I could not remove the satisfying smile from my sculpted nordic face. The warmth of southern winds swayed my long, dark hair in the direction of Reilahn. The path back home was gloomy and grey, scattered spruce trees reminded of the savage nature of this northern forest. Their thin, needle-like leaves were almost brown, lacking the vibrant color of healthy growth. The winds and rain had stripped the life off of them leaving only remains of their core and the strong will to survive the climate.

The raspy croaks of ravens escorted my group away for a safe return home. I was glad and happy my plan worked out. I had managed to fool these people another time and I could spend my days being single for a little longer. My icy grey eyes reached my friend - another beautiful woman from Wahrlenn, though she was no longer a true friend.

"I can't believe you have gotten your way another time. For how long do you think you will be able to fool our people, your father? We all know the games you are playing..." She run her fingers through her fox-red hair. "The chief knows it too, but for what reason he lets it go over his head?"

"Why are you complaining, Lorey? You have wanted Ulrich for how long? I just gave you a favor. You will have a happy life with him forever and ever after." I chuckled and took a mouthful of berries I gathered along the way.

"And what about you, Freya? When will you decide to accept the generous wedding offers of all the wealthy and young men of our tribes? There are almost none left. And why? Because you reject every single one in the most shameful of ways."

"I will marry no one. I have told it numerous times to you, my father and everyone else. I am just waiting for you all to understand my point. My heart belongs to..."

"...to the mysterious warrior in shining armor!" Jen's lean body squeezed between me and Lorey.

Lorey rolled her green eyes at the mention of the man I saw at night a few years ago.

"No one asked for your opinion, Jen." I gave a strong shove to his chest. He grinned but brushed off my attempts to silence his silly remarks.

Jen was one of the warriors from my village. Young, tall and strong, his blond hair seemed like sunshine in gloomy weather and blue shade of his eyes promised the brighter days. As a young boy he took every situation with light feelings, but it didn't mean he could not be serious at times.

A dozen men escorted me back to Wahrlenn. I was never allowed to go anywhere alone. Reilahn was quite a distance away. The wildlife, thieves, bandits... Who knows what lurked in the woods. For this reason, my father - the chief of the village, asked his men to guard me.

Thus far I had not seen a single reason for so many men to come and join me on the way.

"Are you still sticking to that silly promise to wait for him?" Lorey glanced at me sideways with a judging stare.

I hated that everybody in the Wahrlenn laughed about it. Since Lorey spilled all my secrets to every single person, our friendship had shifted to mistrust, we were no longer so close, sometimes it felt I was competing with her in some way. She had managed to sever the bond and I hardly found a reason to trust her again. She did not care about my feelings and what's in my heart and I no longer did the same for her. There was a cold wall between us, made of ice and rock thick as the mountain itself.

Deep in my heart, I believed I will meet this man. I had been waiting for so long, had ruined the lives of others just to be his. There were times I thought it's silly, the same way as everyone else, but... since that night... the image in my head... It felt like he can bring me the life I longed for... the freedom I sought.

"I can't believe she is serious!" Lorey laughed out spooking the ravens and turning the grey sky in chaos.

"Shut up for once, Lorey! Take your man and leave me to be with my own problems. Be glad I rejected Ulrich or you would have to live and watch our marriage and face the lifelong heartbreak!"

She was getting on my nerves and without looking back I stormed a few feet ahead of them, so I would not need to see their proud faces.

Out of all the times, I had made the arrangements to fail, this one was not in vain. Ulrich, the son of Reilahn's chief, had been in love with Lorey for quite some time. She harbored the same feelings, but Walter was a strict man and stuck to traditions. He thought that a high born woman would be the most suitable for Ulrich and after the long conversations, my father offered my hand. It's normal for our parents to arrange the future of our lives, as well as we could choose our own companions in life. In my case, it would be more important for my village if I agreed which would strengthen our people and power in this land.

Ulrich kissed Lorey and I made a scene as I had planned in my head long before the meeting, breaking our arrangement, bringing the shame to his family in the eyes of mine, giving a reason to cancel everything and be free again. His father knew nothing, only that his own son was cheating on me, I made it appear as if I was terribly offended and I would never ever want to take his offer again for this reason. My plans had worked out before and so did this one. Lorey should be thankful and should not mock me for the dreams and a man I long for.

"I appreciate your concern for my feelings, Freya. But you should think about your future as well. It's not only for your own good but for people of Wahrlenn too. Your father is old and you are his only child. Someday we will need a new leader and you are making things harder for all of us."

"I know, but I can't help it. I don't feel attracted to any man I have been presented, which is... the most important thing to me. I want to hold feelings for my other half..." I had lowered my voice so no other can hear us. "...I envy you and Ulrich..."

For a moment I felt as if we were close friends again, sharing our feelings and secrets, helping each other to achieve our goals, but deep down my heart, I knew there will be a time she will turn her back to me once again.

"And do you think your 'prince' will be the one who will make you happy? Life is not a fairy tale, Freya."

"Whatever, Lorey. Mind your own business." I whispered under my nose.