The Bears Shortcoming

Chapter 14- Him

(4E 201 20th of Evening Star)

I took a deep breath before opening the doors of the Palace in Windhelm. I wasn't sure how the Jarl had reacted to my absence and I certainly wasn't sure how he would react to my return. I hoped he wasn't too angry.

The brass doors shut with a loud boom and there in front of me was the familiar great hall, with its beautiful turquoise rugs and Stormcloak tapestries. And of course, the huge throne that looked empty when Ulfric wasn't sitting in it. A part of me felt happy to be back in this place, even if it wasn't my real home.

I looked upon Ulfric, he was sitting on his throne in his usual slouch, but something looked off. He looked stiffer, and there were visible bags under his eyes. He didn't look like he belonged on the throne.

Ulfric stared at me when I walked in. He blinked a few times, and he must have not reacted for about a minute. The disbelieving expression began to grow on his face and he walked towards me slowly. The seconds felt like years.

The Jarl kept walking until he was standing right in front of me. I could see the green in his dark eyes, and the way the light bounced off them, but there was something more this time. I saw compassion, and kindness, and love.

Ulfric's hand brushed against my face and I could feel my cheeks heat up.

"Dragonborn?"

"Hello, my lord"

Ulfric's eyes widened and it was as if he had suddenly realised who I was. His eyes glistened with tears and before I knew it he had crushed his lips against mine, capturing me in a truly enchanting kiss that I wished I could hold onto forever. My whole body felt electric.

Ulfric looked at me and pulled me into a tight embrace. "I thought you were dead" he whispered. His voice sounded weak.

"So did I"

We sat for hours, talking about what had happened in Whiterun and how I went back to the guild for help.

"You should have come back to Windhelm" Ulfric murmured "But it seems I owe your guild a debt"

My cheeks flushed "I couldn't have come back with you, I thought you hated me"

Ulfric placed his hand on my cheek "I don't hate you Dragonborn, quite the opposite in fact"

I lay in my bed that night thinking of the way Ulfric had welcomed me back to Windhelm and the sweet things he had said to me. I didn't want the day to end.

(4E 201 21st of Evening Star)

I woke up to the sound of my door opening. I opened my eyes and squinted at the door. Before I knew it Ulfric had picked me up bridal style in his strong arms and he was twirling me around. My hair was a state and I was wearing only a simple white tunic to cover me up. I had just woken up and I felt dizzy but I laughed anyway.

"Ulfric stop! Put me down!" I giggled, and although I told the Jarl to release me, I truly just wanted to stay in his arms forever.

Ulfric lowered me down gently on my bed and sat down next to me "How are you this morning?" his voice sounded croaky, as if he had just woken up also. I loved picking out those small things about him; it made him seem like less of a mighty king, and more of a normal human being with real thoughts and feelings.

"I'm very well my lord" I answered him with a genuine grin on my face "What brings you here so early?"

The Jarl returned my smile and he interlocked his fingers with mine "I have a mission for you" my heart sank at this, as I knew a mission meant having to leave Windhelm for a few days, and in turn leave Ulfric.

"But first..." the Jarl squeezed my hand "Would you join me for breakfast?"

My grin grew wider and I could almost feel my mouth aching from how much I'd been smiling that morning. "Of course but-"I didn't have the chance to finish my sentence before Ulfric picked me up again and I squealed. He started to carry me out of the room.

"Ulfric!" I laughed "I haven't even got any shoes on! What will the other people in the palace think?!"

The Jarl looked at me in amusement "You forget that I own this palace. And my lady can do what she wants"

 When I was with Ulfric I forgot all about the raging war and my duties as Dragonborn, I even forgot about the troubles in the guild. He made me happy, and that was something I hadn't truly felt in a long time. 

Instead of going to have breakfast in the great hall, Ulfric walked past it and instead carried on until we reached a balcony high up at the very top of the palace. When we arrived, Ulfric put me down and I gasped as I looked out at the view.

The balcony overlooked all the houses and shops in Windhelm that were covered with glistening white snow from the night before, you could see the city starting to come to life as merchants opened their stalls and children played happily on the snowy streets. If you looked further on you could see the dock just outside the city, where the water was partly frozen over and the huge boats were getting ready to set sail. It was truly breath-taking. I was lost for words as Ulfric walked over and stood by my side at the edge of the balcony.

"It's beautiful" I breathed.

"Indeed" Ulfric replied, but instead of admiring the city as i was, I could feel his eyes on me and i turned my head to meet his soft gaze, examining my features. I could hear the smile in his voice which in return, put a smile on my face.

Ulfric guided me to a wooden table with two chairs and a small candle burning in the middle. On the table there was the finest selection of fruit that I'd ever seen, some of them I didn't even know the name of. There were cheeses and fish and so much wine, my mouth watered just looking at it all.

We finished eating and I felt so full that I had enough food in me to last for the next year.

"So where are you sending me?" I enquired, remembering Ulfric had said he had a mission for me.

"To the reach" Ulfric replied "You and Galmar are heading over to Fort SunGard. There are Stormcloak prisoners being held captive there. You will release the prisoners and take the fort from the enemy. And then you will return"

I stood up from the table and gave a small smile "I suppose I should go and gather my things then. Thank you for this morning Ulfric, I really did love it" I placed a light kiss on the Jarl's lips before quickly walking away back to my room. I swear I saw him blushing as I walked away.