My hands begin to get clammy in fear. I mean, would he hurt me? I don't want to have sex with a man I don't know or care for. Hell, I'd be happier right now if I actually was a virgin. But that didn't matter now. My stupid decisions felt miles away, years ago, even though they happened just a couple weeks poir.

We came to a large, wooden door, towering for what seemed like impossible heights above me. No doubt the door led to the great hall. I could hear faint music coming from inside. I sucked in a breath, weighing attempting to run away and almost definite death and this.

As I was being slightly melodramatic, the doors were opened to show a room full of bustling people. As soon as the doors opened, I watched as people skirted to the sides of the room, clearing a direct pathway from my spot to the throne directly on it.

King Alvar sat upon his throne, radiating power. I had seen him before, but he was not dressed in his finery. An animal's pelt was slung over his shoulders, and his cloak was long and thick, joined together with strong, silver chains. This crown sat upon his head, blazing red jewels standing out on it. At his feet lay two massive animals. On one side, an Irish wolfhound. On the other, an back wolf, with eyes the color of the stones in his crown. He was majestic and awe inspiring, but also wanted to make me turn around and run.

Definitely, I raised my chin and looked him in the eye. He caught my gaze and seemed to smirk in annoyance.

Out of nowhere, Queen Étain appeared. She wore a blue velvet dress, hanging off her shoulders and cinching in her impossible waist.

"I, Queen Étain, present her virginity as a gift, to symbolize the purity of our future alliance," Her voice was dripping with menace. I wanted to turn my face into a sour expression but I maintained the stoic but defiant look, mimicking his.

King Alvar simply nodded and waved me forward. I walked towards him, each step I took felt like I was dragging my feet through knee deep quicksand. As soon as I reached him, I forced myself into a kneel, and with my head bent, just as Queen Étain had told me to do. A sign of submission. I was many things, but I sure as hell wasn't a submissive person.

"Rise child," I heard a voice say, barely a whisper, I looked up to see my face inches from the kings. I glared at him, squinting my eyes. His eyes were full of kindness and laughter, which starkly contrasted his outward appearance.

Suddenly, he looked away from me and looked towards the rest of the room. His voice bellowed, "Return to the festivities."

I got up, following the crowd of people, quickly looking around for anything, and I mean anything to get my mind off of tonight. And then I spied it. A group of males were standing around a female who was serving them large glasses of what looked like ale.

Bingo, I thought to myself and I moved over there. Before anyone could look, I snatched the bottle off her tray, and down the entire thing as quickly as I could. I felt a burning sensation down my throat as if I had drunk an entire bottle of whiskey, and began sputtering and coughing.

I heard laughter erupt behind me, and I spun around to see Conrí with his arms crossed and a smirk plastered across his face.

"My, you're quite the drinker," he laughed.

"You fucking elves drink this shit? Tastes like fire," I hissed. I then watched as his face went pale.

"I forgot- Sophie, have you ever drunk hav's mead?" His voice was low and calm but I could see terror in his eyes.

"Tastes like piss," I spat, and began to feel as if I was on a rocking ship, and began to trip over my own feet, back and forth. I glanced up, and saw double. The Conrís reached out for my hand as I swayed back and forth.

"Oh my god you're such a child you have to be baby sat all the time," Conrí groaned, dragging me to god knows where behind him.

"Hey! I'm 16! But people always think I'm older. Most people look at me and think I'm 19. But, I'm not. Normally, I act like a grownup, but ehhhhh.." I babbled, talking quickly, my southern accent coming out.

"You're drunk, and you speak oldly. But, 16 is an adult here. You are held the same responsible in a court of law, you begin the process of slowing your aging until you age no more, and have the ability to be with your mate," He muttered as he pulled me.

"Fun! I'm an adult! I get to vote now! Whoot-whoot!"

In any other state besides a wildly drunken one, I would cringe at that sentence for many reasons. First of all, I realize I am recognized as an adult and my first response is "Yay I get to vote"? While I'm in the palace of a king? And on top of that, the words "Whoot-whoot" some out of my mouth? Dear god, I should never drink again. But, it just gets worse.

I began to sing loudly, "SOMEBODY COME GET HER, SHE"S DANCING LIKE A STRIPPER!" and spin around in circles.

He pulls me out of the room as quickly as he can, trying to shush my screeching voice. By that time, the room was spinning. Is this what acid feels likeI can tell we are in some sort of medieval looking bedroom. Conrí led me over to the bed and I jumped onto it, and dramatically sighed.

"Ok stay there and don't move like a good little changeling," Conrí said, as if he was speaking to a child. He began to walk towards the door. I stood still, pouting like I was a child.

OK it's about to get really interesting... stay tuned. How do you like it so far? is the speed too slow? chapters too short? I'm here to take any feedback y'all have!