water and rinsed out the cloth before coming to kneel before me again. My breathing hitched as he touched the cloth to the cut on my face.

"This pains you?" He asked and looking into my eyes. By the light of the fire, I could see just how blue his eyes were. His eyes were like nothing I had ever seen before. Now my breathing was rough for a reason other than pain.

"No," I whispered and he continued to bathe the wound and wipe the dried blood from my neck.

"You are known for your sweet temperament. Did you know that?" The King said and once again looked into my eyes. I wished he would stop doing that.

I shook my head no.

"Are you afraid of me?" The King asked and put aside the cloth. His blue eyes were focused on mine. I had to remind myself that he killed my husband.

I raised my chin and narrowed my eyes. "I only fear the power you posses and what harm you could bring to me and my family. But only your power, not your body or mind."

His jaw tightened and I had to force myself not to show my fears.

"Speak to me with respect," he reminded firmly.

"Yes, my lord," I said and turned my face away. I rose and went toward the window, but it was high about my head, too far for me to reach. "What freedoms will I be allowed? Surely you will not keep me locked in here forever?"

"Surely not," He said and shifted in his chair. "Your freedoms will be allowed to you when you prove yourself to be trustworthy."

An idea came to me as I looked up at the window and I smiled to myself. No one could keep me locked up in a room.

Moving slowly and unsurely, I stood before the King and knelt before him with my head low. "I wish to retire, my lord. My day has been long."

The King leaned forward and lifted my chin. My heart pounded, for a moment I feared he would kiss me. But then he rose and went to the door.

"Goodnight, my lady. Sleep well," he said and slipped out. I heard the door lock and I waited several minutes. Hearing no movement outside, I grabbed a chair and lifted it, setting it down under the window. Climbing up, I angled myself so my head was out the window, then tried my shoulders. I wiggled enough so they slipped out as well.

"This is what being born must feel like," I grunted to myself as I tried to wiggle my hips through. They got stuck. "No," I groaned and pushed my feet against the chair and struggled. This caused the chair to tip over, so my legs were left hanging, my ass stuck in the window.

"This day just keeps getting better," I hissed and tried to relax, but my bruised and aching body was not at all happy with me.

After hours of hanging there - one half of me warm inside the castle, the other side cold in the night air - I finally fell asleep.

Phew, you made it through this long chapter! Whoo! Pretty please leave me a review, it would make me ever so happy. :) Some big changes in this chapter, yep. Don't worry guys, I have a plan. No flames, it won't change where I intend to take this story. xoxo - Em