The weight of hundreds of stares was something that could crumple an average maiden. Nei, it would crumple nearly anyone.

But as I stood in front Jarl Aderick's people within the dining hall, meeting a few gazes amongst the room, my exterior was calm and reticent. Mama preached that I would have to be the strong face among numerous others. All of my siblings and I were taught this, as the Jarl's progenies, we were being gazed upon and judged at every moment.

I let out a slightly nervous huff of breath, keeping my composure smooth and expressionless with seasons of practice. I shifted on my feet with the heavy judgment of stares. Some were simply curious, a few were slightly malicious and if looks could leave one dead, I would be long gone to the afterlife. I simply glared right back at the women who sent daggers my way. The Jarl who stood at my side tightened his hold around my waist, rubbing soothing circles with his thumb. Almost as if he knew the strong building of nerves within me.

Internally, I was a wreck. I was nowhere near ready to face and meet his people. I had adamantly begged the brute to let me stay in the chambers, but he remained stubborn in his decision to officially introduce me to the entire clan.

My hands were hot and perspiring at my sides and I inconspicuously wiped them against my new blue skirts. I swore that my forehead was sweating slightly too. My mind whirled continuously, making my head pound in a relentless rhythm. The nerves of meeting so many strangers made my stomach churned uncomfortably. I focused on keeping my breathing steady as the brute cleared his throat loudly, slashing a hand through the air, silencing the rumbling of the crowd.

"My fellow clan members, you may have heard rumors about my travels some time ago. Some of you knew prior to this announcement, but I traveled south to negotiate with the Jarl of the Haraldsson clan nearly a fortnight ago. Upon my arrival, the Haraldsson village was in the process of being attacked by an unknown clan." I could see the surprise in many faces as I watched the crowd with careful eyes.

"They were not prepared for the raid. We were too late to assist the Jarl and his people. Nearly everyone was lost," the Jarl said with a loud boom of his voice, the regret dripping from his words.

There was complete and utter silence, the people obviously flabbergasted. Everyone's eyes were on Aderick as he described what happened and what he saw. I swore I saw glistening eyes amongst the women. I flinched as he mentioned roughly the burning building that held my sister and Leif. Aderick felt my recoil from his words, and he simply tightened his grip on me and pulled me closer to his side.

My head bowed, my chin touching my chest as I turned away from the sympathetic gazes that I caught out of the corner of my eye. As if they understood the pain and agonizing grief I have gone through since that night.

But no one could fathom.

I clenched my jaw tightly to prevent myself from crying in front of all these people. I refused to be seen as a blabbering fool in front of everyone. Instead, a lone tear was shed as the horrid memories of that night played on my mind. I could practically still feel the scorching heat of the fire on my face.

His loud voice thankfully pulled me away from my dark memories. "We do not know who these men are, but we now know where our missing supplies went. The unfamiliar warriors that raided the southern clan wore our clothes, our leather, and bore our weapons. To look exactly like us. We are not sure as to how they attained these materials, but know that we are doing our best. But I vow as your Jarl to make them pay. They shall pay for their plunder of our supplies and we shall avenge the innocent lives of the Haraldsson people!"

My throat closed at the evident passion within the Jarl's voice as the crowd roared with approval. I did not realize that he sought to make the unknown enforcers pay for the ruin of my home and the murder of my people. I was not sure what he had planned, as he had not said anything to me since we returned. My heart thumped in an odd rhythm as I began to see a glimpse, a small glimmer of the depth of feelings he had for me.

I was jerked out of my wandering thoughts as he spoke once more. "Lastly, I would like to introduce someone to you all. Someone important to me. This is my Britta. Britta Haraldsson, daughter of Dirk and Rona Haraldsson," a few gasps echoed throughout the large room. "The only survivor of the raid that night."

I inhaled deeply, clearing my mind before I raised my head and faced the numerous people before me. So many emotions were mirrored on their faces and within their eyes. The pity amongst them made me want to weep. I did not want their pity. I glanced up at Aderick briefly before gazing back at the now shocked and what seemed like awed expressions.

"That is all for now. I shall keep you posted," he said gruffly with a wave of his free hand, dismissing everyone to begin the eventide meal.

As soon as Aderick finished speaking, the loud rumble of chatter erupted throughout the hall. Sounds of clinking tankards against the wooden tables and the slosh of ale were loud and echoing off the soaring walls. The smell of freshly baked bread encased the room, making my stomach rumble. I cast one more sweep of the room with my eyes, noticing the bountiful torches placed within the room, creating many shadows against faces and the walls.

I looked at him, my fingers playing with my skirts, nervous of his reaction to my next words.

"I want to know more," I murmured quietly to him, turning my back on the people that continued watching me.

Aderick only shook his head. "Not here."

"Please," I said, biting my lip.

He peered down at me with a unidentifiable expression upon his scarred face for several breaths. I waited with bated breath to hear his next words, and he opened his mouth to say-

"Britta!"

I stiffened as I heard the familiar voice interrupt our conversation. This woman had a knack for interrupting at the worst times. I turned my irritated gaze towards Ingrid who made her way towards us with a bright smile.

"Ja?" I said through my teeth, barely grasping a hold of propriety.

"Would you like to take a walk with me within the manor and marketplace? That is what I planned to ask you two eventides ago, but I interrupted something," she said with a sly wink.

I blushed and looked away in embarrassment at her teasing.

"Ingrid," Aderick hissed at my side.

"What? I am being polite. This is to be her home, she needs to see and know everything in our village."

"Now? Really, søster?"

She shrugged her dainty shoulders, her mouth twisted in a slight grin. "Ja."

He heaved a long sigh and shook his head in exasperation. "Nei, not now. Britta wants to ease into our life, not to be thrown in like an animal as you prefer," he shot at her with a light glare.

Ingrid crossed her arms with a pout on her face. "Fine," her gaze shot to mine. "But I shall take you around the manor and our marketplace soon so you get to know where everything is and meet a few people."

I sighed and nodded, knowing I would more than likely have to do what she wanted. I had an inkling that she was not told no very often.

She let out an excited squeal before Ragnar finally came over and led her away to eat, a look of apology on his face.

I turned my attention back towards the Jarl, eagerly awaiting for him to tell me more about the news. I knew he only gave his clan members a vague briefing of what he actually knew, and I wanted to know everything. It was my people that were attacked after all.

"Come," Aderick murmured with a tilt of his head, guiding me out of the hall with his warm hand on my lower back.

We did not talk to anyone as we made our way back to the chambers. I met a few interested and curious stares, but quickly averted my gaze to avoid talking to them.

The Jarl opened the large wooden doors to the chambers, waiting for me to enter. I sighed in relief as I crossed the threshold of the room. Once I reached the middle of the room, I swiveled on my heel to confront him.

"I want to know everything. Everything that you did not tell your people. I deserve to know. Especially about that man that took me from the cave." I stated firmly, crossing my arms to make myself more intimidating. Though 'twas a long shot. But I had to try.

He stiffened at my words. His eyes that were usually expressive shut down instantaneously, turning hard and aloof. The typical small twinkle in those sable orbs was extinguished as soon as the words left my lips.

"Nei. You do not need to know everything. We are discussing it and exploring every angle. That is all you need to know."

My brows rose and my jaw dropped at his vague and pathetic answer. I believed I had a right to know. I tampered down on my anger that began to rise quickly. I drummed my fingers in irritation, my foot tapping. "I was the one kidnapped! I believe I should be aware of the progression of that man's capture." I began hotly, my eyes narrowing at him.

"I am dealing with it. I do not want you to worry about it. I need to keep you safe," he said tightly. He placed his hands on hips, pacing away from me.

"Safe? Aderick, please," I said, grabbing his arm to get his attention.

He whirled around, flinging off my hold of his arm with ease. I flinched as I distinctly detected the exasperation and ire swirling furiously in his stare.

"I just...please," I murmured brokenly, looking down at my slippers. "That man has haunted my dreams for many nights. You have been there to witness it. I cannot be held in the dark. He said...he said," I trailed off as I suddenly shuddered, feeling his phantom fingers ghost along my skin, and his horrid breath near my ear.

Aderick's eyes were now like sharp jagged rocks, piercing me with their intensity. "What? What did he say to you?"

He stalked towards me and pressed closer until I was up against the nearest wall. I was completely flattened against the textured surface and my front was flushed against his. I swallowed loudly at the abrupt change of atmosphere.

"He said...he said that he would come for me soon," I whispered lightly, barely breathing the words.

But my words were loud enough for Aderick to hear. He stiffened in anger, closing his eyes tightly and after several moments, he let out a breath before opening those dark orbs.

"Why did you not tell me this before? I need to tell my men about this," He pursed his lips for a moment, thinking. "Wait for me here. Dinner should come soon."

Before I could respond, he leaned down and pressed his warm lips to mine. The flutters that came with his touch erupted in my belly, spreading throughout my body in a wonderful rush. I closed my eyes to enjoy this moment. Just as I was reaching to grab his shoulders, he pulled away. I let out an annoyed huff. I was becoming greedy for his hypnotic touch. He chuckled low in response. I opened my eyes to see him briefly kiss my forehead. And with that, he turned and left the chambers without another word.

I let out a heavy sigh as I slumped against the wall, collapsing on my bottom. I fought to catch my breath and calm my thundering heart. Even as my body was on a high from his touch and kiss, my mind turned sour from our conversation. Why was he being so vacant with his answers? I had a right to know, I thought to myself with a frown on my face. I growled underneath my breath at his stubbornness. But I could show him my own that could possibly rival his headstrong personality.

A short knock sounded on the door, making me startle. I was not sure when I would stop being so jumpy. I hopped up to open it for the servant to drop off the meal for Aderick and I. Instead of a servant, a woman in a blood red dress entered, her long mahogany hair swaying as she strode into the room with purpose. She had long dark lashes, and her complexion was perfect and pale, making her red lips and eyes stand out. She would be beautiful if not for the disgusted look on her face.

Her eyes roamed up and down my body with unmasked hostility and judgment in her sharp green gaze. She finally looked me in the eyes, the forest green taunting and piercing, a sneer on her thin lips.

"So you are the maiden everyone is talking about. You and I need to talk."

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