Chapter 6

Music drifted from the Palace of Kings, and when Jane stepped through the massive iron doors she was greeted by a loud murmur of voices. A small orchestra played a light tune from a corner of the hall. Many presumably important figures of Skyrim mingled about, drinking and chatting lightly amongst themselves. For the most part, the atmosphere was warm and inviting. Jane knew she was neither influential nor important, and so she shifted uncomfortably off to the side of most of the activity, content to stay mostly tucked away.

Eventually, a server came around with a platter of drinks, and he offered a tall glass of what looked like champagne to Jane, who gratefully accepted it. She wasn't much of a drinker, but she hoped the alcohol would quell some of her nerves. She hadn't seen Ulfric, but it was crowded in the hall and she expected him to be talking with very important people.

At some point during the night, everyone was directed towards the massive table that occupied the center of the room, and Jane got a glimpse of Ulfric as he sat at the very head. Nobody occupied the other side, and Jane wondered if it was reserved for a wife, which she knew Ulfric didn't have. Jane herself was seated between two Nord men, who gave her a friendly glance but otherwise ignored her, opting to speak with other people around the table. Jane was alright with it, and she quietly sipped a glass of wine while she ate her dinner.

She had to admit the food was delicious, and the music was beautiful. Overall though, she found herself wondering what Bo was up to back at the Inn. He had appeared so glum when she went to say bye to him, and a part of her felt she should have tried to convince him to go with her, even if it was only for a little while. At least she would have had someone to talk to.

As the night wore on, Jane drank a little more wine than she usually would. She ate until she was completely stuffed, and then watched in amusement as some noblewomen convinced their husbands or companions to dance with them while the music struck up a faster tune. Jane felt herself growing tired but knew it would be rude not to at least say hello to Ulfric and thank the Jarl for inviting her. However, it was difficult to reach Ulfric, and she was too nervous to approach him outright when he was surrounded by so many people. So, she found herself waiting until almost everyone had left the party.

At some point Jane found herself leaning against a wall well away from the small crowd that was left. She rested her head back and closed her eyes for just a moment and nodded off. Her eyes snapped open and she quickly brought her head back up just before it could slump forward. Then she heard a deep laugh.

"You didn't have to stay so late, Jane," Ulfric greeted her.

The Jarl wore a stunning set of black robes that were lined with thick brown fur around the collar. He looked regal in every sense of the word, and Jane smiled nervously as the ginger-haired man drew closer to her. He smiled back, and gently grasped her hand and kissed it. Jane shivered as his lips brushed across her skin.

"The dress suits you, you look stunning."

"T-thank you, Jarl Ulfric," Jane responded quickly, her pulse racing.

"Please, Ulfric is just fine. You don't have to be so formal with me."

Jane sucked in a deep breath as Ulfric reached up and tucked a strand of her long brown hair behind her ear.

"We didn't get to talk much... will you entertain me for a little while or do you need to be going?"

"O-oh uh, no I don't have anywhere to be..." Jane replied quietly, and Ulfric smiled.

"Shall we go somewhere more private?"

Jane allowed Ulfric to guide her through the narrow stone hallways, away from the party, and he led her into a spacious looking room. It was well decorated with a luxurious looking bed, a plush carpet, and other various pieces of furniture. A roaring fire burned in the hearth but Jane shivered from the nervousness of being alone with the Jarl. She was incredibly sleepy, but her heart raced as Ulfric smiled at her and gestured for the girl to sit.

Why am I so incapable of saying no? Her thoughts taunted as she nervously played with a strand of her hair.

Jane perched herself on one of the plush chairs, refusing to relax. She watched as Ulfric shrugged out of his massive fur coat and slung it on the back of the chair before sitting down. He shifted back and let out a deep sigh. Jane watched, feeling slightly uncomfortable, and his legs sprawled out before him. She hastily looked away when Ulfric's eyes glazed over at her.

"Did you enjoy yourself?" Ulfric inquired.

Jane nodded.

"Uh yes, thank you. I've never really been to a dinner party before."

"Good. I'm glad..."

There was a moment of silence, and Jane nervously chewed on her lip while staring at the fire.

"How do you know Bo Gro Graul?"

Jane blinked, and she looked over at the Jarl.

"He helped me out once. I'm just uh... traveling with him for a while."

"So, you don't know the Orc very well then?"

Jane shook her head, and she gazed down at the floor. She felt really uncomfortable with Ulfric but didn't know how to leave without coming across as rude.

"No... We've only just met."

"But you trust him?"

Jane's brows furrowed together, and she looked up at Ulfric. He stared back at her with a somber expression, but he idly stroked at his beard. Amusement twinkled in his eyes.

"Bo saved my life," Jane replied firmly. "I trust him enough."

"I see."

There was silence once more. It was almost unbearable, and Jane stifled a yawn. She was more than ready to leave and get some sleep.

"Listen, Jarl- uh I mean, Ulfric. I think I had way too much wine tonight. I'm awfully tired."

"Oh, of course my dear... it is rather late."

Ulfric rose to his feet as Jane stood up from the chair and moved towards the door. She paused and stiffened when Ulfric drew close. He gently took her hand, and Jane could smell the alcohol on his breath as the Jarl of Windhelm drew her closer.

"I hope I didn't offend you with my questions. I only asked because I... am intrigued by you."

"U-um I-I am flattered b-but-"

"You're so beautiful Jane, I really can't restrain myself."

Before Jane could stutter out a response the Jarl quickly leaned down and pressed his lips against hers. His arm wrapped firmly around her waist, and she was suddenly pressed against the stone wall. Jane's eyes widened, and she squirmed under his embrace. She really didn't want to kiss Ulfric, and so she struggled against his body, which firmly held her against the wall.

Jane managed to break the kiss by turning her head but it didn't stop Ulfric. His hands roamed along the side of her body and he leaned his entire weight into her.

"S-stop it please," Jane gasped breathlessly.

"Why did you come if you do not want this?" Ulfric mumbled against her neck. "Wearing the dress I gifted you. Waiting for me..."

His beard scratched at her skin, and Jane shuddered. Panic coursed through her body and she began to struggle more, which only urged the man on.

"I came because..."

Jane let out a small noise as Ulfric cupped her breast through her dress.

"I-I didn't want to be rude. Ulfric please!"

Jane shouldered Ulfric with all her strength and was able to shove him back a little bit.

Suddenly there was a sharp crack as Ulfric brought his hand across her cheek. Jane cried out loud, and she quickly brought her hands up to her face. Her cheek stung where he had struck her. She glared up at Ulfric, who had a stormy expression on his face. It was entirely unsettling.

"What the hell is wrong with you?" Jane snarled through gritted teeth.

She hastily blinked back the tears that sprung to her eyes. Her cheek burned but she refused to cry.

Ulfric quickly grasped Jane's arms and was about to kiss her again when the door opened. His second in command, Galmar, stepped inside. He took one look at Jane, who's cheek was bright red, and he understood.

"Go home," he mumbled to the girl.

Jane shot Ulfric a last angry scowl as she hastily shoved his arms away and left the bedroom. She jogged down the hallway back towards the main hall. When she reached the wide-open room, it was empty, and so she ran towards the front doors and burst out into the snow-ridden night.

Light fluffy snowflakes fell all around Jane, and she stood for a moment, breathing hard. A guard eyed her with slight curiosity but said nothing. Her breath came out in little white puffs, and Jane closed her eyes for a moment, resisting the urge to cry. She could still feel the spots where Ulfric's hands touched her body, and she felt disgusted. Her cheek ached terribly, but she continued forward, desperate to reach Candlehearth Inn.

She didn't realize her coat had been left behind until she was nearly back at the Inn and the cold finally registered. Jane swore quietly under her breath, and she glanced back towards the Palace.

Fuck it.

An angry little noise escaped her throat and she continued walking.

I'll get it tomorrow, with Bo.

Jane quickly rushed up the steps to the Inn and slipped inside. Almost everyone was asleep, and so she quietly made her way up to the sleeping quarters and found her room. When she stepped inside it was nearly pitch black. She could sort of make out the form of Bo as he lay on the bed, fast asleep.

Jane didn't want to disturb the Orc as he lay slumped on his stomach, with one arm hanging down the side of the bed. She could hear his soft snores, and so Jane crept inside and softly shut the door as quietly as she could muster. Then she fumbled around in the dark, trying to find her clothes. She cried out and quickly clamped her mouth shut when she knocked her knee into the side of the dresser.

Bo grunted and he rolled onto his side. He blinked for a moment and peered into the dark where Jane was standing, rubbing her sore knee.

"Jane?" He mumbled sleepily.

"Sorry Bo, it's just me."

"Light a candle silly."

Bo powered a small fire spell and lit the candle beside their bed. When their eyes met, Jane gave him a weak little grin.

"Sorry... I didn't want to wake you up."

"It's okay."

Bo sighed and rubbed at his eyes, and he laid back down on the bed. Jane stood near the dresser and she silently struggled with the ties to her dress. Her fingers were numb from the cold, and it wasn't going very well. She heard a small creak as Bo got up from the bed and quietly padded over to her. She sighed as his hands gently grasped the strings and he began untying them.

"Thanks," Jane whispered.

When he was finished Bo quickly moved away from her and shuffled back over to the bed. He firmly kept his back towards her as he laid down, and Jane gave him a glance before slipping out from her dress. She shivered as the cool air brushed at her skin, and quickly slipped into a pair of pants and a tunic. When she was finished changing she walked over to their bed and blew the candle out. Bo rolled onto his back and glanced over at Jane as she curled up under the covers, facing him, and pulled the blanket up to her chin.

"Did you have fun?" Bo asked quietly.

Jane thought about it for a moment. Her thoughts flashed back to her encounter with Ulfric, and then she remembered how angry Bo had been just from the one stupid drunk Nord from earlier.

"It was good. A little boring, but the food was great."

"I'm glad."

Bo sniffed, and he wrinkled his nose.

"You reek of perfume."

Jane laughed, and Bo couldn't help but grin.

"I know," Jane replied breathlessly, and she nestled further into the bed, sighing softly. "It was a bit stifling. You reek of alcohol."

Bo groaned, and he shifted so he was laying on his side.

"There wasn't much else to do."

Jane peered at him in the dark for a moment, as they lay there in comfortable silence. She closed her eyes and eventually drifted off to sleep.