A/N: This chapter grew REALLY LONG like the preliminary results was something like 18 pages and over 7,000 words so for the interest of not fraying the patience of the readers or frying "one's" brain. I split Chapter Five into two parts. At the end of the second part Freya will, as usual identify the emotion and seal it away. Enjoy! ^^


"We are going to have words, Margrave," his tone was quiet and composed but altogether ominous.

"My lord, I understand that unpleasant surprises are just that but the change, it was made for the better - in your interest. I am a man of my word-"

"As am I," his tone was grave as if offended.

"You don't understand, my lord. My eldest, she is ill."

"So that absolves me of my vow? The one I made to her? When I am called to honor a commitment, my commitment to her, I am allowed to turn craven, to turn my back on her merely on account of her personal condition. I am allowed to bypass her for another candidate because she is not how she was when the betrothal was made, because she enters the union of weak constitution and poor health. It is rather hypocritical to reject her as defective when I am to swear before the gods a vow to take her in sickness and in health. If I am truly a man of honor I would take her as is in spite of the condition she enters the marriage in and I will."

"My lord, I understand this is difficult. When the both of you were young you were quite taken with her but you must not allow your sentiments to cloud your judgments. The alteration was made on your behalf and hers; she just cannot fulfill the expectations of one in the role of wife. Ingrid is of-."

"Is she barren?"

"Excuse me?"

"Is Astridr barren?"

"Well no but it is not believed for her to survive in the ordeal of bringing a child to term."

Wife-stealer – it was not an altogether uncommon name for childbirth but it was the truth. Often it robbed the mother of her life regardless of social status and to compound the tragedy when the mother passed the child often followed suit, dying on the heels of the parent whom they so heavily relied upon for survival, for life. If there was one thing to make him rethink his argument it was the fate of Astridr in her future. If he married her she would be expected to conceive a child – his heir. It was a non-negotiable expectation for his lineage and he knew it from the beginning. If Astridr was truly ill that stacked the odds against her and perhaps even more so since her own mother had been so ill-fated with post-natal complications. A shiver settled through him, he was unable to speak at first but that alone wasn't enough to disarm him.

The procedures were getting better, safer. Surely he could use his wealth to provide the best, to give Astridr and any future children a fighting chance. The more he thought about the more convinced he got already being able to number off in his mind the many things that could be done to stack the odds in her favor. Truthfully it was disappointing that he, and not her father, was the one coming to this conclusion on how to solve the pressing issue of securing her wellbeing through childbirth, "She will survive," he said as if promising himself that as well, "arrange the match. If you have interest in preserving this alliance than you will forget entirely of my father's meddling and machinations. The only way you'll possess my name in any sort of alliance will be if my hand is joined with Astridr's in marriage."

"My lord, think on this! As long as our love shall last? All those years ago, we did not interrupt your vow because we felt no need to. You were young and it was endearing even if it was foolish. We felt no need to correct your sentiments; we thought your mind was on the right place. Love is nothing to base a match upon!"

"You are lucky your meddling and those of my father hasn't tried my patience to the extremes in which you forfeit the alliance entirely as a result," he said dispersing a solid threat to draw the man in line, "If you are not going to honor your side of the agreement why should I hold myself to it? I will wed Astridr this eve or I will depart and I will NOT return."

His words worked, it intimidated the Margrave, a man twice if not thrice his age. The man hastily agreed to work out the last of the details so he could be left to his leisure to prepare for the service. A servant led him to quarters where he'd be left alone, able to bathe and dress accordingly for the ceremony. It pleased him to note that already they'd seen to bringing up his belongings. He placed his rough hands on the travel worn leather of his saddlebag feelings the crackle of the wrapped parcel within. He drew back the smooth leather flap and pulled out a parcel wrapped in paper. Nails dug, tearing into the light brown covering revealing a lovely gown.

It had been his intention not to give this to her until after the wedding as a gift. However he doubted that she truly had anything lovely enough to do her beauty justice. After years of being a wallflower next to her father and sister she deserved some grandeur that drew her apart, drew her into the limelight. It was not white however it was suitable and would serve well as a wedding dress. He carefully drew the commissioned confection, every bit of the fortune he'd spent on it would be worth it to see her adorned so lavishly in the lovely creation. He had no idea where to find her, likely he would not be welcomed to try, and thus he found her maid. The woman was aged and severe but he knew that she was reliable and thus entrusted her to deliver the gift before angling back towards his own rooms.


It was impossible to place her finger on which solitary emotion she felt was the strongest for so many emotions, in rapid succession, warred within her state of mind. Her first reaction was one of outrage to have him speak to her in such a coarse tongue not taking WHOM he was speaking to into the least bit of consideration. Despite her condition she was a lady of breeding and quality and he was not acting like a gentlemen. Though perhaps the most humiliating aspect was the reaction he stirred into her. His words had truly shocked her but shock was a short lived emotion and in this case, for her, it could only lead to joy or despair.

His abrupt announcement, his dictations left no room for maneuvering or questioning. That he would cast aside her healthy sibling Ingrid for her it was pure foolishness and no matter how she tried to tell him he would not give her the chance. He gave her instructions and clearly expected her to follow them to the letter. It was likely her father who would set him straight, tell him of her condition and put the nuptial arrangements for him back on their proper course. After learning the truth he would not marry her which meant the surprise would give unto her despair. For her it was the cruelest sort of sick joke that she'd have him return, asking for her, giving her the hope that for the moment they were truly meant to be, that he would want her instead of Ingrid.

Mereit had recovered first, leading her up to her room where she now listened carefully for the ordeal to be called off for her. It never came, not yet, which made her uncertainty melt away slowly. If she were to assume the best than what kind of victory would it yield? Truthfully he was lovely to behold but massive, he had aged well and beautifully on the distant fronts and she, she had withered away. As she pulled the last of her gown's laces free, the garment slipped free revealing pale skin stretched over her gaunt and diminished figure. She placed a hand over her belly and curves, only seeing weak deformity in herself. If he married her, he would see her for what she was, she would let him down. The last thing she wanted was his disappointment thus she felt terrified to even think of the ordeal of consummation. If he took her to his bed she was sure she'd break beneath the strong, solid pressure of his body.

For years, while she had been allowed to entertain it, the idea of marrying him had secretly thrilled her and now she could find no peace. No longer could she be sure of herself whether she wanted to marry him or not. Part of her wanted to go down and beg him to listen, to follow the path prescribed by his father so she couldn't possibly suffer any disappointment. However, a distant part of her yearned just as deeply for a future with him, a future that everyone but HE had denied her. Vytis, his decision to take her as his wife, this was her only chance. If he would take her as she was then he would be the only one for no other families would barter for the likes of her hand. Did she dare to take the chance?

I have had nothing else to live for…if I step away, step down I know of the misery that awaits but if I take this chance…could I be happy?

After years of nothing but a steady decline into sorrow she was ready for ANY chance at happiness. She was ready to place her frail hope in the hands of fate, ready to bequeath and entrust the fragile remnants of her heart to him.

First she had to find something suitable, something fitting for one to be wed in. Her wardrobe was nice, very nice, but truthfully over the years she had not made any great expenditure when it came to clothing. It had seemed unnecessary that she spend a great deal on clothing, only making sure they could provide warmth and accommodate to her weight loss over time. Anything and everything would look too simple; it would make her look like she was of low class in comparison. Finally she settled on a white dress, its lack of adornment was regrettable but it would at the very least, without any chance for preparations, be appropriate. As she slipped a thin shift over her naked form she heard the subtle approach of footsteps, feminine footsteps, for they were too silent to be those of her Father or Vytis. Even when Mereit came into view she did not relax until the maiden extended her arms out, "For you, the young lord wishes you to wear this for your nuptials."

Sapphire eyes flickered over to the proffered gift only to widen in mute astonishment. The gown was breathtaking, the most beautiful she had ever seen and she wondered how he had come across it, had it been acquired for her? The gown was layered with an empire waistline, its underskirts was not white but rather a clean clear cream coloration. Its embroidery was elaborate stretching along the hem, cuffs, and bodice of the dress. No heavy jewels were sewn into the priceless material but there was a fortune of silver painstakingly embroidered to great effect. In the crook of Mereit's arms she saw slippers which possessed the adornment of smooth silver and, she gaped, diamond?

What Mereit presented her was a fortune if it was sold it could feed a collective group of villages for several years in entirety. She had always realized that his family was wealthy but this much? First instinct was for her to reject it, it was too grand for her but she knew that if she didn't wear it, it would insult him which would altogether be a horrible way to greet her spouse on the altar.

"Come, we must get you ready, already he has bathed and joined your father downstairs for some brandy."

She turned taking a hold of her bedrail as Mereit looped her corset around her bodice, drawing it around her softly and lacing it to her bosom was supported but not enough to bruise her fragile skin. Afterwards, as if she was a puppet she lifted her arms so Mereit could draw the gown over her head and upon her form. It fit her figure a lot better than she thought it would and once it was tightened, it would take a few minimal adjustments to fit perfectly. Mereit worked swiftly which gave her no further chance to think. As each lace of the dress was tightened and was eventually tied off she felt as if she was falling into place, into some future she could not escape and she could not discern if she felt it was for the better or the worse.

I hope, for the better…

The last part she could do on her own and she slipped her feet into slippers. Her pale fingers slipped over the gown in an almost modest fashion as she shyly looked up at Mereit, she had a grave look on her face like one who was sad but her eyes looked like they shone with an inner light of happiness, approval, "You are ready."


The wait had not been long but in the time he waited for her seemed like forever. However, for how long he had made her wait – ten long years – he figured she had her right to time to process and act. Ingrid was silent and sullen, enraged although she wouldn't make a deal of it not in his presence. Margrave Gudleifr, after their discussion, was uneasy and almost ready to send a summons for her when he heard the soft steps. Instantly his eyes warmed, tightening possessively on the visage that altogether attractive vision that greeted him.

It was ten years ago all over again but the memory of the attractive young wallflower had been replaced by the lovely woman of flesh and blood. Despite the deterioration she had supposedly suffered she seemed unchanged. In ten years she had grown into her bosom and curves and she still carried her feminine form with poise, with grace. Astridr was like willow, bending her perfect form in just the right way to enchant and beguile. Before he even knew it he had crossed over to her, extending his hand for hers. The palm that slipped into his calloused was sublime pale silk and he was hard pressed not to brush his lips against it. Instead he drew her down and noticed that she didn't have a cloak. Behind her Mereit, her ever-faithful companion, gave him the cloak to slip over her shoulders. He gently shifted his grip and led the procession towards the chapel. By now it was almost evening but they would be wedded this evening in a modest ceremony and tomorrow they would leave, she would leave her ancestral home for his where she be newly acclimated as his wife – the Duchess of Lorraine.


Apprehension was her first reaction to his hungry gaze, he couldn't see anything but what the surface showed him and thanks to the dress, the surface was lovely unlike the rest of her. Nevertheless he was tender, gentle she could tell from his grip that every action of his was done with care. Astridr offered a silent prayer that he'd be just as kind, as gentle to her after the deed was done. She only spared one glance behind her and it was aimed at her silent father, a man who offered her no words, just allowing this man to take her. She found it strange but he seemed to have lost any semblance of authority causing her to wonder if, like her, he had altogether failed to reason and rationalize with the young charismatic lord. Fear made her avoid gazing at Ingrid although none of it was her fault she ruined Ingrid's chance at happiness. It was something that, if she looked into her sister's eyes, she never be able to accept. If she saw Ingrid's upset it would be impossible to go through with the ceremony even if it had been her originally by right.

The same priest was there but he had a tired gaze and she knew it was because the timing of their union was altogether unconventional nevertheless with a nod from her father and Vytis he started to drone out the service. For most of it she scarcely paid attention waiting only for vows. After what seemed to be a long-winded eternity, when her legs felt like they were about to collapse taking all her weight down with them, she heard the beginning of the sacred vows. It was almost over and she steeled herself for the finish.

"State thy names so that thou can draw the blessing of the gods upon the birth of your union."

"I, Lord Vytis, Duke of Lorraine, take the Lady Astridr as my wedded wife. To have and to hold through sickness and health, to love and cherish till death do us part according to the holy ordinance of the gods from this day forward."

"I, Lady Astridr, First Daughter of Aurelien, take Lord Vytis, the Duke of Lorraine as my wedded husband. To have and to hold through sickness and health, to love, cherish, and obey till death do us part according to the holy ordinance of the gods from this day forward."

The priest inclined his head to Vytis who pulled out a ring, taking her hand almost insistently. The ring was fixed with an amethyst of great proportion and size that was almost nearly as shocking as the amount of glittering diamonds that surrounded it. Although she could have gaped forever at it she didn't demean herself by sinking that low drawing her attention on the vow he was finishing as he slipped it upon her finger, "With this ring I wed thee, with my body I worship thee, and endow unto thee all my worldly goods. I promise this to thee before all the gods as well as those present."

The priest seemed satisfied for he answered in their favor, granting the blessings of the divine upon their union, "I pronounce you husband and wife, you may kiss your wife, my lord."

The priest scarcely had finished his announcement before she felt him draw her against him; the action of feeling her body pulled into his forced the breath out of her. She had even less time to recover and prepare for the insistent pressure of his mouth being drawn against hers. Although the rough treatment should have appalled her she instantly felt something coil deep inside her, driving away all thought of reproach. She could only swallow the few desperate breaths she had been allow to breathe in before she felt the kiss soften along with his grip but still he did not pull away allowing his tongue to tease against her lips before slipping into the open passage of her mouth. The velvet muscle worked hard and fast in a lavish journey to taste her mouth while seeking out her tongue. She had heard of this type of kissing although it had been considered vulgar to kiss in such an intimate way in public before others nevertheless it captivated her and when he finally pulled away she could only sense a profound sense of longing although she didn't understand for what.


Astridr…

She was altogether innocent and much too tempting as well. Initially she had been slow, almost unresponsive to the kiss, although he seriously hadn't minded. The moment their lips touched he had immediately hungered for more. The only thing that kept him in check was the fact he didn't want their already shameless display to be more shameful for her. He had experience with pleasure and passion and she did not but he looked forward to instructing her. She had the endearing shyness only a true virgin could possess. When he pulled back he was gratified to see her lips were swollen from the kiss and her hips securely resting in his grip. Truthfully he hadn't remembered his hands moving down only remembering his arms sweeping around her to draw her close. Her eyes were gazing at him as if in confusion and he wondered if she had been offended by the brazen kiss. He was aware that such uninhibited displays were not duly welcomed amongst the upper classes. Romantic translated to chase not brazen and bold, "I'm sorry," he supplemented to her.

Her eyes demurely lowered beneath her perfect eyelashes, "That is quite alright, my lord."'

That seemingly harmless act only made his desire for her inflame more and he wondered if she even remotely knew how desirable she was. Nevertheless he'd have to wait for the proper time and place for such actions which would come after their celebratory dinner. Margrave Gudleifr profusely apologized for the inadequate fare for their wedding feast although neither husband nor wife seemed to mind. Nevertheless he dutifully led the two of them to the head of the table where their seats of honor were arranged. Dinner took far too long for his liking but he suffered through it so his Lady Wife could eat, replenishing her strength. Even though he was quite hungry himself from the long journey home he made sure to provide for her first. He was swift in attending her needs instantly choosing the best cuts of meat, the most savory fruits and vegetables, and freshest bread. He poured a single goblet of wine and proffered it to her. She thanked him softly looking altogether taken aback by his courtesy. Except for the inquiries provided by Margrave Gudleifr the meal was a silent ordeal which he could live with.

"We will rest here this evening; tomorrow we leave as soon as is convenient for my wife. However it is my hope to depart while it is still morning so that ideally we can reach home by nightfall where," he gave her a meaningful look, "she may grow accustomed to her new home."

Margrave Gudleifr seemed satisfied and continued to try to hold a conversation that he would prepare all manner of things for their anticipated departure but when his words were not greeted with any further comments from either of them he settled into a silence. The last thing he wanted to do was rush her especially at dinner but after the ceremony an awful sort of silence took over Astridr. For a time she had eaten but when he gazed at her she was picking at her food, full but stalling likely. He didn't have the slightest idea of how to make the overture any less awkward however he placed his hand gently over the restless fork bringing it up to his mouth for a soft kiss, "Are you well, love?"

"I-I am. I apologize that I have given you reason to worry."

"No apology is necessary, is the thought of being with me so unsettling that you wish for delay?"

He was never one that was good at holding back his thoughts even if he made sure only she could hear him but she seemed flustered, as if guilty, "I can be made ready for you at any time, my lord, you have only to ask."

"If I was interested in seeing you conform to my convenience I would have taken you upstairs already but I care," he kissed her hand, "if you wish I may excuse myself and you may come to me whenever the timing is suitable to you."

"There is no need, my lord," she rose, nearly tripping over the chair as she tried to push it out so she could rise, his hand reached out to catch her and steady her.

"If you are sure…"

"I am, there is no reason to worry."

"Very well, Margrave, with your blessing?"

"Sleep well, Lord Vytis."

"You too, Margrave Gudleifr."

Vytis gently curled his arm around her, cradling her close. Astridr was a horrible liar, if her tone hadn't given her away her gaze and actions did so. Even in the dark hallway he felt her skin nervously brush against his and her gaze continued to wander in an almost fidgety fashion. It would almost be kinder to allow her to go to her room and rest but he didn't dare delay consummation. For one they were going to return to his home tomorrow and she would return as a wife in all that entailed which meant she'd be taken.

A marriage that was consummated couldn't legitimately be annulled except on the most extreme circumstances which meant she'd have to agree to his "oversight" once he deflowered Astridr. Secondly he had waited ten years for the likes of her and he wasn't about to stand down. He had women before her if only to make sure that he didn't show up to their marriage bed in inexperience. Thirdly he had to break this sense of polite civility, he intended to give Astridr an experience of passion that would instill in her a sense of peace within herself, allowing her to comes to terms of the fact that today was real and she was his wife.