Aleksandra stayed in bed after Aulfr's awkward exit, touching her fingers to the warm spot he'd left on the bed. She felt uncomfortably light now, and she actually was surprised by how much she wanted to follow Aulfr into the bathroom and demand he hug her. Saints, how embarrassing. Nothing like that would ever happen between them, and she didn't want it to. It wouldn't work. He was a prince and a brute, and she was terrified of men.

She had to get up and face him eventually. They had a feast to attend. The rest of the day passed as they both tried to ignore what had happened, pretending there wasn't any tension. And the rest of the week continued that way. And they continued to wake up tangled together. She was relieved when another feast passed and Aulfr sent her out on a hunt. She'd begun planning a half-assed speech about her feelings. The thought made her shudder.

She was gone for a full week this time, taking out not only a Jarl, but an opiate den that he ran. It would have taken less time, but she'd run into the slavers who'd captured her, partaking in the opiates den's pleasures. She took her time with them. When she returned to the castle, she was in much better spirits. That is, until she climbed through the window to see Aulfr dressed like a royal fool.

She sighed, already shucking off her gear. "Another feast? I can see you're already on your way out, so don't wait for me. I need to clean up first. I'll be there soon." She waved him off, mumbling something about him needing to go and entertain the foolish nobility as she pulled off her armored tunic.