My eyes opened briefly at the sudden change in the horses stride. We were beginning to slow as we approached what was either a large holdfast or a small castle - I wasn't sure.

There was a familiarity to the brickwork and over all gleam of the castle. Rivers flowed with viscous, gushing water in small streams around the castle.

A quick evaluation or the strong walls, high tower that peeked in the middle and strong presences of Jonathan's army made me think of it more of a small castle.

Was this his castle? If so, it was rather pathetic for a man so feared.

The gates opened and I held my breath for a moment of hesitation. I knew this place. It was familiar but I just don't seem to remember where or when I had seen it before. Perhaps I had read about it?

The gates revealed a small garrison alive with movement and commotion, people rushed about, carrying wood and hay and other objects of mute importance. Men polished swords while others tried their hand at the art of fighting but the one who had my attention was the man standing in the middle of the garrison biting on an apple.

His light brown hair and brown eyes were familiar, and so was the cheeky smile he greeted us with.

The horses came to a stop and I decided to keep my head down hoping that if this man was familiar, he wouldn't be able to recognize me. The King dismounted his horse and tied her up to the holding post before he turned back towards me.

He offered me his hand and pulled me down, carefully pulling me into his chest.

"Can you stand?" He asked me, his breath warm as it fanned the side of my neck sending a delightful shiver down my spine.

"I think so." I nodded my head and gently put more pressure on my leg. "Yes it's fine just still a little swore."

"It will be for a while." He turned his head and held me out at arms length. Demetri soon appeared behind me and took my hand in Jonathan's place, gently steading me.

"So this is where you disappeared too?" I smiled at him.

"Yes, had to take care of some business." He waved me off. "I'm glad to see you." He returned my smile, looking genuine.

I knew there was a hidden meaning despite his lack of the word: Alive.

"You too Demetri. Now, Where are we?"

I was still attempting to develop a mental map of where I had been.

"The Rivers of Rohan. Know it?"

I sucked on my bottom lip nervously. "Yes, I heard of it."

And I've visited it.

One more, quick glance at the man standing by the King, munching on his apple and my heart stopped for a brief moment in panic. His light brown hair was once a strong golden colour but his brown eyes and mischievous smile were still the same.

I knew him. I have been here before. The small castle hadn't changed much either, which was why it was still so familiar.

The King and the Man beside him began walking over towards us and I immediately bowed my head, not in respect, as I was sure he would interrupt it but in fear of recognition - he was always good with faces and quick to learn.

"Demetri, put the horses away we'll stay here for the night to see everyone is rested. Get Nicolai to help you." Jonathan ordered his knights into action.

"And who is this?" The Man spoke, referring to me. His voice was much deeper than I remembered - it suited him.

"None of your business." Jonathan snapped.

The Man ignored his King and stepped forward towards me. "I am Gabriel Jefferson Lucama the Third. And you are?" He held out his hand as a greeting.

I could feel another pair of eyes on me, and I knew, Jonathan was watching me closely.

"They call me Little Miss." I introduced myself not daring to say my real name. Gabriel grabbed my hand and gently pressed his lips against the back of my hand to my surprise, making me look up. His dark eyes met mine for a brief moment and I saw the recognition flash across them as he quickly scanned my face.

I had changed a lot since we met; I was barely eight when my mother bought me here. My hair was always half covered in mud and resembled more of brides nest. We had spent a month together; I dare even say we were friends once. Gabriel was always carefree; his favourite game of the day was attempting to steal apples from the Grosser without being caught.

"Have we been introduced before, Little Miss, you seem rather familiar?" Gabriel frowned slightly as searched me again. This seemed to catch Jonathan's attention as he looked at me with knowing eyes.

I was quickly unraveling at the seams.

"I don't believe so my Lord," I bowed my head once again. "I have one of those faces in which many find recognition."

"And a beautiful face it is. Come, I'm sure you are all hungry." The ever so charming Gabriel left it there and grabbed my hand, pulling me forward towards the small castle with a seemingly annoyed Jonathan in tow.

Although Gabriel meant well, he was making my new 'trust' goal off to a very bad start and desperately needed to learn to shut his trap and let go of my hand.

The castle was the same as everyone I had ever been in. The same stonewalls, the same confusing corridors that always led you astray.

We were led into a large hall with a long wooden table decorated with candles and flowers, and a man already seated at the table.

The man seated, quickly rose and bowed as we entered the room, his hair was curly and unkempt with what appeared to me a bit of dust cloaking his attire.

Jonathan pushed passed me and walked over to the man before embarrassing him quickly with a harsh tap on the back.

Gabriel took the opportunity of the Kings distraction to move a little closer to me. "We have met before." He whispered near my ear. "Do tell me where little Miss."

My heart fluttered a little. "I-I don't know what you mean my Lord." I cursed myself for the uncertainty in my voice.

"What did they call you before? What was the name you were born with?" He pressed me rather unmercifully.

I turned to him, looking up at him with my eyes not showing any fear. "What does it matter now?"

Gabriel's lips twitched upwards as his brow rose with a slight surprise.

"You are right to keep secrets." He began again. "In your situation, I'm sure you are going to have a lot of them my dear."

"I'm sure I will."

"Shall we eat?" Jonathan called catching the attention of both Gabriel and I.

"Yes of course." Gabriel moved to sit at the head of the table while Jonathan sat at the other side of the table. Demetri, Nicolai, the other Man whose name I have not yet learned and a few other soldiers littered the table, each one taking up a position at the table between Jonathan and Gabriel.

I hesitantly sat myself down closer to Jonathan hoping the distance between Gabriel would aid in my secret keeping and my trust building exercise.

"Bertram, I hope Gabriel here has treated you well enough?" Jonathan inquired to the man who was slightly dusted.

"Yes of course your Grace." The man - Bertram - smiled.

The food was bought out in trays by very clean looking servants, each one in their finest clothes. Our plates were sat down in front of us with more food available placed in the center of the table.

"So you come to pick up something," Gabriel gestured to the man, Bertram. "But what do you plan to give me in return?"

"Nothing." Jonathan waved him off and started relieving his plate of its contents.

"Nothing?" He questioned almost appalled by the prospect.

"Why must you always be bribed with things?" Jonathan rolled his eyes and ignored him.

"Because." Gabriel leaned forward to get the attention of his King. "Thanks to you I am the warden of the Rohan which means I don't get much freedom to do what ever I like - and you know how much I like my freedom." He added the last bit as a humoring gesture. "And so here I am stuck in this place with my only entertainment being the guest you leave me. Bertram has been very delightful company of late, his conversation is rather challenging and I do love a challenge." He turned towards me with his knowing smirk.

"Bertram is coming back with me, you are welcome to visit," Jonathan nodded his head before adding almost silently. "Just not for every long."

"How about you?" Gabriel turned to me. "I wonder if you would keep me company for a little while?"

I blinked in surprise and opened my mouth struggling to find words. No way in hell! I think I would be better off in an early grave than with you. I shuttered at the thought. What of Gabriel found out who I was? He would tell Jonathan and then what? I knew the answer - death in the most painful way possible.

My father did kill his after all - a fact everyone never once let me forget.

"Miss will not be staying here with you." Jonathan forcefully put forward.

"So you are going to take her back to the castle then?"

Jonathan remained silent.

I took a deep breath and looked around the table. No one dared interrupt the conversation between the two. Gabriel spoke to Jonathan like Demetri had - very out of turn and with years of history that no one should dare disturb, but I doubt even Demetri would speak in such a manor.

"You can't seriously want to take her back to the castle?" Gabriel narrowed his eyes and almost seemed to get defensive. "They will kill her within seconds."

"Kill? What?" The words slipped out of my mouth before I could stop them. You could hardly blame me when I was face with my death.

"Yes Kill sweet heart." Gabriel clarified.

I was promised another chance! I know what Jacqueline had said about what they would do to me if I became his mistress, but surely with the Kings support I would be safe?

"I'm ending this conversation." Jonathan butted in and demanded silence.

"Shouldn't she at least get the option? You can leave her here, she can be my ward, completely protected."

"I am leaving the chest here and nothing more Gabriel if you have a problem, I'm sure your brother would make a better Warden of Rohan than you." Jonathan threatened with that sinister look in his eyes that I have learned to fear. "I think Dinner is over don't you?"

"Now, now." Gabriel attempted to salvage some sort of order at his table, but I - like many others at the table - knew this was no time to push. "We are just making simple conversation."

"Forgive me for interrupting," My voice was clear and cut so that it carried through the air and cut off the bickering of the two men who had quickly become nothing more than over-grown, dangerous children. "I was wondering if I might be excused? My leg is rather painful and I would like to lay down."

I had to get out of there before they said anything more that would tremble my pride or ignite my fear. And honestly, I didn't want to listen silently to the immature bickering.

Jonathan blinked in surprise but quickly recovered himself. "Demetri, show her were to go and make sure he leg is okay." He dismissed us.

Demetri and I both bowed our heads and quickly stood up. I followed Demetri through the castle. The sounds of the wind echoing through the gaps in the brickwork whistled in my ears at a rather loud rate. It sounded a lot like screams.

A loud high pitch scream made me jump. I did my best not to yelp.

Demetri stopped walking and turned back towards me. "You alright Little Miss?" He frowned with concern.

"Y-yeah." I took a deep breath. "There has just been a lot of screaming lately, I think the wind is starting to play tricks on me."

A lot of screaming was an understatement.

"It's just the wind." Demetri assured me. "The tower sustained some damage before the last war ended, the men have repaired it but the tower has three walls which is why it's so strong, they can't repair the middle layer so the wind whistles through the cracks."

"It's not very comforting." I frowned.

"No, I guess not." Demetri gave me a soft, sad smile before he gestured towards the length of the corridor. "Shall we?"

Shaking my head, I tried to ignore the wind and continued to follow Demetri.

"Is it just Lord Gabriel who resides here?" I questioned.

From what I remembered he was the third born son, so how was he now in control of his father's lands?

"Yes. His father is still alive, he sits on the kings Council. And, I believe he has a brother who is in the Golden army up in the Kings isle." He explained.

The Kings isle, another Kingdom. Also known as the golden isle. I had never been there, but I had heard tails of the extravagant jewels and walls of pure gold.

Demetri opened a door and held it open for me.

"Such the gentlemen." I giggled as I walked into the good-sized room. It was freshly cleaned, not a single speck of dust in sight - to which, I was greatly having rolling around in the dirt and mud for weeks.

The minimal furniture of a bed, small wooden chair and a chest of draws was all wood with knots and chips in different places showing the long life of the room.

Demetri moved a chair closer to the bed and sat down. "Let's have a look at that leg."

I swallowed hard. No one was really supposed to be looking that far up my leg, the only reason I hadn't protested to Jonathan, was that he had already seen well and truly above my knees.

Nodding my head I hesitantly walked towards him and sat myself down on the edge of the bed.

My eyes met Demetri's, his eyes were a welcome change from the dark sinister ones that have now become accused too. "Does it still hurt?" He questioned with concern and a gentle and kindness to his voice.

"Not as much anymore."

Demetri gently lifted my dress and touched the reddened skin that was quickly beginning to darken.

I hissed as the pain shot through me. "Don't touch it!" I pulled back from him.

"You said it didn't hurt anymore." He defended.

"That wasn't an open invitation to touch my leg Demetri!"

He shook his head and turned his attention back to my leg. "Just a deep bruise by the look of it. If it were anything more it would hurt to walk."

I nodded my head in agreement. "Thank you."

"You don't need to thank me for anything." He pulled the dress back down and stood up, turning away from me.

"But I do," I protested. "You've been kind and helped me stay alive."

His muscle tensed. "I am also the reason you're in this mess." He walked over towards the door and opened it briefly before he turned back to face me. "I'll send up a servant to run you bath, it will help the bruising."

He left the room, leaving me in silence with nothing but the screaming wind for company.

I reclined down on the bed and rested my leg, elevating with one of the pillows - why, I wasn't sure but I had seen my brother do it whenever he had hurt his leg. I placed another pillow on my head to block out the sounds of the wind and the servant who was now pottering around in my room: running me a bath.

"It's ready Miss, still a bit hot, best be careful." Her voice informed me.

"Thank you." I muttered into the pillow, not bothering to move too much.

I heard the door shut and decided to get up and have a good soak in the water.

I took my necklace off and rested it on the small table beside the bed. Loosening my strings on the white dress from the convent, I let the flimsy piece of material fall to the floor.

Walking to the bathtub, I hesitantly placed my hand in the water, checking the temperature before allowing the rest of my body to follow.

I quickly submerged my body in the water, biting my lip as I delt with the sting. Laying down I started to feel better in the warm water and began scrubbing my skin of all the dirt and mud.

Gods it was good to have a bath! An actual bath! Not just out of a bloody bucket or with a damp rag, but to actually be able to lie in water - the feeling has become far too foreign to me of late.

There was a quick knock on the door before it sung open.

"Excuse me!" I screamed as the door opened and I tried to cover myself with my hands. "Get the hell out - "

My words seem to die on my lips as I my eyes fell on Jonathan as he entered my room.

"Oh, you could have announced yourself."

"I could have, but where was the fun in that?" He spoke as he shut the door behind him and walked over to the stand at the foot of the bed.

I watched him a little curiously as he struggled to shrug out of his shoulder pad. Throwing the armor on the floor, he pulled his cotton shirt over his head and turned back towards me. "How's the leg?"

He started pulling the strings of his pants.

"A little swore to touch but fine."

"You're lucky my horse didn't trample you." Stepping out of his pants he held out his hand to me. "Stand up."

Taking a breath, I pushed my lips together to stop an eye roll and placed my hand in his and stood up. The cold air against my body as the water dripped down my figure and back into the bath made me shiver and small bumps appear all over my skin.

Jonathan stepped into the bath and sat down where I was once sitting. He rested his head on the edge of the bath and started to relax in the water. "Sit."

With Jonathan now covering the floor of the tub, I moved my legs to the side and sat down on his lap, with my thighs on either side of his. The water was still warm as it welcomed my body back into its loving arms.

"You look different." He spoke as he looked at me. "Not covered in dirt and all."

"It's amazing what a good bath will do." I gave a small smile.

He looked at me with a fierce intensity in his eyes. His already dark eyes seem to blacken with lust as his pupil started to swallow the rest of his eye.

I let my gaze drop from his eyes to his hands. Jonathan's fingers started up my skin, moving up my thighs, where he brushed against the bruise. I gasped slightly preparing myself for pain - but, there wasn't any.

His touch was gentle, his thumb slowly ran over the patch of skin and soothed me.

I rocked my hips a little to get comfortable; although, it was difficult with Jonathan's body aroused and underneath me.

I placed my hands on his chest on slowly moved them up his chest with his eyes watching my every movement with careful eyes. Tracing his muscles, feeling as they tensed and relaxed under my fingertips I gently rubbed his skin in the small circles up and around his neck.

He groaned at the feeling.

My other hand continued to move along his collarbone until I stopped at an oddly shaped mark just below the bone to the left. I slowly traced the shape and stared at it in question. It kind of looked like a crown.

"It's a birth mark." He explained.

My hand circled the mark once again before it made its way back up to his neck. He moaned again as his eyes closed and he enjoyed the feel of the light massage along his neck. The stiff muscles were all but begging for more attention.

I leaned in towards him, pushing my breasts into his chest and gently pressing my lips to his. His hands stayed on my thighs as he let me kiss him. The soft press of my lips on his sent a shiver of pleasure shooting through my body, gathering at my centre.

His teeth grazed my lower lip, slowly nibbling at the flesh before he bit down a little harder making me gasp. His tongue took advantage of the sharp in take of breath and started to control the kiss. Deeping the intimacy as his hands turned their attention to my backside. His rough callused hands squeezed my butt and pushed me towards his hard flesh, making my hips roll back and forth on him.

Lifting my hands, I threaded them through his hair and tugged on the strands of hair for better security.

Jonathan's grip tightened as he lifted me up: forcing my body further into him for support while he re-positioned me on his lap.

He pushed into me. I breathed in sharply at the feeling that was still somewhat uncomfortable and awkward to me. The immediate friction between our bodies as he started to move against me sent my body spiraling with different feelings.

The rough feel as rubbed against me, the sensitivity of my skin as his lips kissed my neck and his hands held me firmly in place. I tilted my head back as I felt the build in my centre.

My hands gripped the sides of the bathtub while the water lapped at the sides; the occasional burst of energy sent some it out and onto the floor.

I closed my eyes and moaned as he thrusted into me again, the rough friction of him inside me sent me into a world or array.

My stomach clenched around him as my lips parted and my body fell limp I climaxed.

Jonathan groaned loudly as he followed, gaining his own pleasure and holding my weight.

Catching my breath I looked around the room, the light was fading from the room at a quick pace and some water littered the floor around us. The water in the bath had begun to still as our movements came to halt.

Jonathan's hands grasped my hips and gently lifted me up, pulling out of me and shifting me off his lap. Climbing out of the bathtub he looked around the room and picked up a cotton towel, wiping himself dry, he held out a hand to me.

Putting my hand in his I pulled myself to my feet, carefully fearing I would slip. Stepping out of the bath I let him drape the towel over me and quickly dried myself - ignoring the slight ache in my legs.

I walked over to the bed and slid under the covers, resting my head on the pillow I quickly gave into sleep.

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Extra long Update today!!!

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