Her feet shuffled back and forth. Her heart beat so swiftly she thought it would jump out of her chest. Her eyes darted around, looking everywhere except for his face. Her voice broke when she spoke and she dodged all of his questions. She was clearly hiding something, everyone could see that. Everyone that was, except him.

That was only a small sliver of what she loved about him. He was so honest and trusting. It was adorable. Of course, it might get him killed someday, but she loved it anyway. Except for right now. Right now his complete, unfailing trust was making her feel extremely guilty. She deserved that guilty feeling, of course. That didn't make it any easier. She had carried this secret for months, and now it had become too much for her to bare, to hide.

Climbing the stairs to his room had been one of the hardest things she had ever done. Each step had taken more effort than slaying a troll. Her feet had felt like bricks of solid iron. The guards had watched her go with curious eyes, but no one stopped her. Why would they? She was the Thane of Eastmarch, an upstanding citizen, and one of Ulfric's most trusted lieutenants. She was also something else.

That was her secret. She was so much more than what the citizens of Windhelm. She was almost a completely different person. And that different person had quite the reputation. It wasn't necessarily a good one, either.

The burden of who she was was a burden that she had learned to carry, over time. That wasn't what had stalled her hand as she had started to knock on his door. No, what stalled her hand was the fear of what he would say. She could accept rejection, scorn, and hate from anyone. Anyone except him. He was the guiding light of her life. If he cast her out, she would be lost, blinded, stumbling through life.

She had knocked anyway. Despite her fears because he deserved the truth. She loved him indefinitely. That meant that she had to share her secrets with him. Now she was standing in front of him, too scared to speak.

He took one look at her face and guided her to sit on the edge of his bed. She wanted to stop him from putting his arms around her and holding her close. She wanted to break away and tell him that she didn't deserve his love. She couldn't though. His strong arms were so warm and comforting. So safe.

Eventually she managed to whisper out a single word, "Ulfric…". She tried to continue, but her voice caught. Ulfric just held her in his arms, rocking her gently. She closed her eyes and tried desperately to compose herself enough to speak. "Ulfric, I have something I need to tell you." her voice started out strong, but it began to break by the second sentence. "I'm not the person you think I am. I'm...I...oh Ulfric…" she was sobbing into his shoulder. He said nothing, just held her tight.

She broke away and looked him in the eyes, trying to find the courage she needed. His eyes held pure, shining love which served to increase her guilt. Yet, that love also gave her the strength she needed. She looked away.

"Ulfric…" She took a deep breath and looked him back in the eyes. "I am the Dragonborn." The words seemed to echo around the room, condemning her to her terrible fate. She closed her eyes and shuddered with suppressed sobs.

Ulfric, however, did not shout, or yell at her. He did not push her out of his arms or demand that she get out of his sight. No. Ulfric did the last thing she expected. He kissed her. Her eyes flew open in surprise as she kissed him back. He surprised her again by breaking the kiss and whispering, love evident in his voice, "I know."

"How did you…?" she gasped out in shock.

"How could I forget the most beautiful woman I had ever seen. I recognized you from Helgen when you arrived to join my army. I knew that the girl from Helgen was the Dragonborn. Besides, I can feel your Thu'um. It's so strong, so proud, so certain." he replied with a small smile.

"You knew. You knew, and you still chose me. Why?" her voice was small and confused. How could he still love her when he knew all of the things she had done?

"I love you. I knew from the moment I saw you that you were someone special, someone I wanted by my side." he said simply, kissing her again. "Nothing will ever change that." She let out a small sigh and let her body relax in his arms. She was safe.