I woke up early the next day, still sleepy all I could think of was that I had to find the strenght to get out of those comfy furs to get ready to go for training... But then I realized, I didn't have to get up at daybreak to go train with father, I could train later, I could train... In the middle of the afternoon if I wanted! I would not stop training, not at all, I didn't have Leif, or father to train with anymore but I'd train alone if I had to. But not this early, no... I could sleep in! I smiled and stretched, as I turned to sleep on my stomach, an arm under my pillow, ready to fall back asleep.

But off course, it would have been to beautiful to be true. I opened my eyes again when I heard the door open. Helga came in and opened the curtain to let the sunlight take over the room and I buried my head under my pillow as she was doing it.

''Good Morning Lady Hellstrom! The Queen has asked for you to join her for breakfast''

I tried to stay as still as possible in the hopes that Helga might leave me be, but as she moved to shake my shoulder I just knew her persistence would win out.

"I am awake Helga, get off of me," I snapped at the older woman, sitting up an pulling myself away from her.

Helga raised an eyebrow at my attitude. "The Queen is waiting for you," she spoke slowly and sternly.

Immediately I felt guilt for being rude to her, but my stubborn nature would not allow me to apologize to the servant. Instead I threw back the furs, exposing myself to the cold air. My feet landed on the cold stone floor my attention being brought to the steaming water Helga was pouring into my shallow wash basin. I did not move from my place. She gestured me over, I reluctantly moved to join her. I wanted so badly to go back to the bed. I was safe there, sheilded from the world by the soft furs. I could dream of my home, and of Leif. I could dream of him taking me into his strong arms, the feel of his lips brushing against mine, the sight of his stunning eyes half closed in pleasure. In my dreams I could feel the roughened skin of his hands running over my back and up my legs. As it turns out I did not need to be asleep to dream of such things.

I was brought back to present time when Helga moved to remove my undergarments. I almost jumped away from her but her deceptively strong hands held me in place. Once I was nude she slipped the cloth into the water before bringing it to scrub against my back. I was torn between feeling relaxed, embarrassed and irritated. The feeling of warm water running over my body was glorious, and it smelled of roses I noticed absently. On the other hand I had not been washed like this since I was a small girl, unable to do it well enough myself.

Soon it was over though, and Helga dressed me in fresh clothing and one of my new dresses. I admired the deep green colour as she pulled my hair back into what I imagined was a very intricate braid. Once she was done she quickly hustled me out of the room, guiding me to the dinning hall once more.

The doors were open but Helga closed them behind me. The room was empty but for the Queen. The table was laden with food, two empty plates were on the table, one infront of the queen and the other next to her. Obviously thats where I was expected to sit. The Queen smiled warmly at me as took my seat.

"Good morning, dear," she spoke, "I hope you slept well?"

"I did, Lady Astrid," I answered truthfully, it was waking up that was the problem.

"I'm glad. We have tried to make every effort to make your transition comfortable. You look truly beautiful in the gowns. You are a very beautiful young woman," she complimented me, as she started serving herself.

I hastily followed suit, grabbing some of the fruits and breads, piling them on my plate. The fruit was delicous, a small smile graced my face.

"My husband and I have been discussing it and of course we've been in contact with your parents on the subject," she started strong but hesitated to continue. "Originally we hoped you an Eric could be married within the year."

My heart sunk deep into my stomach, the fruit going sour in my mouth.Married within the year? No, they couldn't make me. I had at least hoped to have more time so I could convince them all that this was a terrible idea. The King and Queen would have fostered me, still creating a bond between our families. I knew I could leave if I I really wanted to, but without a reason my parents deemed good enough I wouldn't be able to return home. In truth that was all I really wanted.

"But we have come to the decision to postpone the weddng until your sixteenth year, at Eric's Eighteenth birthday. This way you will have time to get to know him, and Eric will have time to mature," She finished with a wry smirk.

I couldn't help the sigh of relief. I had two years, thank the gods. I could only pray that would be enough time.

"This pleases you?" Asked the Queen, having caught my relief.

I ducked my head in embarrassment, my cheeks flushing red. Of course this pleased me, her son was an infuriating arrogant ass and I would like nothing better than to see somone knock his ego down to size. I couldn't exactly tell the queen that though.

I gave an affirming nod, clearing my throat before speaking, "It will be good to have time Lady Astrid."

"Yes it will," she agreed with a knowing look. "You will have much time to grow and acustom yourself to your new home. I've arranged for some of our people to come in and tutor you. You'll be taught the stories of the Gods, the history of our land and our alliances and disputes, our runes, weaving," She went on as my head started to spin.

I'd had similair lessons back home, for some reason I had hoped being the future Queen would grant me some lenience but it seemed the opposite. I prayed to Odin she would stop soon with her list.

"-and you'll have to spend time with the King and I, observing our traditions and laws. I also thought it would be a good idea to teach you some combat techniques,"

Combat techniques?! My heart skipped a beat.

"Eric may be set to inherit the throne but that doesn't mean there won't be challengers, it would be very beneficial if you could protect yourself," Lady Astrid explained.

I ignored everthing she said about her son and focused in on the fighting aspect. I couldn't believe my luck, not only would I have time to train but I'd have someone to teach me as well!

"Riding is an important skill as well, I've picked out a mare specifically for you. She's in the stables if you would like to visit her after our meal?"

"I'd love to," I said earnestly, anything to get away from this place, if only for a little while.

"Her name is Falhófnir, her stall is last on the right. I think you'll like her," Queen Astrid finished, taking another bite of her honeyed bread.

I was getting quite excited about all this. At least everything wasn't totally miserable. I'd get to be outside for most of the day I hoped.

I finished eating in a hurry, excited to go see the mare Astrid promised me, so after I thanked Astrid for breakfast, I ran outside immediately towards the stables. I looked around the village, realizing I didn't know much about it. I should probably walk around later, trying to understand where everything was. The stables weren't hard to find. Astrid told me to find Jorunn, she was the stable girl and she would be able to help me and show me my horse.

"Jorunn?"

I asked, wandering around. I stopped for a second as I thought I heard something that didn't quite belong in a stable. I walked slowly, getting closer and closer to the sound. As I got closer the realization hit me. Groans of pleasure, moaning, and sharp gasps... I approached cautiously, I was sure I didn't want to see the act these two people were comitting. I was planning to sneak by to get to the end of the stalls and the horse I was gifted. Then I saw them. Eric and a blond haired girl, all entangled together against one of the wooden pillars. I gasped in shock, a hand flying to cover my mouth. For a moment, my eyes crossed his. He looked at me, as he continued thrusting into her. I held his gaze for a moment and when I couldn't take it anymore, I ran.

I ran until I couldn't breath anymore. I could not believe what I just saw! Really? Is this how it was going to be? Ha. I mean, it's not like I expected more from him. Or anything at all. But by doing this he was disrespecting me in the most disgusting way. Honestly, who thought sex in a barn was remotely a good idea. Of course it must be so romantic to be taken while surrounded by horse shit.

I didn't know exactly where I was, but I knew I was by the water and that fact alone calmed me a bit. Even back home, being by the sea always seemed to do the trick. I took a deep breathe, taking in the very distinct smell of the ocean. If I closed my eyes I could almost pretend I was home.

I don't know what to expect. Living with the Northmans. Astrid was clearly nice and Ulfrik... I still didn't know much about him, but even though he was intimidating, he didn't seem as scary as I remembered him to be. But Eric... the stupid, disgusting little brat... I would never get used to him. I refused to. I had to find a way to get out of here. I knew very well it was impossible, but I would not lose hope. It might take time but I had two years to figure it out, right?

I knew I was somewhere near the docks, so I headed in the direction I thought would lead me to them. Well, I wasn't going to go near the stables anytime soon. I'd have to wait to see Falhófnir. Spotting the busy docks in the distance, I decided this was a perfect time to walk around the village. It could only benefit me to get to know it better. The village and it's they would be my people too, one day. Unless I got out of here. That's the plan.

I walked around for a good hour, discovering the market place, talking to people. It wasn't that different than back home, except it was less familiar. But the concept was the same. I discovered that people already kind of know who I am. Most of them were quite nice and others – women, mostly – were looking at me with venom in their eyes. And now I understood why. Eric was probably familiar with them. As familiar as he was with Jorunn I'd dare say...

I finally found my way back to the house after the sun had started setting in sky, but only because I was starting to get hungry. I wanted to eat and then ask Astrid if I could start my fighting training tomorrow. There were two types of viking women, sheild maidens; who loved to fight, who were warriors, I'd always loved the stories of these strong magnificent is the kind of woman I want to be. Then there is the other kind of woman, one who did not fight unless she had too, her only purpose to breedwith her husband and produce offspring. I held a certain distain for these women. A sheild maiden could do everything the other ones could yet still fight. I suppose some people just weren't meant to fight, it was also those people who tended to die because they couldn't protect themselves. I was going to fight until my death.

I was nonchalently walking when a tall man appeared in front of me, out of nowhere. At my height all I could see was a large torso. I looked up. Off course. I sighed and tried to walk past him, but he blocked me. I sighed again, before I made another attempt, but it was in vein.

"What do you want?" I asked him, not trying at least a bit to be polite. After all, his parents weren't around this time and after what I saw this morning I did not feel like holding back.

"Can't a man welcome his... lovely... wife to be?"

He said, scrutinizingme from head to toe, a smirk decorating his face. Once again. This stupid smirk I swear... One of these day I would slap it out offhis face. I knew he was being sarcastic.

"Look," I sighed, exasperated by his childish behavior, "let's make something clear. I like being here probably as much as you like having me, so-"

"I highly doubt it." He said, cutting me off.

"So," I continued, ignoring him, "There's no reason for you to be such an ass. I already don't like you, so don't worry. I'm not going to get in the way of... whatever or whoever it is you wanna do." I said, blushing at the images of him and the stable girl that were running through my mind as I was saying that.

The smirk on his face was still there and this time he chuckled. "Good. Stay out of my way and I'll stay out of yours." I was expecting him to argue, so I was kind of shocked when he agreed to exactly what I wanted. I coughed, clearing my dry throat.

"Fine." I finally said, trying to regain composure. He was so damn frustrating. "Can I keep walking now?" I asked. I just wanted to eat, meet with Lady Astrid then return to my bedroom. I needed some time away from people. Why is he making everything so complicated. He stood there for a second, looking at me with an arrogant sparkle in his eyes. I put a hand on my hip, waiting for him to move and he finally did, moving to the side so I could keep going on my way.

What a Jerk.

Hi guys! So it's chapter 3 and it's now that I decide to actually say hi! I just wanted to say this strory isn't all me, I have a friend helping me out and we're super excited about it and we're writing it together! We wanted to say that it means a lot when you guys give reviews, or just follow/favorite the story it's so great. For some reason I didn't expect people to, so it actually means a lot so thank you so much!

Second of all, I wanted to talk about Idony. I know that right now she's a 14 y.o bratt but she definitively have some growing up to do and she will! Stay tuned :) 3 xx