Hey guys! So, lets just pretend that the pic above is of Eirik's blue eyes reflecting back in Emrie's!

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Chapter 8

I hadn't realized how many hours slipped by until the sky outside my little window started to darken. I was right about the little book Terif had given me, it was filled with the customs and traditions of the wolf-bornes- Of their origins, and their myths. How they believed that the very first Northern King was the reincarnation of their God Adranus.

Their God of the Night and everything that entails. And every king after held a part of Adranus' soul. It was fascinating. Beyond fascinating. I had spent hours reading, and I wasn't even halfway through the book. There was still so much more to learn. My only regret was that Eirik wasn't teaching me himself.

I jumped in surprise at the soft knock that sounded on my door, and glanced at my little window to see that the sun had finally fallen behind the dark water. I had spoken to Leikos earlier in the day, and Mae had already told me she was turning in for the night. Terif was the only other one who really had any need to come see me, but after our lovely conversation that morning- I doubted he wanted to see me anytime soon.

"W-Who is it?" My voice didn't hide how startled I was, and I pushed my closed fist against my chest to help slow my rapidly pounding heart.

"Lady Emrie, I-I-"

Oh great, it was the overbearing wolf-borne. He's come back to taunt me even more.

"I would like to talk to you, if you have a moment."

I let out a sigh and gently closed the book before walking over to the door. I opened it just a crack. "What do you want?" I didn't bother to hide the discomfort in my voice, or the glare in my eye. It's not like he wasn't expecting anything different.

Terif was standing just outside my small room, an apologetic flicker lighting his dark eyes. The King of the North's general was so large in the small decks of the ship that he had to crouch a few inches so his head wouldn't brush the top of the ceiling. I raised a questioning eyebrow at him.

"I-I've come to apologize, my lady. I spoke out of place this morning, and upset you. I'm sorry."

I blinked up in surprise at the large wolf-borne as he stood hunched awkwardly in front of my door, a rather sheepish smile pulling at his handsome face. I crossed my arms over my chest and raised an eyebrow at him. He's been rude to me before this morning, but never before had he come to apologize. What made now any different?

"You've never really cared before." I muttered as he reached up and ran a heavy hand through his hair, his golden eyes flashing in the little light of the hallway.

"I know, but I've seemed to really upset you this time. And I am sorry for that."

His gaze and soft smile seemed sincere enough so I let my arms fall slowly back to my sides and eased my tense features. "It's okay." I mumbled as his eyes flickered hopefully. His shoulders instantly sagged in relief as he let out a soft sigh. I felt a frown pull at my lips.

"I see you started reading already." He nodded towards the book waiting patiently for me at the desk. My frown eased into a small smile.

"Yes, it's very fascinating."

"Hm." He muttered softly as his eyes flickered back out to the dimly lit hallway. "Indeed, it is. Have a goodnight, Lady Emrie." And with one last bow he disappeared into the room next to mine. I stood silently in my door for a moment after, staring wide eyed at the spot he was just in.

What an- odd man.

I retreated back into my room and closed the door behind me. I had a lot more reading to do.

-&-

"My lady." Terif bowed as he held his hand out for me at the base of the platform. I gave him a grateful smile and nodded as he helped me down from the boat's ramp and out onto the bustling street.

"Whew." I muttered already as I raised my hand to fan the heat away from my face. I had just barely set foot in the Lower Kingdom and I was already becoming overheated. And it didn't help that Terif's large, intimidating figure practically hovered over me the entire time.

"The crew is taking our luggage to the inn, would you two like to look around for a while?" Leikos asked Mae and I with a huff as he jumped down from the ramp and flashed us a bright smile.

"Sure, that sounds like fun-"

"No, I will have to scout the town before Lady Emrie goes anywhere." Terif's gruff voice instantly washed over mine like I hadn't spoken at all. I turned wide, bewildered eyes on the wolf-borne and gaped up at him.

"I can assure you, General. I have never had a problem in the Lower Kingdom before-"

"That was before you were important." His golden eyes flashed and I took a small step back as he snarled. Wow... I seriously hoped not all wolves were as bipolar as him.

I let out an aggravated sigh and rubbed my palm against my forehead as Leikos's eyes narrowed. "I wouldn't let her, or my sister, wander off on their own if I thought they would be in any danger-"

"I don't care what you think. My orders are to protect Lady Emrie, and I will do that in every way I know possible." Terif's voice wasn't a snarl, or even angry- just firm. He found Leikos rather ridiculous and he wasn't going to waver his stout loyalty to the King by disobeying his orders anytime soon.

"It's alright, Lei." I said softly when I saw the furious red creep quickly onto his face. "He's just doing his job."

I didn't miss how the general's eyes widened, or the surprised look he shot me before it quickly disappeared behind that emotionless mask once again. I'm sure he was expecting me to fight him on this, but the last thing I needed was for him to ruin the little excitement over this trip that I had left. Which wasn't a lot, granted- but still.

"That's not the point! He keeps demeaning my authority and-"

"Your authority?" Terif suddenly growled, his golden eyes flashing dangerously as he took a heated step towards my angry town leader. Leikos's eyes widened, but he didn't back down, even though the wolf-borne was twice the size of any normal man- and him.

"The only authority you have is what those half-brained Underlings think you possess. You should be on your hands and knees thanking me for allowing you to speak at all!"

"Enough." I suddenly snapped and placed a firm hand on the large general's chest as he bristled and took a threatening step beside me. His whole body froze, and his golden eyes shot down to my touch, but I refused to move away as I shot him and Leikos a dark look.

"We are supposed to be on a trip and enjoying ourselves. The last thing anyone of us needs is a winter filled with arguing! So, please try to get along- or at least be civilized!" I exclaimed and glared pointedly at Lei as his dark eyes flickered angrily. Sure, Terif had a problem with being- well, soulless, but if Leikos didn't egg him on like always they would hardly ever talk.

Mae's older brother clenched his jaw shut before his dark eyes glanced down and he gave a small nod. "Fine, but keep him away from me for a while." He practically growled before turning on his heel and stalking down the busy street. I let out a small sigh as I turned to the large wolf simpering behind me with a raised eyebrow.

My hand was still resting flat against his hard chest, but he didn't seem to notice anymore- or care, as his golden eyes glared daggers down at me. "And you? Can I trust you to behave?" His gaze flickered, and his teeth clenched, but he gave me a silent nod before stepping away from my hand.

I shook my head and turned to look at a wide-eyed, waiting, Mae who had just been standing behind me the entire time- but Terif's voice pulled me to a stop. "If you wish to walk around for a while, I will follow you." My gaze widened and I snapped my eyes to his emotionless face as he ran that heavy hand through his hair. His eyes never left the busy street or the crowd he towered over.

"That would," I paused and licked my bottom lip as Mae suddenly clutched at my arm. I raised an eyebrow at her as she viciously nodded and stared up at the general with wide, adoring eyes. I let out a short breath of air. "That would be perfect, thank you." The wolf-borne only nodded before resting his hands casually in his pants pocket.

"He's so handsome." Mae gushed not five minutes later as we walked around the bustling stands and the heavy crowd. Terif was following closely behind us, but kept a few empty feet between. The street was too packed to give anyone much room, but the few who tried to squeeze between our little group earned a swift growl and hard shove out of the way from our lovely guard.

There was a blush staining her pale cheeks and she kept glancing over her shoulder shyly every few seconds. I shook my head. "Don't bother, Mae. I don't think he has a nice bone in his body." I muttered softly as we glanced through all the pretty necklaces hanging from a string on one of the stands.

"I'm sure that's not true." She argued before glancing over her shoulder once again. The large General was leaning heavily against the wall a few feet from us, his golden eyes hard as they constantly scanned the crowded street. Every once in a while, they would flicker over to Mae and I before scanning the crowd once again.

He showed little interest other than following us around and keeping me 'safe'. I didn't want Mae to get her hopes up over some wolf that couldn't even hold a polite conversation. She was an 'Underling' after all, and a shifter besides the great wolf-bornes. I feared he would be far ruder towards her than he was with me.

And if that book Terif had given me was anything to go by, mates given to them by the heavens was one of the most important aspects to their culture. I doubted they were up for little, temporary, romantic flings, especially with those they didn't even consider residents of the mountain.

"Are you ready, Lady Emrie?"

I jumped in surprise as Terif's voice suddenly appeared in my ear, and I blinked up at him as he stood hovering over my small frame. I hadn't even felt him approach! Mae's eyes widened and she let out a small gasp as her gaze watched the large male looming over me.

"R-Ready for what?" I stammered as his golden eyes flashed. For such a big man, he moved quietly- too quietly for my liking.

"To head to the inn."

"It's still early." It was hard to keep my voice from a mumble as I dropped my gaze back to the jewelry. He was just so intimidating. It honestly made my skin want to crawl. Mae's hands clutched tightly onto my arm.

"We've been out long enough. Tomorrow is another day."

I licked my lips at his words. His tone wasn't harsh, or angry, or even really demanding. It was... reasonable, like he didn't want to really start an argument. I let out a small sigh and blinked my eyes over at Mae. "You wouldn't mind heading in for the night, would you? We can venture out early tomorrow." She was nodding her head before I even finished speaking, her eyes too focused on the giant General looming at my side.

"Not at all! I'm getting kind of hungry anyway." She shot me a small smile before blinking bashfully up at Terif. I wanted to tell her not to even bother. I didn't want her feelings growing and then torn apart when he shot hateful words at her. He wouldn't care either way.

Terif only grunted before gripping onto my elbow and stirring me in the direction he wanted me to go. Mae stumbled hurriedly after us. "You can slow down, you know. It's not like we're in a hurry." I grumbled as he ushered me past the busy bodies and turned towards a vacant alley. "How do you even know where we're staying?" I asked on a sigh when I realized he wasn't going to listen.

"I can smell that child who calls himself a leader anywhere." He practically growled as he pulled me through the streets just outside the busy crowd. Mae followed silently behind us. I frowned, but didn't bother commenting. I didn't need any more of those lovely talks between us for a while- or the rest of the day at least.

The King assigned him to escort me through the Lower Kingdom, and although I didn't seem all that sure in what Eirik really thought of me, he must have trusted Terif. I would have to trust him. Although, honestly, who would possibly want to hurt me? No one even knew I was the King of the North's supposed mate.

I had to shake my head of all thoughts revolving around him, and try to focus on what was going on around me. I already didn't want to be there- I wanted to be on the mountain, sitting in my chair, and daydreaming about what a life with the King would be like. I let out an internal groan and actually shook my head.

Not thinking about him was going to be harder than I thought- "Ah!" I screeched when my foot suddenly slipped into an unseen hole in the stone walkway and my ankle twisted painfully. I stumbled right out of Terif's soft grip and fell to the ground with a cry as my poor foot throbbed.

The large General stopped his hurried steps and turned towards me with a raised eyebrow before he let out a dark chuckle. "Are you alright, my lady?" His voice was a mocking tease, one I shot an angry glare at before turning back to my hurt foot.

"I'm fine." I snapped at him as Mae dropped to my side and lifted the end of my dress gently.

"You're such a klutz, Em." She teased softly, but a giggle slipped past her lips as she gazed down at my throbbing ankle.

"Thanks for the help." I grumbled at her and shooed her away with my hand before looking down at my quickly swelling foot.

Just perfect.

"Are you alright?" Terif's voice was softer, more somber that time as his large form slowly crouched down behind me. My teeth clenched. The arrogant General had just been laughing at me! Like he even actually cared.

"I already told you, I'm fine-" I turned my head to shoot him another glare, but my words caught in my throat.

Blue eyes...

Blue eyes so bright they shone like clashing lightning as they gazed down at me in concern. I could only blink up at him like a gaping moron as that concerned gaze turned worried. "Emrie, are you alright?" It was still Terif's voice, but the soft, almost caring tone in it threw me for a loop- especially with Eirik's eyes shining down at me.

"North..." My lips moved on their own as my hand reached slowly for his face, my fingers rubbing gently just under the skin of his eyes. How was this happening? His blue eyes flashed and a small smile pulled at the wolf's face as he gave me a soft chuckle.

"I thought you weren't going to call me that?" He teased gently, amusement dancing across those lightening eyes. I couldn't help the blush that rose to my cheeks, but like all other times I saw him- my eyes never wavered from his.

"You don't want me calling you by the other... name..." My words came out slow, like I wasn't exactly sure what I was trying to say. My mind just could not get over what was happening. The King's eyes in Terif's body, the King's almost sweet tone rolling of his General's vicious tongue. It was making my head spin.

His small smile turned sad as Terif's large hand reached up and played gently with a strand of my hair- just like the King had done before we left. His eyes finally flickered from mine and glanced down at my bruised ankle, his smile turning into a frown.

"You are hurt." He murmured softly, and before I realized what he was doing, the General's large arms reached out and scooped me right off the ground. I let out a surprised squeak as he rose to his feet and cradled me gently to his chest.

"What are... H-How is this possible?" I stammered softly as he turned back around and began carrying me down the vacant street. A silent, bewildered Mae following behind us once again. I tried to shoot her wide, and rather terrified eyes, an apologetic smile, but my gaze was already flickering back up to the King's gorgeous blues before I could.

He gave me another small smile before Terif's arms cradled me tighter to him. "You are hurt, little Emrie. We will talk when I see you again."

"When will that be?" I asked quickly as his blue eyes seemed to flicker. His smile fell, and his jaw set in a hard clench as that gaze darkened. He was leaving, he was giving Terif back his body- or whatever he had done to be there in the first place.

"I-I'm not sure." His voice was soft, but distant as his eyes flashed gold before flickering back to blue. "It takes a lot of energy to do this. But I will check in on you soon."

I didn't even get a chance to say goodbye as Terif's body suddenly stalled, and his large form lurched to a stop as his eyes flashed and turned that dark gold once again. My heat dropped in my chest. Bye... I was never going to get over how my chest ached painfully whenever he disappeared. It was so weird.

My eyes shot up to Terif as let out a dark growl and shook his head, but didn't drop his arms from around me.

"Terif-"

"Don't." He snarled and didn't spare me a glance as he started walking again, his hard shoulders stiff as he carried me angrily down the street.

"But what was that-"

"I said don't." He snapped and shot that dark glare at me. I flinched in his hold. "The last thing I fucking need is your voice right now."

Well, okay then...

I didn't say anything else as he stormed angrily through deserted streets and straight to the inn at the center of the city we were apparently staying at. I felt bad for poor Mae, if it wasn't for his abnormally large form standing taller than almost everything- we would have lost her.

"Oh God, Emrie! What happened?!" Leikos demanded the minute we walked into the tavern. He had been sitting at one of the middle wooden tables, surrounded by the few guards the Elders hired each year we visited. I shot him a small smile, but didn't get a chance to answer before Terif was carrying me angrily up the rickety wooden steps by the tavern's counter.

"Mae can tell you!" Was all I was able to say before we disappeared upstairs.

"You know, you don't have to be so rude all the time." I snapped when the large wolf-borne suddenly shoved open the fourth door down and stomped in. He ignored me before literally tossed me like a rag doll onto the dingy little cot at the back of the room. He didn't say anything as he turned for the door again.

"I didn't want you here anymore than you did!" I shouted after him, but he barely paused before slamming the door shut behind him.

"Argh!" I let out a loud shot of annoyance as my heavy body plopped back against the cot. He was so- so- mean! The King was definitely not as hostile and rude as him! Maybe those cruel and vicious rumors were about that ignorant General instead!

I rubbed my hands down my face with a heavy sigh as the images of bright blue eyes flashed through my mind. The King of the North- Eirik. He had taken over Terif's body somehow. Had carried me for as long as he seemed he could. He was here. For a moment, a brief moment, he was here. My heart wanted to soar at the memory.

I glanced around the dark, tiny, room and took in the run-down, shabby furniture that just sat plainly against the walls. The few bags of luggage I had packed sat against the foot of the bed, and I gave a small frown at the sight. How in the world did he know this was my room-

I gasped and nearly shot from the bed when the door slammed open. Terif stormed back in, a small goat-skinned bag clutched tightly in his hands. "W-What are you doing?" I stammered, and tried to edge away from him nervously, but the sharp pain in my ankle reminded me of how immobile I was at that moment.

My eyes widened when he suddenly reached down and lifted my sore ankle into the air, his golden eyes hard as he glared holes down at my foot. "Wait!" I started to exclaim, but instantly froze when he pressed that bag gently to my swollen injury.

The bag was cold, but it instantly soothed the throbbing pain in my ankle. I let out a relieved sigh and let my back rest slowly against the surprisingly soft mattress. "Thank you." I mumbled softly as a wave of sleepy washed over me. The sun had set a few minutes before, and my mind had been going full throttle ever since I got off the ship.

I needed sleep.

"Go to sleep." Terif's dark voice growled, and despite the harsh undertone, I found my eyelids falling heavily. I was lying awkwardly sideways on the bed with my foot held slightly in the air as he alternated the cold pack slowly around the swollen bone.

My eyes had finally closed, and I just started to drift off to sleep when the cold of the bag disappeared. I wanted to pout and demand he place the bag back, but I was too tired to really care at the moment. And I was definitely too tired to pay much attention to the pair of large arms gently scooping under me and lifting me to the normal position on the bed. I let out a small groan.

"Sh." The soft voice was enough to make my mind slowly ease off to sleep once again, but not before I felt him readjusted my ankle and place the cold bag back on the throbbing pain.

"Sleep well, Lady Emrie."

-&-

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