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waywardangel-wilds · 6 days

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"Why are you doing this to me?" Peeta's bloodshot eyes stared wildly into my own. He slammed a fist on the counter. "Fuck Katniss, this isn't my fault. I didn't do this to you."

I glared at him in return, a thousand different biting retorts dancing on my tongue. But he was right. None of this was his fault. None of it was either of our faults and it was driving me insane. There was nothing I could do.

"I'm going to Finnick's" I stormed out of the kitchen, snatching my stupid diamond clutch off the floor on the way out.

Peeta screamed in frustration behind me, but I didn't turn back. When I stepped into the elevator, he was there in the hall.

"You know what?" he sneered. "Don't come back."

"Happily," I punched the button to the lobby. When the doors finally slid shut between us I allowed myself to scream.

#this is like so deeply into the future and they both have good reasons for this #arranged #everlark fanfiction

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sliebman10 · 9 months

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Arranged

Harry crossed his arms grinning at them. "Don't give me you can't accept…it's all been arranged," he said. "The portkey leaves on Friday."

Sirius looked at his godson, his eyes full. "Thank you, Harry."

Harry came over and hugged them both tightly. "No, thank you. For everything. Now go.. enjoy the sun and the beach," he said.

After he left, Remus passed Sirius the pamphlet Harry gave them. "It looks amazing," Remus said, sliding his arms around Sirius and burying his nose in Sirius's neck. "You have to wear sunscreen in Santorini, Pads."

"I'm sure my husband will remember," he said with a grin. "Don't forget to pack your swimsuit, Moony."

Word count: 111

@wolfstarmicrofic

#wolfstar #sirius black #remus lupin #wolfstar microfic #harry potter #good godfather sirius black #arranged

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duckingwriting · 2 months

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I got an ask bounced back at me by @blind-the-winds here.

It turns out I've written a lot more this week than I thought I did. Including in a piece I haven't worked on in a while. But here it is!

"Go away." Alison's voice drew Beth from her memories she looked up at the where the pack alpha had his hands in the air eyeing the wooden spoon pointing at his chest distrustfully.

"You're holding my mate hostage." Duncan lifted his gaze up to Beth pleadingly.

"She's helpful. You best just find yourself back where you came from." Alison shook the spoon more. "You're not too old for me to put in the corner!"

#ask answer #bounced back ask #werewolf story #arranged #writblr #dux writing #duxwriting #my writing #originalwork

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misssunflowersandsangria · 2 years

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Chapters: 1/1 Fandom: Naruto Rating: Mature Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Nara Shikamaru/Temari Characters: Nara Shikamaru, Temari (Naruto) Additional Tags: ShikaTema, ShikaTemaMonth, ShikaTemaMonth2022, STMonth22, Fluff, Smut, Arranged Marriage Summary:

Temari had long accepted her fate of an arranged marriage. It is just what their family had done for generations. What she wasn’t anticipating was the man that she was destined to marry.

Happy Shikatema Month my Deers! I’ve absolutely loved all of the submissions for this month. Here’s my tiny contribution. It’s longer than my usual one shots but this prompt was everything. It’s fluffy, smutty, and chock full of ShikaTema goodness. Enjoy it, babes!

Prompt: Arranged

Promised

Temari took a deep breath waiting for her fiancé.

It was still such a foreign concept. She should have been anticipating this day. Arranged marriages were just what their family had done for generations. Marriages were business arrangements solely done to garner more wealth and influence. It had been the case for her parents. The respect and love had come eventually. Still, as much as she knew that it was going to happen she wasn’t prepared for reality.

After the deals were made and contracts were signed her father was strangely vague about who her betrothed was. He just assured her that he was from a good family and this was the best scenario for her and their family. She wasn’t allowed to be a part of any of the proceedings. Her father and brothers were her representatives. Temari just accepted her fate and hoped that her family had done their best for her. Her father was a lot of things and being a shrewd and calculated businessman was one of them. She wasn’t going to be married off to a family that wasn’t worthy of her. In the end, whoever she did marry had to be enough in the eyes of her father and that was a tall order.

Temari took another deep breath before sipping her tea. Her…fiancé had asked that their first meeting occur at his home without any chaperones. It was a bit unorthodox but her father had agreed and so she’d made her way from Suna to Konoha. She’d been there so many times that she could name all the roads and buildings they passed. She pushed aside certain memories that the scenery attempted to invoke. When at one time this place had been like a second home it was now just haunting scenes from her past. She’d avoided returning there for years now but her destiny couldn’t be put off any longer. They drove past the city to a beautiful neighborhood with large homes and the grandest one of them all was the one they’d pulled up to.

She was quickly ushered inside and everyone that she met welcomed her kindly. Excited at her presence there. There was something oddly familiar and comforting about this place even though she was sure she’d never been there. Upon coming to the room she was asked to wait in she was surprised to see a table filled with her favorite tea and snacks. Her future husband had done his research.

Temari tried to relax in the gorgeous room. It had a wonderful view of the gardens. Warm and inviting it was easy to pretend she was in a different place instead of her fiancés home. Now her home.

At least her cage would be a beautiful one.

When she heard the door open her breath caught. The air in the room had shifted. This was it.

He took the chair across from her to sit and silently stare.

Temari’s eyes widened as she tried to maintain her composure. This was a turn of events. Once Temari got her wits about she spoke, “I can’t say I’m not surprised.”

The arrogant yet handsome grin that crossed his face sent a bolt of electricity through her. Years later he still affected her like no one else.

“You shouldn’t be.”

He leaned forward placing his chin on steepled fingers to bring them closer together. He seemed annoyed by the space between them. Temari wondered if from this distance he could hear how loudly her heart was beating.

She leaned further away from him. “You’re right. Given our families' shared histories I should have figured that my father would want to make our alliance stronger. What better way than a marriage?”

The Naras were one of the most powerful and prolific political families across the five nations. Her family had been there from their early ascent into power. Providing money and clout. The Naras in turn ensured that her family had exclusive control over the production and distribution of military arms and weapons. A marriage between their two families would only tighten the stranglehold and influence that they had in Suna, Konoha, and across the other nations. The press would have a field day once news of their engagement broke.

Shikamaru noticeably clenched and unclenched his fist. “Do you believe that this is about something as frivolous as money, power, and political influence? I could give a fuck about all of that Temari. I have all of that. All I care about is you.”

Temari was sure her gasp of shock was audible. It had been years since they’d seen one another face to face. She only knew what the rest of the world did. He’d made a name for himself while expanding the Nara name and influence. The Genius Nara. He was known far and wide for his political skill and was on his way to being second in command for the Konoha government. How he was doing personally was only garnered through information from his mother. Also, from shamefully stalking a rarely used social media account. It hurt that after having become so close it was nothing but silence for years. As far as she knew the person sitting across from her was a stranger.

No, her fiancé.

Nara Shikamaru had grown up. He was finally taller than her with lean muscles encased by a well-fitting expensive suit. His hair was still in that familiar style but it suited him well. Where at one time he’d been awkward and lanky he now sat in front of her confident and handsome.

Despite knowing very little about his current life she did know that Shikamaru was considered one of the most eligible bachelors. Handsome, rich, powerful, and from a storied family. He would be quite the catch. Despite his status, he was never seen with another woman. No one had ever been found to be associated with him. Women would kill for the chance to be in her position but it seemed like all he wanted was her.

Shikamaru stared at her deeply. Those eyes she’d known so well set on her sure and steady. His heavy gaze left her speechless.

“You sealed your fate that night you kissed me. From that second you were mine.”

Continued Here

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one-thousand-and-one-fandoms · 1 year

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Listen, I have a lot of complaints about The Swan Princess, but the way they set up their romance during the "This Is My Idea" montage is masterful. My problem is how they execute the romance after that because Derek is, at best, an idiot; at worst, he's a jerk.

#arranged #what else is there #the swan princess #odette #derek #I want more marriage stories where both parties consent to the match and agree to marry and work through it #unlike Derek and Odette who never talk about the

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awsmdog-blog · 7 months

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Hayato Matsuo - Syvalion ~Super Famicom Game Music~ - Battle ~ Descending to Heaven

#syvalion #hayato matsuo #arranged #remix #house #jazz #trance #snes #super famicom #Youtube

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kochemusic · 1 year

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I’ve just finished a smash bros cover I’ve been wanting to do for a long time! Imagine fighting a really good peach player on battlefield! This is Battlefield - Mighty Peach Version!

youtube

#smash bros #peach #ost #covers #arrangements #arranged #battlefield #peach player #bgm #music #Youtube

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violetttdayss · 7 months

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mirrorball | max verstappen - 1.9 the fashion show (on Wattpad) https://www.wattpad.com/1374775327-mirrorball-max-verstappen-1-9-the-fashion-show?utm_source=web&utm_medium=tumblr&utm_content=share_reading&wp_uname=violetttdays&wp_originator=H%2B1gD%2FvjHghhWVdJJbgyFqELQ3Xzhqxu%2FhJGuijJrXQAsKk2lx%2FEZkSuGAKfknZLMdQVdzab8Iv0Aokm%2BVyQdI1ogl6k887QvUHzQRSWKOX%2FHF%2FETzoCTAZ2I7UrjcGF ｡･ﾟﾟ･book one of the 𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐄𝐑 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐒 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 ･ﾟﾟ･｡ ❪🎥❫ in which a marriage of convenience becomes more than what was stated in the terms and conditions. formula one max x oc 2022 season based started: aug 2023 - 「 © VIOLETTTDAY | 2023 」

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waywardangel-wilds · 11 days

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Happy Arranged update day! It's only been months in the making!

Here's your preview:

Knock, knock, knock.

“Prim?”

How did the song go again?

Here it’s… safe?

Here it’s warm.

Here the daisies—

Daisies guard you from…

Every? Every what?

What comes after that? Why can’t I remember the song? It’s my song.

Knock, knock.

“Primmy,” Nan peeked into the small gap between the door and its frame. “It’s time to eat.”

“Not hungry,” I mumbled.

“You should have a few bites anyhow, okay?” she pushed the door open and stepped into the threshold. “You don’t have to finish but give it a chance.”

I sniffled and turned away from her. I opted for letting my eyes wander towards the bedroom window where the curtains were drawn, allowing me to look into the Mellark boys’ old room across the way. It seemed like Mrs. Mellark had finally gotten around to selling her kids furniture. Figures.

The bed dipped at the far edge with Nan’s weight. I closed my eyes and buried my nose back into the sheets to avoid talking to her.

“You need get out of this room, at least for a little while.”

“Don’t wanna,” I grumbled to the mattress.

There was a pause. “It’s what Katniss would want,” Nan said softly.

I took a deep breath. I knew that. Katniss would want me outside, milking the goat or taking care of the cat. Tears filled my eyes at the thought.

“Oh sweet pea.” Nan came closer, I felt her hand brushing soothingly along my hair.

“It—” I hiccupped. “It was my slip, my fault.”

“Shh,” Nan continued to brush her hand along my hair. “No ones to blame, least of all you.”

“I don’t want her to die,” I continued. “She-she,” I struggled, “she can’t go.”

“I know,” I looked up at her somber face. “I know.” She repeated.

My eyes were burning. Nan reached out and wiped my tears away with her thumbs, just like mama used to do. “I want my mama,” I moaned.

Nan’s face crumpled. She gathered me up against her chest, a hand running up and down my back. “I know darlin’, I know.”

I squeezed my eyes shut, hoping the tears would stop, but they wouldn’t. I buried my nose into the rough texture of her blouse, feeling lost.

“She’ll do her best to come back to you.” Nan squeezed me. “That’s the best we can hope for right now.”

“Yeah,” I whispered.

She kept up rubbing my shoulder as my tears dried up, humming quietly. It wasn’t a song, but it did its job.

I leaned back to rub my hand along my nose, wiping away the snot that had gathered there. “I need to milk Lady.”

“That’s right,” Nan encouraged while tucking some of my unruly hair behind my ear. “I’ll get your soup ready. Make sure you tie her in her pen once you’re done alright?”

#everlark #katniss everdeen #peeta mellark #the hunger games #thg #fanfic #arranged

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ariel-seagull-wings · 1 year

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Assista a "✔ Arranged Full Movie - Romance movies 2017 - Friendship has no Religion" no YouTube

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@professorlehnsherr-almashy @princesssarisa @faintingheroine @angelixgutz @softlytowardthesun @autistic-prince-cinderella @the-blue-fairie

Beautifull slice of life TV movie from 2007, about two young woman, one orthodox jewish, the other muslim, who become friends as they work together as school teachers and are entering willingly in the proccess of having a marriage arranged by their families.

#arranged #arranged 2007 #youtube

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emersonmanandnature · 2 years

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August 17, 2022

Multicolored Pencils

#design #abstract #rows #abundance #arranged #background #art & crafts #bright colors #balancing #photography #cjcorwinoriginal

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nyssandracousland · 1 year

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It’s a longer one.

Chapter 14

They had been riding a long time when Nyss finally opened her eyes.

She was still latched onto her Templar.

“You finally rejoined me.” He smiled looking down at her.

“Sorry, you’re just so wonderfully warm and safe.”

“I hate to say it My Lady but we are nearly to Highever.”

“What happens then?” She asked.

“I suppose we go back to, whatever it was we were doing before.” Cullen said sadly.

Nyss pondered how she would ever move forward from this. From him. She did not want to. She put her forehead onto his breastplate.

“Will you forget me?” The muffled sentence came from between her lips.

“Only death will make me stop thinking of you. Even then I will watch over you from the stars until we are reunited among them.” He whispered into her ear, and wrapped his arm tight around her.

“Do Templars ever have families?” She asked hopefully.

“They do, but it requires a lot of special circumstances. Or they have to be wed before joining the order. Most of us just assume we stay alone, be the earthly husbands of Andraste if you want to call it that.” His response was very textbook.

“It sounds lonely. You give up everything and are deprived of the one thing that most long for.” She said sadly.

“It wasn’t a bad thought until you came along. Now I must accept it. Many of us take vows of celibacy to prove our devotion to the Maker.” He said.

“Have you? Taken the vow?” She asked.

“I have- I have not.” He said, a pink hue formed on his face. He straighter up and quietly whispered, “Nor will I.”

“Then I can hold out hope that someday you’ll come find me.” She smiled.

“My lady, you make remaining part of the Order difficult enough already, Maker don’t tempt me more.” He kissed the top of her head.

“You know Cullen, we will be at the castle soon. Just for these last moments, let me pretend you are all mine. Let me enjoy your tender touch one last moment before we have to return to our reality.” She kissed the side of his neck gently.

Cullen swallowed hard. “I do not believe this a fantasy, I believe this is our reality. It will be harder for us, so let us enjoy the time we have together.” He stopped his mount and climbed down, helping his cherished Lady off as well.

“See that.” She took his hand and pointed with it to the large stone castle on the hill.

“I do.”

“That’s my home. Can you hear the music?” She asked.

“I can, what are they playing?”

“It’s a lament tune. The bard, his name is Yarick, he plays it when there is mourning.”

“What do you do when you hear it?”

“We celebrate life, no matter the circumstances. Be it death, be it birth, we play songs at the castle to remember what was and what will be.”

“Why is it a song of pain right now?”

“Even though they do not know Emmy is gone, but from their lives, she is already dead.”

Cullen could hear the sad music playing, he knew the pain that would be met when they walked through the castle gate. He put his arm around Nyss’ waist and pulled her close to him. The faint music in the distance rocked them together in the still of the day.

Nyss rested her head on Cullens shoulder and she sighed.

“Why did you have to be the man who stole my heart? Why couldn’t you have been a normal Templar who hated all things Mage and not had a sympathetic bone in your body.”

Cullens amber eyes sparkled in the sunlight, he rested his forehead on hers and breathed out quietly. “Because the Maker chose to send you to me.”

Her heart dropped in her body, and she tightened her arms around him.

Then he allowed himself to be taken in by her.

When their embrace ended, he looked around the countryside, “So this is where you live?”

“Yes, it’s rather a lovely place. The people in Highever are wonderful too.” Nyss paused and turned to face the castle in the distance. Her hair shining in the bright day light. “You’ll stay a while before you return, yes?”

“If your family will have me, I would be very great full to stay.” He said as Nyss turned back to look at his sad face, “I just fear the reception will not be as kind as you hope.” He wrapped his arms around her and held her tight.

A burning wave of anxiety flooded over Nyss.

She had time to process the death of her friend, and then was occupied by all the things she was experiencing with this Templar, she had put aside thinking she would have to be part of delivering the dreadful news.

Nyss had sadness pour from her heart. She felt the fear lurch up into her throat, and then a wave of panic overtook her. Cullen tightened his grip on her and held her close. He rocked her gently until the panic started to leave her.

“I’m sorry Cullen, I just - I feel terrible, we have had such a wonderful time, I had forgotten about delivering the news that I have already processed.”

“My Lady, I did too. We will do this together. ” He whispered, kissing her on top of her head.

“Then let us ride, let us have this complete. Then we can rest our hearts and mourn with the families.” She said diplomatically.

Nyss mounted her steed and they began riding slowly towards the castle.

As they made it to the gates of the castle, they started to lurch open. The giant engraved doors with the Cousland crest opened to reveal a grand entrance way, lined with green vines and cobblestone.

Nyss looked around and saw they were expected. Her parents, Fergus, Ser Gilmore and the Amells were gathered to welcome her home.

“Nyssandra, my dear, I’m so glad you’re home.” The Teyrna said, wrapping her in her arms as soon as she dismounted. Nyss hugged her mother tight, while her father rested his hand on her back.

That was when she started to cry.

Cullen instinctively took a step forward to comfort her, to protect her, but her mother glared at him.

“My sweet girl, what’s wrong? Has this Templar harmed you?” She asked.

“No mother, not in any way.” Nyss pulled herself away and reached into her bag.

She dug out the two letters for the Amells and for Ser Gilmore. She straightened up, and dried her eyes with her green cloak.

She moved towards the Amells and Ser Gilmore. She fiddled with the envelopes in her hands, and looked directly at the grieving family.

“My friends,” she started, “it is with great regret and heartache I must deliver this message. I must inform you that you’re beautiful daughter, and betrothed -“

“We know.” Ser Gilmore spoke.

“How?”

“I felt it.” Lady Amell said. “The moment her light went out.” She looked towards Cullen, and then back at Nyss. “A mother always knows.”

Nyss nodded, and wrapped her arms around her. She then let herself away slowly.

“This was Emmys last wish, for you to receive these letters. If it weren’t for Ser Cullen, I would never have gotten them.” She motioned to the Templar standing behind her. Being her rock during this storm she endured.

“We will take these and read them alone.” Ser Amell said sadly, “Please join us tonight, we will be sending her spirit off to the Maker.” He looked suspiciously at Cullen. “If he wishes to show respect, he may attend as well.”

Cullen bowed low, “Thank you Ser.”

“Take this as well.” Nyss handed Ser Gilmore Emmy’s ring and locket.

He didn’t say a word, he gripped at them tightly and clutched the items to his chest.

The Amells and Ser Gilmore turned and left. Nyss then faced her mother and father.

“Please, allow me to retire to my room. I need to rest before we send Emmy off.” She said, “Cullen will stay for a while as well, he needs to rest and eat. We have had a long journey and he will have to go it alone all the way back.”

“Of course pup.” Her father said, “We respect those put in place by the Maker even if we do not always agree with what they stand for.”

“I understand. I thank you for the privilege to rest here.” Cullen bowed respectfully.

“Give your horse to Walant, he’ll stable and take care of him for you.” The Teyrn said motioning to the small Elvan man standing next to Cullen.

“Thank you.” Cullen said handing the reins to him.

“Ser Templar follow me, I will show you were you can stay before I retire.” Nyss said, motioning him forwards.

Nyss led Cullen through the castle along corridors and giant halls. She pushed open the door and he walked into a room that had the most ornate bed and bath basin.

“Your home is so luxurious. It makes me feel like royalty.” He smiled at Nyss.

“I - “ she hesitated.

“Yes?”

“This is the guest room beside my own room. Once you’ve changed and washed up, I’ll come back to check on you.” She said.

Cullen wasn’t sure why she hesitated, but he obliged. “Give me one hour, then I will be ready to join you.”

Nyss turned to leave, and he grabbed her hand. It had become tanned from sun riding back to Highever. He kissed it gently, and she blushed. “I will see you soon.”

She smiled, and left him alone.

Nyss walked into her room next door and was greeted by her Mabari who was laying on her bed. Orli was happy to see her, but he could tell something was wrong. She laid down, and he laid his big head on her chest. She cried, not just for Emmy, but for Cullen. Her feelings overwhelmed her, and this broke her heart more than anything she could have imagined.

Orli was a smart hound, she composed herself and stroked his head. She told him the story of how Emmy wasn’t coming home, and how that it was going to be the end of that chapter of her life. He whined and cuddled in closer to his mistress. She scratched his ears and then whispered into one of them, “but I found something unexpected.”

She smiled and laid back, watching the sun move across her window, until it was time to go collect Cullen.

Cullen sat on the edge of the perfectly made bed. He removed his boots and his breastplate, as well as all of his clothes. He examined his face in the mirror and realized it had been a while since he had been clean shaven.

He laid out clothes from his bag and filled the tub he was about to use.

The fresh water was refreshing on his skin, and feet. He laid back submerged with his head resting on the edge of the basin. He soaped up his hair and thoughts of Nyss rinsing her own flooded his mind. His heart started to race as he remember her fine feminine form under her wet clothes. Then he thought of kissing her for the first time and wish he’d let himself go completely with her.

He stopped, pulled his mind back, and remembered her laugh, and her smile. He remembered the week they spent together at the Circle Tower, playing chess and watching the stars late at night.

He rinsed his hair and the soft curls rested themselves peacefully on top of his head. He dried off, and looked into the mirror again.

‘Maybe we should run away to Kirkwall together - Maker help me, I would for her.’ He pictured a life they could live. The children they could have. He grasped his hair, and let out a sigh.

‘She is it. How did I let myself get this far?’ He thought. ‘This is absurd. It will never be. Why do I feel this way?’

Cullens thoughts tugged at his heart like a string being played on a harp.

‘I need her.’ His mind shouted, ‘I need her to know.’ It shouted again.

He dressed in his regular casual apparel, so as to not frighten anyone with being a Templar and laid in bed. It was soft and cosy. The pillows smelled fresh and the window let in the most peaceful light.

‘This isn’t like the Circle at all.’ He thought.

Then there was a knock but it didn’t come from the door. He looked around.

“Come in?” He said confused.

The wall beside his bed started to slide open and Nyss walked through it.

“Sorry, this is the secret passage we have incase of siege. Only my immediate family knows of it, and now you.” She walked over to him laying on the bed, and sat next to him.

He put his arm up behind his head and reached for her with the other. She laid down next to him, and put her head in his strong shoulder. She closed her eyes and Cullen could see her eyes searching under her lids. Her hair falling from her braid, and her scent like that of wild lavender.

“I can’t get enough of you.” He said to her closed eyes. “I want you so badly my lady.”

She smiled.

“You have me.” She said with her eyes still shut.

“Until I leave, then I must let you go.” He said, his voice low and choked. “Someday you will belong to another, and I know it to be true-just promise me one thing.”

“Anything.”

“Live.” He pulled her in to his body tighter.

“You know, I’m not letting you leave without a piece of me.” She reached down to her pocket and pulled out a thin chain of gold. “I know Templars aren’t allowed to have possessions but this is a gift. I have had it since I was born. I am supposed to pass it on to the man I spend the rest of my life with, but since I can’t have you, this is the most important thing I can give you.”

A small N on the necklace danced in the light. “It’s to show I’m with him, and I want nothing more than to be with you.”

Cullen couldn’t resist. He had to tell her what had been eating at his heart. The fire that cause it to burn, and the anguish she would never understand.

He rolled her on her back, and held himself on top of her. He kissed her neck and her ear. He kissed her scar. He ran his lips down the front of her blouse until a button stopped him. He moved himself between her legs, and laid hard in between them.

He could see her eyes of anticipation grow and she pulled him down onto her. Legs and arms intertwined, rolling back and forth from one defensive position to another, nibbling and gently tugging on each other’s bodies.

Cullen rolled on top of her again, and his heart stopped.

“I love you Nyssandra Cousland.” He said to this woman, laying on her back, looking at him with caring, doting eyes. “And because I do, I have to stop this before I allow myself to get carried away.” He dropped his head.

Nyss reached around his neck and fastened the fine gold chain around it. “I respect you for your determination.” She kissed him again. He looked down at her, and smiled, “I love you Cullen Rutherford.”

Reluctantly, he moved off of her and sat facing the woman he just declared his heart to. She sat up and held his hands in hers.

“I’m not sorry.” He said. His eyes wide and longing. “I’d have you everyday in every way possible if I had the chance.”

She leaned closer to him and whispered into his ear, “I’d give myself to you whatever the circumstance.”

Cullen already aroused, kissed her and nibbled her ear. He pushed her down again and ran his hands over her sides and legs. He pushed them apart and laid into her again.

Their embrace lasted longer this time - until they could hear voices in the hallway. They quickly composed themselves.

“Nyssandra you are - Maker knows how difficult this is becoming. I want you.” He whispered.

“And I, you. However we must prepare.”

“How long until the vigil?”

“Not until later. Are you hungry?” She asked.

“Very, but mostly for you.” He said quietly.

Nyss got up and took his hand. She led him through the hidden door to her room.

“This is my room.” Orli stood up on the bed, “right and this is Orli, my hound.”

“Hey boy” Cullen said excitedly.

Nyss motioned to him and he sat on the bed, she passed him some bread and cheese. “Here eat this, there will be a feast tonight.” Cullen ate and examined the room.

Not a typical Nobels room he thought, it had multiple armor stands, and book shelves filled with writings. He smiled. This woman who spent her life in opulence was spending weeks on end laying on the cold hard ground, eating hard, dried food and drinking tepid water.

“You’re really amazing. Mind, heart and soul.” He said to her.

Nyss didn’t know why he said it, but she felt her cheeks turn pink. She sat next to him and explained each piece of weaponry she had. She crossed her legs under her and explained that someday she’d love to try jousting - but ladies were not permitted to do so under her fathers roof.

Cullen shifted on the soft bed, he was happy to fill his aching belly. He looked to the woman to his left. “So what happens tonight?”

“At the vigil?”

“Yes.”

“The family has assigned someone to say a few words most likely and then we will remain quiet as the bards play a song for Emmy. Once they are done, we will feast, and her family will join us. Then when the feast is done, they will take their leave - and…”

She paused. Cullen cocked his head to one side. “And?”

“We drink to numb the pain of death, and to celebrate the life that was.” She said a bit embarrassed.

“That sounds like a fantastic way to remember someone.” He said squeezing her hand.

“I suppose I should get changed for the occasion.” She looked at her Templar. His eyes were sad, like he had weight of regret hanging behind them. “I do not blame you for her end.”

He swallowed hard and nodded, “Then I will come collect you once you’re done preparing. Should I wear anything specific?”

“Come as you are, your garb is perfect.” She looked him up and down.

He was wearing a white tunic with a blue sash around his shoulder. His brown trousers were well worn but fitted his remarkable backside perfectly. He had cleaned his face, and trimmed his beard growth. Nyss thought he was the most rugged looking man she had ever seen.

Cullen bent down and kissed his lady goodbye. He walked through the secret passage and back to his room