I awoke in a room. It wasn't the one I had been given as a guest room in Ulfric's palace. The room smelled of something familiar, but I wasn't in any current state to recall where the familiarity came from. The early morning light was trickeling in through a grand stained glass window above the dresser at the side of the bed. The other side of the bed looked as if someone had been sleeping at it in one point. I kept my breathing as steady as I possibly could, but I froze and kept still all the same. I cracked my eyes as I peered around the room. There was a shadow over by the hearth. It was a proud stance, bare chested and staring down the fire with a strong look. His head was rested on his arm, as if he was tired in some way I couldn't understand. There was a lot of weight that rested on his shoulders now that he was to be High King of Skyrim. I couldn't begin to imagine what was going through his mind right now. But thoughts were speeding through my mind like a dragon on the winds over the mountains. The first thought was how I ended up here in Ulfric's room. I remembered the kiss and the embrace on the stairwell, a pitcher of wine, and talking late into the night. But past the talking was a bit fuzzier. I Sat up in the bed and looked over at Ulfric.

"Ulfric?"

He quickly crossed the room in a few strides and sat down on the bed with me. I drew my knees to my chest, delving deeper into my thoughts as he placed a gentle hand on my back.

"Brenna. I should apologize. It was improper what I did and I do not mean to do again without your full consent. I should not have done it."

Ulfric looked away from me, running his hand through his hair. Then I realized what had happened. I wasn't mad at him, the memories of last night came crashing down on me like a wall of wind trying to knock me off of High Hrothgar. I blinked and gently put a hand to his face.

"Ulfric there's nothing to apologize for. I'm not angry or mad at you. I could never be."

I didn't know how to take his initial remark. I watched his face, whatever it was he was thinking, he was at odds with it. His eyes darted, not focusing on one particular thing, it was a bit unsettling but I was feeling a bit at odds myself. I wasn't sure what to think, I didn't want to say the wrong thing or do anything to get him mad at me. I had seen his temper. He stood up and tossed a log upon the fire. It popped and crackled, giving off such a wonderful scent.

"you're not angry that you have attained an old man's affection?"

"You're not old, Ulfric. You aren't even greying."

I said as I stood. Ulfric offered me a pair of silken pants and a shirt, both a bit too big for me. He looked at me with a tired smile. I opened my mouth to say something as I pulled the silken shirt over my head and sliding into the pants. I had to roll up the sleeves a few times just to see and use my hands. I had to roll up the legs of the pants just as much. It made me realize how much bigger than me Ulfric was.

"I'm still so old and you're so young."

"I'm old enough for marriage, past time if you ask my father."

I said delicately. Ulfric tried to say something before the door swung open and Galmar entered into the room. He looked between me and Ulfric , his mouth opening and closing soundlessly.

"I'll just join your court shortly Ulfric."

I said, my face flushing as I slipped into the room next to Ulfric's that had been designated as my room. I quickly slipped on some clothes that fit. It wasn't my armor, but it was something that I could quickly don if was truly a problem. The door to the wash closet opened up and then someone stepped out. I looked up into the face of my much older half-brother. I raised an eyebrow at him. Sometimes he held me in disdain, unless he wanted something. For him to risk being caught here in the soon to be High King's castle, It must have been something big.

"Brenna…. My how you've grown since I last saw you scurrying around with Jukka."

I gave a smirk, I truly wasn't interested in what he had to say.

"Brynjolf, to what do I owe the pleasure of this visit."

"I'm here on a warning. Mercer Fey is out to take you for all you own. Including the Jarl."

He directly stated as he passed me a scroll of parchment. It two very different lifestyles for two very different people in the same family. I didn't approve of his love of being a Thief, but he was the elder of the four of us and I had no reason to try to change his mind, as long as the decisions he made didn't affect me.

"Why betray your master? Why now?"

I challenged him.

"Because you're my sister. You're family. I would rather see Mercer die then my little sister. Besides when you and the Jarl tie the knot, send me an invitation, I'm rather close at hand to the Temple of Mara."

He turned on his heel as he looked around the luxurious room.

"Make sure your Jarl knows and is careful. Especially when the Thalmor come back."

I nodded. Sometimes Brynjolf was a pain in the neck and an over confidant bastard, other times he was my favorite brother.

"I don't want to see you get hurt. And especially after last night… I can tell he cares about you. But I promise you, High King or not, I will kill him if he hurts you. I'll be watching over you and trying to keep Mercer from doing anything."

"You saw last night?!"

I screeched, throwing a book at my eldest brother. He laughed and easily dodged it. If only I had my sword I'd get him. Ohhh would I get that sneaky bastard. I huffed as he disappeared out of the door without so much as a trace. The bastard. I would have to warn Ulfric. If Mercer was working with the Thalmor then there was nothing good that could come from it. Brother was infuriating some times, but it was all just a reminder that I wasn't of good breeding for Ulfric. He needed someone of a respectable background, a nord woman that could bear him strong sons. I would have to quickly and quietly warn Ulfric about what was going on. I slipped into the throne room, taking my place at Ulfric's right hand, standing just off to the side of his throne, where he sat in a board manner as a courier made a quick update that the Moot was on their way and Jorleif was complaining that there weren't enough rooms to hold every one in the Palace of the Kings.

"Hold Jorleif,"

Ulfric turned his head and motioned for me to come closer towards him.

"You wouldn't mind staying in my room would you? It seems we have an issue with the lack of beds and the Moot should be trickeling in here at any moment."

I nodded not saying anything. None of his Thane's were here and it seemed that it was mostly servants that were milling about, trying to prepare this place for the receiving of the Moot.

"I need to have a word with you, quietly. When you have the chance."

My voice was low, but Galmar's look was downright mutinous. I knew what Galmar was thinking and he was right. I wasn't good enough for Ulfric. Not that the old bear had to keep reminding me about it. Ulfric nodded before returning to listening to Jorleif ramble on about how the proceedings should go and how long it might take and the huge massive feast that was to be later on tonight. They had brought in three massive deer from a hunting trip and numerous barrels of mead and ale and wine and even huge crates of vegetables. The servants dispersed and Ulfric motioned to Frigg, whom he had told to move my stuff into his room.

"Thanks to the nine you don't find me to be some unattractive skeever."

Ulfric laughed. I gave a small smile.

"I'm afraid I've received a dire missive. The Thrives guild is working with the Thalmor."

A dark look crossed Ulfric's face and he scowled. He took a deep breath and cursed, I stepped back out of instinct. After those 'dealings' with the draugur scourge lords and death lords, I had acquired a rather interesting habit of stepping back when someone inhaled deeply. Especially when that person was Ulfric Stormcloak and he was a student of the Thu'um like I was.

"How did you find this out?"

I handed Ulfric the scroll of parchment that my brother had given me. I didn't feel like trying to explain the situation.

"My brother has gone against the guild master, most of the members of the thieves guild follow my brother while Mercer is in the Thalmor's pockets. My brother will be on the lookout. Don't worry, you'll never know he was there."

Ulfric raised an eyebrow, my past and my family wasn't exactly something I wanted to get into with him right now. Maybe in a little while but not right now, my family had a complicated past and I was the youngest with a sister and two brothers ahead of me in line. Other than being the daughter of a Thane, I didn't go into it much. I wasn't happy about it but there's nothing that I really could do about it.

"Your brother is in the Thieves guild?"

"I don't pick my family."

I said pointedly. The dragonborn was supposed to be someone of good standards. That wasn't me. Sometimes I wonder if the gods were playing some sort of cruel joke or making fun of me.

"I made an oath to you Ulfric and I will honor it to my dying day."

I assured him. I had no plans on sticking a dagger in his back or anything of that nature. I was an honorable person and I felt my enemies should be met on the battle field with my sword and shield.

"And like I said before, as long as your past stays in the past…. But come let's see about getting you some studying done. I think you'll find my library nice and filled with everything you need for studying for the Thu'um."

Ulfric led me by the hand as he introduced me to the library, where his court mage was muttering something over the arcane enchanter sitting in the corner.

"Just ignore Wuunferth, he's been in a mood since the butcher murders have started. If you want to stay here you can, I'm heading to oversee what Jorleif is doing. He said the moot should arrive within the hour. I would like for you to be by my side when they start. Should I have Jorleif send for you?"

Ulfric asked as he made to the door.

"I wouldn't mind spending some time with you, but if you are quick to get rid of me I'll most certaintly stay here and expand the mind. Besides I could use a partner to help me with the words. I'm a bit horrible with the accent."

He smirked, holding the door open and motioned for me to follow him.