It had been a week since Bran and Eibhlin had come over for dinner and still Bard and I were not on good terms, keeping the act of our caring simply as that- an act. But since the dinner it hadn't been as hostile.

We were still not creating conversations that we did not need to create but there was less argument and less disdainful glares. By no means were we a happy couple but I don't think I could class him as a nemesis anymore.

Although we weren't exactly happy I could finally see him in a remotely positive light. I could see him as a human, see him more than the man I was forced to marry. He held a warmth that he may not show towards me, but even if I didn't love him how I should love my husband, but I felt safe around him.

Even from the moments he held me to him in front of his parents, his smell, his touch, it all felt real for a moment. Felt as if we were how we should be. As if we were husband and wife, with a love that extended beyond, as though we had been this way for years.

But that was all a fantasy. We were not in love. We never would be. I did not love him. I did not desire his love either. I just desired love. I expected to marry the man I loved, live happily ever after, the life I had seen in the books I had read. But I was never to get that. I was never to be happy.

I was to live this life. Live as the little house wife, to the man that I did not love, I did not particularly feel anything for the man. And that was peculiar.

I should love him, or hate him, but I was becoming indifferent to him.

As like all days I had awoken prior to Bard, waking him in my attempts to get everything ready. I would make breakfast, and make him his lunch for work. Whilst he complained about my waking him up over his food, I would begin to clean up after cooking, and tidying away the bedding my husband had used for the night.

Once he had eaten he would get ready for work, mutter a goodbye and then leave to go join the other archers of Laketown for the day.

Just today there was something wrong in the home. On the table was his empty bowl that had been filled with porridge, with his discarded spoon on the cloth next to it. Next to it was the small dish covered in a frail cloth. It didn't look of much but it was filled with his lunch.

Usually he would have taken it with him but it was sat on the wooden table. Bard had left close to an hour prior so it was unlikely he would return for it. He would only complain when he returns home.

Being stuck in this home was a danger to my sanity, I was stuck here bored to no reason. I had nothing to do here but clean and cook. And there was only a certain amount of that I could do without repeating myself.

Rather than listen to my husband complain about being hungry when he returns, I decided to take his lunch to him. Not only would it prevent the ear ache later, but it meant I could get out of the house.

I wrapped the thin cloak around myself, in any attempt to prevent the bitter autumn air from attacking my skin. I picked up the small cloth covered dish and carried it out of my home.

Never had I been to Bard's place of work but I knew my way. It didn't take too long before I found Bard training some of the other archers. As I grew closer Bard along with the others noticed my presence.

I could see him grimace slightly before a fake smile plastered on his face.

He slung his bow over his shoulder as he walked closer to me away from the other archers. As he reached me he rested a hand onto my shoulder, leaning in pressing his lips to my cheek firmly. His hand slipped from my shoulder falling down to my back, allowing his second hand to rest next to it as he pulled me into a warm embrace.

Once again my mind was flooded with the thoughts of safety, just being in his arms made it seem as if the world had vanished from around us. Slowly he unwrapped his arms from around me.

"My love what is it you want?" he questioned, "You never visit me at work. What do I owe this pleasure?"

"You forgot your lunch my dear," I smiled softly.

I held out his lunch; he took it gratefully.

With one hand he held the food, the other grasped mine leading me away from the archers he had been working with.

Once we were out of ear shot, his smile fake as it was often in public.

"Why are you really here?" he asked, "You would never do this simply to be nice."

I let out a laugh, "Why do you think I want something?"

"You never wish to be nice for the sake of it. So I can only presume you want something. What is it?" he sighed, trying to still look happy.

"I do not wish for anything. Simply that my husband does not die of starvation. It would be a shame if I were to marry another. I don't see how I would seem like a good wife if I couldn't keep my previous husband alive," I stated trying not to allow a frown to creep onto my lips.

He let out another deep breath.

"I guess that is remotely kind."

"Do not question my kindness Bard. I cook you meals every day, keep your home clean. I do my best to be a good wife, and you need to accept that as we did say 'until death do us part', you're stuck with me for a long while," you stated.

He let out some grumbling before he took my hand within his again. His fingers were rough. From his archery, his hands were calloused but by no means unpleasant. They were comforting around mine.

Tugging softly on my hand he led me back over to the other archers, probably planning to tell them I was to take my leave, allowing me to bid them farewell.

"I am sorry for interrupting," I said softly.

"It's okay," one of the stated, "You're a fine couple."

Instantly my cheeks began to heat up as Bard's arm looped around my shoulders pulling me towards him, kissing my brunette hair.

"That we are. She is what could be classed an example of a perfect wife," Bard laughed softly.

"She seems to be," Another of the men said, "Can only hope I can find a woman of her beauty and care for her beloved."

"Believe me, I am far from a perfect wife, but one day you will find a woman that in your eyes is perfect, no matter whether that is what everyone else can see," I smiled softly.

Bard squeezed me closer allowing me to gently rest my head to his chest.

"But on that note. I must depart. I have a home to keep pristine," I stated, "It was a pleasure to meet you all, I do hope my husband treats you well, be sure to tell me if that is not true."

"It was nice to meet you too," some of the men spoke.

"I shall see you at some other point I presume," I smiled, "Goodbye. I shall see you at home Bard."

With that I pulled out of his embrace, leaning up to press my lips softly to my husband's. I pulled away from him and walked away from him and the other archers. I then made my way back to my home, to spend who knew how long there.

It was pleasant to get out of my house for a short while but now I wished to be home- alone. Being alone meant I didn't have to pretend, it meant I could just be, and sometimes that is simply all I could desire, just to be, just to be me.