16. Draknir

Kathleen and I sit in my private chambers, the flickering candlelight casting dancing shadows on the walls. We sip on a rich, velvety wine to unwind after the taxing dinner. As the drink warms her, Kathleen"s tense shoulders relax and she begins to open up to me about caring for her ailing grandmother.

I listen with rapt attention as she describes selflessly tending to the elderly woman - preparing nourishing meals, providing companionship, and maintaining their modest home. The love and dedication that pours from Kathleen"s words stirs a deep sense of admiration within me. Despite facing hardships, she remains steadfast in her commitment to her family. It is a true testament to her strength and resilience.

The wine seems to have a magical effect on her, making her talkative and lively. Her laughter rings out like a symphony, a sound that is both melodic and unrestrained. It"s a side of her I"ve never seen before, and I am drawn to her even more, eager to prolong our conversation with amusing military tales and shared laughter. As she speaks, her face lights up with joy, each vibrant expression revealing the depth of her emotions.

"The thrill of traveling to new places with the army must have been quite an experience," Kathleen remarks wistfully. As she listens with rapt attention, her eyes light up with curiosity and a hint of longing. "I"ve never even ventured outside of our small town."

"The initial excitement fades quickly on long, grueling marches in the freezing rain," I reply with a knowing smile. Memories of being saddle sore for weeks flood my mind as I recount the hardships endured during those journeys.

"The biting cold, relentless winds, and endless stretches of rugged terrain were enough to dampen any sense of adventure," I say, searching her eyes and finding I have her complete attention. "But still, there was a certain sense of camaraderie and pride that came with serving alongside my fellow soldiers."

She nods gravely, seemingly to take note of my every word for safe keeping, asking questions to clarify key points when necessary. On the high notes, her laughter rings out like a bell, filling the room with its infectious joy, her eyes sparkling with fond memories as she shares amusing childhood anecdotes.

"Grandma was beside herself when I came home covered in mud and my dress torn from climbing trees!" she chuckles, her smile widening at the memory. "But that wasn't enough to stop me. It never was."

"I could only imagine. Remember how I met you?"

She chuckles cutely. "Oh I do seem to have the habit of getting myself in… situations."

"Situations? Is that what we're calling them?" I can"t help but chuckle at the carefree exuberance in her eyes and the way she flings herself into every adventure. The tense atmosphere of dinner fades into a distant memory as we engage in this lively exchange, the weight of our worries lifting off our shoulders for just a moment. Her unrestrained joy fills the manor with its infectious energy as we trade tales and reminisce about old memories. Her laughter echoes through the room like a symphony, and I can"t help but smile at her boundless spirit.

But after everything, how is she still so bright and lively and free? The more I get to know the young woman, the more of an enigma she becomes. Yet, the joyous sound is music to my ears.

When have I ever found another"s laughter so enchanting?

As the night progresses, I am struck by how much I enjoy being in her company. Her presence is like a warm embrace, enveloping me in her genuine and unassuming nature. She speaks from the heart, her words bubbling up with raw emotion and sincerity. In the soft glow of candlelight, her features are illuminated, and I can see the kindness and selflessness radiating from within her. Despite her reservations about our arranged marriage and the deception we must play to secure her grandmother"s care, Kathleen is resolute. Her determination to do whatever it takes shines through in every word she speaks. It only serves to make me admire her even more.

Time seems to slip away, lost in the comfort of each other"s company. The night air is filled with the sounds of crickets chirping and gentle rustling of leaves. But amidst it all, Kathleen"s voice remains steady and unwavering, a beacon of strength and hope in an uncertain world. I find myself increasingly impressed by Kathleen"s fortitude and determination. Though human, she demonstrates remarkable resilience and bravery. When she commits to something, Kathleen has a stubborn streak that sees it through despite all obstacles. I saw that stubbornness first in the forest, when she refused to relinquish a scrap of bread even after being mauled.

She has fixed her mind on saving her beloved grandmother. She has boldly bound herself to a stranger, willing to upend her whole life for the sake of family. Her bravery takes my breath away.

My respect for this young woman grows exponentially. She has shown more backbone than many a soldier under my command. I was wise to bind her to my side, for Kathleen"s mettle will be needed in the trials to come. At one point in our relaxed conversation, Kathleen catches me gazing at her with a small smile.

"What is it? Why do you look at me so?" she asks playfully.

My eyes widen in surprise, my muscles tensing reflexively. As a warrior, I have always been focused on honing my skills and mastering the art of combat. Emotions like love and tenderness were foreign to me, unimportant in the grand scheme of things. But now, sitting before this woman who radiates warmth and kindness, I am suddenly aware of a gaping hole in my knowledge. "I...beg your forgiveness if my gaze was uncouth," I stammer, berating myself for staring so openly like an ignorant fool.

Kathleen"s smile widens, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "No need to apologize. I"m simply curious as to what caught your attention." Her words are laced with subtle flirtation and I can"t help but feel a flutter of something new and unfamiliar stirring within me. "It is certainly not… uncouth? Tell me, do you find me pretty?"

Flustered, I grasp for words. How can I explain thoughts and desires so foreign to me? I who have only known hardship and violence am undone by basic fondness. "Pay no mind at all, more wine?"

"You do, don't you?" she teases. "It's okay, I think you're pretty too."

Do I actually like her in a romantic sense already? The notion seems absurd – we barely know each other and this relationship began as pure pretense. I cannot deny her lyrical laughter and captivating smile make my pulse quicken. And I feel irrationally pleased just to be near her bright spirit.

Perhaps I am falling for this fascinating creature after all, though it defies all reason and sensibility. We come from different worlds and are bound by necessity, not choice.

"How I envy your carefree childhood roaming the countryside," I remark after another of Kathleen"s stories. "Military drills and discipline left little time for play."

Kathleen"s response is filled with warmth, her voice laced with genuine kindness. "Well then, we must find more opportunities for leisure together," she says with a smile.

I let out a soft chuckle, feeling the tension in my shoulders begin to melt away. "I shall have to reacquaint myself with relaxation. But I have no doubt that your companionship will make any diversion most enjoyable." The thought of spending carefree moments with Kathleen brings a sense of excitement, like a child on the verge of an adventure.

As she gives me a playful nudge, her warm hand lingers on my shoulder. "See, you"re learning the art of leisure already!" Her bright laughter fills the air and I find myself wishing for the night to last forever, enveloped in our own little world and unbreakable camaraderie.

"Well I've always been a fast learner, and I seem to be in the presence of a master."

"Mhm!" she chirps.

The world seems to slow down in these precious moments, as if time itself is taking a break from its constant ticking. But as the sky becomes a canvas of pinks and oranges, I know that this magical night must come to an end, leaving only memories and a longing for more moments like this.

Her eyelids grow heavy and eventually close, her body curled up on the soft settee. I gently drape a warm blanket over her, not wanting to disturb the peaceful scene before me. Yet propriety demands that I carry her slumbering form to her own chambers, despite my desire to let her rest here in this moment of serenity. The room is filled with a soothing stillness broken only by the sound of her gentle breathing. With tenderness and care, I lift her petite figure and navigate through the halls towards her private quarters, feeling like a guardian angel watching over a sleeping cherub.

As I lay her gently in bed, my eyes linger on her peaceful features. The soft curve of her cheek, the gentle rise and fall of her chest with each breath, the way her hair cascades across the pillow like a golden waterfall.

"See you tomorrow, Kathleen," I whisper, fighting an urge to brush her hair back from her cheek.