Alfrida was true to her word, and Léofe began to feel that she was being treated like a princess. She was given a new room with a large bed and a huge fireplace. Then there was a deliciously warm bath, for which Alfrida had played maid and helped to wash the dirt from Léofe's sore body with scented soap. A tray with bread and soup had been brought in the meantime, and while she ate by the fire, newly dressed in a clean nightgown and heavy dressing gown, Alfrida combed her wet hair and chatted. The combination of food, warmth, and physical touch sank a contentment deep into Léofe's bones, and she found herself relaxing despite continued apprehension of being alone with Théodred's aunt.

"Your hair truly is a spectacular color," Alfrida said, drawing the comb through the tangled ends. "I have never seen the like. Most Rohirric women have very light hair, but yours reminds me of the apricots we receive from Gondor."

"My father always said it is the same shade as my mother's," Léofe said, after a moment of shy hesitation. "It was known that she had an ancestor from the south, beyond the mountains, who had darker hair."

"It is a beautiful combination; light and dark, whatever the cause." The lady quieted for a moment, the crackling fire filling Léofe's ears. "My dear - may I speak to you upon a personal matter?"

"Yes, of course," she said, startled from her reverie.

"Ermhild has defended her treatment of you as reasonable. I rather think it was demeaning! But I feel that I must tell you that she is driven by jealousy."

"Jealousy!" Léofe cried. "That my father was butchered and my home destroyed by filthy monsters?"

"I do not justify her," Alfrida continued. "Ermhild is jealous because of the prince's attentions towards you. She has had tender feelings for him for at least fifteen years, and now despairs. He does not return her attentions, so she has unleashed her bitterness on you."

And what would Alfrida say if she knew that Théodred had kissed Léofe? And what might Ermhild say - or do? A uncontrolled giggle nearly broke through her lips.

"Would you find it in your heart to forgive her, perchance?"

"I shall consider it," Léofe said. "But to be truthful, her condescension is part of the reason I ran away. She has made me feel quite unwanted. And I am not adept at forgiveness."

"Ah. I understand. I shall speak to her of her appalling manners. What a dolt that girl can be!"

Léofe's glee faded, leaving only a knot in her stomach. "She has only acted from her heart," she said. "Any woman may become wrathful when a man is involved."

"True enough," Alfrida chuckled. "Now, would you like me to braid your hair?"

"Oh, you needn't," Léofe said. "Thank you for your kindness. It has comforted me greatly."

Alfrida was smiling as she picked up the tray to leave. "I do have a soft spot for anyone in distress. The staff are at your disposal, and if you are in need of anything else, do not hesitate to let them or I know. Good night!" The door behind her shut with a bang, and Léofe sunk deeper into the upholstered chair, closing her eyes to briefly enjoy the simplicity of being comfortable.

She yawned, standing to stretch before shaking out the hair from her head with her fingers. It was still quite damp, and she braided it back into her customary twin braids. The bed was looking deliciously inviting, and she took a quick turn around the room to blow out the candles before she pulled back the covers.

A quiet click of stone upon stone sounded outside the heavily curtained window, and she paused. It came again, and again - and suddenly something hit the drapes, and a small rock clattered to the floor beneath the folds. Léofe picked it up, both curious and confused, and pulled back the curtains slightly to peer out.

Moonlight was shining on Théodred's upturned face, and when he saw her, his face broke into a wide grin. "I thought Alfie would never leave," he called, though not too loudly.

"Why are you throwing rocks at me!" Léofe said, despite her pleasure at seeing him.

"I had to see you."

Her stomach was turning most pleasantly, but unwilling to give in, she drew back her hand with the stone and threw it straight towards him.

"Ow!" He dropped his remaining rocks, rubbing his forearm and glaring at her.

"Serves you right. A prince should know better than to pester ladies who are on the verge of sleep."

"Minx!"

"Call me what you like," Léofe said superiorly.

"Temptress!"

"I do not claim to know very much about propriety, but that seems to be a term that should not be used to refer to a lady."

"You are not a lady yet," Théodred said, his humor unabated. "You are still Brego's mistress, by all rights I may order you around. Come down!"

"Certainly not!"

"And why do you hesitate?"

"We would be seen," she hissed. "And it is improper."

"I kissed you this afternoon, and that was certainly improper. Why are you so fussed now?" He was challenging her, and she bit back a squeal of frustration. Of course she had to join him now!

"Step back," she ordered.

"What?"

"I am going to jump. It is not very far."

"No!" His cry fell on deaf ears, but fortunately he was quick enough that he was able to rush forwards and catch her before she hit the hard stone.

"Oh!" She said, suddenly feeling shy in his arms, and rather affected by his fresh manly smell. He had bathed, too.

"Léofe," he said, his eyes sweeping across her face, and she felt herself melting.

"Y-yes?"

"Your stockings are showing."

Mildly disappointed that no sweet words of affection were forthcoming, she kicked down her skirt so that she was modestly covered. Théodred then carried her, with no apparent exertion, ducking in shadows and quietly walking until they came to an abandoned watchtower, and he climbed the stairs easily before he set her down gently.

They sat together facing the open plain, with no intrusion apart from the bright stars above. Léofe situated herself between Théodred's legs, and he wrapped one arm around her shoulders, while with his opposite hand he stroked the back of her hand with his calloused thumb. Despite the roughness, the gesture was gentle and full of compassion. She leaned back until her head rested on his shoulder, and she could feel the skin of neck on her cheek. A pulse throbbed there; a beat of love and longing that could have torn her apart.

"My honesty compels me to tell you, Léofe, that I thought that I would never find a woman to whom I could give my heart."

"I did not believe that you could ever love one as I," she murmured, seeking reassurance even as he held her tighter. "You are a prince of thousands, and yet you sought a plain maid. I still cannot believe it."

His lips curled into a smile. "I hope you will be convinced soon. I wish to wed you as soon as my father is well again."

"And am I to have no say in the matter?"

"I hold your heart as assuredly as you hold mine; when I look into your eyes I know that our souls will be bound. When that happens matters not, but I imagine that you are as eager as I."

"Of course!" she interjected. "But there is the principle of the thing -"

"Oh?"

"Well - if we were to marry too quickly, there would be those who would say that I blackmailed you, or seduced you - or became pregnant with your child -"

"You may cease your thoughts there," Théodred said. "I am happy to comply with your wishes. But I have never known you to care for the regard of others."

Shame - a disgusting feeling to invade their shared moment - filled her. "I do care, Théodred. There was an incident, when I was younger," she murmured, closing her eyes against his skin. "I was in the village with my father, and a group of children teased me. They said that my dress was too short, and my legs as skinny as freshwater reeds. They said -" she faltered, taking time to rub a loose thread from the hem of her shirt between two fingers.

"Go on. I am listening."

"They said that my marriage bed would be haystack and my dress a stained saddle blanket."

He squeezed her hand tightly, though it was his sharp intake of breath that betrayed his rising anger. "Pardon my temper," he said, barely retaining his serenity. "But darling, how I wish I could have protected you!"

"It is nothing, really," Léofe said. "Everyone has something in their past that still stings. I do not think of it, most days. I have recovered, for the most part."

He pressed a kiss onto her temple, and she smiled. To be loved, was the greatest thing that she had experienced in her life. "I shall protect you evermore," he said. "I swear it."

"And I shall be protected. I'll be damned if I ever ignore your advice again!"

"I am very glad to hear that," Théodred chuckled, his warm breath caressing her cheek, making her shiver. "For my advice rarely goes awry."

Léofe lowered her eyes. "I am sorry I stole Brego."

"You are quite forgiven. Think no more of it."

She shifted her weight, turning to face him properly. "Will you kiss me again?" she asked, feeling at once demure and bold.

Théodred smiled down at her. "I was hoping that you would ask."

.

.

Léofe yawned, stretching her arms above her head before collapsing back into a sleepy trance. That night had been the very best rest she had ever experienced. For the first time since the attack, she had not been driven mad by images of her destroyed home, or her papa's mutilated body. Only Théodred - his delicious half-smile, the taste of his lips, the warmth of his body - had been in her mind. Even though sunlight was streaming through the curtains, she was not quite ready to face reality.

But reality had other plans. A brisk knock at the door, and Alfrida strode in, carrying a green bundle and following by a maid with a breakfast tray.

"I have been waiting for you to wake for hours already," Alfrida said, draping the bundle over a chair. "But I cannot wait any longer! And if you continue to sleep, you will not be able to find rest tonight."

"Why - what time is it?" Léofe asked in surprise.

"The men are eating luncheon in the hall."

"Oh!"

"Exactly," Alfrida said with a grim smile. "I am impatient, and for your own health you must rise at once."

"What on earth are you impatient for?" Léofe had sat up and was now watching, bemused, as the maid began pouring tea. She was to be wait upon? Like a lady?

"I found a new dress for you," the older woman replied, gesturing towards the bundle. "Théodred mentioned that you had no decent clothing to your name. This gown was mine when I was younger, when I was a little leaner and far more inclined towards making an impression. It will look lovely on you! Now hurry on!"

The maid helped Léofe to undress (another odd privilege, which she was not quite sure she deserved), and new undergarments were produced as well. Fresh, unstained bloomers, a corset so new that it creaked when it was laced, knit stockings and a creamy white shift. Léofe almost gasped aloud as the gown positively floated down her body.

"Velvet," Alfrida said, watching in amusement as Léofe ran her fingers along the sleeves. "It suits you."

Whether it suited her or not, Léofe loved the dark green color. It reminded her of Théodred; it was probably a very close match to the color of his cloak. There was gold embroidery around the neckline, as well as a matching belt. Never before had Léofe even dreamed of something so beautiful, and when Alfrida held out a pair of half-boots, she almost began to cry. The boots did not have a single patch!

"There, now," Alfrida said, kneeling down to lace the boots while Léofe stared in amazement and bafflement. "It is nothing to cry about!"

"Thank you," Léofe whispered. "I am - completely overwhelmed. I do not believe I deserve such generous treatment!"

"You certainly deserve to be properly clad. I, for one, admire the incredible perseverance you have shown. I know Théodred thinks highly of you as well."

Léofe sniffed and sat up, unplaiting and replaiting her hair deftly. She noticed a sly smile growing on Alfrida's face, and she suddenly grew self-conscious. "What is it?" she asked, tying off her braids.

"What say you skip breakfast, and seek repast in the hall instead?" Now her expression looked positively gleeful. "For purely selfish reasons, of course. I mean to show you off!"

.

.

Léofe gripped Alfrida's arm with no small amount of anxiety. From the noises coming from the hall, everybody was still in the throes of the noon meal. She should have refused Alfrida's offer, Léofe thought dimly, for now her stomach was too knotted to eat.

They entered through the side door, which led directly to the dias. Léofe tried to dig her heels in at the sight of so many people, but Alfrida was unreasonably strong, and so they continued forward. Her heartbeat began to quicken, and with a bit of fear, she saw the faces at the head table come into view.

Théodred's eyes locked with hers. They widened, and a crust of bread fell from his limp hand. There was a scraping of wood against stone, and she saw Erkenbrand and Théodred both stand, in very good form, as the women ascended.

"I was wondering if you might attend," Erkenbrand boomed, taking Alfrida's arm and planting a loud kiss on her cheek. "And who is this pretty creature?"

Léofe blushed as Alfrida laughed. "Do not be such a lout, Erk! You are making her squirm."

But Léofe's eyes were drawn towards her prince, who was smiling ever so slightly at her as he held out a hand. She placed her clammy fingers on his, and he lifted them to his lips. "Sit by me," he said, phrasing it as a demand rather than a request.

"Tyrant," she murmured.

"Minx."

He pushed in her chair as she sat, looking completely relaxed. It was a good ruse, she thought. No one seemed to have noticed the heat in their exchange, though she certainly had. And by the clenched fist in Théodred's lap, he probably had felt it, too.

"The ham is quite delicious," he said, leaning over to pour wine into a goblet. "And of course, I do recommend that you help yourself to the mushrooms before Erkenbrand devours them all."

"Eh? What was that?" Erkenbrand turned towards them and frowned. "No, missy, the mushrooms are far too rich for you. Leave them for me; I shall spare you the indigestion."

"Erk!" Alfrida was wearing an aghast expression. "Let Léofe have mushrooms if she so desires! Honestly, to wheedle guests out of their own food! That is low, even for your insatiable appetite."

Léofe was struggling to contain a giggle, and at a look from Théodred - who appeared to be in similar straights, glanced quickly down.

"You really must eat," she heard Théodred say, though he was not looking her way. "As...becoming as your dress is, it could certainly stand to be filled out a bit better. Have you not been eating?"

"Not really," she said, awkwardly lifting a slice of ham from the platter in front of her. "I have not been particularly hungry of late."

Apart from ham, there was also sour bread, fried apples and onions, and a ripe cheese. Léofe enjoyed every bite, but more so the cheerful hall. Several days ago it had been hellish; now, and likely because of Alfrida's presence, it was positively wonderful. She cast glances towards Théodred as often as dared, and every so often her cheeks would burn, and she knew he was looking at her too.

Erkenbrand stood at the end of the meal, and at once there was a huge clamor as the Riders stood and began to shuffle out. Léofe lept to her feet as well, watching awkwardly as she realized that Alfrida remained in her seat.

"Léofe."

She turned towards Théodred, who was staring down at her with an expression she did not recognize.

"I realize that you may not have been shown around the Keep," he said. "Might I do you the privilege?"

"Of course," she said, trying to keep from flushing. She rather thought she failed. "Unless Alfrida had another use for me this afternoon."

"That I doubt," Théodred said, motioning for her to walk beside him as they stepped from the dias. "Alfie can be particular, but not nearly to that degree. Anyway, I wished to show you the vista from the horn of Helm Hammerhand. You know the tale, do you not?"

Léofe certainly did, but happily listened to his wonderful voice as he briefly recounted the terrible Long Winter and Helm's steadfast defense of his beloved land against the Dunlendings. She noticed no small amount of pride in Théodred's words. It was obvious he held the Riddermark in as much regard, and she squeezed his hand with a smile as he helped her to mount the steps.

"It is breathtaking!"

"Indeed," he said, amused as she leaned over the parapet. If she ignored the stones around her, she almost felt as if she were flying; that the expanse of grass and fields below her were close enough to touch. The wind was clean and brisk, and she breathed deeply. She thought she could smell fresh harvested wheat in the air, and it reminded her of home. "As much as I did truly wish to show you the view," she heard Théodred say, and she felt his hand wrap around her waist, pulling her to face him. "I would rather your attention focused on me for the time being."

Léofe had no time to form a retort before his lips pressed to hers.