Her ladies had warned her.<em>"Your excursions are going to get you in trouble some day, Highness"</em>.  The words echoed in her mind.  Apparently, today was that day.  The look her husband had pinned her with after she had made her little confession was unnerving to say the least.  Her eyes immediately went downcast, but she knew he wasn't done with her yet.  Natalya couldn't exactly say that she was afraid of her husband.  Though she knew he had a temper, she had done little to warrant that sort of attention from him.  Others thought differently, and though Natalya knew she was in no way exempt from his wrath, she couldn't imagine that her outings would upset him too much.  She expected a few harsh words and then all would be settled.<br/><br/>Natalya remained silent as Ancel turned from her to bark orders at those present, until he informed her that she would be joining him in his chamber.  Her eyes flew open and her head snapped up to look at him.  She opened her mouth to protest but he was already speaking to his other advisor.  A search of the entire castle could take....days.  And she was expected, no,<em>ordered</em>to stay within her husbands chambers and sights.  She had just gotten her own quarters barely a week ago, and had been more than relieved to finally be away from Ancel's nightly pawings.  He had been determined to get her with child as soon as possible, but only Natalya and her ladies knew that he hadn't succeeded quite yet.  A week in her own bed and now he wanted her back in his.  "Surely, Your Majesty I would be safe in my own quarters.  Post a guard at the door if you wish."  The words came out of her mouth before she could stop them, and she immediately regretted them.  The distressed tone in her voice clearly stated her opposition to being alone with him.  She lowered her head again and managed to stammer out her clarification. "I-I simply mean that, c-clearly none of my ladies wish me harm, an-and with a guard at the d-door, no one would get in.  I wouldn't be in any danger if I stayed there, Your Majesty."  She looked up at him finally, apologetically, but she knew it was too late....