The Price for Peace (closed for WhisperedDesires)

[rockinzoe]

It hadn't been long after they set off for the day before Anna settled herself back against the King. She was too tired, almost a little broken, to sit straight and proud away from him. For a period she was somewhat sleeping with her eyes open, staring ahead unfocussed as they proceeded through her country, still people came out to look upon them although the further away from the capital they got she doubted anyone actually knew who it was astride the Kings horse with him.

His voice had brought her back to present,

"You sound too happy for a man who was probably left wanting last night," She started carefully, "My rest was entirely unsatisfying actually, bed was too warm and uncomfortable, which has left me eager to rest well tonight. I might even be asleep as soon as we make camp." She finished. How dare he? Who did he think she was? Who did he think he was actually, that he could disrespect a fellow royal the way he has so far.

Her lack of sleep did nothing for her mood that day, she vowed to drink as much wine as she could get her hands on before passing out that night. Then even if he tried something he would get no cry of satisfaction from her.

"I hope Your Majesties rest was unpeaceful and unsatisfying also." She finished off. If he ever thought he would take her, have her fully, well he would have to slaughter her whole country to make that happen.

 

[WhisperedDesires]

"Such cruel words, Your Highness. Truly, you wound me with you sharp tongue." The drawl he spoke with left little to the imagination about how little actual insult he took from her comments. She might bark as much as she liked, snap at him in her anger, but they both knew she could do little more than that, lest she draw down his ire upon everything she was working to protect. Still, he couldn't simply leave the insults unanswered, otherwise she might forget her place in their arrangement, such as it was. Besides, though it would be a lie to say he hadn't considered taking her then and there, there were so much more interesting plans in motion.

He leaned forward then, letting his lips draw close to her ear so that he could be assured that she was the only one who could hear him speak, before giving her his answer.

"But I think, wanting as I might have been, that you were certainly satisfied. Twould be a shame to let you drift off to sleep without ensuring your body was given its proper pleasures..."

 

[rockinzoe]

Her body jerked away at his words, "Oh it was not nearly as satisfying as you think, I have been so better satisfied in the past." Her mouth turned to a grin, this baiting each other was quite enjoyable actually even if his words and actions only turned her further against him.

"I think I can confidently say in all of my satisfactions in the past, last night was probably at the bottom of the list. You know, I knew as soon as I saw you, that you were a beast, royalty perhaps, but no true King would treat a fellow royal as you have treated me." Something about it made her feel a little sad, it would have been so much easier to just comply and go along with him, if he hadn't started playing this game that is.
"I actually had a modicum of respect for you. Yes you have essentially forced me along but treatment had be fair, how bloody wrong I was!" Her arms folded in front of her chest, it wasn't particularly comfortable and she would look like a petulant child, and perhaps that's how she felt too. When she comprehended how her future looked, it wasn't great. Was she to become some plaything, some thing to be used for the King to take his pleasure and then to be thrown in a prison when they finally finished their travels? Anna had her guard back up, was yet again wary of him.

 

[WhisperedDesires]

"Ah, but you were satisfied, Your Highness, and by such a lowly beast as me. But if you think your treatment unfair, perhaps you'd prefer to spend your time among the soldiers. I am sure they will be quite gentle with you."

His voice held cold steel of a threat, even if he had little intention to actually throw her to the wolves, or even allow them to mistreat her. But she already thought he and his were barbaric, far be it for him to dissuade her of the notion. She would see for herself soon enough what his people's lives were like, would see for herself why he waged his wars. Her family, her father, was not some innocent whom his people had come to sack and pillage without remorse.

 

[rockinzoe]

There was no stopping the bark of laughter that escaped her lips, "Hmm I'm sure they would be." She did not mean it of course, she wasn't even sure if he was making a joke but it was a comedic idea, his men being kinder to her than he had been.

As they travelled onwards Anna became more puzzled, she knew how far the capital was from the northern border, and they were not heading in that direction. The towns were all in the south, even if they had planned on going south first and then back up the coast their route was well beyond what would make sense now. They were much too far south for Annas' liking, it was too warm.

"I thought we would be heading back north, I've packed for the north, this road makes no sense, there are no fortresses or secret supplies down here. Where exactly are we going? Or are your map readers lost? I can offer quite good assistance." She could not help but laugh slightly at her own joke, perhaps she would lead them the longest way home she could find, if given the chance.

 

[WhisperedDesires]

"Patience, Your Highness. You shall see soon enough."

Any other attempts by Anna to bring the King to speak were met with silence as the convoy continued, the only sound the rhythmic drumming of boots marching along the road. Time passed slowly after that, the sun traveling across the sky in the endless turning of time. Little broke this monotony beyond the occasional shouted order or far off cry of an animal. Nothing disturbed the convoy's travel, the outriders spotting and dealing with anything that might impede their journey. As the sun began to dip beneath the horizon, however, a report came back, whispered in the Raif's ear, and he set the horse at a trot, heading to the front of the convoy just in time to meet the hunched form of an elderly woman.

She was clearly too old to be out here normally, of such an age that it would be more usual to see her in a rocking chair than standing in the middle of the road within a dense forest. Her clothing seemed ragged and well worn, a thick staff in her gnarled hands, and her eyes seemed blind as she peered at the approaching royals. For a moment, there was only silence and consideration, and then the crone bowed slightly, her raspy voice rising in greeting.

"The coven greets you, Your Majesty. We've heard of your success."

Raif, in response, dismounts the horse and strides forward, taking the old woman's hands in his and offering a truly happy smile.

"It has been too long, Crone Maven. How have you been? Nothing to difficult I hope."

"Your concern is appreciated, Your Majesty. But Aethina is not as harsh as our home, and certainly these woods are not so difficult as the Raventhorn. But I think I am being disrespectful. Who is this you bring before us?"

"Ah, yes. I've forgotten my manners. May I present Her Highness Princess Anna of Aethina. Your Highness, Crone Maven of the Moonsong Coven, Witch of the Raventhorn Wood."

The crone's blind eyes seemed to find Anna's regardless of their lack of sight, seeming to pierce beyond the simple physical appearance and see deeper, almost into Anna's soul. But the crone didn't speak, waiting it seemed for her response. Raif stood patiently himself, watching the princess carefully. Magic was a rare thing, even at the best of times, and it would be interesting to see how the young woman took being introduced to what was in many places seen as a dark practice.

 

[rockinzoe]

This woman was without a doubt the oldest most withered person Anna had ever seen, she almost looked like a gnarled old tree, like the staff she was holding. The milky eyes sent a most unpleasant feeling through her body, all the horrific acts she could imagine of him and she was still surprised he would be in partnership with witches.

Wizards were one thing, she had been used to wizards, taught by an old wise wizard in her youth, they were honourable. Everyone sought the company of wizards in their court, no King of sense dared invite a witch into his life, especially not a coven of them.

She stared silently as they spoke, staying quite silent even as they looked at her. It was difficult to move her eyes from the old woman, Anna wondered if the crone was reading her past, present and future. She hadn't realised for a time they had been silently looking at her.

"A pleasure I'm sure." What more could she say, it all made more sense. Of course he would win the war, her brothers slaughtered and her people enslaved. He was a customer of their black magic. The horse shifted slightly which only caused Anna, already on edge, to jump.

"I can see the King owes you a great deal." She added, he probably had a blood pact with her coven.

 

[WhisperedDesires]

"We owe His Majesty. It is his foresight that sought to keep us from being burned, simply for providing medicines and tonics for the sick." The crone moved forward then, gnarled hands finding Anna's and examining them with careful traces over her palms. There was a grunt of acknowledgement after a moment, though what she was seeing remained unsaid, before the crone reached up and grasped Anna's chin roughly. A long moment passed as the crone gazed into Anna's eyes, and then she was released once more, a crooked grin on the witch's face.

"This one has a fire in her soul. She'll do well in the north, I think. None of the gift though. A shame, but not unexpected."

"I've read the reports you sent me. You said you'd found some young girls with the gift."

"Mm, yes. We rescued one from being burned just a fortnight ago. She'll be welcomed into the fold. All of them will. I trust you are here seeking passage north?"

"When you've the time and energy. I wouldn't hope to tax you without reason, but the roads will be clogged with snow soon, and we've need to make up for lost time." Raif glanced at Anna a moment before continuing, a slight smile finding its way to his lips. "They proved more stubborn then we'd expected, I'd hoped to be home by now."

"Indeed. You shouldn't forget that even though they've gone soft, they were once Northfolk just the same as you, Your Majesty. Is she to be inspected?"

"No. She's to be taught the old ways of the North. I don't mean to impost, but if you've the time..."

"I'll see it done. Now off with you, I'll see to her."

Raif laughed ruefully as he strode away, offering only a slight bow to Anna as he made his way to other business. The Crone turned back to her only long enough to gesture for the princess to follow before she waddled away into the surrounding wood line. The going was slow, but eventually Maven would lead the way into a clearing, a handful of tents set up haphazardly throughout the space. Women, young and old, worked tirelessly, some drying herbs, others preparing wood and still others tending to bubbling pots of foul smelling liquids. Many paused in their work to greet the Crone Maven, and subtly study Anna, though the old woman hardly paused for any of them as she made her way to the smallest tent, and gestured for the princess to enter.

"Tell me, child. How much do you know of the Old Ways? The Northfolk's ways?"

 

[rockinzoe]

Anna was slightly confused and panicked as she was left alone with the woman. Was he just going to leave her here forever? The clearing, she had followed slowly behind, not sure what else she could do, it too was full of women all disfigured like the crone though none were quite as ugly.

She stooped down to step inside the tent, only big enough for the two of them to sit inside.

"Am I to stay here?" Anna had to ask the question, had to know whether she needed an escape plan. The crone chuckled in response, shaking her head.

"Only till you have learned." A hand holding a bowl appeared through the tents opening, thrusting its contents towards Anna. The smell was foul, the liquid looked like something you could find in an old mans chamber pot. "Drink." Anna felt herself obliged to, like there was something controlling her will, her arm lifted the bowl to her mouth tipping the contents inside.

"I'm going to be sick." Was all she could say as the contents hit her stomach.

"It's good for you, it will stop you from being so cold in the North. These fine fabrics you wear," The crone held onto her skirts with one gnarled hand, "You would freeze on your first night."

"I have furs, they have fires in The North, or are they so backwards?" The crone let out a small smile.

"We have furs for you." A pair of arms thrust a large pale fur cloak, it must have been the same weight as Anna herself, onto her lap. "To stop you losing your limbs at night."

She did not know how long it had been, the tales she had been told, things she had been made to drink, and now the fur hanging over her shoulder feeling like a corpse on her back. As the crone led her back through the woods Anna had struggled to keep up with the woman.

Even as they reached the road, there was no more light than had been in the woods, the moon and stars barely touched the ground they stood.

"Now what?" Anna asked, no other creature around them.

"We wait." The crone lowered herself so slowly before landing with a thump, onto a large fallen tree.

 

[WhisperedDesires]

Silence passed for a few minutes, the only noise the gentle chirp of crickets. The old crone seemed content to leave it at that, at least until the silence was broken by the heavy footfalls of armored soldiers, heralding the arrival of the northern king. Raif stepped into view appearing very different than before. Gone was the heavier armor, replaced with leather and thick furs to fight a winter chill that was not present. Behind him, four guards moved, slightly more heavily armored, with similar thick furs. The king paused to look over Anna, taking in the sight of her and her newly acquired cloak, nodding in satisfaction at the sight before addressing the witch in their midst.

"She's prepared?"

"As well as can be, Your Majesty. Me and mine are ready as well, to bridge the gap and send you on your way."

"Excellent. I'd hoped the men of this nation had been weaker, if only to spare the time, but they live up to the northland heritage well, despite growing soft." He turned to the princess then, eyes holding a certain mirth in them. "You look like a child wearing her father's furs, Your Highness. I trust your time with the witch was fruitful? Nothing too heretical or unholy?"

 

[rockinzoe]

It had been almost peaceful until the thudding footsteps, a feared sound heard by so many on their last day. Anna's face was quite blank, she was exhausted from such a long day, tired as she may be, her mind was focussed enough to listen to them talk. Her eyes focussed on his for a moment before appraising him.

"As do you." She smirked slightly, "But we both know I am such an innocent child really." Her shoulders shrugged as she placed a hand on her face, a most angelic look, before dropping and shoving her way past him.

"Where is the camp, I'm tired." Anna made her way through the guards and began to trail back along the path they had tread, the cloak keeping her low and slow.

"I shall have to say extra prayers to the God and Goddess tonight." She called, glad to be away from the coven.

 

[WhisperedDesires]

"So eager to retire. But, as you wish, Your Highness. Far be it that you lose out on your beauty sleep. Maven-" Raif turns to the old crone one last time, bowing slightly in a brief show of respect, mirrored by guards around him to a much deeper degree. "-as always your help is appreciated. If you could relay my thanks to your coven..."

"Of course, Your Majesty. They shall know of your well wishes. We shall have the Way open for you come the dawn."

"Excellent. Until then."

Raif followed along behind Anna, unconcerned in the direction she was headed and catching up with her quickly at any rate. The heavy fur cloak seemed to weigh her down, creating the image of a downtrodden woman down on her luck. A perhaps rather apt description, given her situation. He mused to himself if he would give her some brief respite from his own interests, but discarded the notion quickly. The ways of the northlands were something he followed, had promised those he ruled over that he would not do away with. Besides, if he were being entirely honest, it was the fire in her belly and the steel in her heart that he found most attractive, that even as she was a prisoner in all but name she held onto what stubborn dignity she could.

"Tell me, do your prayers bring the god's attention? Do they aid you in some manner I do not see? Or perhaps they believe your imprisonment is the path you are meant to walk."

 

[rockinzoe]

Anna had stopped suddenly, turning to the figure she could feel beside her in the darkness,

"My prayers give me strength, I pray to survive this, to survive you. My prayers will see me arrive back to my capital to claim my throne someday. I know someday the gods will assist me in this desire, but I must wait." She had ranted at him before moving on, indignation radiating off of her body.

It had not been long before the distant lights of camp could be seen, he matching her pace throughout the walk. Anna had been surprised at the relief she felt on seeing the Kings tent, exhaustion coupled with the fear of being left with the coven had certainly dulled her fire.

Nearby several men were standing around a large pot on the fire, whilst the contents hadn't looked exactly appealing the smell radiating from it was delicious.

"Can I have a bowl?" She had asked of the man holding the large spoon, always a good choice to ascertain the man in charge. He had nodded spooning a bowl of stew out and placing a chunk of bread on the edge of the plate. Annas' stomach growled at the sight as she made her way back into the tent.

The plate had been carefully placed on the table, the room unchanged despite its new location, before she dumped both the new heavy cloak and her own at the end of the bed.

Anna had not waited long, pouring a drink from the flagon on the table and tucking into the stew. It was a delicious satisfaction.

 

[WhisperedDesires]

The Wolf King merely smiled at her outburst, pleased with the steel in her heart, even if it was foolhardy at best. Still, he allowed her temper to flair, to relinquish her distaste and wrath in a manner that wouldn't involve trying to drive a dagger into his heart. Though, to be fair, he expected that too at some point, courage was a thin line away from foolishness.

Their arrival back at the camp had his guards dismissed as Anna found herself food and quickly slinked off to hide within his tent. Again, a fair reaction to the treatment she'd been given, if only because it was so soon after her capture. Raif chose instead to wander the camp awhile, speaking with his men, sharing in their jokes, and ensuring that moral remained high. Happy men made for better soldiers than angry ones, even if some said that rage translated well to the battlefield. If he wanted rage, he'd loose berserkers on the field.

When he returned to his tent he found her polishing off the last of her meal, the remaining soup scooped from the bool with the remnants of her bread. He chose to sit silently upon the furs that made up his bed, eyes watching her a moment. Even if he respected, even admired, her courage in the face of her situation, it did him little good, and if she were to remain by his side, to remain his, he would need to do more than simply humor her outbursts. Perhaps, then, it was time he saw to probing her willingness to speak, and maybe, depending on her answers, ensure she remembered her place among present company.

"Tell me, Your Highness, have you lain with many?"

 

[rockinzoe]

It had been a relief to her, that she had been left alone to eat, that she had not been tailed by anyone, it had been almost pleasant being allowed to sit alone with her thoughts. Like all good things it had not lasted as long as she would have desired, she couldn't help but let out a weary sigh as he entered silently. As she finished her food she had been carefully glancing at him, foolishly perhaps Anna had been hoping she would henceforth be left to sleep alone from now on, evidently not.
However at his question she couldn't help but let out a bitter laugh. She glared slightly before holding her right hand up, her first finger touching her thumb.

"You know fine well I would be expected to wait till marriage. Tell me, how many wives have you had? I imagine you crushing their head against a wall when you were tired of them and ready to move onto your next wife. How many bastard children run around with your features? I must admit you do surprise me, I had expected you to have a travelling hareem." The words had flown from her mouth so quickly she had been surprised herself.

She stood quickly, moving to look through her bags for something to change into, pulling it out and throwing it over her shoulder she turned back to the King,

"I am exhausted, I would like to retire if you don't mind." Without waiting she had already went behind the panel to change, out of his view.

 

[WhisperedDesires]

"I know full well what is expected and what happens are rarely the same. Though I suppose one could hardly fault you for being a dutiful daughter."

Raif took the opportunity provided by Anna changing to remove his armor, pulling away the leather and placing it in a pile to the side. Left in a shirt and pants, he chose to remain in those clothes. Anna didn't seem the type to take well to him being naked, and though he could force the issue, where was the fun in that?

"As for myself, I've had none, and have none. Nor do I sleep with many. My time is occupied seeing to my people, and there aren't many eligible women of proper standing in the northlands. Even less time to find someone who would be worthy."

Not inaccurate, there had been a few women who'd warmed his bed over the years, and he was aware, distantly, of a daughter. Her mother was now married to one of the lords, a fair and just man, who saw to the royal bastard as if she were his own. But Raif was... incapable of showing much concern, and his daughter's mother had insisted she wanted him to stay well away until she was old enough to understand her lineage. Thus, the King remained alone within his caste of stone, despite the occasional marriage proposal from the nobility that surrounded him.

 

[rockinzoe]

Anna could not help but laugh behind the panel, before emerging in her nightdress and robe again.

"Not worthy? See this is where we differ greatly, I'm allowed to marry whoever I deem worthy. My father was the son of a Lord true, my mother was obviously the daughter of the last King, but he married the daughter of a blacksmith, and his mother married a baker. We do not deem high birth to be the making of people. Also we expect virgin brides true, but we do not send them clueless to their wedding night." Indeed whilst girls were expected to keep themselves pure, other acts were certainly allowed, almost encouraged so as to stop the tensions bubbling over. The Princess was pure that was true, but not unskilled in pleasuring men.

The coven had spoken of him, she had to admit it had made her more curious of her taciturn captor.
"I hope you will indulge my curiosity, how did you first become acquainted with the coven? Did they raise you when your mother died in childbirth?" She was aware this was somewhat bold, but it would be better to fully understand the man she was to be stuck beside.

However with him sitting on the bed she was somewhat at a loss, did he expect her to just climb in with him there? Instead she went back to the table, sitting there instead.

 

[WhisperedDesires]

"Can a blacksmith lead soldiers against a warg den? A baker face down a troll without flinching? I do not know what softness you've all gained from your association with the south, but our leaders, our kings and queens, are expected to lead men and women to battle, to beat back anything that threatens those who give us their loyalty."

He had assumed she wasn't a virgin, a mistake on his part, if only because in the North the cold tended to push you to find someone to warm your bed. He may not have been with many, a luxury afforded to him thanks to his position as king, but it certainly didn't hurt to have the extra warmth. He wondered how Anna would take it, when they finally reached the frozen tundra's of his home. Still, another surprise was that she wasn't unpracticed in the acts of pleasure.

"The North has none of your wizards. The coven's take their place, working their magics to ensure we are not unprotected from spirits and demons. You may see them as primitive, even heretical, but without them sickness would plague my people, curses would go unanswered and prophecy would go unnoticed. They are due the respect they have earned by their own hands. Certainly they do not seek the shiny towers and flamboyant robes of your magi.

"As for my upbringing... my mother's death was unexpected, and it hit my father hard. Though he was a good king, he wallowed in despair more often than not." Raif made a drinking motion with his hands, hinting at the wines the former king had lost himself in. "I'm told I inherit my skill at battle from my mother, that she took up the sword despite her family's insistence otherwise and saw many of our nation's foes brought low by her arm. It was my aunt that saw to my upbringing, stepping in where my mother was not able, and ensuring I learned everything I needed to know to someday defend my place as heir to the throne."

 

[rockinzoe]

Anna could not hide the displeasure from her features, just because he had managed to conquer them finally did not mean they couldn't hold themselves up in the past.
"Any one of our loyal citizens would happily lead us in battle, any one of them could, our people are fine warriors!"

The anger bubbled inside of her, Anna cursed internally hoping the seething would not keep her awake tonight, it had been all she could think about throughout the day, the rest she would get that night.

"Enough with the thinly veiled insults!" She stood quickly, folding her arms over her chest, "Our Wizards have ensured we have not had a poor harvest in living memory, that diseases that once plagued us have been wiped out, they have served and earned their rewards from us. At least there is not threat of civil war when our King and Queen die! Now! I am exhausted and would like to get some rest." When he didn't move she marched over to the other side of the bed, with her back to him she pulled off her outer robe before climbing quickly under the furs.

The bliss that came with lying back on the pillow was incredible, whilst still peeved she managed to relax almost instantly with a sigh.

 

[WhisperedDesires]

He let her sleep after her outburst, seeing little reason to interrupt and considering that any further discussion would, inevitably, lead to him getting stabbed with the spoon left on the small table. He settled into rest himself soon after, providing her the space she required, at least for the moment. Her remarks had left the seed of an idea, of a desire, in his mind. One he'd see to soon enough.

------

Sometimes before dawn Raif woke Anna, hand grasping her shoulder to shake her gently. She would wake, one way or the other, his movements growing in strength if she didn't open her eyes immediately. She would doubtlessly take insult from what he'd ask of her, perhaps even outright refuse, but he'd leverage over her, and her own words had left him with some pleasant dreams he'd much prefer were a little more grounded in the waking world.

 

[rockinzoe]

Anna had been delighted when he didn't say anymore, clearly she had won that argument, she couldn't help but think smugly to herself. Sleep had come so quickly to her, it was blissful and an utter relief, no stupid performance of the night before. It had been restful, oh so satisfying, bliss. That is until someone started to shake her.

"What? Leave me alone." She half batted at whoever was touching her, there was no desire to wake up yet, opening an eye she saw it was still very dark in the tent, "Its too early. I need sleep." She mumbled as the hand continued.

"What is it?" She sat up suddenly turning to her bed mate. "Answer quickly or I'm going to have to kill you."

 

[WhisperedDesires]

"You're welcome to try if you think you've the ability to do so."

They both knew she didn't. If she'd a blade, and he unarmed, she'd likely be more than capable, but she was dressed in little more than a scrap of cloth designed to guard her dignity, not ward away danger. In that regard he was the stronger.

"You admitted to not being inexperienced in pleasure. I would like to see this experience of yours." An unpleasant request, he knew. She had little room to negotiate anything, but then she had little reason to accept either, other than the continued safety of her people, which would only go so far. He'd considered it already, as he lay awake, turning the idea over in his head. There were many ways to motivate someone to do what you wanted, and while many would call him a tyrant for it, Anna included more likely than not, that didn't mean he wasn't going to utilize every method known to him. "Of course, I'm not blind to your discontent as a prisoner of war, indeed I would expect nothing less. I'm willing to relieve some of your... limitations, perhaps even afford your some privileges that befit your station." The carrot. "On the other hand, your brazen attitude does tend to grate on the nerves after awhile. I might find I need to relieve my frustrations in another, less civil manner. I'm sure your nations former citizens would do nicely if need be. After all, if their princess will not sacrifice for them, then they must sacrifice for her." And there, the stick.

 

[rockinzoe]

"No!" She spluttered out, "Absolutely not, what do you think I am? You want sexual satisfaction, well you have two hands and a mouth, do it yourself!" Anna was shocked at how brazen he was, sexual assault was one thing, she was expecting it if she was honest, but this attempted coercion was not going to happen.

Slowly she lay back down in silence, a moment passed. "What sort of privileges?" She added, her people of course she would sacrifice so much for, but he had humiliated her already and seemed to want to add more to it. However if it would benefit her current situation and protect them, she would possibly consider it.

 

[WhisperedDesires]

The harsh tongue and outright denial, followed shortly by an almost grudging question. He wondered if she truly despised him as much as she said she did, or if some small part of her found him, and his northern culture, of interest. He supposed she must, she would not have asked questions of him yesterday if she wasn't at least mildly interested. Still, thoughts for another time, he had her current question to answer.

"There's your own horse for one, rather than simply riding with me. I could see to ensuring you've time to keep up your practice with the blade as well, it would be a shame to see your skill diminish for lack of use. Perhaps the return of your own weapon in time. There's also the opportunity to earn your own sleeping tent, and perhaps an attendant as befits your station."

Most of those things he had planned on giving her in due time anyway, she was royalty, and as much as his culture abhorred titles unearned, she was a Princess. She'd be given the respect she deserved, so long as she didn't make a nuisance of herself. Her blade would be... problematic, more than a few of his guards would chafe at the idea of her having anything deadly near him, but he was more certain that she'd keep her peace so long as her subjects were left untouched by him and his.

 

[rockinzoe]

She stayed silent for a few moments more, "I want assurances myself then, if I agree to this and earn said privileges that they will not be revoked, or have to be earnt by myself night after night." Perish the thought, "Of course if I try to escape or fail to kill you, I would accept losing them, but not just because you feel like it. Agree?" It was bold, but Anna wanted the assurances this would be a one time sort of deal, she was not going to be the Kings plaything for the rest of her time with him.

Even before he answered she had moved onto her side, one hand resting underneath her pillow for comfort, the other she rested on her own hip, somewhat reluctant to touch him. For some reason she was quite afraid to, perhaps it was the fear he would lose all control and hurt her, or perhaps it was the strangely intimate setting they found themselves in. Anna had preferred keeping away from him when she could, sharing the bed was strange but somewhat clinical, it would have been nice to keep it that way.

"Oh and I want freedom of the camp too." She added, it had never been explicitly stated she wasn't allowed to move around the camp, but it would be nice to have the assurance either way.