6. Doubt

Alec dresses while you slowly stand to your feet before wiping a sleeve across your mouth. "Still sure you want to settle for a Nord, lass?" You blush slightly at his question but can tell he's only half serious. Even he would know better than to cross Rurik, anymore than he already has. Frowning slightly, the realization of what you've also done slowly starts to set in. The King seems to pick up on your thoughts and he quickly says, "Don't worry, I won't tell anyone." He gives you a quick wink before turning around and walking to the closed door. While you don't feel as guilty as you probably should, you're still not put at ease by his words. Thankfully, the hallway is still empty when you walk past Alec and slip past the now open door. "I look forward to our next meeting." You don't acknowledge his words and brusquely make your way down the hallway. You spend the next days subtly trying to avoid Alec and stay mostly in Rurik's chambers. Eventually, the day of your ceremony arrives and you feel a nervous pit growing in your stomach. The first half of the day passes by in a blur as the King's attendants flutter about you. Several questions run through your mind as they help you into the dark blue dress specifically made for this day. You feel slightly constricted in its tight material and ask the attends to give you some time alone.

They nod and quickly exit the chamber finally leaving you in peace. After a few minutes of pacing around the room you walk over to the door and make your way out. Everyone seems to have already gone downstairs but you find yourself walking in the opposite direction. Still mulling over your thoughts, you absentmindedly walk down the corridor and around the corner. Your footsteps quickly stop when you see Alec making his way down the hall towards you. Unfortunately, he's already spotted you so it's too late to turn back around. Swallowing somewhat nervously, you give him a polite nod as he approaches. He frowns slightly when he sees your cloudy expression and asks, "Is everything okay?" Biting the inside of your lip, you pause slightly before replying, "I'm not sure..." Alec smiles softly at you and says in a slightly hushed tone, "Got a case of the cold feet, huh?" You feel your cheeks flush slightly as you realize he might be right. He steps forward again and places a hand gently on your arm. "You don't have to do this if you don't want to." Your heart beat increases slightly at his words and you're reminded of all the questions that had been running through your mind earlier. "I didn't want to pry earlier, but, do you even want to marry Rurik?" Alec's question lingers in the air as your mind slowly turns and you realize your answer.