There were a lot of angry faces in the crowd. Murtagh kneeled there quietly, observing them carefully. Some looked hurt, his resurgence a painful reminder of a past they had tried to forget. And here he was, supposedly all that remained of Galbatorix's reign. He had been booed and hissed when he'd been brought out, but at least no one threw a rock this time. Giles stood in the front row, a mix of happiness and worry on his face. Murtagh couldn't blame him. Still elated from his proposal — engagement?! — he had to fight the urge to beam like an idiot while tied to a whipping post.

When the charges were done being read and the hide placed in his mouth to keep him from biting his tongue, Murtagh exhaled slowly. He relaxed his muscles as best he could, not wanting them to grow stiff too soon. He would have to endure sixty lashes after all. Might as well get comfortable.

He did not flinch or cry out as the whip began its assault. He let this mind drift, imagining instead what he would do once this was over. How he would take Hal in his arms and kiss her as a free man. After everything that had happened the last few months, all he wanted was a moment of peace with Hal and Thorn. He wanted to hear her laugh as she teased him. Feel Thorn's vibrations as he laughed with them, his scales warm as they leaned against him.

He thought, for perhaps the first time in his life, about his wedding day. The Murtagh that had walked these halls before had never fathomed such a thing for himself. At least not a proper wedding anyway. At most, he figured Galbatorix would force him into a match he thought suitable. But to stand opposite not just any woman, but Hal…she would be breathtaking. He couldn't wait to see her again. Couldn't wait to tell Thorn that he had done it sooner than planned.

She had said yes. Halen had said yes!

He was growing exhausted, not having paid attention to how many lashings he had received. But he focused on Hal. On Thorn. They were waiting for him. And for them, he would endure this. For his future, he would endure anything.

…

Murtagh felt dehydrated and delirious when he finally opened his eyes, his back stinging, oozing, and sore. But he was lying on his stomach as someone administered medicine to his cuts so they wouldn't become infected. The gentle presses were familiar, capable, but much more compassionate than he would've likely received from anyone else.

He smiled despite himself. He would know those hands anywhere. "Halen," he breathed, feeling like he might pass out again.

"I am here, Murtagh." He felt a kiss on the back of his head, and he sighed in relief at the comfort of her presence.

"Thorn?"

Silence. "It was hard. I think he will feel better once he can see you for himself. I stayed with him up until Giles came and fetched me so that I could sit with you for a bit. He's with Thorn now so that he's not alone."

He was weary and sore, and his bond felt weak. But he reached out to Thorn and felt a brush of the dragon's mind, which calmed him. "Thank you. Thank you, iet dunei."

"Thank me by continuing to rest. I honestly don't know how you did it, but I'm just relieved you're already cognizant. That's good."

You have a healthy appetite, that's good.

Murtagh smiled at the memory. How long ago that was. He wanted to tell her that she was the only reason he got through this. That he wanted to remain strong for her. That he thought of their future together, and how he was eager to get started on it as quickly as possible. "Halen?"

"Hmm."

"When I get out of here…I'm going to have my way with you."

Hal began coughing loudly, and Murtagh surmised that they were not alone in the room. But he didn't care. For the first time, he didn't care what any outsider thought of him.

"You're an idiot," Hal stated, but he could hear the smile in her voice.

He could feel her hands working diligently on his back, quietly talking him through what she was doing. It was a long process, cleaning the cuts carefully and applying a balm to help with his pain. He dozed back off at some point, at ease with the knowledge that he was, at least, in good hands. Hal was humming quietly to herself, aiding in his drowsiness, and he wondered if she was doing it on purpose.

When he woke up again, he felt more clear-headed and attentive. It was dark, the room lit by torches on the wall. Hal was sitting in a deep, padded chair that had been backed against the wall beside his bed. She read from a nondescript book, curling her hair around her finger, looking deeply engrossed.

"What are you reading?"

She jumped in surprise at his voice. "Rider, you're awake! You must be famished, hang on. They brought a tray of food up earlier. Don't move, you'll strain your back."

She disappeared briefly from his narrow field of vision, returning moments later with, as she had described it, a silver platter of an assortment of small meats, cheeses, fruits, and herbs and hot water in an iron pot for tea. She moved her chair closer. "How do you feel?"

He was thoughtful a moment, taking careful assessment of his injuries. He was surprised to find that his pain felt greatly alleviated under the bandages. When he mentioned this to Hal she nodded, clearly pleased. "Arya offered to help with your injuries. I cleaned them first, since she said she would not be able to heal them completely at once. It will take a few days. But she was confident you'll be walking with only some tenderness before you know it. And that she could leave very few scars."

"I see." He let his eyes study her for a moment, taking in her carefully composed expression. "And you? Are you all right?"

Her eyes softened, but he could sense her sadness, even as she tried to smile for him. "I am now. It was just harder than I thought, seeing you like that. I feel cowardly, but thank you, for insisting I stay with Thorn. I don't think I would have made it through your lashes with any sort of dignity like I would have wanted."

"You are no coward, Hal. Not to me."

She smiled, grateful, but it didn't quite reach her eyes. "Here. Open your mouth so you can eat."

"Are you going to feed me?"

"I will attempt to, if you stop talking."

"This feels very familiar."

"You were hardly this chatty."

"But you were certainly this sardonic."

She shoved a rather thick piece of cheese in his mouth, her expression taunting as he struggled to speak over the soft residue. When he swallowed, he opened his mouth. This time, he actually wanted Hal to feed him, and she did so, patiently lifting bite after bite of food to his waiting mouth. His eyes never left hers, chewing and swallowing until he was too exhausted to finish what was left.

"Do you need anything?" she asked. "Are you comfortable? Do you need more water?"

Murtagh had to fight the urge to tease her. She had fretted over him when they were complete strangers. He could only imagine how frantic she might feel now.

"Lay with me," he said instead, reaching for her hand to tug her close. As he did, he carefully lifted himself up on his forearms, grimacing as he scooted over just a bit to make space for her.

"Be careful," she chastised, hesitating. "Besides, that's not a good idea. I don't want to disturb your injuries."

"You asked me what I needed," he rebutted, "and I answered. Right now, all I need is you. Please."

After a moment of hesitation, she sighed with resignation and began pulling off her slippers. "You are so needy when you are injured." She moved slowly, trying not to make any sudden motions that might disturb him. She laid on her back, folding her hands neatly across her stomach as she turned her head towards him. "Better?" she asked him.

"Much." He sat up once more, this time leaning forward to kiss her. But his body was practically dead weight, and he grunted in frustration as he collapsed back down. "Dammit."

"Just take it easy. You shouldn't be trying to push yourself anyway."

He couldn't help but feel frustrated. "I thought I might try to celebrate our engagement properly. Apparently, I won't even be able to do that much."

For a split second, Hal's eyes widened. He wondered if this knowledge had slipped her mind since she had been so worried for him. Once her memory caught up to her, Hal's entire demeanor shifted. His lack of mobility might have put him in a temporary foul mood, but the smile his words brought out of her could have lit an entire city. She began to laugh, then to cry, and quickly moved to cover her face with her hands. "No, absolutely not," Murtagh argued, grabbing her wrist. "Don't you dare hide such an expression from me."

"So help me, rider, if you were not already injured, I would smack you." But she lowered her hands, her cheeks wet and her eyes bright with life. Genuine life, and joy. He had not seen such a look in so long. Hal glanced at him again.

"You would start our marriage off with such violence?"

"You would tease your future wife so?"

He made a low humming noise from the back of his throat, as he tangled his fingers in her hair and pulled her towards him rather than trying to bring himself to her. She released a small sigh as she turned on her side for a more comfortable position. She held his face in her hands to try and keep him from moving too much. In the quiet of the room, their hushed breaths sounded thunderous. It wasn't exactly how he wanted to mark this moment. For the weeks he had plotted this in his head, he had more movement. But whenever they separated to catch their breaths, Hal was beaming. The sight of her smile would seduce him, and he would pull her back in for another kiss.

"We are going to get caught in a very compromising position if you keep this up," she said, feeling his hands up her skirts.

"If you could see the way you looked right now, you would understand my temptation to risk it."

"Once you are more healed, you bloody idiot." She began swatting his hands away and he begrudgingly moved them. "It's only a few days." She kissed him on the nose, her eyes glinting mischievously as she pulled back. "We can celebrate properly then."

"I will hold you to it."

She settled in beside him, keeping on her side as she curled up a bit. Only when she was comfortable did she ask the question that had been weighing on her mind. "What did you mean? When you proposed, you said that by thinking you had to have your pardon to have me, you were doing me a disservice?"

"I meant that, I got it in my head that the only way I could — or, rather, should — propose to you, was if I were properly free. I wanted it to be my first act as a free man." He laughed, rather embarrassed. "I don't know. It just felt more symbolic that way; and perhaps more suitable. At least, I thought it might. To be cleared of the sins of my past so that I could start my future off anew."

"But you changed your mind?"

He felt the corners of his mouth lift as he looked at her. "I did. Because I realized that whatever happened wouldn't change how I felt about you. And I want you more than I want some flimsy piece of paper. Especially if, by some twist in fate, I didn't receive the pardon after all. I no longer wanted to use the pardon as an excuse to avoid doing something that I wanted more. That's all."

That damn smile again. He felt his heart race at the sight, and he felt like he was falling for her all over again. "I'm glad you changed your mind."

He smiled back. "So am I, Hal. So am I."

She nervously licked her lips, contemplating her next words carefully. "Did you know you wanted to marry me back at the manor? I only ask because…I admit, the way you spoke made me wonder if it was on your mind. You were always so subtle, and I was too nervous to ask in case I assumed wrong. But I guess I'm curious now."

"I admit that I didn't. At least, it wasn't clear to me in the moment. Much like when I was falling in love with you, I didn't have a word for my feelings at the time. I knew I wanted to stay by your side, I knew I loved you. Seeing you in the estate allowed me to envision a future where we were running our own household. It seems ridiculous and obvious in hindsight that the next step was marriage. I guess so much of my life is unfolding in ways I thought impossible, so it's not as apparent as it may be for others.

"When you proposed Invidia's plan, which was for us to marry so that you could file for my pardon…I panicked. Not just because of the obvious risks, although those were my biggest concerns. I thought, perhaps, it meant you only saw marriage as an option for us through such impersonal and unremarkable means. And that's not a life I ever wanted to give you."

Her eyes were downcast as she listened, making it difficult to read and gauge her expression. "I feel a bit guilty now," she said in a low voice, turning on her back to stare up at the ceiling, "seeing as how I would have gladly married for such duplicitous means. I thought perhaps it was the only way to have you. Not to mention it would allow me to help you for a change."

"You do help —"

"Not this time," she quickly interjected. "Not for some time now. Because you won't let me. My one attempt to do so failed because they wound up not even using me as a witness. I know you don't see this as something to be owed, and that's not why I'm doing it. But…Murtagh, you saved my life on several separate occasions, but you never let me do the same for you in return. I couldn't help you earn your pardon, I couldn't even stand by your side as you received punishment. Relationships are meant to be balanced. There is a natural ebb and flow to the give and take that constitutes any good partnership. You are keeping me from doing my part. And for what? To protect me from what? From you? That can't be it because I'm already in this all the way. So, what will it take for you to fully let me in, Murtagh?"

He didn't immediately answer, stunned by her response. His face grew hot as he tried not to let his emotions pull him under. Hal's tone wasn't accusatory, and her questions were fair and valid. "I hear you, Hal. I never meant to keep you at arm's length. I just sometimes fear pulling you in too deep. I fear that asking you to help is exploiting your love for me. I know you'd do anything for me, but that's what scares me. You may feel like I have aided you more than you've been able to do for me, but you have put yourself in harm's way more. When I know that you could easily do that again…"

He could see understanding dawn on her, and her expression became remorseful. "Even at the estate, when I realized how afraid for my life you truly were, I took that fear for granted. You've told me on several separate occasions how much that scares you. I've made you relive such fears time and time again. I'm so sorry for that. For being so reckless with my life." She took a deep breath, as if bracing herself. "And, just as necessary to say: I'm not your mother, Murtagh. You are not Morzan. You could never use me the way he used her. Nothing you have asked of me has exploited my love for you. Don't even let such comparisons cross your mind. What we have is nothing like what Selena and Morzan had and it never will be."

He was quiet, her words having momentarily shocked him. Truthfully, it wasn't until then that the comparison had even come to fruition. Yet, his surprise with how accurate Hal's aim had been was visceral. So much of his decisions were based simply on whatever was the opposite of what Morzan would have done. Had he unconsciously been going too far in the other direction without realizing it? With no guide or insight into what he should be doing, he could see just how so many of his choices had gone a bit off course.

"How do you do that?" he teased, poking her cheek. Hal rolled her eyes as if he wouldn't notice her smile.

"I simply know you better than you know yourself. I know you are a good man. Besides, after the first month or so of knowing you, I could tell you were nothing like your father. Believe it or not, you were almost nothing like your own rumors."

"Everything I've done almost from the moment I met you has been to be a different person from who people thought me to be. I know I won't be exempt from mistakes, but the weight of them, and of my parents' legacies, weighs on me constantly. I guess it manages to cloud my judgement at times."

"Which is precisely why I'm here," Hal assured him with an equally confident smile. "That's why you and I work. Even I will be prone to mistakes, and you provide the same unwavering support that I need in such times. That is what I mean when I say relationships are about balance. And so help me, Murtagh, when I'm with you, everything is balanced. It's right and as it should be."

"I certainly agree with you there." They shared a smile. "I know I'm just being impatient. I feel like I'm behind on things regarding relationships and love, and I don't want that dragging us down. But if everything can fall so perfectly into place as it has with my complete and utter improvisation in courtship, then I will simply have to continue to trust the process. More than anything, Hal, I just want to grow old with you. That is my wish. And that is the only thing driving me right now."

Hal's expression softened, and she turned back on her side with a growing smile on her face. "That is my wish too, rider." She reached for his hand, moving to cradle it against her chest. "I love you. And I can't wait to marry you."

"Took the words right out of my mouth." He tilted his head up and Hal took the hint, leaning down to kiss him.

"You must be absolutely miserable right now?" she teased, noticing how quickly uncomfortable it was for him to maintain such a position.

"Shut up."

"Can you imagine what we could've been doing right now instead?"

"I will make you regret taunting me, Halen."

"Ha! Never. You are such a kitten; it's too easy."

She was laughing playfully, and his demeanor grew further relaxed at the noise. When she realized he wasn't responding with banter of his own, she grew quiet, her eyes still shining bright. He reached up and let his fingers run across her cheeks and down her neck, quickly noticing how her breathing changed as he did so. He let his hand rest on the back of her neck and pulled her down. Injuries be damned, he sat up a bit farther, gripping his pillow as the pain raced down his back at the sudden movement. But he hardly noticed it as he kissed Hal with ferocity. He couldn't do it after she'd said yes, as there had been others watching them. Now, he was free to let his guard down.

Right when he could sense the mood in Hal shift, he slowly pulled back, his lips stretching into a smile as he caught Hal, eyes still closed, trying to lean into him for more. "Ah, ah, ah," he chastised, his fingers on her lips, stopping her. He let his thumb trace her bottom lip, biting down on his own for added affect. "You'll get the rest when you learn to be nice to me."

Her expression didn't change at first. Then, in a split second, she yanked his pillow out from under him and he yelped as he stumbled a bit. Hal wacked him the face two good times before turning as if to climb out of the bed.

"Oh no you don't," he grunted. He reached out and wrapped his arm around her waist, yanking her back, although she didn't put up much of a fight.

Laughing, Hal said, "I don't think so, rider. You don't get rewarded for bad behavior."

"You keep moving; it upsets my back. Don't be such a little kitten, little kitten. I thought you were tougher than that."

"That was low, even for you."

"It's not my fault you lack such control." He pressed his lips to her ear, kissing her tenderly before whispering, "But even if we can't do what we want, stay in my bed tonight. I'll have better dreams knowing you're near."

As innocent as his proposition was, it did nothing to suppress the thoughts currently racing through her head. Hal chuckled, shaking her head at him. "How could I possibly say no to a request like that?"

"You'd have to be mad."

"Absolutely mad." And she curled back up, giving him a final smile before she gingerly pulled him into her warmth. Her fingers were in his hair, his face turned into her chest so that he could see how it moved as she breathed. He felt his lips stretch into a smile, and he closed his eyes to hide how they had begun to mist up and how unbelievably happy he felt to be in her arms. He couldn't remember the last time he had felt so safe inside these halls.

…

The sting of a whip coming down on her back woke Hal, her eyes flying open. Her heart was racing in her chest, and it took her several moments to calm down. Her left arm was painfully numb from having slept on it. In fact, her entire body was rather stiff, having fallen asleep curled around Murtagh, who hadn't even stirred.

She looked down at him, her eyes taking in his state of being in a calculated fell-swoop. It felt like when they had first met all over again. But there was no detachment to be found here. No distance she could put between herself and the rider. She was invested, fully and completely. Her fear was still heavily tinged with deep sorrow each time she had to look at his back. She hoped he would never again know such pain.

Murtagh was sleeping soundly, his breathing a bit shallow since he was forced to remain on his stomach. Hal envied him a bit, being able to sleep with no crease between his brows. She wondered what he was dreaming about to look so content. Or perhaps he wasn't dreaming at all, and his mind had given him a reprieve instead.

Hal could not help but smile down at him. Heaven knows she wished he had not suffered so, but she was glad she was here with him. Despite all they had endured, she was happy for him and Thorn. And she was relieved. Things could be better, she knew, but they could also be a lot worse. Their efforts had not been in vain. They had claimed their hard-won victory all the same.

Rising to her feet, Hal leaned forward, tucking her curls behind her ear and out of her way as she pressed her lips to Murtagh's temple. He moaned in his sleep, but fortunately did not wake, and Hal stepped away to walk towards the window nearby. The light of the early morning sun was already beginning to pour in, and Hal could not help but press her face to the glass, observing the early risers on the castle grounds below.

For the first time, she realized just how high the castle sat on the hill compared to the flattened city below. The elevation was impressive, and carefully planned. Much how the estate in the Spine had a wide-vantage point with no trees around it, the openness of the castle — while giving off the appearance of being vulnerable — actually made it easier to discern an approaching enemy. By the time anyone made it up that hill and the dozens of gates between the city and castle, the guards would have more than enough time to get into defensive positions.

Also, Hal just liked the view. It almost felt like sitting amongst the clouds.

As her eyes followed the castle staff scurrying across the courtyard beneath the window, Hal thought back to the night she had first asked Murtagh to stay in her village. The night of wine and storytelling, waking up in his arms the next morning. For hours they had swapped their theories about what kind of adventures they would have if they were to travel together. And just as the recollection of such innocence began to lift Hal's lips into a soft smile, her mind froze.

What if she had left when he had offered that night? What if she had packed her bags, kissed Denu and her people farewell and left with Murtagh and Thorn long before they knew of any Shade. Berjis' village would have been spared. As would hers and Murtagh's. Denu would still….

A bitter darkness swept over her once more. The last few weeks she could focus on Murtagh and getting him his pardon. Now that their efforts in that regard were winding down, Hal's mind needed something else to distract her. Needed something to get her thinking, acting and reacting, moving. Because the moment she was idle for far too long, her mind would tick off all she had lost and all she stood to lose.

Just then, a gentle knock at the door pulled her out of her thoughts. She turned, glancing quickly at Murtagh, who was still sleeping soundly as the door swung open. Hal wasn't sure who exactly she had been expecting to walk through the door, but Roran was not it. Hal inhaled sharply, standing frozen as Roran's gaze landed briefly on Murtagh, then searched the room until he found Hal.

He nodded to her, then looked at something behind him. Or rather someone, because he nodded to them and they — Hal couldn't see who it was from the door blocking her view — wheeled in a cart of food. Hal felt her stomach clench painfully tight as the smells filled the room. She remembered feeding Murtagh yesterday when he woke, but now couldn't actually recall if she had taken any for herself.

As whoever brought the food in left, Hal found herself drawn towards the scents. She kept her distance from Roran, avoiding his gaze, but came to a standstill at the foot of Murtagh's bed, her eyes down.

"I know your handmaidens often bring you your meals," Roran explained in a low voice, "but I wanted an excuse to check in."

"Is something wrong?"

"No, not at all." Roran's gaze was shifty, although out of nervousness or something else, she couldn't be sure. He didn't seem the type to get nervous, but aside from his wandering eyes, his face remained stoic. Despite his relative silence and distance up until now, something about his presence had never felt malicious or suspicious. "I'm glad that you seem to be doing well," he said suddenly. When Hal only nodded, he asked, "How is Murtagh faring?"

"I think he's well. Still a bit sore, but Arya — er, her majesty —"

He held up his hand, politely stopping her. "You don't need to be so formal around me. I will not tattle to the elf because you did not use honorifics."

She chuckled, grateful. "Arya did quite a bit yesterday. But we focused on cleaning his wounds, which took some time. I think she plans to return today to do a bit more."

She could see Roran's growing ease with her attempt to maintain conversation. "I know it must seem strange that I'm here."

"A bit," Hal admitted, her expression sheepish.

He scratched the back of his head, and Hal confirmed then that he was nervous. "I was actually hoping to talk to Murtagh about something rather…personal. But it can wait. It's not important. And I don't want to disturb him while he's focusing on healing."

"Oh, are you sure?"

He nodded, having quickly made up his mind. "I'm sure, I'm sure. Thank you, though." He turned to leave, then stopped and turned back, wearing a broad smile. "I never got a chance to say, but congratulations on your engagement. Truly. I know we don't know each other — and I hope that may one day change — but I can tell already how good you both are together."

Hal felt her chest puff out with an odd sense of pride at his compliment. "Thank you. Thank you very much."

"If you'd want, I'm sure your handmaidens could find you a pen and paper to write home. I'm sure your family would be ecstatic to know."

Hal's smile became frozen, his words unveiling a truth she had not even yet reached until now. She quickly forced herself to nod before he became suspicious of her strained silence. "Thank you. I think I'll do just that. They would be thrilled."

He waved before departing, but Hal's face fell when the door closed behind him. She could hardly move, her body suddenly feeling grotesquely heavy. And his words kept ringing in her head.

I'm sure your family would be ecstatic to know.

… your family would be ecstatic to know

… your family…

It felt silly to get worked up over something like this now. She had always known, from the time she entered womanhood, that her parents, her sister, her grandparents, her aunt, and her cousins would not be there the day she became someone's wife. She had watched what few weddings she had in the Tenari village with a detached yet envious gaze, bitter that she would have no blood relatives on such an important day. But with time, and the fleeting notion that perhaps she would simply never marry, the thought had not really crossed her mind since.

Until Roran had unknowingly reminded her of the one thing she lacked. She didn't even want to risk sending a letter. Not even because of Thea, but because she still did not trust these people with the location of her village. And since the wards were up, scrying was impossible.

"Why such a defeated sigh, my love?"

Hal blinked, not even having heard Murtagh awaken. She hadn't even realized she had sighed. "Roran brought breakfast," she easily sidestepped, composing her face before she turned to face him. She pushed the cart carrying their food a little closer.

"Roran did?"

"Aye. He mentioned wanting to talk to you but didn't want me to wake you. He said it was personal, not important, so perhaps he'll find you later."

"Personal? Did he seem upset?"

She shook her head. "No. I don't think he bears ill will or a grudge. In fact, he seemed rather nervous."

"That doesn't make me feel better," he admitted. "But nothing to be done about it right now." He moved a bit closer, wincing as he tried to stretch without straining himself.

"Here, let me check your wounds first. Then we'll eat."

"Thank you."

Murtagh still seemed half out of it as Hal redressed his wounds, carefully checking for infection and reapplying ointment as she went. "Thorn seems better," he commented, his voice still husky with sleep.

"Have you spoken with him already?"

"Not in so many words."

Hal smiled. "When Arya arrives, I'll step out to go check on him."

"He very much likes that idea."

"I would be hurt if he didn't."

She finished soon after, working quickly so that their food didn't get cold. When Hal lifted the silver dome, she was relieved that they had thought to make the food, like yesterday's, something that Murtagh could easily manage.

"Did you sleep all right?" Murtagh asked.

Hal looked up from her teacup, which she had been holding in one hand, her tiny spoon clinking faintly against the side as she stirred and stirred, her mind somewhere else completely. "Aye. Why do you ask?"

"You seem…sad. Did you have a bad dream?"

Hal hesitated, unsure if she should tell him what Roran's passing comment had dredged up. She wasn't quite in the mood to discuss it, and she also didn't want to sully their engagement when it was barely a day old. But she didn't want to lie either. "I did, but it's not what's on my mind. I don't think I want to talk about it just yet. It's nothing bad, just…I realized something that I'm still trying to understand myself. Once I do, I'll tell you about it."

His face looked pinched for a moment, but he soon nodded. "Okay. I'm here when you're ready."

"I know, rider. Besides —"

"Do not take a jab at the fact that I'm currently in no position to go anywhere."

Hal promptly closed her mouth.

"You are becoming way too predictable," he muttered, shooting her a suspicious glare. But she was relieved when she laughed like it was nothing for her to do so. She was relieved she could still do that much.

…

Hal stared at her fingers, which had begun to turn white around the tips and were numb from the cold. Part of her still marveled that such a thing was possible. So cold that your body could become numb. She had spent the better part outside shivering, muscles locked tightly into place that they ached. Now, her body was still uncomfortable, but she could no longer feel certain parts of it at all. She had her cloak wrapped around her shoulders, but it did nothing for her now. She berated herself for forgetting her gloves, although she was still adjusting to having to wear such pieces at all.

She had sat down to simply catch her breath. To reorient herself and steady her wavering emotions. The thought of going back into the castle felt suffocating. And despite the chill, Hal was accustomed to being outdoors. The open space is where she did her best thinking.

She heard the sound of breathing long before the person approached. Their steps were heavy, and there was no attempt to muffle them. Even still Hal grew tense, her eyes following the sound until a figure appeared from behind her. She was confused and surprised when the dwarf king, Orik, stepped forward. He had been adamantly avoiding her since the dinner where she had spoken out of turn, along with Orrin. But he walked towards her as though he knew she had been there the entire time.

"May I sit with you?"

His voice was quieter than when she had last heard it. Hesitant. He expected her to deny him. However, his gaze was full of remorse, and Hal found herself nodding. He joined her in her silence, and they both gazed out into the garden. Hal had taken a seat in the pavilion, a small octagonal structure that allowed her to gaze upon the magnificent and carefully cultivated land before her. Despite the cold temperatures, the flowers, shrubs, and other greenery seemed the only point of color on this particularly grey day. It was a beautiful space; in it, Hal could hear Murtagh's voice in her head, telling her of how he would hide away in the gardens to avoid being sought out, particularly by Tornac. Being in these places that once made Murtagh feel safe made Hal feel a little safer too.

"Murtagh proposed to me," she suddenly blurted, and she immediately felt stupid for saying so. Orik's brows went up in surprise, but not in anger or in cruelty. Blushing, Hal gave him a sheepish smile. "I said yes."

"Ah, I see. Well, then, congratulations."

She felt her lip tremble. "Thank you. You're the first person I've told. It's the first time I've actually said those words out loud." She licked her lips. "I'm engaged." She felt her face twist in agony, however, and shook her head. "I'm sorry," she said, wiping her tears away. "I'm sorry. It's just…this is something that I should be really happy about. No, that's not right. I am overjoyed. I can't remember the last time I was so…I don't even think happy is a strong enough word to describe how I feel."

Orik was quiet, and she couldn't tell if he thought her mad or what. But she needed to say something and telling this complete stranger, who probably didn't care much for her, somehow felt easier than telling Murtagh.

"The one person I want to tell more than anything in the world is dead," she finished, and her eyes burned hot as the tears ran down. "I have no parents or family to tell. I can't even tell our village back home since we've cut communications to keep them safe. And it's so lonely to have such exciting news and no one to share it with, you know?"

For perhaps the first time, the dwarf's expression softened. "I'm sorry to hear that." He reached into his breast pocket and pulled out a handkerchief, which he passed on to her silently. She took it, grateful, and wiped at her face. "Was it the Shade who did this?"

She sniffed. "Only my guardian. My family was killed thirteen years ago by Galbatorix's soldiers." He inhaled sharply and Hal dredged up a morsel of bitter pettiness and added, "Not as foolish and lovestruck as one might think, hmm?"

Orik cleared his throat, at least having the nerve to look ashamed. "Orrin and I made asses out of ourselves, didn't we?"

"You had a right to your anger, I'm not mad at that. To assume, though, that I didn't know the heartache and misery of that godsforsaken war? That was cruel."

"Indeed, it was. Nasuada and Arya properly chewed us out for our behavior. We both overstepped. I'm sorry for any trouble my words may have caused. A king should know better, and I admit my emotions got the best of me."

Hal nodded, rather surprised by the lack of resistance. "Thank you."

The silence that followed was somewhat awkward in nature. Hal wasn't sure if Orik had found her intentionally or on accident. Either way, he had asked to join her. Yet, he was being particularly quiet, making Hal nervous. And she did not get nervous easily, but she also did not know what she was dealing with when it came to the people here.

"Murtagh told me about the dwarves once," she said, offering the topic of conversation as a sort of peace treaty. "About how you dwell in the Beor Mountains. I've always wanted to see the mountains. To see if the peaks truly touch the clouds like they all say. He told me about Tronjheim and Farthen Dûr as well. Before this, I had never left my island home. I had always longed to, but never had the courage for I feared what dwelled on the mainland. I found his stories illuminating."

Hal turned and looked at Orik who, in turn, looked at her. She glanced away again. "I was really sick, when he told me. About the dwarves, that is. He had spent nearly a week taking care of me, and when I recovered, it was the first request I made. For him to tell me about the dwarves. He even mentioned you briefly. How you stopped the Twins who attempted to force their way into his mind."

"He remembers that, eh?"

"Oh yes. I think you'd be hard pressed to find something he's forgotten. He certainly keeps me on his toes, that is certain."

Orik gave her a kind smile that Hal struggled to return, her throat feeling tight. Orik let out a low sigh filled with forlorn and Hal could not help but watch him. "What Murtagh did…I do not know if I have the heart to forgive him."

Hal felt her throat tighten and licked her dry lips. "I understand. And I'm sure he will too."

Orik shook his head. "I have already made my peace with him on the matter. Actually, I stopped by earlier to visit him. He knows what I am telling you now, and I asked if he might tell me where you are so that I could tell you as well. I may not be able to forgive him for what he did. Hrothgar was like a father to me. I am angry, that of all the people his cursed magic struck, it was the one person who, at the time, meant the most to me. But I cannot change the past, nor can he. However, taking the punishment as he did, I can see that he is trying to right his wrongs, which I can respect."

It was hard, to hear that Murtagh may never find true acceptance. She understood, but it hurt to realize all the same. A foolish part of her simply wanted him to be adored just as he was on Illium. But she knew that it was not fair to ask that of those he had wronged, willingly or not. However, she was still relieved. She had not expected such a gesture from Orik, and it meant something, to know Murtagh's punishment had not been in vain.

"I think you would quite like the mountains," Orik said suddenly, his tone full of regret. Which made sense once he added, "Unfortunately, I cannot be the one to invite you. Murtagh nor you would be welcomed in my halls by the other dwarf clans for his actions. But I do hope that you get to see them."

Hal's smile was rueful at the lost opportunity, but she could understand all the same. "Perhaps someday."

"Perhaps," he agreed. He rose to his feet. "You should not remain out here for much longer. Go inside, eat, get some rest. Replenish your strength so that it is ready when you need it." He began to walk away when he paused again, turning back to face her. "And a sincere congratulations to you, my lady, on your engagement. I know already that you will make a fierce and beautiful bride."

With those parting words, he bowed his head and walked away. Hal hurried to return the gesture, realizing she had completely forgotten her manners and his position. But he did not notice, nor did he truly seem to care. Hal was strangely pleased that he had stopped by. The knot in her chest had lessened a bit and she felt more levelheaded now. Surprisingly so. Perhaps it was the fact that Orik had spoken so openly yet sincerely about where he stood. She also appreciated him letting her say what she needed to regarding the engagement.

By the time she returned to the medical wing, Giles and Murtagh were pacing the room, Arya observing with a satisfied smile. Everything appeared to have gone well while Hal was visiting Thorn. Murtagh walked at a slow but assured pace, and Hal knew he was eager to get off his stomach for a while. He didn't appear to be in any pain, which was even better.

Arya turned to her and said, "You did a marvelous job making sure his back didn't become infected between sessions. It will go a long way in aiding his recovery."

"I'm glad to hear it. Thank you again for treating him."

Arya nodded. "He already knows this, but no sharp movements or activities the next few days or so. He should be fine afterwards." Hal nodded. "Also, Murtagh told me the good news. Congratulations on your engagement."

"Oh, yes, thank you."

When Arya was gone, Hal moved closer to Giles and Murtagh. "How are things, gentlemen?"

"I forgot how annoying he is when he's injured," Giles mumbled. "Damn right pain in the ass."

Hal just looked at Murtagh.

"Don't look at me like that, Hal."

"Look at you like what? I can only empathize with what Giles is describing."

"Oh, shut it."

As she moved to walk past him, Murtagh reached for her hand, flinching when he realized how cold her skin was. "I wondered what was taking you so long to get back," he murmured. He rubbed his hands over hers to try and warm them. "Thorn told me you left him half-an-hour ago."

"I stopped in the gardens on the way back. I needed to think and this castle is stuffy." She glanced up at him. "I ran into King Orik too. He mentioned he had come to see you."

Murtagh sighed, his face giving nothing away. "Aye, he did. It wasn't a long talk but…it was a necessary one."

"He seemed impressed by you. And he apologized to me for his behavior at the dinner."

"He did?"

She nodded. "I must concede that it looks like you made the right choice, accepting the punishment as atonement to Orik and Nasuada. I think it really meant a lot to him."

"It may not be friendship like what I'm sure he has with Eragon. But I get the sense that he would be willing to work with me, which is enough."

Before she could respond, Hal heard a chorus of approaching footsteps, and she tensed, the precise, synchronized steps already familiar. Moments later, the door was opened by two soldiers, who stood to the side and at attention as Nasuada entered. Murtagh and Giles turned and bowed, Murtagh dipping only his head rather than straining his back. Hal curtsied, her face stoic. No matter their interactions, Hal still felt wary around the queen. And she felt even more uncertain around her soldiers. She did not think she'd ever forgive them for the chaos at the front gate on what should have been the day of Murtagh's hearing.

"Thank you. Murtagh, how are you feeling?" Nasuada asked, jumping straight into the purpose of her visit. "I passed Arya and she did mention you were already moving about."

"Still a little sore," he admitted, "but much better than if I had been healing on my own. Thank you for asking, your majesty."

She smiled. "Well as you know, the terms of your pardon have been met. But before we sign and make anything official, we have one more condition to discuss."

"Yes." Hal noticed how weary he sounded. "My fealty to you, I take it."

"Aye. As Eragon did before you, I ask that you cement your loyalties to me and this kingdom as proof of your allegiance once and for all. I have decided to hold a special banquet in a fortnight. I would like to use this as an opportunity for you and Thorn to openly declare your services to me. I know it is not ideal, but I firmly believe that it would do well for the people, especially those of nobility, to see it for themselves and know your word is true."

Murtagh sighed. "As much as I hate to admit it, you speak sense. So much of my pardon has been closed off from the public. I'm sure they are clamoring for answers."

"Indeed. While it is not as bad as I anticipated, we have still seen protests popping up in the streets since it was announced. It's imperative that we continue to try to sway public opinion. While I hate to drag you into it, Halen, it's important that you are seen with Murtagh as much as possible."

Hal blinked in surprise, not expecting to have much part in this conversation. "Me? But why?"

"People still suspect I have shown Murtagh favoritism because of our complicated history." Nasuada stated the information plainly. Hal could feel Murtagh's gaze on her, and she kept her expression neutral so as not to worry him. In fact, she was surprised that she didn't feel that familiar and expected twinge of jealousy. Instead, she focused on the fact that Murtagh needed her, and she took that responsibility seriously. "While not to put your relationship on the spot like this, it would also be difficult for people to ignore how you both are when you're together. It would go a lot farther for them to see you rather than relying on idle gossip to produce the same results."

"I see." She looked determined then and said, "I think I can pretend to be in love with him."

Murtagh snorted and Nasuada grinned. "Make it convincing, would you? Until then, Murtagh, I've had you moved to a new apartment that I think you will find to your liking. You will have the remainder of today and tomorrow to rest, and afterwards I would like for all of us to meet to discuss this situation with the Shade and the Ra'zac. I'd like to get ahead of this, if we can. All right?"

"Yes, your majesty."

"Good. And one last thing. As a sign of good faith, I have already had your pardoning papers drawn up and have brought them with me, ready to go."

Murtagh froze and Hal inhaled sharply in disbelief as Nasuada nodded to one of her guards who handed her the scroll in his hand. She opened it and skimmed it quickly, nodding as if finding everything in order. "Everything we discussed is there. Take the next day or so to read through it, then you will sign it at the bottom. You will sign for Thorn as well. You'll see that I've already added my seal to make it official. After you sign it, your pardon will be final. Just return it to me so that it can be archived and I can push the official announcement through."

For several moments, Murtagh didn't move. His face, at first unreadable, became flushed with emotion as he took a slow step forward. His hand was shaking as he reached Nasuada, taking the scroll from her hand. "Thank you, your majesty. For everything."

"You've been dealt a cruel hand, Murtagh. But please believe me when I say that it is a great honor to present this to you today. You have come a long way, and you have done what few would be brave enough to do themselves. We are fortunate to have such a capable dragon rider on our side. I look forward to working with you — all of you," she amended, looking at Hal and Giles as well, "in the future. Until then, congratulations, Murtagh. You've earned this."