She ran as fast as she could through the corridors towards her chamber. She slid the lock home and leaned against the door. Wracked with fear, desire and sadness she sank to her knees in tears.

What has become of her? This was madness.

She slowly stood and walked over to a nearby corner and disrobed hanging her wet gown and cloak to dry. She caressed herself welcoming the warmth from the nearby fire burning at the hearth.

She donned a dry nightshift and walked slowly towards her bed and crawled beneath the sheets. There she burried her face into the pillow and wept losing all sense of time, she fell asleep.

Every other morning she welcomed with a smile. But, this was one morning she could not. She did not dare face it or face him. She could not bare it. Closing her eyes she stretched and layed beneath the sheets. The sun tinted room was drowned out by the heavy drapes at her window. She did not want this day to begin but , it was evident it would hearing the keep alive and awake. Rolling her eyes she pulled her sheet over her head and continued to lay awake. The soft knock at the door came with a happy Mags walking quickly to her bed. Her fast chatter was barely understood as she briskly pulled the sheets from over her head.

In a fervid hurry Mags nervously pulled her to her feet with continued chatter.

"My child you must dress, the king has arrived," she walked over to a chest throwing it open she pulled out gown after gown. Holding one up that met her approval she placed it on the bed.

Before she could comprehend what was being said another swarm of servants entered and cleaned and straightened her bed. The familiar authoritative voice of Naan entered the room quickly pulling her to a nearby stool and began combing her hair. She silently sat listening to the older womans cluck about her going to bed with her hair wet.

"My goodness child t'is still damp your hair why did you not dry it good?"

She continued to comb the long tresses of silk sable. A slight warmth crept up her neck and her cheeks at the reason why her hair was damp.

Naan fret over it for a while before staying satisfied with the neat braid she created in her hair. Out the corner of her eyes she watched a servant girl dutifully fold her dry cloak and gown and place it back in her chest. Mags pulled her quickly to her feet and turned her around. She was quickly dressed.

"M'lord Gavin? where is he?"

She asked Naan.

Being whirled around she lifted her arms as Naan circled her waist with a belt.

"He is with the king in his solar." Naan continued.

"They have been in there for quite sometime,"

Worry grew over her about the kings arrival that she began to fidget. Her heart leaped with fear when she was told that he requested her presence.

******

"Surely you jest, My liege," Gavin questioned the surprising announcement.

The burley man sat in a chair befitting of his title, frowned at Gavins words.

"I do not jest," He scowled.

"We must form an alliance it is the only way to protect her lands and keep them away from that dog Defoe," he fumed.

"Besides she is the right age, I don't understand why Hugh waited so long to have her betrothed," he said with an annoying tone.

Bowing his head he closed his eyes against the now aching pain that thumped in his head. He had no sleep last night laying awake thinking of her.

Only to abruptly be awaken at the crack of dawn of the kings arrival.

He sat in awe and a slight sleepless stupor as the king told him of his plans.
For Gavin to marry Brienna.

His heart sank to his stomach at the kings decision. In part, he knew the king wanted her lands protected and by marrying her it would unite them and earn him Hughs keep and lands so he may pass them to his daughter. Although,  It was also true he lusted for Brienna, But he could not get the mysterious girl from his mind and he was infuriated that his mind and heart were only on her.

Abruptly he was interrupted from his thoughts and asked for Brienna's  whereabouts before breaking into a gruff chuckle of remembering as a child and the stories of her mischief.

Sadly the heavy old man sat back and breathed with sigh at the loss of his knight that fought dutifully for him. He looked at Gavin with determined eyes and repeated what must be done. The soft tap at the door broke the kings harsh glare at Gavins irritated look. Quickly the air between them softened as Brienna slowly walked in.

Gavin softly looked at her. She was beautiful as she slowly walked in towards them. He could see how nervous she was as she approached the burly man sitting before them. With an elaborate curtsy she stood before him as he walked with open arms towards her.

Grubby callused hand carressed her cheeks as he gave a fatherly smile that calmed her nervous heart.

"My child you look as every bit as lovely as your mother"

His warm smile brought a tender feeling to her.

"My liege, you knew my mother?" her voice cracked meekly under the question. The fact that he knew her mother was a shock.

With a hearty chuckle he sat her down before him spoke of her mother's beauty that followed her through her youth to the day she gave birth to Brienna. Her mother's qualities and virtues slipped from his mouth like music to her ears. Her heart thumped at the image the king created of her mother her beauty, elegance and tender nature. The soft chuckle the king made of her mother's stubborness that equaled her own made her blush. He gently held her hands and met her hazel eyes with a coy smile reassuring her that she was her father's daughter with equal fury and ire of the Du'Montclief blood.

"And if I am not mistaken my child you can wield a broadsword just as old Hugh" he tapped her nose with a sly smirk aware of her knowledge of fighting with a sword.

Although he did not like the idea of a deinty delicate female handling such a weapon he understood Hugh's reasons for her to learn.

Startled hazel eyes met smiling brown eyes as he regarded Gavin with his odd silence that stood in the corner.

Clearing his throat the king straightened his composure to focus on more important matters.

Sitting up straight she watched the king begin his speech about political proceedings she never understood. He continued and went onto speak of her father's  holdings and how through marriage they can be protected.  She sat in a dazed state when the mention of her marriage to Gavin was decreed.
To Gavin.

All the color drained from her face as she stood on wobbly knees.

"If it tis your wish my liege, I will obey it," her eyes lowered.

Her head was bent as she turned slowly to walk away.

Her whole world came crashing at her feet.

Strong hands closed around her arms and pulled her to face silver pools of confusion that matched her own.

No words came from his mouth to explain the kings decision. She was so confused, she could not take it all in.

Her throat grew tighter a slight and a coolness followed by a wash of heat fell over her. Trembling she stood before Gavin as unshed tears filled her eyes. Trying to release his grip because his closeness was unbearable she tried to pull away but he would not let her.

Her legs were weak and the onset of an odd feeling swept over her. She slowly touched her forehead as heat overwhelmed her.

The room began to spin.

Gavin felt her becoming limp in his hold as she began to sway.

"Brienna!"

"What did you do?" she breathed before her eyes fluttered closed.

******

She went limp in his arms, with an oath he lifted her quickly into his arms before she slid to the floor.

A concerned looked from the king was calmed,  she was alright; she just fainted. He craddled her in his arms and walked out in the corridor towards her chamber. He frowned at the warm heat eminanting from her forehead that rested against his neck. He caressed the top of her soft head with his cheek before placing her on her bed. Letting Naan place a hand on her cheek his suspicions was correct she was warm with fever.

Dutifully they followed his orders to attend to her before he turned and walked out to continue his audience with the king.

His orders were given and he must obey them. He tried to sway the kings final decision , but it was no use.

He must marry Brienna...

Some hours have passed before the king departed and left his priest to perform the marriage vows on a fortnight. Much preparations were to be made before then. His jaw hurt from the clenching of his teeth and the slight upset of the events that were unfolding before him.

"She is just a child," he hissed furiously raking his hands through hair, his now bedraggled look stared at Haroun.

The narrow eyes of Haroun met Gavins glearing eyes as Haroun reminded him that she was 16 soon to 17.

"Who are you trying to convince Haroun. She is young she does not see me in that manner," Gavin continued to pace.
But you do!!! he fumed.

"Besides, after last night I doubt I can do the kings bidding wholeheartedly."

Confused Haroun frowned at Gavin's confession.

"What do you mean?" he leaned forward.

"I was with her last night," Gavin said staring out his window.

Startled Haroun sat up with suprise in his voice

"With Brienna?" he gasped loudly.

An astonished stare from Gavin calmed him slightly to know he wasn't speaking of Brienna, but of the mysterious girl with the green cloak.

With a quick breath of relief he whiped his hands over his face.

"After last night I fear my life will not be the same."

Gavin stood silent in thought watching his guards walk around, his eyes strolled off towards the garden anxiously looking for her.

A slight tap at the door was met by a smiling Naan.

"Her fever has come down she rests easy m'lord."

With a quick nod he turned to continue looking out the window.

Some hours had passed before Haroun left him alone. Slowly he walked the corridor towards her chamber. He pushed the door open and entered. He looked towards the bed expecting to find her still asleep.

His heart sank to see her quietly sitting there with legs bent to her chest propped up against her pillows. Her petite form looked so small in the massive bed. He stood at the foot of the bed concerned he looked her up and down.

"How do you fare?" he asked.

With a sulken shrug was all the response she could give before breaking down into tears.

"Can my day not get any worse?" She cried.

He could no bare her tears.

"And you think mine is any better?" he whispered.

Quickly she went to her knees and crawled towards the foot of her bed to face him.

Softly she placed her hands on his forearm and pulled him close.

Unbeknownst to them both the touch set off something in them.

"Speak to the king, beg him to reconsider," she begged.

"I can not, his decision is final," he argued.

"I will not marry you, I wont!!!" she shook her head.

"You can not defy the king" he hissed.

"I cannot marry you," she cried.

His eyes held a sort of hurt.

He slowly leaned forward and tilted her chin up to look into her eyes.

"Is the idea of marrying me that bad, Brienna?" he whispered.

She stared into his gaze.

"The idea of being your property, is bad. Because that is all I will ever be. I am only a political pawn" she cried.

"I would rather go to a convent than marry you," She blurted out.

His heated glare only made her step back an inch before he closed his fingers in a tight grip of her wrist and pulled her closer. Feral tear filled eyes, pierced his greys. When she should be cowering, her anger surpassed any reasoning in her mind. His jaw clenched. The harsh words poured out of his lips before he could take them back.

"Do you think I want this?  To be saddled with a brat, much less to be married to one."

He felt her tremble beneath his stare only to know it was more hurt then anything that glared at him.

Her tears fell with his words and she tried to pull away before he finished but his grip tightened.

"You will obey the kings order and we will do it with decorum and humility, am I clear?" he pulled her closer not releasing her until she agreed.

With one last shake she agreed before spitting out her last threat.

"I will make your life a living hell," she pulled away crying at his tightening grip.

With a laugh that made her lean back the look in his eyes only deepened her fear.

"Wait in line it already is" he bit back between clenched teeth.

With no response he turned and walked away. The quick slam of the door behind him was met with her cry.

The deep cutting words that followed only angered him more.

"I despise you," she cried.

In a heep of tears she burried her face in the sheets and cried her self to sleep.

He did not want to argue with her but she was so damn defiant that it unnerved him. She was not but a child taking on the dangerous habit of disobeying him. He wanted to lay her over his knee and give her a sound thrashing at times. At every turn and chance she had she had a saucey no that left her lips that pouted with her stance. The night air made no effort comforting his anger. His heart thumped with her words her rebellious glare that promised him hell. With a slight maddening smirk he chuckled to himself of her boldness. He wanted nothing more but just peace and tranquility but the slight uneasiness of that wish was replaced by Brienna's  words. Hesitantly he retired for the night and went to sleep.

*********

His morning was a sour one. His bones ached his head thumped and he felt miserable. He watched his men train while Haroun over saw the squires. There was no sign of his soon to be wife anywhere. Sadly he imagined her still crying and refusing to leave her room. The loud clanks of steel continued on his end while his men sparred. Haroun turned to walk towards him to stand beside his brooding friend as he scowled at his smiling friend.

"I take it your betrothed will not grace us with her presence," he chuckled.

With a scoff Gavin continued to look forward.

"She despises me, I dont think she wants to be near me."

"Oh! do you really think she despises you ?I find that hard to believe my friend."

Gavin turned his glowering look towards Haroun, who grinned and gestured towards his squires.

His heart lurched at the very sight of his little hellion fully dressed for training. Her billowing loose raven hair gave her an ethereal look that would surely bring any man to his knees.

Her beauty surpassed her impish nature and as if that was not enough to stir any man, her every movement was graceful, unknowingly sensual and it elevated his desire for her. .  Anger grew in him to see how his own bloody body acted against his will and defyed him. Her eyes were fixed on him with determination and war.

She stood before Gavin as his eyes swept over her.

"Hello brat." he spoke with a gorgeous taunting smile.

"M'lord," she answered in a more serious tone.

She broke her silence.

"I've come to make a wager," she looked into his eyes with so much confidence.

With a smile that was so sensual her knees began to melt, his roguish grin only gave her a feeling she was making a dangerous mistake.

"A wager?" his eyes shot up amused and  twinkled at her proposition.

Giving into her command, he gracefully allowed her to continue.

Nervously, she stood before straightening her shoulders and returning his roguishly handsome smirk with her fiery glare.

"Aye, a wager of swords. You against me," she looked up at his widening smile and Harouns astonished stare.

His chuckle was enough to make her lashout, but she looked away.

"And may I ask what the winner meaning me gains from this wager?" he slowly walked towards her.

Her eyes lowered and her cheeks turned red before turning to meet his gaze with an ardent stare.

"Me, our marriage... I will do it willingly." She whispered.

His ears were decieving him that she would lay such a promise before him.

He decided to toy with her just to see how far she was willing to go.

He stood close enough to feel her breath mingle with his. She looked up into his eyes only to read sheer triumph before it was had. His fingers caressed the side of her cheek and traced her bottom lip. He lost himself in her eyes as well as all time stood still. All eyes were on them as they watched their lord towering over her delicate form. None at an ears length could hear his words but, all could see that there was something brewing in their stare.

"You will come willingly to my bed then?" he whispered.

Her eyes lowered and she looked away with shame and embarrassment at such a request.
Buckup girl you chose this wager.

Tilting her chin up he waited for her answer.

"Aye," she answered with a whisper.

"T'will be a true marriage in all sense of the word and I want your body as well as your obedience," He demanded.

My god what was he thinking to demand such from her, but deep down he knew she would not give into such a request.  but, to his surprise she accepted.

In brief disbelief he stood before her and watched her nervously belt out her demands if she won. Which were nothing compared to his.

"If I win, we will marry in name only we will live separate lives I will maintain my freedom to do as I please." her words at some point became a low blow he never imagined she would accept or demand either.

She looked into his eyes awaiting for him to agree to her winning terms.

Slowly she turned to walk a few feet away. Whirling around, she stood in a battle stance, sword drawn and ready. Walking back Gavin continued to eye her as Haroun begged him not to give into her game.

"Gavin are you mad? you surely jest if you are going to go along with this charade."

Gavin slowly drew his sword and assured his friend that it was no game and reminded him that it was she who wanted this.

She had a sensual beauty to her stare that he hadn't noticed until now. She was determined to win and he could see it in her eyes. She could not falter because if she did he would win....and deep down he wanted to.

He cursed his thoughts because they were mingling his image of her and the mysterious girl. Two seperate souls, none alike. He jumped back as she took the first lunge and slapped his sword. She wanted her freedom and she was going to fight very hard for it.

She watch as he enjoyed toying with her. She was growing impatient with his roguish smile with her every move. Hard muscles taught with strength blocked her every move. Every swipe she made he warded off with very little effort. She fought with so much determination and anger she was going to win or die trying.

All sat back and watched eagerly to see their Lord win, others for the defiant beauty that challenged him. All knew too well she was no match for his strength. But, there was a chance her agility would win.  She fought with so much ardor that some developed a sense of pride that she trained among them. Others felt she was a mere child and could not best him. Swift intakes of breaths and grunts sounded with her swipe of the sword mear inches of his neck. All were at their wits end as they watched these two fight with so much purpose it puzzled most because they did not know why.

Haroun stood with arms crossed knowing that his friend teased her with every stance and move. He knew deep down that Gavins pride was above all and he would never back down, Nor would she.

She fought with every inch of strength that she had, but it was all she could do. Her body ached , but she pushed it further. Her heart pummeled in her chest as Gavin gained the upper hand. He barreled down on her hard, very hard that she could not keep up. With two large swipes she dodged his moves before stumbling back at the tip of his blade that stopped in heart beat near her neck. Falling back she landed on her rump. Dazed and tired she stared up at the gleaming sun above her breathing heavily. The cold tip of Gavins sword touched her chest as he stood over her with a triumphant smile. Tears welled up in her eyes at her defeat.

She sat still and watched him kneel before her taking her chin to look straight into her eyes. Anger and shame looked back at him.

"We have a bargain and I expect you to go through with it." his words were serious and he meant them.

With that he stood and turned to walk away with one or two squires trailing behind him. Quickly she stood in all her anger she cried out furiously before she could take it back she flung a rock at him. He barely flinched at the offensive stone that pelted his back. Standing with his back to her his hands clenched and unclenched, he turned to look at her. She stood her ground as he strode over to her and pulled her close.

"I will not tolerate your ill behavior," his face spoke volumes of his anger.

He let her loose and watched as she stormed off leaving him there.

Haroun inched closer to stand by his side.

"May the saints have mercy on you my friend because that girl will surely be the death of you," he smiled slapping him on the back.  Gavin scowled before he too left him standing there alone.