Kara.

You find your betrothed amongst a small crowd of knights and lords, Itherian and Beathan alike. Sensing your attention, the men give you some privacy.

“So, what're you thinking?” the redhead asks, though you sense she is well aware of your intentions.

“It's rather close in here.” You tell her, waving your good hand before you, attempting to clear your head. “I was just thinking of stepping out for a few minutes.”

“It would be dangerous to go unattended.” Kara plays along. “Perhaps I should escort you.”

“Sounds wonderful to me.” you respond. As the princess rises from her seat, she takes your hand.

-

The two of you slip out of the feast hall. Most within are too soused to even notice the absence of two key figures.

“This way, Edward!” Kara says, the excitement growing in her voice. “I know the perfect place.”

Kara leads you up a few flights of stairs, moving quickly, but always taking your reduced mobility into account. You hobble along behind her, eventually alighting on a small veranda, high up in the castle.

The roar of the feast below, once rather deafening, now seems very far off. Below, you can see flickering lights in the town, and out in the military camp, the moonlight glinting off the lake.

“I used to spend so many nights up here, when I was a lass.” Kara says, somewhat wistfully, moving over to the wooden rail. “It seems so peaceful out there, you'd never know there'd just been a battle.”

“It's beautiful indeed.” you remark, advancing with halting steps to Kara's side.

“Oh, Edward...” the warrior woman says softly, as you interlink your fingers with hers.

“One day, all Beatha will know the same peace.” you assure her.

The redhead throws her arms around you. She kisses you, tears in her eyes.

“Come,” Kara says, leading you away from the edge. “Let's make the most of this night...”

Kara lowers herself to the battlements, shrugging off the fine furs and leathers she had worn to the feast, pulling you down with her.

-

Kara's hand's roam your flesh, gripping you, pulling you closer, even as you thrust your last into her tight, wet cunt. It seems you can't bring yourself close enough to her, even in this most intimate of interlinkings. You're inclined to agree. You finish inside the Beathan, as she tosses her head back, moaning your name.

“Ach, Edward that was...” Kara moans contentedly.

“I know.” you slur, the confident smirk you give her eliciting a giggle.

“Don't know about you, but fuck, I needed that...” Kara admits. The princess seems more willing to be **** around you than her countrymen. “The battle, this war, I'm not sure you understand quite how bloody it's going to be.”

“We'll take it as it comes.” you assure her. “That's all we can do.”

“You're right.” Kara admits, nestled up against you, as you both watch the moonlight play on the vast lake below.

“Besides, the thought of wedding you once we vanquish Einar is enough to give me hope.” you tell her, recalling her conditions for becoming your queen.

The Beathan bites her lip, staring off pensively, before broaching the next subject.

“Perhaps... we needn't wait.” Kara tells you. “I came close to **** more than once today. I don't know if I'm ready to leave this world, without everyone knowing I'm yours, and you mine.”

“K-kara, what are you saying?” you ask.

“Let's wed tomorrow.” the princess says impulsively. “Out on the lake. We can be joined as one under the watchful gaze of the Spirits.”

“Are you sure?”

“I want this Edward, and I know you do too.” Kara says, squeezing your hand.