1. Abandon

Inhaling deeply, you hesitantly look up at Alec before replying. "No, I don't think I do..." Though, it's the first time you've actually admitted it, an immediate weight is lifted from your shoulders after the words are spoken. Alec frowns slightly and glances around warily. "If I told you I could get you out of here, would you trust me?" Your heart skips a beat and you study his eyes deeply for a moment. His typically playful expression has been replaced by a strikingly serious one. Biting the inside of your lip, you try to steady your nerves as you barely whisper out, "Yes." Alec nods curtly before tightening his grip on your arm and begins pulling you in direction you had been heading. You're surprised when he's able to expertly lead you to a small, slightly hidden staircase, at the end of the hall. It's usually only used by servants and he seems to sense your curiosity when he leads you down it. "I've had some time to explore since we first met." He explains softly as you quietly make your way down the narrow passage. Before you reach the bottom, he pauses, and takes his cloak off before draping it over your shoulders. His hands brush against your shoulders as he quickly lifts the hood up and pulls it over your head. "Stay close and let me do the talking." He whispers as he pushes you out the door.

Several of the servants in the next room quickly stop what they're doing when they see King Alec. "Don't mind me." He says cheerfully as he winks before continuing, "Just helping my _companion _find her way home." Blushing slightly, you realize he's hoping they'll just think you're his latest female conquest. It seems to work as a few people nod before they all quickly return to their tasks. Alec's hand on your back pushes you forward through the crowd while you do your best to keep your face hidden. Thankfully, everyone seems to be preoccupied with last minute details for your soon-to-be cancelled ceremony. You feel slightly guilty for leaving Rurik without word, however, he never gave you a choice on the matter. Alec is the first person in a long time to ask what you actually want and that gives you a bit of hope. Either way, you at least finally have the opportunity to leave this strange land. For the longest time you hadn't allowed yourself any hope of ever escaping until now. Your heart is pounding loudly when you reach a door that you recognize to lead outside. The sun is just beginning to set outside and a cool breeze tussles the hem of your hood. Using a hand to keep it pulled down, you continue following him through the empty courtyard. After a moment, your steps slow down when you see a dark figure leaning against the side of the stables.

An easy feeling comes over you but Alec keeps pushing you forward. "Isn't this a sight?" Ulf's familiar voice confirms your suspicions and you hastily turn to leave. Frowning, Alec quickly grabs on to your arm and pulls you back against his torso. "It's alright, lass, he's a friend." A lazy grin spreads over Ulf's face as he leers down at you. "I don't think he's capable of having friends." This only seems to amuse Ulf more but you feel Alec shift slightly at your words. "I didn't realize you two were acquainted." His words seem to be more directed at Ulf than you, however, you reply anyway. "Hardly, though, I'm still surprised to find you keeping his company." Alec's grip on your arm loosens slightly before he sighs and says, "Well, I'm sure the whole story is fascinating but we shouldn't keep wasting time." Biting the inside your lip, you glance nervously at Ulf before nodding slowly. Though you can't see it, you assume he shoots Ulf some type of look. Ulf raises an eyebrow slightly but slowly sits up and walks a few feet away. Alec moves around you and places a hand on your shoulder. "Sorry, I have to leave you with him for now. It will look far more suspicious if I don't show up to the ceremony either." While this makes sense, you're still confused as to why Ulf is even here. As if sensing your impending question he quickly goes on to say, "I know somethings might not make sense now but I need you to trust me." Your gaze briefly shift over to Ulf before looking up into Alec's light blue eyes. After a moment you breath in deeply then finally reply, "Okay."

Alec squeezes your shoulder gently before pulling away and turning towards the keep. You watch for a moment as he walks in its direction before moving over to Ulf. "It's a shame you ended up choosing such a winding path." Though his voice is low you pick up on his slightly teasing tone. "We could have a lot of fun." A scoff quickly escapes your lips at his words and you defensively cross your arms over your chest. Looking slightly amused, he steps forward before continuing, "But, things have changed and we really should be on our way." Keeping your distance, you nod and begin following behind him. It's no surprise that he ends up leading you through an exit in the wall surrounding the town. The dark forest eclipsing its boarder causes you to feel slightly nervous again. Thankfully, he begins leading you around the forests edge instead of through it. The sun is nearly set and you know the ceremony will be starting soon. Ulf's slow, methodical, pace begins to wear on your patience. However, just before you're about to question him, something up ahead catches your eye. There's a figure mounted on a large steed a few yards up ahead. Finally, Ulf's strides become longer and you quicken your pace to keep up. By the time you reach the rider it's too dark to see his face. Ulf nods at him then turns to you and begins to say, "This is-"

"Let me guess," You quickly cut him off, unable to conceal your slightly irritated tone. "My next escort?" The rider shifts slightly in his seat but doesn't respond. Ulf chuckles softly under his breath before continuing, "Iain, but essentially, yes." Sighing, you feel slightly guilty for snapping and soften your tone when you say, "Very well, I'm sure it's a pleasure to meet you." Iain still doesn't reply, however, you're able to make out him lowering a hand towards you. Ulf steps back as you hesitantly slip your hand into that of the unseen man and are pulled up beside him. You try to keep your back straight as he places his arms at your side. Unfortunately, as soon as the horse moves forward you fall back into his broad chest. After a moment you find it's useless to try to keep straight and continue leaning against him. The ride is far too bumpy to attempt conversation and you eventually grow sleepy as you continue late into the night. To your surprise, when you wake there's a familiar salty scent in the air. Dawn is just arriving and your eyes take a moment to adjust to the dim light it provides. Glancing over to your side you're met with the sight of a large ship on oceans horizon. Escape is closer than you dared hope it could be. The figure behind you slides down and you're finally able to catch a glimpse at him.

Light, reddish brown hair cover his head and curls slightly at its short tips. A neatly cropped beard covers the bottom of his angular face and is slightly darker then the rest of his hair. He moves to stand beside you and offers you his hand again. Hazel brown eyes stare deeply into yours while you slowly place your hand in his. When you turn, he reaches up and places his other hand on your waist. "Thank you." You quickly mutter after you're safely on the ground. Iain nods slightly, then moves over to fasten the horse to a nearby post. He's dressed in strange leather armor and has a large pike strapped to his back. You suppose this should make you feel more secure but still can't shake a slightly wary feeling. When he returns to your side you note that he's just about Rurik's height but not quite as broad. Though it's beginning to bother you that he hasn't spoke yet, you decide to trust in Alec and follow him. On the beach you see a couple of row boats along with several men moving around. They quickly stop what they're doing when Iain approaches and nod respectfully before returning to work. Iain stops at one of the boats then turns and looks at you expectantly. Taking a deep breath, you walk forward and step into the boat.

Iain continues to remain silent the entire ride to the ship and you don't bother speaking either. This vessel is more like the kind you're accustomed to as it at least appears to have a lower deck. Taking a seat on a nearby barrel, you watch Iain begin moving about the deck. Though, you're not very familiar with sailing you can at least tell he's likely setting up the sails for departure. You assume that means Alec will be arriving soon and relax slightly. Turning around, you rest your arms on the rail behind you and stare down at the waves below. The rhythmic motion of the water becomes slightly hypnotic as you lose yourself in thought. The sound of footsteps snaps you back to reality some time later. Blinking in confusion, you slowly turn around to see Iain standing over you. When you're eyes casually glance to your side you immediately jump to your feet. The coast is a considerable distance away since you first arrived on the ship. "We can't be sailing already!" You exclaim, turning back around and leaning over the rail. The land is only growing further away and you quickly spin back around. Looking up at Iain, you slightly flounder for words as a mix of anxiety and frustration comes over you. His brow furrows slightly but to your annoyance he still doesn't reply. Exhaling deeply, you slowly sit back down and run a hand through your messy hair. Iain pauses for a moment then turns around leaving you slightly alone in your new surrounds.