A/N: As usual, I would recommend putting the video on loop.

By the time that Will came back inside, her tea had been finished. She had remained on the chair and had huddled into the blanket. Granted, she hadn't fallen asleep. Frankly, she was far too worried to do so until he went to bed.

"You must be very tired ... Why, I don't believe that you've told me your name," he voiced, leaning against the doorframe to the bedroom.

Personally, she didn't wish to tell him her name, but would he catch on if she lied about it. Already, she was thinking too long on the request. So, she brushed it off as being hesitant and shy. She twiddled her fingers and kept her gaze on her hands. A light chuckle reached her ears. "If you don't desire to tell me, how about I give you a name? Besides if your husband is still out there, it wouldn't be wise to go around towns with your actual name in use."

He pushed himself off of the frame and moved a chair closer to her. Taking a seat directly in front of her, he leaned forward and rested his chin on his intertwined hands. (F/n) instinctively went to move back on her chair, but she was already pressed as far back as she could go. Mentally, she became annoyed. This man was invading her personal space. To top it off, this wasn't the first time either.

His gaze stayed fixed on her, however. Eventually, her (e/c) orbs met his. A small grin pulled at his lips. "I know the perfect name for you, Bluebell. The color suits you, and you did ring for my assistance like a bell. Besides, sometimes the flower is associated with gratitude, and I'm sure that you're quite grateful for being allowed to stay here. It's perfect."

She didn't object to the nickname, but mainly it was because she wouldn't have to give him her real name. Still, he didn't know how wrong he was about her gratefulness. If she were grateful for anything, it was that she wasn't dead yet. The bluebell, though, had a meaning of constancy to it as well. (F/n) wondered if he was again putting that to the challenge. Should her husband not be dead, which he definitely wasn't, would she remain faithful regardless of his behavior, or would she give herself over to the kind mage in the cabin?

There was that challenging and sadistic twinkle in his eyes for a split second before he stood up from his seat. "Well, what do you think? I can always shorten it to blue or bell if you would like. Of course, I might do that anyways." Remaining silent, she simply nodded. "Excellent. It's been a long night for us both, so why don't we head to bed?"

Instantly, she shook her head. "I'm comfortable on the chair. I can remain here for the night. This is your home. You should have your own bed, and I'm not sharing a bed with you. I appreciate your kindness, but I'm not comfortable with that."

"Truly, your husband lost a wonderful woman. Even after threatening your life, you still have some hope in your eyes that he'll take you back if he's alive. Such a devoted woman but I understand where you're coming from. We're still quite new to each other, and it would be wrong to share a bed even if I wouldn't try anything on you. Still, I must insist that you take the bed. I can sleep on the ground during your stay here."

Before she could answer, he took hold of her hands and lifted her from the chair. She nearly cried out in protest, but the sound was muffled by his shirt. Her hands ended up pressed against his chest. Immediately, she pushed herself back as his hold on her disappeared. "Now, I just want you to have a decent rest after your run from your husband. Please, indulge me that much. I only wish to help."

Analyzing his gaze, she saw only kindness there again. She knew better, however. This man couldn't charm her into lowering her guard around him. Hesitantly, she took a step towards him before she went around him. "Thank you, then," she mumbled as she headed into the room and towards the bed. Once seated, she held the blanket out to him. "You'll need it more than me."

Another one of his soft smiles was sent her way. He gently took the blanket from her, but he didn't lie down immediately. Instead, he leaned downwards and pressed a light kiss to the back of her left hand. Out of surprise, heat lightly touched her cheeks as she drew her hand to her chest. His green eyes gleamed a bit in amusement. "Goodnight, Bluebell."

It felt like a wolf was staring her down with its teeth bared in a deadly grin. Once he lay down on the ground, she grew a bit more at ease. She moved closer to the window and took off her boots. (F/n) placed them on the window seal in such a way that the hidden knife wouldn't be seen. When she was satisfied with their position, she pulled the sheets over her form.

Resting her hands over her midsection, her eyes stared up at the wooden ceiling of the cabin. They turned to their right some and out towards the night sky. Occasionally, she would catch a few stars being revealed by the rolling by clouds. It was odd to think that just last night she would've been cuddled up next to Tarhuinn. Now, she had a murderous mage as her companion. Her hands clutched at the sheets.

Admittedly, she missed having his protective form nearby, yet she desired to prove that she could handle a dangerous situation on her own. Of course, she remained scared. Nerves were her best friend at the moment. When enough time seemed to pass, though, she cautiously peeked over the left side of the bed. Will was fast asleep or at least looked to be. Seeing this, she forced herself to calm down and close her eyes.

~~~~~~~~~~

Tarhuinn lifted his head when the scouts returned. His eyes searched through the night to see if (f/n) was following behind them. Even as he heard the report that she had gone into the cabin, he kept his gaze pinned to the entrance to the pixie home. He just couldn't believe it. Hadn't she realized her mistake? Why hadn't she turned back; why weren't her arms around him as she apologized for breaking their deal?

Dark blue eyes finally shifted back to the pixie royals. It was then that he finally noted the object at the base of the queen's throne. Breath caught in his throat. Why hadn't she taken her ring at least? Terrible theories seemed to swarm his mind. Shakily, he questioned the queen, "Why did my wife leave her ring?"

"She told us that she had a story formed out for the mage and that he didn't need to view the ring," the queen answered truthfully. "Would you like to hold onto it?"

"Is that even a question?" he growled out as the sparks of a fire began to flicker to life. The queen didn't acknowledge his threatening gaze. She merely rose from her chair and picked up the ring. Her husband nearly stopped her, but she reassured him that she would be fine. Keeping her distance from the kelremm, she tossed the ring to him, and he managed to catch it with his bound hands.

Returning to her chair, the queen made herself comfortable and was about to drift into sleep. With Tarhuinn's call, she would have to stay close by in case he attempted to perform it. Before she could fall to sleep's embrace, Tarhuinn asked, "What were the story's details?"

This time, the king responded. "She didn't relate those to us. We merely recommended that she use her beauty and innocence to her advantage. Perhaps, that's why she left the ring behind."

All appeared to go still. Tarhuinn pressed his wrists against the ice bonds. The cold burned his skin some, but he didn't care. His mind focused only on (f/n). He couldn't let that mage have her. Dark blue eyes focused in front of him but on nothing in particular. They were glazed over with the intent to hunt down and kill. Despite the most troubling look in his eyes, tears slipped down his cheeks.

None of the pixies flew to action yet. It wasn't until the sound of cracking ice could be heard. To their utter disbelief, Tarhuinn was breaking through his bonds. His gaze still was fixated on nothing in particular while his right fingers clenched around the ring as though it were his last hope. The kelremm's lips began to part slowly before the queen sprung into action.

Right before she could send him into sleep, his jaws opened wide. His sharp teeth revealed themselves before he snapped at the pixie. Instantly, she flew back with fright. Guards swiftly flew into action and attacked him on the back. A growl left his lips before he turned sharply and swung his hands at the pixies. When his gaze went forward again, the queen managed to get him. Despite this, he went to enclose his jaws around her again.

Barely dodging, the queen flew speedily to her throne. The king rose from his and prepared himself for a full on fight if the kelremm didn't calm down. Tarhuinn's lips went to part again, but sleep ensnared him. He collapsed onto the ground unconscious.

Pixies speedily committed to work. His bonds were strengthened before he was turned over to tend to the wounds on his back. All remained silent as this work continued. The queen was recovering from shock at almost being eaten by the violent male. Her king had moved to rest his hands on her shoulders to soothe her. Both royals, though, kept their eyes pinned to Tarhuinn. If the human girl could get the mage back to them in a week's time or sooner, that would truly be best, for neither of them knew how much longer they could detain her husband without seriously harming him.