Dastan desired to stretch his legs as he strolled down the hallways of the Earl's castle. He noticed outside that the trees had no leaves, instead they were covered with thick blankets of snow. Many Acarans ignored him as they continued on their daily activities. He slowly began to climatise to the unique faces and colours of the creatures around him.

He found himself studying old portraits of previous Earl's and their family, majority of whom all stood beside one man. He must be a King of some sort as the crown glistened on his head. The face seemed familiar to him, as his eyes were drawn to the large jewel ring that sat on his finger.

"King Dominic of Asreldion" A voice spoke from beside Dastan as he turned to see Reddington. He gazed upon the portrait of the two standing side by side. Reddington looked young and stern, his chest puffed out with pride, whilst his friend beside him had a humorous glint in his eye and small smirk on his lips.

"I am glad to see you're are alive and well Lord Dastan" Reddington nodded his head in a salute to the man beside him.

"Thank my liege" He bowed his head in return causing a small smirk to flood Reddington's face. He could see Dastan was a man of good character, before he trailed off in the opposite direction. His tail flicking to the right like a nervous twitch every few steps.

Dastan returned to his room not longer after, and merely stood beside the window staring out into the darkness. Dangerous clouds were growing over the castle as it rumbled loudly. Lightning flashed, before innocent flakes of snow began to fall towards the ground. Lighting and thunder continued to flash in the angry sky, as the winds started to howl. The snow was soon swirling in different directions, dancing to the winds music.

A man servant assisted Dastan with dressing more appropriately for dinner with the Earl. His nerves started to bubble in his stomach slightly, even though he has already met the man. Lion. Acaran. He shook his head trying to get it through his head. He hadn't even noticed the man servant had dismissed himself as he knocked on Em's door.

"Come in?" Em called as she glanced in the mirrors reflection as it was angled towards the door. Dastan let his eyes wander over her figure shamelessly as his breath hitched in his throat. She was dressed in a matching coloured dress that complimented her features beautifully.

"Dinner is ready" he told her as she nodded. He hesitated a moment before holding his arm out for her, she slowly walked forward placing her hand in the crook of his elbow. Both of their heartbeats seemed to have picked up as they made their way down towards the dining room. Dastan merely followed Em's guide as he wasn't completely aware of his surrondings in the castle just yet.

The men were all sitting chatting amongst themselves. Laughter bellowed through the hall as Reddington noticed them enter from the far corner. He beckoned for them to sit beside him as Dastan noticed Edvard had his nose in one of his books. His right fingers were covered with stained ink, making him chuckle. The old man had mostly spent his day documenting everything about Acara.

Food began being served as lively chatter erupted with laughs and cheers. Goblets of wine or ale was never empty, beating music played causing them all to sway or bounce in their seats. Reddington sat watching down at Em beside him, as she sipped on her goblet.

"Smile my dear, it's good for you" He chuckled at her as gave a weak smile in response. They soldiers all started pounding their boots, like they had done at King Barclay's castle. Crowen got up from his seat making his way to the middle as of the dance area and began singing, obviously with the help of liquid courage. The rest joined laughing and throwing food at him.

Em was surprised with how he remained on key for majority of the lively music. Reddington found it amusing, as they all applauded laughing. Crowen started to dance a local jig before slipping over his own feet.

The music kept going getting a bouncier beat as the soldiers had more to drink more and more followed singing songs and dancing. Soon it was all but Em, Dastan, Edvard and Gwaine who weren't up dancing laughing. Even Reddington in his old age had decided to get up and join the fun. Tœm gave an exaggerating a bow towards Em holding his hand out, as she hesitated at first before everyone started to encourage her and she was forced from her chair.

Dastan watched from his seat, hand holding his goblet of ale as Em was laughing her head thrown back as the music beat; she danced between soldiers as they spun her to another partner. Dastan took another look at his drink, her laughter making his heart flutter as he drained his drink before getting up from his seat, watching her beauty. Slowly the pace of the song grew slower with each step he took towards her, as she was soon spun into his arms.

Em gasped slightly and no one else spoke another word. His face was emotionless, yet his eyes betrayed his passion and desire. Their eyes stayed on each other, as he slowly walked spinning her with him. Eventually one by one the men vanished from the room, and soon it remained just those two, his face softening as they kept dancing to the soft music. His arm securely on her waist as if it was made for him, her hand moulded into his, the other on his chest.

They were reasonably close, his warm breath on her cheeks as neither spoke a word. Her soft hands in his made him melt. His blue eyes made her weak at the knees as eventually the music stopped and so did they. Her eyes watched his, hoping, before his hand around her waist pulled away, as her head dropped, her hand about to fall from his when he held it tighter making her gasp slightly looking back up at him.

"Goodnight my Lady" He whispered, his words soft and caring sending ripples through her body as he brought her hand to his lips. His soft lips and the tickle of his stubble sent shocks through her body as they lingered. Dastan knew he would have to shave in the morning, the itch along his skin irritated him.

"Goodnight my Lord" She replied slowly and softly as his breathing was beginning to become uneven. She had no idea what affect she had on him, as he softly lowered her hand before brushing her arm as he left the hall. Once out of sight he drew a shaky breath regaining his composure as Em was doing the exact thing in the dining hall, unable to move.

"I have been wondering all night, why you remind me of someone from my history" The voice drawled out causing Em to jump with a small squeal. Covering her mouth and another over her heart she growled towards Reddington. He stood in the shadows watching her, cocking his head to the side.

"Reddington! You should know better than to try and scare somebody like that!" She snapped as him fuming. When he was younger the lion always loved to pull pranks.

"I do not understand magic like others do. But I do know what I see before me. I pray in time I will understand. Goodnight my dear" He spoke stalking towards her before placing a fatherly kiss on her forehead. Her breathing was shaky, her heart was heavy and a stray tear began to fall down her cheek. Struggling to keep her composure she stormed towards her room, her slippers clicking against the ground. Slamming the door shut behind her she flung herself onto the bed and let the tears flow.