Chapter 2

"Dae!" The cry echoed loudly and her cousin, Mir, flung herself at Dae, sobbing. "I'm so sorry, if I'd known!"

Daeîn sighed and pried Mir's fingers off her arms. "You would have gotten in a lot of trouble. It's not so bad," At least, that's what you've been telling yourself. "Who knows, it might be...worth it..."

"Fun even. Maybe." Mir cracked a grin and crushed her in a hug, her tears gone in an instant. She slung an arm around Daeîn's neck. "You could kiss him whenever you liked..." Dae looked scandalized. "C'mon Dae, it'll be 'worth it' definitely. An imagine those nights."

Daeîn shuddered, that is what exactly she had been imagining, just not in the context Mir thought in. It would be her duty to produce heirs for the kingdom when the time came, would he force her sooner? Who knew? The only thing that she was sure of was that when she married, there would be no way out.

"Dae? You okay? Here, let me show you something I made for you." She walked into the room, Daeîn shortly behind her, and closed the door. Mir withdrew a large wrapped bundle from the basket on her arm and handed it to her.

"Open it!" She urged, smiling, as Daeîn regarded the package with distrust.

Slowly she picked apart the ribbons and felt her cheeks go red at the sight of the thing beneath her hands. She held it up with the tips of her fingers, wanting to cast it into the fireplace then and there.

It must have been the flimsiest thing she had ever seen, the most scandalous, shameful outfit ever...

She was saved from having to pass comment when she heard a voice outside.

"May I come in?" It asked and Mir's eyes rounded.

"Hide it!" She whispered and Daeîn flung it into her closet just as her mother came in.

"Oh girls." She smiled and regarded them fondly for a moment. "Mir would you like to help Dae and I make up her wedding chest?"

This was a great honor, for a wedding chest contained many things that the soon-to-be bride would use and cherish, each holding a special place in her heart.

Mir clapped her hands together and hugged the woman. "Of course, oh, and I've made just the thing!" She grinned and Daeîn hid her face in her hands. No no no no no! The hideous thing reared its face again and she glared at it, wondering if see could manage to quietly make it disappear. If only.

"Oh! My my, won't your future husband be pleased." Her mother and Mir shared a long secretive look and both burst out laughing.

"Indeed!" Said Mir and subsided into giggles.

Her mother and cousin paired off, chatting away with enthusiasm about what to put in Daeîn's wardrobe.

"...wedding dress..." That was all the excuse Daeîn needed to disappear for the rest of the evening.

Review Response:

Dutch Cheshire Cat: Thanks! :D

I.H.N: Thanks for that review, it was very helpful (not to mention that it made my bang my head a few times againt a wall. lol) Of course, you are completely right about everything! Thank you, those were very insightful comments!

Water Muse: Kool name, and thanks for the review!

Eowyn: But of course! ;D

Yavi: Oops...crud. whacks head Yavi...that's not very nice, now what did Kitzy ever do to you?! NOT BRIIIIIIII!!!!!!!!!!!!!! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!