by Lily Thomas
Elizabeth wiggled her way out of her dress, and then snuggled between the furs that were laid out in the tent. Within minutes Elizabeth was fast asleep, her worries vanquished by sweet dreams.
Towards midnight the loud clap of thunder startled Elizabeth awake. Looking around she watched, as lightning lit the darkness outside of her tent. Thunder filled the night air. She snuggled deeper into the furs, while listening to the thunder and watching the bright flashes from outside. After a few minutes, pounding rain came down, beating against the fur tent, as if it wanting to get inside.
Elizabeth felt a shiver run through her, and she thought about Stryme out there in such horrible weather. Was he still scouting? Was it pouring on him?
Her fatigue won out, and she soon fell back into sleep.
Elizabeth woke again, when Stryme entered the tent. She was able to see he was soaked, every time the lightning streaked across the sky outside, and water dripped from every inch of his clothing.
Elizabeth peaked through cracked eyelids, as Stryme peeled his drenched clothing off of his body and laid them on the ground.
Then he stood there for a while, looking like he was debating with himself. Step by step, he made his way over to the furs and slid between them.
They weren't touching, but his scent drifted over to her. She couldn't help but take a slight intake of breath. He smelled like fresh rain, spice, horse, sweat, and pure man. He was so appealing to her, and she wished he would scoot closer to her and wrap her in his strong arms.
Elizabeth could feel him turn and give his back to her. Wishing he hadn't done that she tried to fall asleep, yet again.
To his surprise, Elizabeth was snuggled within his embrace, when he woke. He couldn't grumble too much about it, because a certain part of his heart was pleased to find her in his arms. She belonged there, but she had to be let free according to the people around him.
He hoped his mother was right and Elizabeth would find her way back to him.
He would love to assist her, but his people wouldn’t understand fighting their own to save humans. After all the horrible acts humans had done and probably would do, he couldn't possibly make them understand. Stryme only hoped losing her didn't make him lose his mind, because it sure had killed his sense of humor.
“Elizabeth.” He whispered into her ear. “It’s time we headed out again, you must wake.” He gazed down at her, as her lashes slowly parted to blink up at him.
“I’m still so sore from the ride yesterday.” She stated with a little pout. It wasn’t like she was trying to delay their departure. Her thighs truly did hurt.
“I plan on getting you there during the day not the night.”
When Elizabeth looked like she was about to complain or argue, he talked to her in a more stern voice. “Get dressed, because I’m going to take this tent down in a few minutes.” Then he decided to threaten her a little more. “Whether or not you’re dressed.”
He would never do it, but she didn’t know that, and his threat had the desired effect.
First, Elizabeth gaped at him. Then she huffed as she got out of the furs and put on her clothing.
It had been some time since he had seen her without her clothes and the effect was instant. He was hard and wanting to have her within a couple of seconds. He couldn't have her, he reminded himself.
It would make their parting an easier one, if there were no intimacy between them before she left.
Elizabeth couldn't believe how brusque Stryme had been with her. Threatening to take the tent down whether or not she had been dressed had just been rude. It was like she had gone to the past, when she had first met him.
Her legs were hurting so badly, she wasn't able to appreciate the beauty of the mountains around them anymore as they continued their ride through the forest. Not only did she wish to rest, but she also wanted to end her emotional suffering. She felt so divided on what her heart was telling her.
How was she to say goodbye, when they reached the border?
As the day progressed, they slowly made their way down from the mountains and into the low laying hills. Stryme allowed them to stop, every once in a while, only because he wanted to make sure they wouldn't happen upon any humans.
Elizabeth watched, as he left to go ahead of the main party. They were definitely close to the fire giant border. Stryme had started to up his scouting missions, and Elizabeth wasn't thrilled about it.
Her heart puttered in her chest. She’d never been to Sardarn before, and now she was about to go alone. She had none of her ladies with her and she wondered if Stryme was going to keep them or release them back to Arcaern at some point.
So many questions floated through her mind. One of the main questions was how was she going to survive without Stryme? Although tending towards mood swings, he was a solid rock who she had come to know and respect for his leadership. Most of all she’d come to love him.
She’d come to love a fire giant. Even if he had killed her guards and taken her captive, she still wanted to be with him. She’d been able to see his gentler side, and he was no barbarian.
But she also wanted to help her people. They were counting on her, after all. If she could help them, then she should.
Eventually, the party made their way out of the hills and onto flat terrain, yet they were still hidden within the forest.
Before noon, a call went up and everyone stopped. Stryme galloped back through the forest towards them, pulling up his snorting horse right before Elizabeth.
Sweat dripped down his temples, and his muscles flexed, as he battled his excited warhorse. “I’ll take you the rest of the way, just the two of us. I don't want to attract any attention from the humans.”
Elizabeth nodded mutely and swallowed her nerves.
She followed Stryme, as he led the way through the forest at a sedate pace. Time seemed to slow down for her. She could feel the breeze, see the leaves rustling against each other, and hear the twitters from the birds. Her horse sensed her nerves and pranced nervously, every once in a while.
Too soon, Stryme stopped their ride and motioned for her to come to him, which she did.
“Right through those trees,” he pointed through the forest, “and you’ll arrive at the castle. I got you as close as possible, but I can’t accompany you any farther.”
As though sensing her apprehension, he encouraged her. “We’ll remain in the area for the rest of the day, if you require help. I’m sure you can think of a way to signal us or perhaps you can just escape on your own.” The last was a tease, since she had escaped him several times.
Not trusting herself to speak, she gave him a wobbly smile and bobbed her head in understanding. Before her courage failed her, Elizabeth nudged her horse forward and left him behind, but knew she would never forget him.
Stryme watched, as she left him. He’d seen her courage waver, but then she’d surprised him by spurring her horse forward.
He hadn't planned to remain in the forest for the rest of the day. It just slipped out, when he saw how nervous she was.
He guided his horse back towards his waiting warriors, once Elizabeth slipped from sight. Somehow Stryme had managed from calling her back to him.
Within a short period of time Stryme had his warriors positioned around the edge of the forest, and he watched as she was accepted into the castle.
Now, he would wait until evening, like he had promised. Then he would recall his warriors and head back to their territory. He couldn’t stay around for too long. There was a chance a human could stumble upon them this close to the castle.
When she left the comfort of the forest and saw the stone grey castle standing before her, she found it hard to swallow. A tear streaked a path down her face, and she quickly swiped it away.
She straightened her spine for she was a princess who had faced captivity with fire giants. There was nothing she couldn’t do. Her heart would heal given enough time.
Elizabeth stopped her horse and waited for castle guards t
o notice her presence. As soon as the thought crossed her mind, she heard a cry go up inside the walls of the castle. Men peered over the castle’s curtain wall.
She was sure the sight of a lone woman rider confused them. After some time, they seemed to decide it would be safe to lower their drawbridge.
With the war between Arcaern and the rock giants, she understood why they would be mistrustful. Their drawbridge would make it easier for enemies to get in, if it was lowered.
With a loud clank, the chains finished letting the drawbridge down, and Elizabeth nudged her horse forward. It plodded over the wooden planks of the bridge. Once within the castle walls, the drawbridge was cranked back to position. Unlike her castle, the town was protected within the castle walls.
No one spoke to her, so she stopped her horse to wait. Wearily, she glanced about her at the armed men. She wasn’t in her domain anymore, and she didn’t want to be demanding an audience with the king, when no one knew who she was.
A few of the guards opened up the circle they had formed around her, and an elderly man walked in. He was most definitely the king, if his clothing and crown meant anything.
Elizabeth dismounted and bowed to him.
“We hardly expected to have a lone woman ride out of the forest.” He stated, as he looked her over. His eyes were like stone, sending shivers up her spine. It was as though there was no soul in those depths.
“This will seem surprising, since I have been missing for quite some time, but I am the princess Elizabeth from Arcaern.”
He squinted at her, his bushy eyebrows joining together in the middle of his forehead. “Forgive me, if I don’t believe you are a princess. Where is your entourage? No princess would travel on her own.”
She could understand his doubt. She was sure she didn’t even look like royalty, at the moment, since she wasn’t dressed like a princess. She was wearing a fur dress, instead of a multi-layered silk dress.
“It’s a long story, but one I think you will find most fascinating. Before I tell you, may I request a room? I wouldn’t mind refreshing myself, before being in your presence.”
Debating what she said, the king scratched his long snowy beard. Though old, he had a spark of fire in his eyes that made Elizabeth automatically distrust him. There was something about him that made her skin crawl.
She was probably being unfair to him, since she didn’t know him. She was now among her people. There was nothing for her to fear. If anything, she should be rejoicing. Soon her people would be sent the troops they needed for the war.
“We’ll hear your story over dinner then.” The king motioned her forward, and then stopped her. “This horse is a giant's horse.” His cold brown eyes returned to stare at her.
“As I mentioned before, it’s a long story. One that I’m sure will fascinate you during dinner.” It would also give her time to get her story straight. No need to mention the fire giants’ involvement.
After such a long time with Stryme, she didn’t want to bring the war to them as well. If she had escaped before falling in love, then she may have tried to bring war to them.
Accepting her answer for now, he gave a nod.
“I will guide you to the castle, and then I’ll have someone show you to an empty chamber. When you are cleaned up and dressed properly, then we may be able to recognize you as royalty.”
Elizabeth did her best not to bristle. She wasn’t that dirty! Or was she?
Once they were mounted up, they travelled through town, and people stopped to stare at her, as they passed by.
She hadn’t looked in a mirror lately, so she had no idea what she might look like. Maybe, she appeared a wild thing that lived in the forest. It wasn’t like she had a maid to tend to her appearance while she was a captive.
They made their way to another gate, which allowed them access to the castle grounds.
A stable hand rushed forward to take her horse's reins, but he stopped in his tracks suddenly. Perhaps that was another reason everyone had been staring at her. Giant horses were quite a bit larger than any human horse.
Elizabeth dismounted trying to keep her movements smooth. She was thankful she was able to manage it without stumbling to the ground. Turning to the stable hand, she handed him the reins.
He gave her a nod, but kept some distance between himself and the horse.
Standing with her back straight and chin up, she followed after the king of Sardarn.
Elizabeth felt skittish, since she didn't know these people. They might be fellow humans, but this was a different kingdom with different laws. She found herself wishing with all her heart she was back with Stryme. She didn’t feel secure here, with the icy stare of the king always watching her.
Servants lined the walls. Their eyes looked straight ahead, as they waited for a command. The king stopped, and with a snap of his withered fingers, one of the female servants scrambled forward. Bowing to him she waited for his instruction.
“Show her to a room and provide her with water for bathing.” He looked over at Elizabeth, his nose wrinkled in distaste. “Bring her some more suitable clothing, as well. Burn the clothing she has on now.”
Without another word, he walked away with a few of the male servants trailing behind.
Elizabeth frowned. She thought it was overkill to burn her current clothing. It wasn’t like she was carrying a disease, but she was going to blend in, if it was the last thing she did. Her people needed this kingdom, and she wasn’t about to ostracize herself.
“This way.” The servant led her through the castle to a wing of the castle.
“Here, we are.” She smiled, as she opened the door for Elizabeth.
Elizabeth stepped through, cautiously.
“Hot water for your bath will be sent up quickly.” With that the servant closed the door and left.
Elizabeth stood there, just staring at the door. With a deep intake of breath, Elizabeth turned and examined the room. There was a bed with a trunk at the foot, a door that led to a small room with a tub in it, and there was also a small balcony.
The balcony called to her. So she walked over to the double doors, pushed them open, and stepped out into the fresh air.
The day was cooling, as night approached. Elizabeth stared off into the dusk, as her eyes skimmed over the forest. Would she be able to see Stryme once more? She knew he might have already headed back to his territory.
She was now alone about to marry a man she hadn’t met. She tried to reassure herself, but if the prince was like his father she was going to find her wedding night to be a terrifying one. The king had such piercing eyes, eyes that made her want to run and hide.
Done with her wishing, she walked back into the room, and went to lie down on the bed. Now she just had to wait for the servant to come back with her bathing water. Once she was in normal clothing, she might be able to face her breaking heart easier.
Stryme waited until the sky went inky with the night, and then he sent out word that they would head back to the fire giant castle. With one last longing glance at the human castle, Stryme led his men back to the their land.
It was strange, but he felt like his heart had broken into tiny pieces by letting her go.
She needed to go back though. He could tell saving her people had to be her choice. He prayed his mother would be right, for he wanted to have Elizabeth back in his arms. For now, he would have to wait and see what happened. Her happiness was his desire, after all. And if her happiness wasn’t with him, then he would just have to live with it.
Soaking in the tub Elizabeth relaxed in the warm water. She let the warm water absorb the tension from her body and work it's magic on her sore limbs. The riding had taken its toll on her.
But it was hard to completely relax, when the servant was still in the room with her. The servant watched her silently, and it was unnerving.
Elizabeth wanted to order her from the room, but she had no power in this castle, and she was positive the servant was there to keep an eye on
her. Elizabeth was sure the king wanted to keep eyes on her until he was sure of her identity. She still had yet to prove she was a princess, and even then she wouldn’t know what her place of power would be.
Elizabeth rose from the tub, and her eyes skimmed over the dress, which was hanging on a peg. It was beautiful, but she dreaded the tight corset, which was hanging beside it.
There was something to say about giant clothing. It was as though human fashion would never allow women to actually be comfortable or to breathe properly.
The servant retrieved the dress from the peg, and Elizabeth met the servant halfway. She feared she might chicken out of meeting the prince, if she didn’t hurry. There was such a tightness in her chest she thought she might explode. Tonight, she would meet her future husband.
Elizabeth allowed herself to be put into the corset.
“Don’t tighten it all the way. I haven't been in a proper dress for quite some time now.” She knew she would have to become used to this old way of her life. A way she had never been terribly fond of.
Nodding the servant tightened it, until Elizabeth signaled her to stop. Elizabeth then stepped into the dress and had the servant help her shimmy into it.
The neckline came all the way to her chin, and when the servant buttoned it, Elizabeth felt like she couldn't swallow properly.
This was a different design than she had known in her kingdom, and she disliked it. Changes were definitely going to be made in this kingdom, if she was going to live here and be content.
When they were finally done, Elizabeth went over to the only mirror in the room to look at herself.
Her hair was still damp, but it was straight and clean. She looked like an old maid in the dress or a young woman wearing her grandmother's clothing. The dress was a shade of mustard, with white lace adorning the collar, wrists, and then at the bottom of the hem, where it lightly touched the floor.