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Caitrin pulled her cloak further around her shoulders as she waited for the Princess to emerge from the house. She didn’t want to be too long, after all, the roads soon wouldn’t be safe for anyone, even with a guard. Caitrin twiddled her thumbs a little, wondering if she should hurry the young woman along; it had been a long day and amongst other things, Caitrin wanted to get to her bed as early as she could. No doubt one of the twins would have her up during the night at some point. Sleep was as precious to her as anything at the moment, and it was something that she felt she had taken for granted before having the children. Caitrin yawned a little, but then turned round as she saw the Princess approaching her. She inclined her head towards her, smiling at her question, “We can leave right away if you wish? My guards have brought your horse for you.” Caitrin still wouldn’t go near the thing, and so had left it to the other guards.

At Xenia’s arrival, the guard who had been atop the horse got down off it, and offered to help Caitrin onto her horse. Too tired to refuse, she complied and sat astride the horse. The man then turned to help Xenia onto her horse as well. Caitrin wasn’t sure whether she would actually take the horse or not. Most women did, but Caitrin knew as well as any that royalty were a proud bunch, and they often had their minds made up about specific things such as this. So Caitrin just waited, patting Lily’s head with her hand as she did, to steady the mare before they began their journey. After a time, she looked back at Xenia, “Are you ready to leave?” She asked her brightly.

Caitrin couldn’t imagine that her boredom was matched by anyone else in the room. Looking round, she bit her lip. She had been sure that Griff said he and Lucan would be here tonight, but neither were. Of course she could occupy herself without her lover by her side, but she had been looking forwards to seeing him, even if she would never tell Griff that. Well, she never liked to make things too easy for him; he wouldn’t like it if she did. Caitrin hadn’t even asked her Uncle to come with her today, as she had been expecting to spend the evening with Griff. Her Uncle didn’t really think very highly of Griff, then again, he didn’t think highly of any man who tried for her hand. She supposed it was just the way he was.

Draining her goblet, Caitrin walked around the room, trying to see if anyone or anything could occupy her while she waited for Griff; that was if he was going to come at all. She would hate to think that she was going to be spending the whole evening on her own. A few men were trying to catch her eye; she just flashed them all a grin and continued on her way; she had no interest in them. Not anymore. She wouldn’t have thought it possible, but she only had eyes for Griff now. Grinning to herself, she tried to spot a servant who had a full jug of wine. She had already passed one who professed he had none, which was irritating.

She eventually spotted such a servant filling the goblet of a noblewoman who Caitrin did not recognise. Caitrin was not a shy woman, so wasted no time in walking up to the woman as the servant finished filling up her goblet. Caitrin gestured for the man to fill her own goblet, and he complied straight away. As he did, she smiled at the woman in front of her, “Forgive me my Lady, but I don’t think we have been introduced. My name is Lady Caitrin de Archer.” She inclined her head to the woman in question as a means of respect. It was very rare that Caitrin didn’t know someone at court, so she wondered just who this woman was. “Are you enjoying the festivities?” She asked, as she waited for the woman to introduce herself.

Caitrin found the man in front of her mildly amusing at best. Maybe a few years ago she would have put more effort into her flirtations, but she didn’t really want anything from this man, she was just filling a gap in her evening. It told her at least that she hadn’t lost any of her charm, despite having only been in contact with Griff in an intimate way for so long. She didn’t feel like she had missed out on anything, or that she wanted to have eyes for anyone else apart from her betrothed. Caitrin loved Griff, and that was that, but it didn’t hurt to exchange a few words of flirtation. She pulled her hand away from the man because she didn’t want to lead him on completely. Words were fine, but she had a limit now or so she would like to think. Caitrin had stopped thinking of men like that after Griff had come back to her. After Celyn she hadn’t been able to bring herself to even consider the idea for a while. She stopped seeing Pip sometime ago as well, though she was sure he would eventually come into her life again. He had a habit of doing that.

She wasn’t really giving him much to work with, but Caitrin was learning that the man was incredibly persistent. In truth she was just amused by him, and she couldn’t understand why he hadn’t found another woman to annoy yet seeing as she wasn’t giving him much. Now she didn’t even have her wine to distract herself with. Caitrin was about to leave, when suddenly someone else joined them, “Griff?” She furrowed her brow at him, wasn’t he supposed to be drinking with- Oh great. So this was Gwaine then was it? She should have guessed as much. Caitrin was just incredibly confused, and flinched as Griff snapped at her. He hardly ever shouted at her, and she didn’t like the sensation. People in the tavern were looking at them, and Caitrin looked down, slightly flustered before she finally raised her eyes to her betrothed. She had no idea what was going on, Gwaine was going on about cheating and Griff was annoyed at her. This was why she never came to the tavern; it never ended well.

Caitrin bit her lip and ran her hand through her hair, “Griff I’m sorry I didn’t mean-“ Something clicked in her head, “Wait, what on earth is going on here? Were you spying on me?” She asked him, the offence in her tone was obvious. Was this some kind of test to see if she was going to go off with another man and leave her engagement behind her? Gwaine still looked quite shocked, but Caitrin was starting to get annoyed with the situation. She felt like she was in the middle of something that she really didn’t want to be in. Caitrin stood up, and walked round the table until she was in front of Griff, “Why is he going on about cheating?” Gwaine was holding his hands up as if to profess his innocence and Caitrin disregarded him for the moment, and just folded her arms, and raised her eye brows at her fiancée, waiting for his answer.

Happy Birthday Gwen!! Sorry this is a bit late! Hope you have a fabulous day!! xxxxx

Although it was her who had said it, Caitrin wasn’t really sure how this could get much worse. She just wanted to be home, and really anywhere but here. Richard was probably one of the most irritating men she had ever been forced into contact with. He was being paid handsomely to take her home, so he should at least show her some respect and be a lot more agreeable than he was currently being. He had attempted to save her from the bandits; she could give him that, but she had been the one to get him away, and she had looked after him afterwards. Yet he was as ungrateful as ever, and she didn’t really care for it. She now wanted to go home, which was what he had been trying to convince her about since they had met, and now it was him who was being infuriating. He had no reason to complain, since meeting him she had been kidnapped and drugged twice, and now her clothes were ruined and she was tired and achy. If she had just gone back to Camelot on her own then none of this would have happened.

She narrowed her eyes at him and looked around the forest, how on earth would he know where they were? She had brought him here late last night, and even she had become disorientated, so what hope did he have of knowing where they were resting? He had been unconscious when she had brought him here. “Where exactly are we then?” She challenged him, sure he would not give her a straight answer. Caitrin was quickly becoming bored of her new acquaintance and would give anything to be back in Camelot right now. She was almost regretting having run away, and she certainly wouldn’t be doing this anytime again soon. If she had her way she would never be spending another day on a forest floor again.

Why was he not getting up? She wanted to leave now; it was dawn and if they left now they could reach Camelot by nightfall at least and she would not have to spend any more time in his company. If she had still had the chain on her wrist then she might have had to accept that Richard had made his mind up. However, that had been severed last night, so she had free reign of her own movements. “You can stay here if you want, I’m leaving.” She pointed out stubbornly and pushed herself up off the floor and made her way over to the only horse they had. She had tied it up when they had got here last night. If Richard wasn’t going to make an effort to take her home then she was just going to go.

Caitrin still found it quite overwhelming to be in this situation. When she had been growing up in Mercia, she had never thought to settle down or to ever have a family of her own. Her father had always been quite clear that she would only be used to better his own position, and there had been a time that Caitrin had been worried that he would never let her go. After all, she had been one of his favourite play things in a sense. When he had been annoyed, he had merely sought to relieve his anger, and she had always been in the firing line. She could never understand why he hated her so much; he had never treated any of her siblings like that, yet he had treated her so differently. Caitrin was sure that she could never harm any of her children; of that she was certain. She ran her fingers over her rounding belly. The child within her would never grow up thinking they were unwanted, or unloved. Caitrin would never lay a finger on them to cause harm; they would be so loved. She and Griff would create such a loving home here, and their children would benefit from it.

She smirked at Griff’s words, he was right really, he hadn’t gambled much with asking her to marry him. Caitrin had been completely smitten by him from the off, but hadn’t really admitted it to herself for some time. She was still completely in love with him, and no one and nothing would ever change that. Caitrin found her smirk changing into a warm smile, and she entwined her fingers within her husband’s. She was so lucky to have him by her side, and this child would just cement their happiness, “And here’s me thinking I had been so subtle with my affections.” Caitrin rolled her eyes across her husband and couldn’t help a small laugh, as she knew as well as anyone that she was anything but unsubtle.

Seduction was quite a large part of their relationship in some ways. There was no one who could ever accuse them of being passionless, so it was really no surprise in the fact that she was pregnant. The only surprise was that it had not happened sooner. Of course she had been careful while they had been courting, but once they had been tied together in marriage she could see no reason to continue taking items to prevent pregnancy. As a herbalist, such things had been easy to make and maintain throughout their courtship. Caitrin took her hands out of her husband’s and smoothed them up his body, until they reached his cheeks. She drew him closer to her, and pressed her lips up against his, and swiftly deepened the kiss. After a few moments, Caitrin drew back, but only slightly, and her eyes remained closed, “I’m not attempting; I’m succeeding.”

Surely Griff knew her well enough to know he would receive no sympathy from her? Well she had been the one to poke him after all, why would she therefore feel sorry for something she had meant to do? For good measure, Caitrin poked Griff again and smirked at him. She didn’t feel like she had to say anything; her point had been proven, well in respect to the poking of course. Caitrin just shrugged, she had no idea what their lives would be like from now on. Once they were married, their futures would become entwined and they would spend every day of their lives together; side by side, through whatever life could throw at them. “As I said, we’ll see.” She winked at him, but then entwined her fingers within his and couldn’t help but just smile at him. Her Griff, and soon he would be all hers, “But I can’t wait to find out.”

As she rolled onto her side, she watched Griff curiously, almost feeling bad for landing him in it somewhat. Perhaps she shouldn’t have said anything, it had put him on the spot and she hadn’t meant to ruin the moment. Caitrin just kept her eyes on her soon to be husband, and bit her lip softly. She couldn’t say how Glouchedonian’s celebrated an engagement, because she had never thought to ask. It had never really come up in conversation before, and it was a little too late to ask now. Mercian’s took an engagement incredibly seriously, and it meant a couple was as good as married, which was why they sealed the agreement with a ring. Caitrin was almost sorry that they had not spoke about this before, but they had always been a little preoccupied, and it had taken them long enough to admit they loved each other, let alone speak of the future.

Caitrin sat up with Griff and tilted her head slightly as he began to fumble with a chain that hung around his neck. She had seen the pendant many a time, but had never really thought to ask about it. It had almost become part of Griff’s skin in a way, so much so it was usually hardly noticed. As he extended his hand to her, she realised what he meant to do. A part of her was slightly disappointed it wasn’t a ring; it was a Mercian tradition after all. She was however, she supposed, marrying a Glouchedonian, and not a Mercian, so the rules were slightly different. There was plenty of time anyway to ensure Griff was familiar with this tradition before their actual wedding day so she would at least have a wedding ring. Smiling, she shuffled over to Griff, and kissed him softly, “It’s perfect; thank you.” She reassured him, but before she turned around so that he could place it around her neck she paused. He had said it belonged to his mother, so maybe it meant more to him than he was giving it credit for. “Are you completely sure you want to give it to me?” She asked him quite seriously, “If it means a lot to you, I don't want you to feel like you have to give it to me."

There was no where that Caitrin would rather be than with Griff, and this was how she wanted to spend the rest of her life. They had both been through so much, and now they could just be happy, but most importantly, they were going to be happy together. Caitrin was determined to make Griff a good wife; it was something she had never aspired to, really until he had proposed to her. But she was determined to get this right. There was so much in her life she wasn’t proud of, but now there was just her and Griff, and the promise of a family that they wanted to build. Griff had the most perfect way of saying her new title, and she felt proud to wear it. It was symbolic as well, as by ridding herself of her maiden name, she had also freed herself from her father’s influence. Once the marriage was consummated even he could not undo it. She met her husband’s embrace with all the eagerness that she could feel from him as well. Closing her eyes, she wished that they were somewhere more private, rather than in everyone’s view. As he broke away, she couldn’t help feel a little disappointment at the fact he had pulled back. She knew why of course, but the need was still there to kiss him again, “I hope that you will, Lord Aubert.” She had never really called Griff by his formal title, but this was probably as formal as they were ever going to get.

Caitrin noticed, as she took a sip of her wine, that Griff was just watching her. A bit of colour rose to her cheeks. She could handle it when he was jesting with her, or giving her things to respond to, but no he was just looking at her. Caitrin didn’t feel threatened, just a little breathless. “What are you looking at?” She asked, a little amused grin on her face, hoping he now wasn’t going to reply that she had something in her hair, or on her face. It would somewhat ruin the mood.

As he was just watching her, she took his hand in her own as she set her wine down, and squeezed it softly. Caitrin wasn’t quite sure how he made her so happy, but he did, and she loved him all the more for it. From this day forth they would share everything, their ups and downs, their home, and children eventually, if they were blessed with more. She blinked, catching her thoughts wandering in an unwanted direction. She was not going to think about that time right now, this day was supposed to be happy and full of promise for the future; Caitrin was not going to drag it down. His answer didn’t surprise her, and she rolled her tongue in her mouth, wondering how to answer him. This was one of the many reasons why she loved him; he never made things easy for her. He made her think, and in turn made her feel witty, and loved, “That is because the best is yet to come, husband.” She winked at him, knowing she was terribly unsubtle at the best of times, but she was not lying. The best of the day would be enjoyed by the newly joined couple at the end of the night to complete a perfect day.

Caitrin grinned at Yassia and nodded at her. They would be fine, and they’d end up at the castle one way or another. Even if they were caught what could Oliver and Jeffrey do except to reprimand them? She didn’t have time to point this out to Yassia though as the fork in the road was coming up so all she could call out was, “See you there!” Before rearing her mare off to her side, and leaving Yassia to pursue her own path. Caitrin knew how good a rider she was, but this wasn’t a horse she was used to, so no doubt she would be a little slower for that fact. She dug her heels into the mare, willing it to increase in speed, but the mare didn’t really respond to her. She swore under her breath, as she could hear someone coming up behind her. A quick glance told her that Jeffrey was the one following her path. Though that didn’t make her feel much better, it was preferred to Oliver.

He didn’t look best pleased, but neither would she in the same situation. Digging her heels into the mare again, the beast finally sped up its pace and Caitrin lashed at the reigns, putting every last bit of effort into getting away and to the castle. Her brother was gaining on her and she knew that he was going a lot faster than she was. Swearing under her breath again she reared in a different direction, hoping to throw her brother off. She had no idea what he would do when he caught her but she supposed it wasn’t going to be anything pleasant.

She was somewhat smug her plan had worked, but Jeffrey was soon hot on her tail and she had to think quick on her feet to stop him gaining too much ground on her. That wasn’t easily done though, her brother was just as talented as she was on horseback. “Don’t think you can get away!” He was shouting at her, and Caitrin found herself smirking. This was the most excitement she had had in ages. “Reign in your horse or I’ll knock you off it.” Right, well as interesting as this chase was, Caitrin wasn’t really up for being knocked off her horse. If she didn’t know her brother then she might doubt him, but she knew better than that.

Reluctantly at first, Caitrin pulled the reigns of her horse until it began to slow. She could hear Jeffrey slowing behind her and she pulled the hood of her cloak down over her face, so he wouldn’t be able to tell it was her until it was removed. Jeffrey rode up alongside her once they had stopped, and briskly pulled down the hood of the garment. He gasped slightly, and Caitrin met his eye line with a smirk, “Caitrin?”

“The very same, brother.” She inclined her head towards him, but he was just looking on at her, half gobsmacked. What on earth had she been thinking? Caitrin for her part was rearranging her cloak and just grinning at Jeffrey,

“What the hell were you thinking?” He reprimanded her, “I could have knocked you off the horse; killed you or anything!” Caitrin nodded but shrugged all the same. She couldn’t think of what might have happened, “wait, who was the other one?”

“The Princess.” Caitrin answered quickly, “Why, has Oliver gone after her?” Jeffrey nodded, still irritated by his sister, but deciding he could have this conversation with her later,

“He has, come on, we need to find them.”