From then on, Rynjus was always watching me.

I could scarce feed the fire or change the sheets or bring fresh washed linens to a guest's room without him eyeing me from his post. I could scarce refill a guest's cup or bring them refreshment without him watching me from behind my master. I could scarce do my own daily chores without Rynjus making excuses to leave so that he could follow me from one room to the next.

Weeks passed, then months. Every night when I lined up the jewelry and coins in my collection to admire them, I grew angry with Rynjus that it had been so long since I had added anything to my collection. The thief inside of me craved another shiny trinket and I had disobeyed.

The thief called to me again one day, begging me to take yet another tiny item - a simple gold ring, nothing of importance. I was about to drop it into the pocket of my skirt when who should appear?

Rynjus, the Nord.

"Put it back, Eira," he said softly from the doorway.

"Why should I?" I questioned defiantly. "These people have more than enough. It wouldn't be missed."

"If you are caught, I don't want to see you sold into slavery and sent away." He took a deep breath. "I die each time you do this because this house would not be the same without you."

My lips pulled downward into a frown. "What do you mean, Rynjus?"

He came inside, backing me into a wall. "You are the light in otherwise cloudy days and I would not see it extinguished."

So he had not followed me to catch me in the act - he had followed me to make sure that I wouldn't get caught!

I had no words to respond.

Rynjus leaned in and kissed me.