Uhtred's Conquest.

(set on Uhtred and Garnett's wedding night)

The obliging, gathered crowd below the window of Uhtred and Garnett's consumating room had been waiting for some time. Their expectant gazes remained quite firmly fixed to the panes. Rumours had told them, after all, that Uhtred had seduced Garnett before the marriage. They were lascivious, tongue-in-cheek tales that spoke mostly of the big man forcing his attentions on the poor, slip of a girl. Some were able to spin this as evidence to support their traitorous views; others were simply scandal-hungry.

Either side of the spectrum became surprised, however, when the window suddenly creaked open. The silhouette of a large figure appeared behind the flickering torch light, followed by the sudden unfurling of bed sheets like a flag. Two corners were impaled on the hooks that had been bolted into the pane for this purpose, and the dark splatter in the centre told the tale.

A whooping cheer echoed throughout the courtyard, as was tradition.

The princess had not known until that night just how the blooded sheets were to be inspected, and she watched in horror at their disposition. Hung up for the world to see! What a vile practice...it made her shudder at the thought, though a small smile crept to her lips. As the crowd howled their approval, her eyes lit on her prince...any nerves at their minor deception swept away in her gratitude to him for his protection of what she felt should be between the two of them.

He had kept her trust, and she felt she would never regret her answer to his question on the night of their betrothal. Above all others..