Naturally Gareth would assume that anyone would take the piece of bread and be grateful, but Tatiana refused him and now walked off to her horse. His temper was flaring and he tried his best to keep it in check as he stared off into the distance. He offered the bread to his own steed before taking as much water he could into his hands, he needed to cool down. He let the water wash his face and run through his hair.

When he turned around she was sitting upon the horse, in urgency that she would run off he grabbed the reins and held the horse still. "Is my food not good enough for you?" he spat.

She jumped, startled. "I am not hungry." She mumbled, keeping her glaze forward. Her heart raced, filling with anxiety. She didn't like his tone. Her eyes locked with his, holding him in a harsh glaze. "Don't look away...You'll break. Don't do it...please. Do not let me cry." Her eyes started to water. She quickly blinked them away and turned her head, ignoring the fact tears were streaming down her cheeks.

She shut her eyes, reaching down for the reins. "I will not take off." She said, tugging on them sharply. She had to have something to keep her hands busy. He turned her head, quickly wiping the tears from her face. Maybe her stepmother was right, she was useless. She bit down on her tongue, controlling her urge to snap at the prince.

Gareth couldn't believe this woman, she sounded like a child, he knew she was surely hungry as they had been riding for a fair time now, and he was attempting to only be generous. Most girls would be excited to be in her place, and be over the moon at his favours, but she refused him on every single level even when he tried to be nice. He was about to say something further when he spotted her eyes welling up with tears.

He immediately let go of the reins, clearly she didn't want to be here, the tears had surprised him, her bold acts had lead him to believe she was strong willed and wouldn't break so easily. Gareth wasn't the type of man that would ever hit a women, so there was no use in scaring her, but he wondered if she was really worth all this effort, maybe he should let her go.

Gareth sighed allowing some emotion to be seen, "If you must go, then go, I will not hold you captive." This pained him to say this, as he watched her, it was as if he was letting the kingdom before him slip through his hands if she were to go.

She looked at him, frowning. "No." She said after a while. She couldn't leave. This was her chance to make her family proud and honored. She glared down at him and crossed her arms. "I have come this far. If I leave now I shall end up with no where to go." She snapped. She slid off the horse and stood in front of him. Her face emotionless.

She had to do this. It was a one in a life time chance and if she blew it...She knew only bad things would come. At least as his wife she could do what she wanted with a roof over her head. She made up her mind once she left her home. She was going to become his wife, no matter what.

Gareth looked at her with dark eyes as the water dripped down his face from his damp hair. She was stubborn, even with herself, at least he was relieved that he would still get his kingdom, they would be married soon and he wouldn't have to worry anymore.

"Well, I see that you are not selfish," if she would have run it would have been, this marriage doesn't just benefit him but her family back home. He took one las look at her before tending to his horse in preparation for leave again. "If I am right," he spoke softly while brushing his steeds hair, "Your family will benefit from this marriage greatly." He wondered why she despised him so, he had been with women before he knew it wasn't his looks, and he knew he was cold, but none have disliked him so readily.

She moved back onto her horse. "It will..." She spoke quietly, almost sounding tired. She shivered and couldn't help but feel worn out after her episode. She lowered her eyes and whispered. "Thank you." The two words she rarely spoke to anyone, even her own father.

She brushed her hair over one shoulder and gently entangled her fingers with the horse's mane. She couldn't believe she had almost blown it. She had to put on a act until they were married, then she could do what she wanted and the freedom she had always longed for. "Just a few more days...I'm sure I can wait." She thought, bending over and kissing the horse's cheek.

Gareth now mounted his horse watching her as she sat quietly, in a tired state it was like she gave up. He didn't like that she was feisty but he could learn to handle that in time, but it did sadden him to see her give up so easily he almost enjoyed the struggle, it made this circumstance interesting to say the least.

He was now shocked, as she thanked him, this seemed out of place as he felt he had done nothing but make her life more difficult, he hadn't even informed the family he was to arrive. He simply lowered his head in acknowledgement of the words which were followed by her silent gesture to the horse. For the first time he considered what it would be like to be in her position, to only find comfort in something like a simple steed.

Gareth slowly approached her atop his horse, his voice was quiet and his face didn't show sympathy although he did feel it inside, "It will not be much longer until we stop to camp for the night..." he hadn't intended to stop for the night but she seemed exhausted, and the night was encroaching faster than he wanted.

"Where will we be camping?" She asked, keeping her eyes off him. She kept all her attention towards the horse. Her hands running through it mane. She looked at for him a second and returned her glaze to the horse.

She couldn't help but to wonder what life would be like as his wife. Would he ignore her and take on lovers on the side. For some strange reason the thought made her heart ache. She wrapped her arms around herself. She wouldn't let that happen. He was her's. She had never felt possessive over anything but her mother's belongings. Why was she wanting him as hers so much?

Gareth's steed moved slowly not wanting to truly stay still, he kept the horse in line as much as he could almost circling Tatiana. "I have not decided..." he admitted, it would take some time to find a good place to stay that would be easy to protect their belongings, and his new belonging Tatiana. "Somewhere shielded and safe, bandits are not kind to travellers that are unaware."

He now started to move slowly hoping she would follow, this time trying to be less harsh with his take off as he needed her to be his wife, and there was no other option. Gareth was afraid if he kept pushing her then she would abandon him leaving him with no kingdom to call his own.

"There is a forest up ahead, there will surely be somewhere fit to make camp." he gestured towards the trees a few miles from where they were now, he watched as the sun neared farther into the west it would be setting soon.

She kept up right besides him. "Inside the forest may be more safe to camp." She said, glancing across at the forest. She shivered, wanting so badly to get some sleep and snuggle up into a mound of blankets. She watched his back.

"I do wonder if I what my new bedroom will look like. Oh, how I have always wanted a large bed." Her mind started to wonder, thinking about the castle and what was inside it. She heart started to race. She rested her hands over her heart until she noticed what she was doing.

She slowed her horse down a bit, letting him rest slightly. Her eyes went straight to his neck. "Now tha tI think about it...He is rather handsome. Maybe this wont be so horrible. At the very least I won't mind looking at him.

Gareth was happy to see that she kept up with him at a steady pace towards the forest. When she talked he looked back to her to only find shortly after that she held her hands to her heart which struck him as odd. Becoming slightly embarrassed he turned his face forward once again. He was racking his brain as to what she was thinking about, surely not thinking of him, maybe he had torn her away from another lover that she was now thinking about, that would explain her sadness.

"Who is this man you are thinking about." he said boldly, as his horse trotted along slowly, his jaw was clenched, this made him sound jealous, but he needed to know if another man were to steal his wife away leaving him with nothing, and his power would be non existent.

She laughed. "Guy? I do not understand. The only men in my life were my brothers and father. " She said, moving her horse next to him. "Are you concerned that i am in love with someone? You should know I have never even kissed a man." She said, in hopes of teasing him.

She had always thought of men like her brothers, immature and curious. She had never seen true love, or even believed in it. Her father had once told her that true love was only meant for fairytales. She wasn't sure what love felt like but she did know how to tease someone until they broke down with questions.

Gareth soon regretted he had asked her such a question, "I need to ensure you are mine, I have no interest in hearing of your past love life." he muttered. The question had put him in an odd position where she started to gain the upper hand, he really wanted to say 'you are my property and I need to protect it' but he knew that would only upset her. This had been a rare situation where he did care about someone's feelings only because he was tied to the idea of keeping her with him.

"What a poor life you do lead." he said now annoyed with her teasing, Gareth had his fair share of women in his lifetime even though he would not lie to any, each knew that he was a free man and had as many women as he wished and they didn't mind. Now this relationship would be different, and his father would not let him be unfaithful.

"Oh well I shall tell you everything about it then." She went quiet, keeping her eyes pointed at him. A large cat like grin on her face. "You know those two boys at my home? yes those were my sons. From different fathers." She waited for his reply and laughed. "I only kid. They are my brothers. I have no children."

"Children...Oh dear...I shouldn't have gone there. But I'm sure he has at least one from a lover. Who wouldn't want his child? He's so...Why am I thinking all this rubbish? " She stood up straighter. She couldn't wait to rest up and finally get to see the castle. She had always pictured herself escaping to the castle when she was upset. She would see herself going through each room and finding what treasures awaited her. It was her childhood fantasy and now...she was going to live there.

Gareth rolled his eyes, he didn't understand why women always pushed the point of teasing, and felt that it was fine to carry on. When he gazed back at her, she had a smile on her face as if she were still a child poking fun at him. It was charming even though he didn't like to admit it, but he just shook his head at her attempt at humour.

"You are horrid at fibbing," he said with a smile that was hidden beneath his rough exterior, "It is strange how you have not been taken in and made a wife by now." Tatiana was of an older age that was uncommon for a woman to be unwed, this had pleased Gareth, he never wished to marry a child even though this one had similar qualities.

She flipped her hair back. "Oh? Didn't you hear? I'm curse. Hm....I swore father would have told you." She smiled at him and winked. She sped up her horse, going past him, her long brown hair wiping behind her. She wasn't afraid to push him until he was at his limit. In fact she was enjoying herself for the first time in a while.

"This should be interesting. It is already getting to him." She thought, looking back at him. Her hand waving back at him, a soft smile across her face. She hated to admit it but she was starting to like the man, he would put on a act and she was starting to dig through it to his true self.

Gareth had never spoken to a women except through mere conversation through passionate encounters, he had never courted. The actions of this woman was peculiar to him and didn't know how to react. At first he thought of her as nothing but a poor stable girl, who couldn't be tamed. Now she was showing a playful side that had sincerity weaved through it, and finally laced with a innocent and beautiful smile which she shared with him as he rode past.

The expression on his face must have been strange as he was unsure to show how he was feeling, nor did he want to. He rode faster to keep in pace with her his mood now lightening even the least bit. "Are you telling me that I should barter you away for a fiance that isn't cursed?" It was his turn to shoot back at her now.

"No. Your stuck now." She chuckled lightly heartily and gently kicked the sides of her horse, moving forward. She was ready for her new life. She couldn't help but to laugh like a young girl. It had always been a dream to see the castle. Now she had the chance. She smiled, looking up at the sky, breathing it all in.

Her life was going to change. She was ready. She only hoped she was going be allowed to do what she willed. She had always wanted a taste of freedom....and a nice big bed all to herself. She held in a laugh at the thought.

The two of them had now reached the forest the rest of the trek of held in a somewhat pleasant silence there was no longer a fair amount of animosity towards each other. Gareth searched the forest floor for a suitable place to camp and after some time he found a clearing that wasn't too large to be spotted easily as it was surrounded by many trees. His horse slid into place and Gareth didn't wait any longer to jump off and search for kindling for the fire.

"I shall start a fire," he said calmly to Tatiana before searching farther in the brush, "Stay here." he finished sternly being sure to look her in the eyes so she knew he was serious.

She slide off her horse and kissed it's cheek. "Thank you Mr.horse." She whispered, patting his side. She looked around but stayed put, not in the mood to walk around. She was tired from the long trip and was very ready for some sleep. She leaned against a tree, reaching up to pluck a leave from it. She held it in front of her and admired it.

She had never been this far into the forest and already the flora had changed. She gasped as a small bird sat on a branch near her. She went quiet, watching it like a cat would to it's prey.

Seeing that Tatiana was willing to stay at their camp for the time being while he searched for kindling set his mind at ease. He walked through the brush his footsteps cracking the twigs beneath them, he began to gather anything he could find that would work. Once he had enough he strode closer to the camp and he stumbled upon his fiance inspecting what appeared to be a leaf. He stopped in his tracks to watch what she would do next without him there, maybe she had a plan to run after all.

Much to his surprise she sat there still as a bird perched itself not far from her location, he figured that she felt safe with him for now, and that running away would put her life at risk. Gareth decided to lean against a tree and watch her for the time being.

She bent down, tugging her cloak closer. She was really starting to feel cold. Where was he with the kindling? She plopped on her hood and wrapped her arms around her body. She glanced up and smirked. "Do you see something worth while?" She asked Gareth. She was huddled over, hugging her legs to her chest.

She may not the most proper lady but she knew when a man was staring. She stood, straightening out her simple dress. She walked over to him and held out her hands. "May I help?" She asked with a simple smile. She could do more then normal girls in fact she loved to help. Even through she would rather cause trouble.

He watched as she attempted to warm herself it hadn't occurred to him that he was holding what was soon to be warmth in his hands. It was almost as if he was memorized by the simplicity of the moment and the peacefulness of her behaviour. The moment was broken when she spoke to him, suddenly he stood up straight no longer leaning against the strong tree. Gareth cleared his throat attempting to shake off the embarrassment of his staring.

She now approached him which didn't help the matter, if he was younger she may have seen him blushing but he now knew how to hide it well. It took him a minute to process what she asked him, as he was still trying to figure out what had been coming over him. He could have given in to her kind gesture but he felt like he was losing himself, and he couldn't have that.

"I have it." he said brushing her offer and Tatiana herself aside as he went to work on the fire, it wasn't long before he had a flame going. He placed the larger logs nearby so they could throw it on when they wished, he found one to be suitable to sit on. He now sat in thought looking into the fire trying his best to keep his eyes off of her as he now felt awkward when their eyes met.

She watched him sit down and decided to join him. She sat down, resting her elbows on her knees. She rubbed her hands together, trying to get rid of the icy feeling. She kept her eyes towards the fire, focusing on getting warmed up. "What's it like?" She asked. She could barely contain her exciting any longer. "The castle...What is it like?" She rephrased the question.

She had always thought of as a dark place, full of dust and old objects from around the world. With creatures and strange things that went bump in the night. She was not like any other woman. She had always dreamed of things in a darker way.

While Gareth watched the fire he caught out of the corner of his eye that she still was cold as she rubbed her hands together. Reluctantly he removed the coat he wore and quickly slumped it over her shoulder before returning his attention to the fire. Before he had done this she had asked him a question which he half listened to.

"The castle..." he said thinking back, "I am not the often." Throughout his life Gareth had traveled a great deal and had to prove to his father he was worthy of the crown, so he had only spent mere nights in the castle when in stay with his father, and only to be at any royal meetings. "It is cold, and dark, but this time of year there is a saving grace with the season, some find it quite beautiful." He would never admit that he found the gardens beautiful but whenever he was at the castle it was his refuge.