<div style="text-align: justify;">Esther was relieved that her new family seemed to be friendly. She was still uneasy about her husband, though. The simple fact that he was not around made her feel that something was wrong. That feeling of uneasiness was too strong to be ignored, but Esther tried her best not to think too much of it.<br/><br/>When her future husband's sister embraced her, Esther was pleasantly surprised. She returned the hug and smiled when the King suggested that they should be seated. It was for the best that everyone played the part expected of them, after all.<br/><br/>The niceties lasted less than expected, though. As the doors crashed open, Esther stopped on her tracks and turned to look at whoever was coming in. <br/><br/>The first thing Esther saw was a pile of blood and dirt. She then noticed the claw marks, and the tense expression. The wave of anger that came from the man hit her hard, and Esther held on to her father's hand, feeling slightly off balance.<br/><br/>Hearing the name called by the queen made Esther swallow hard. Was she to marry that wild beast of a man? Esther looked at her father with a pleading expression, but said nothing. The deal was sealed, and it was important that they kept the given word.<br/><br/>After taking a look at her father, Esther dared to ask a question. She was to marry into that family, after all, even though she didn't know their traditions. In her country, once a word was given, man and woman were bound and had all obligations but carnal, which was only allowed after the marriage was sealed. She was unsure of how things worked in her new country. Back home, if her husband to be was injured, it would be her job to care for him.<br/><br/>Not wanting to cause any problems, Esther turned to Kari for help. She felt she would be able to count on her new sister in the future.<br/><br/>"Should I go to him?", she asked very quietly, a little nervous at the prospect.</div>