Elise was soon learning just how invested Manawyndan seemed to be in her marriage to Ozragad with the fact he had referred this matter as something of state. [color=00aeef][b]“I suppose not.”[/b][/color] It was easier agreeing with him, it was no ordinary lovers quarrel as for one they weren’t even lovers and she doubted she could even consider that term in the future. Not when every time she closed her eyes, she could see the image of his hands wrapped around her throat and deep down she feared it would happen again. This truly was a matter of state, a marriage to stop a war and bring prosperity to both Kingdoms, to even think love would be involved was naive. 

Without realising she found her eyes narrowing towards him, bring guards to ensure her physical wellbeing? The very thought angered her making her feel sick at the idea she would even need guards to make sure he didn’t lay his hands on her. Taking a moment to compose herself she stopped herself from making a comment and nodded as he left to wait for her to follow along. It wasn’t that she would need them, but more that if it would make her feel comfortable then she could bring them and she was thankful she didn’t speak too soon on that matter. Taking guards would not be needed, she would not surround herself like she needed to be protected. 

[i][color=00aeef][b]I do not need their protection from a brute.[/b][/color][/i] Elise thought to herself as she took one last sweeping glance of her room before taking her steps outside to follow Manawyndan to finally talk with the King. Offering a forced smile to the Lord she closed the door gently behind her and followed him in silence whilst she let herself think about the upcoming meeting. Building herself up to apologise she hated the idea already; she didn’t feel she did anything wrong. It was he who had pushed her to snap with his comments, maybe she had overreacted but at the end of the day he had started it and finished it when being violent towards her. 

[color=00aeef][b][i]Still… I should remember Lady Cheldarines words. I’ll have to apologise he probably doesn’t think he did anything wrong.[/i][/b][/color] 

Walking through the castle with the Lord she took in the sights, it had been a few days since she had left her rooms that she had been forcibly confined too and it felt great to be out of them. A fleeting feeling of freedom. Regardless of the fact she had been confined she still walked with her head held high, she would not let anyone see anything but confidence from her even if it wasn’t a true reflection on her feelings inside. There was a hint of doubt that maybe Ozragad would not marry her and just have her killed instead like the rumours foretold. It was still option, even if Lady Cheldarine had spoken otherwise in regard to this Kingdoms state it could still happen. 

[color=00aeef][i][b]He needs me, I have to remember that. I won’t be some inferior woman that he can choose to beat around if he so pleases.[/b][/i][/color] 

As they came to the doors, she heard the knock before his voice called out for them to enter, at the sound of his voice she could feel her stomach churn hesitant to walk inside at first as the memory of what happened in the library was still fresh in her mind. Taking in a deep breath she pushed the thoughts down before she moved inside as the doors were opened for her acting as if nothing had happened between them. It was the first time she had stepped foot in this chamber, but before she could take a look at her surroundings, she bowed respectfully to the King still remembering her manners even if she wanted to disregard them and snub him hoping he did not catch the flicker of fear passing through her eyes. 

[color=00aeef][b]“Good morning your highness, is now a good time to talk?”[/b][/color]