The next day, sitting against a tree trunk, Kaden read a book. She couldn't help but feel miserable. Yesterday had been the worst day of her life, and she was trying to stay away from Eadulf, just in case he decided to control her again. In fact, she was trying to stay away from everybody she knew for the sake of Eadulf. If he caught her with Ambrose, Edvard or any other person in the whole world, he'd probably murder her, and Kaden knew somehow he had the guts to do it. So, instead of basking in the sunlight, she sat in the shade in simple breeches and tunic and read a book of birds.

Her face had bruised again, but the balm Eadulf had given her had worked like a charm on both the bruise on her face and on the rest of her body. It was a miracle she didn't have to stay inside on a great day like this just because of a bruise.

A tall figure approached from behind her and she jumped up, losing the book off her lap and going in a defensive shang position (which she silently thanked Eadulf for.) and who other than Eadulf himself was standing there with the biggest smile on his face.

"I'm proud of you. You're now able to defend yourself from others Shang style." He gave an all toothed smile. Kaden wondered if he'd lost his stupid mind. Or maybe he was crazy.

"Why?" She asked suddenly.

"'Why' what?"

"Well, for starters, do you remember one single thing that happened yesterday, or have you simply lost your mind? Because something terrible came over you yesterday. You went mad and slapped and kicked me, you raped me for Gods sake! Why now are you smiling and acting as if everything's fine?" She caught her breath and looked at him for a split second, with only enough time to see the look on his face. Then she walked away, or at least attempted to.

"Kaden, what are you talking about? I love you, why would I do something so horrible?"

"Obviously you don't love me that much. I think you might be crazy." She picked up her book and was starting to walk away again, when he pulled her up and kissed her passionately.

"Obviously I'm serious about our relationship! I think you might be the crazy one."

"Get off of me, Eadulf! Our relationship is over! It's through! I'm done, you're done, and I never want to see you again!" She cried as she ran away from him. This was hurting her more than it was hurting him. She didn't want to hurt him, but she never wanted what had happened to her to happen again, and this was the end of it.

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When Kaden got back to her rooms that night, she slipped in tired and weary. It had been a long heart-aching day, and she intended to go to bed and sleep in all night. When she opened the door all she saw were flowers. The whole room was filled with flowers, and candles burning and the sweet smell of insence. There was no one else in the room, but there was a note. It only said:

Meet me tonight at the lake. Midnight sharp. I love you.

And that was the end of it. No 'I'm sorry' or Please forgive me' or 'Are we really not courting anymore?'. It was just three sentences, as if he didn't hear a word.

She got ready to leave, even if she didn't want to. The flowers were sweet, the candles were romantic, the card was mysterious, but did she really want to risk everything for love? Love is a crazy thing, and Kaden felt like she would die for him, so she went. She went despite the horrors he put her through. She went because of love.

And what she found there was romantic and made her regret breaking up with him. So really, everyhting went back to normal again. Kaden found live with Eadulf, Eadulf was happy as a clam and wasn't mad. They didn't yell or scream or even hit each other, they just made up, kissed and fell asleep in the grassy hill by the lake.

In the morning, Kaden found herself in her own bed, warm and snuggled into the covers, and all of the flowers were gone. All of the flowers and the insence and the candles were mysteriously disappeared. And Eadulf. He was nowhere in sight.

Suddenly Kaden's stomach growled and she knew she'd have to go get breakfast. When she went to the table, unconciously rubbing her belly, she found yet another note.

Away on a business trip. Sorry I didn't have time to tell you, it was a bit of short notice. I'll be back in a week or two. I love you.

Eadulf.

She shrugged and thought that it might be well enough to have some time away from Eadulf. She'd get to hang around with Ambrose and Edvard and maybe even have more free time. She picked up the note and found another underneath.

Kaden,

Lalita has had a lovely baby boy! We're proud to announce you an aunt! Come visit us, we're at the infirmary in the palace. Lalita would love to see you.

Markus.

She jumped up and down for joy and ran to get dressed. So much to do to get ready!

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BORINNNNNGGGGGGGE. Sorry, just wanted to put the E on the end. Really boring and pointless filler chappie. More fun ones coming up next! Chapter 10 is a WATCH OUT one. You'll love it. R&R!