Here we go... chapter 3. There is some non-explicit smut in this chapter... really it's not smut at all it's just implied.

Pain.

Pain was everywhere.

It filled her body from head to toe. Her legs ached with every step. Her arms seemed to only grow stiffer with every action. The muscles across her chest screamed.

She had overdone it. That was very clear. Elena hadn't felt this much pain in years, not since she had first started learning with her brother.

Kat had watched her struggle with the laces on her gown for a good ten minutes that morning before she had slapped Elena's hands away and done it for her. She had met her sister's eyes in the mirror and clucked. 'Serves you right,' she had said. That might have been enough to make someone else stop, but not Elena.

Elena knew she would be sneaking out again. Her body ached because she had gone so long without practicing. The only way to ensure she didn't suffer like that again was to work through the pain.

Besides that taste of freedom was more than worth the temporary aches that would soon fade.

Elijah knew he should be paying attention to the introduction his mother was currently making but his gaze had been diverted.

He would have been lying if he said he was not curious about the activities Lady Elena had indulged in the previous evening. He had sat up for a short while considering the possibilities. Her flushed face had suggested she snuck out to meet a lover; that had been the prevailing theory especially after he remembered how little she seemed to care about her fiancé's obvious infatuation with her twin sister.

He wasn't sure why the thought of her having a lover made him feel anxious.

Now that he saw her again in the late afternoon light he dismissed his earlier idea. While her tired eyes furthered his original thought the stiffness with which she moved suggested something else. He prayed it was something else because if she had met a lover than he had been less than gentle.

For some reason the thought that a man had laid a hand on her made his blood boil.

"Elijah!"

His mother's sharp voice brought him back to the matter at hand.

"Yes," Elijah cleared his throat at his mother's stern gaze. It had been at least a decade since she had leveled him with that look.

"This is Alexandria," Esther pressed her lips into a thin line, "princess of Sicily.

"It's a pleasure to officially meet you, your highness," Elijah lifted her hand and kissed her knuckles. If he had been hoping to catch a glimpse of her face he would have been disappointed.

"I believe we bumped into each other last night," Lexa's eyes sparkled. The veil hid her smirk. Adelaide had told her that he was one of the princes, but she hadn't told her his name.

"Alexandria this is my son Elijah," she leaned forward and whispered conspiratorially, "and if we ask nicely he just might go and find his brother."

Not my betrothed then, she thought. Lexa lowered her hand and took hold of her other wrist.

"Which brother would that be, mother?" Elijah cocked an eyebrow. The last time there had been a royal engagement his mother had introduced Caroline to each of her children in turn before Nik.

Esther laid her hand on his arm. "The one she's betrothed to, dear," her eyes roamed the room.

"And here I was half expecting you to pull the same stunt you did at Niklaus' wedding," Elijah chuckled.

"As amusing as it would be to keep your brother in suspense," Esther smiled, "it can't be done. Finn won't return for three days, and it would be impossible to not introduce them before the wedding. Seeing as it is tomorrow."

Lexa's eyes widened as Elijah walked away. "So soon your majesty? I thought it would take longer to plan a royal wedding."

"I have been preparing for this since I received your father's last letter," Esther passed her a glass of wine from the low table.

Lexa focused on the glass as she took in the information. How had her father's letter beaten her to Norway? She had left so suddenly; there had barely had time to pack. Her clothes had been piled in the trunks. Lexa had actually spent the first few days at sea unpacking the three chests and neatly folding everything; the act had helped to calm her nerves. Each piece of cloth she placed in the trunk she shed a tear until she had heard the thump of the leather falling from the folds of a blue dress.

"The letter actually came from your mother," Esther murmured.

Before Lexa could respond to that the queen's hand closed around her elbow and directed her towards where Elijah was striding across the room with a young man at his side. If she had to guess she would have said he was a year or two older than she was and not happy about something his older brother was saying.

He schooled his expression back into something resembling polite as he was brought to a stop beside her. His eyes quickly raked over her petite frame when he bent over her hand.

Lexa repeated the action when his lips brushed over her knuckles. She had to tilt her neck back to look into his face; at the very least she would have an attractive husband. Her eyes cast downwards when his gaze lingered curiously on the blue cloth covering her face. She was so focused on his chest that she didn't realize when they were left alone by the table.

"How are you finding Norway?" Kol swallowed nervously. Normally he would read a woman's expression in a conversation, but with her it was impossible to do.

Lexa lowered the glass onto the table. She would have very much liked to down the wine in that moment, but it would have required exposing her face to the room and that was something she could never do.

"It's… cold," Lexa nodded. "It's never this cold in Sicily." She meant to shiver for effect, but once it started she realized how cold she was. "It's not always like this is it?" She tilted her head back to meet his dark eyes.

"No," Kol offered his arm and steered her towards the fire, "only during the winter. It's beautiful in the spring. Everything is beautiful and green… though it could not rival your eyes." Now that he had taken the time to look he noticed she had extremely expressive eyes. His comment had the desired effect of bringing a twinkle to her eyes.

Lexa's shoulders shook with the soft laugh. "I doubt that," she pressed her lips together. "For future reference I do not appreciate being lied to."

"My lady Alexandria," Kol gasped and held a hand over his heart. "I speak nothing but the truth. You have the most beautiful green eyes I have ever seen."

"I wouldn't believe a word he says if I were you. Yesterday I had the 'most angelic laugh'."

Lexa saw Kol's shoulders stiffen slightly when he turned to face the woman. She followed his gaze to her laughing face; her eyes sparkled with amusement while her mouth opened to emit the soft giggles Lexa had grown to hate in Italy. It was the same giggle women used whenever they flirted with one of her brothers.

Lexa knew Kol must have a past. What man didn't? She had figured from his easy smile that he had women falling at his feet, but she hadn't expected one of them to openly flirt in front of her. She quickly decided she didn't like this woman.

"Good afternoon, Lady Katerina," Kol inclined his head politely. "Please allow me to introduce my betrothed: the princess Alexandria of Sicily."

Katerina dropped into the shortest curtsy she dared. "Your highness," she smirked as she stood back up, "welcome to Norway." Her eyes lingered on the blue veil covering Lexa's face. "You know you'll adjust faster to the cold if you remove the veil," she leaned over and laid her hand on Lexa's arm in a familiar manner as she whispered with a grin, "or are you hiding a hideous deformity under there." She giggled and straightened a bit.

Lexa's eyes widened in anger; she had never before met a more insolent woman. Her fingers twitched with the desire to put the Lady Katerina in her place but her father's warning came back before she could lift her hand; it was followed by her mother and governess urging her to practice her 'courtly charms' instead.

"Lady Katerina," Kol's voice was sharp.

"Forgive me, m'lord," Katerina giggled. "I've indulged in one too many glasses. The wine is quite tonight."

"It's afternoon, my lady," Damon appeared at her side and removed the glass from her hand. He held it tightly and smirked. "I do apologize for my sister-in-law to be."

Katerina pouted at the colloquialism. She didn't like the insinuation that she was only his future wife's sister. Elena didn't even like him and she knew Damon was not overly fond of her; he had said as much the previous night.

Lexa found her voice after a moment. She felt goosebumps rise on her arms as the lie slipped from her lips. Lexa contented herself with the knowledge that it was not a complete lie; this woman need not know it did not apply to the royal family.

"It's tradition," she met Kat's unfocused eyes, "for women in my kingdom to wear a veil before their marriage." Her voice dropped in pitch as her eyes hardened. "It's about modesty," her eyes slowly scrutinized Katerina, "perhaps you are unfamiliar with the term."

"Again," Damon bowed his head to Lexa, "she apologizes." Damon offered Katerina his arm and held her hand in place. "I think I'll take her outside. The cool air will help to clear her head."

Kol lifted her hand to his lips when they were left alone again. "I'm sorry about…"

"It's not your fault. You can hardly control the thoughts of others, and I get the feeling that impertinent woman is always like that." She felt her face grow hot, and knew he must have been able to see the tops of her cheeks reddening. "I…"

Kol surprised her by laughing. "I've only known Lady Katerina a day, but from what I've heard she is often that way. Why are you looking away?"

"You're not angry with me?" Lexa tilted her head. She had heard woman in this country were expected to be quiet wives. "I thought I'd be expected to… hold my tongue here."

"I certainly hope you never do that," Kol chuckled. He might not have been sold on getting married so soon, but he had to admit he liked her. "I have a feeling we are going to get along just fine Alexandria."

"Lexa," she held her breath and ran her finger over the silver belt. "I think the last time I was called 'Alexandria' was at my christening."

"Well then," Kol smirked, "it is a pleasure to meet you Lexa."

She bit her lip and smiled when her name rolled off his tongue it had been far too long since she had heard anyone else call her that. It felt amazing to hear her name again.

"I see my mother is beckoning to me." He nodded in the direction of his parents. He led her towards a chaise near the fire where a dark haired woman had taken a seat. "For now I will leave you in the care of the lovely Lady Elena," he leaned down so he could whisper in her ear. "Don't worry she's nothing like her sister."

"Her sister?" Lexa tilted her head. She understood his comment a moment later when she was introduced to the woman who was the very image of Katerina.

Elena rose from her seat and fell into a deep curtsy. "Your highness," she inhaled as her muscles protested the movement.

"Lady Elena," Lexa nodded. At least this one understands the concept of modesty, she took in the more sensible gown. "May I join you?" She nodded to the chaise.

"Of course," Elena nodded.

Kol bowed over Lexa's hand before taking his leave. "I look forward to seeing your beautiful smile tomorrow night," he murmured with a soft smile.

Lexa's breath caught in her throat as he walked away. She was too preoccupied with her growing nerves to notice Elena's slight wince when they sat down.

"Are you alright, my lady?" Elena saw the blood drain from the princess' face.

"I'm quite fine," Lexa swallowed. She had less than a day to hide the scars on her face.

"Are you sure?" Concern flashed in Elena's almond shaped eyes. "You look a little pale."

"I'm just a little nervous," Lexa admitted quietly, "about tomorrow night."

Elena adjusted the draped sleeves of her dress and ran her hands over her skirt. "I'm afraid I can't help much there."

"You're not married," Lexa chose to focus on the second source of her anxiety. "I met your sister earlier."

"Judging by your tone I am going to guess the exchange was less than savory," Elena's eyes searched the room for Kat who had disappeared.

"You would assume correct," Lexa smiled. She was grateful for the change of subject. "Do you often sit on the side of the room Lady Elena?"

"I'm not partial to dancing," Elena's gaze fell to her lap.

"That's a shame," Lexa glanced up. "It appears someone is about to ask you to dance."

"I am certain he is coming to ask you," Elena sighed. "Nobody asks me to dance."

"Well I don't think the prince got the message," Lexa whispered.

Kat took a deep breath and felt the frigid air fill her lungs. After a second breath she felt her head beginning to clear. Her third breath turned to a gasp. A shiver raced down her spine when her back collided with the cold wall of a small alcove.

"Your mouth is going to get you into trouble," Damon muttered against her throat. He nipped at the exposed flesh and pressed his knee between her thighs.

Kat bit down on her lip and ground her hips so his knee pressed deliciously between her legs. Her hands slowly roamed down his chest.

"You should put more thought to the things that pass through your lips," Damon pressed her small hand to the tent in his trousers. He groaned when she nibbled on his ear and purred.

"What sorts of things should be passing through my lips?"

"I think you know," Damon slid his hands from her neck to push on her shoulders, "of one thing."

"I thought you didn't like it when the same things fall from a woman's mouth day after day," Kat grinned wickedly up at him and untied his laces.

"There is always an exception to every rule."

"I don't need any help tonight Adelaide," Lexa demonstrated the fact by reached around her back, "this dress is much easier to work alone."

"Of course, your highness." Adelaide curtsied. She liked this princess already. "Can I get you anything else before you retire?"

"No thank you," Lexa shook her head. She waited until the door had closed before pulling back the lid of an oak trunk.

Lexa carefully lifted out the fabric until her fingers closed over blue silk. Pulling back the folds she glanced over her shoulder and lifted the book. Truthfully, this was something she should have done on the voyage over the sea, but she had never been alone and she had promised her father.

She had only dared try one thing while on the ship, and that had only been in an effort to save the lives of everyone on board. The sailors and attendants had all been too busy praying for their lives to pay attention to what she was doing in her cabin.

Lexa maneuvered so she was sitting cross legged on the cold floor with her back to the door, so her body shielded the pages in the leather bound volume. Her eyes traced the handwritten lines and diagrams until the words blurred. She blinked tiredly before admitting defeat and slamming the book shut. Clearly nobody had ever faced the problem she had.

She supposed it made sense. She didn't know what the hunter had rubbed into the wound; she only knew that it stung and had prevented the scar from fading when the wounds closed.

She would have to do this herself, but she didn't know how. Maybe there was something she could use in the kitchens to cover it.

Her movements were more languorous than the previous night. She was mindful of the ache in her muscles as she swung the sword.

She frowned when she remembered the feel of his warm hand on her hip. Her own hand had disappeared in his as he had pulled her out onto the dancefloor. He was an exceptional dancer and he had not let his disappointment show when it was made clear that she was not Kat.

If Elena had not had a lifetime of experience she might have thought he was truly interested in her, but that couldn't be; and even if it was it didn't matter, did it?

She was engaged. Engaged to a man she was slowly growing to despise but engaged none the less.

Just as she was moving into a spin she thought it would have been nice to have someone to spar with: a dancing partner. Her brain stuttered when the sound of steel ringing on steel filled the small clearing.

She looked up into a pair of mesmerizing brown eyes and gulped.

"Lady Elena," he greeted and slid his sword back into the scabbard.

Her hand tightened on the hilt of her own blade as she took a step back.

Would she be arrested?

Would she be executed?

He certainly had the power to do either.

"Would I be correct in assuming this is a new activity?" Elijah eyed the blade she still held aloft. He mirrored her nod. "That is a relief."

"What?" Elena blinked.

"I was under the impression someone had caused you physical pain," Elijah pressed his hand to the flat side of the sword and lowered it to the ground. "It is a relief to know that this is the reason you could barely move." His eyes hardened when she sheathed the weapon and reached for her cloak. "This is the only reason?"

"Yes," Elena fingered the fur and waited for the tirade.

"You might consider another… hobby."

"Like sewing?" Elena pressed her lips together. I'll have plenty of time to sew in the dungeons. I wonder how cold it is down there.

"I was actually considering a smaller blade," he met her eyes when her head snapped up in surprise, "or hand to hand combat. If you're intent on being able to defend yourself you should be able to do so at any time. That sword is not something you can carry around with you."

"You're not going to arrest me?" Elena searched his eyes. They glittered under the light of the moon.

"Now, why," he took a step closer to her, "would I lock the only interesting woman in the court away?"

"Because she broke the law?" Elena lifted her chin. He was close enough now that she could feel the heat radiating from his body; it was all she could do to not take that final step and press her body against his.

"Some rules were meant to be broken," Elijah smirked.

"The question is: do you want to learn?" He took the cloak from her hands and settled it over her shoulders. "It's unlikely you will ever have a sword when you need one."

Elena shuddered when his hands brushed her hair back over her shoulder. Her tongue darted out to moisten her lips; she saw his eyes drop to her mouth when she did and felt another shiver race down her spine.

"You don't have to answer right now," Elijah took a step back.

Elena felt the spell break when his body heat retreated.

"Take the day and consider it," he watched her draw her cloak closed. "I'll be here tomorrow night after the wedding if you decide you want to learn something more practical."

Elena barely heard her own footsteps as she paced down the corridor. He wasn't going to turn her in. He had offered to teach her.

Was it a trick?

Was he attempting to gain her trust before blackmailing her?

She didn't think so. From everything she had heard over the past few months he was an honorable man, and his eyes had been so intense and open.

Had he really called her interesting?

She didn't see the collision coming until it was too late. Dried herbs fluttered to the ground as the clay bowl shattered into a million pieces.

The sound quickly brought on shouts from the sentries roaming the halls. Elena didn't think before ducking into the small alcove outside of the great hall. She felt a female hand clamp over her mouth. She repeated the action and covered the other woman's mouth to stifle the sound of her heavy breathing.

She sighed and leaned back against the wall when the guards passed them by. Her sigh turned to a gasp when she finally saw who she had collided with. Elena had expected a servant.

Lexa's eyes widened when she saw Elena's gaze locked on her jaw. In the scuffle her veil had fallen and Elena was now staring at the death rune that had been carved into her skin.

"Is that real?" Elena whispered a few seconds later.

"Is that?" Lexa's swallowed and nodded to the scabbard around Elena's waist.

"That's what you were nervous about?" Elena tilted her head as she adjusted the sword so it was hidden beneath her cloak.

"I suppose it doesn't matter if people find out," Lexa shrugged. "It's not something I can hide."

"Maybe you can," Elena murmured. She thought of the mess of powders Kat had insisted they each carry with them from Bulgaria. "Perhaps I could assist you tomorrow… when you are getting ready?"

They stared at each other for a few seconds before coming to a silent agreement.

"I could always use a lady in waiting," Lexa nodded as she adjusted her veil

We got some first interactions this chapter. Lexa really doesn't like Kat... Elena is shocked to find someone interested in her... Kol is intrigued by his wife to be... and naughty, naughty Kat...

Can anyone guess what Lexa is? I think it's pretty obvious... like I said earlier there are no vampires in this story, but that doesn't mean there is nothing supernatural.