Author's notes:

Just in case-I DO NOT OWN the characters-they were created by Naoko Takeuchi. Awesome lady, I am sure.

This is for fun and purely fan-made.

I have the right to shape the characters any which way I choose. I enjoy tormenting them. =)

Some will have the characteristics you all enjoy-some will not. Some will be a mix of my own design and the personalities we know.

I'm basing the character's looks more off the Manga-compared to the Anime.

Enjoy!

Mina sat impeccably still as the carriage rattled back and forth over the uneven terrain. She shivered, as the coldness of the new climate swept through the curtains and seeped into her bones.

She shifted her eyes to the man sitting on the opposite side of the small carriage, his knees bumping into hers ever so often. His skin was deceptively tan, considering the climate he lived in the majority of the year. His platinum blonde hair, though long in length, reaching a little past his shoulders, only seemed to add to his masculinity instead of taking away from it. He was large in build, his shoulders wide, though lean at the hip. He was built like a warrior.

He stood tall, as Mina remembered their nuptials just two days before; the top of her head barely scraping his shoulders.

His deep piercing ice blue eyes, that seemed so cold and unfeeling, stared out the window.

He certainly seemed worthy of the title King of the Northern Kingdom.

Most women in the kingdom would have been happy to be in Mina's shoes. She was told it at least a million times before her wedding. Another dozen more the day of the wedding.

She would gladly allow any of those women to take her spot now.

She shifted, trying to get comfortable; the small space slowly making her go crazy. He insisted on traveling from sun up till sun down to make it back to his home. For what, Mina was unsure; but she didn't feel the need to ask. She barely had spoken more than a few words with her new husband. He seemed content with that-so Mina decided she would be as well.

She felt eyes on her and turned back towards her husband. His ice blue eyes seemed to be staring too intently at her, making her uncomfortable.

"We should be arriving shortly." His strong voice boomed within the tiny space.

Mina could only nod.

Looking back out at the landscape before, she could tell she was going to miss the warm summers of the Capital. It's sweet soft sand that traveled along its beaches. Even the ability to wear the Capital style of dress; She picked at the thicker dress and wrap a round cloak.

The Northern Kingdom was known for its rain and snow-with very little warmth.

Mina let out a shaky breath. Why couldn't he have picked another bride? Why did her uncle sell her to the highest bidder? Did he not care for her? Was his political gain worth the happiness of his only niece?

Mina chortled to herself. Her uncle didn't care for her-compared to saying he was now related by marriage to the King of the Northern Kingdom? He felt selling her off was the best option. She sneered.

She noticed large stone walls coming into view and moved closer to the window, trying to get a better view.

"This is the back road into the Northern keep." Mina looked towards Malachite.

She swallowed and then decided to speak up, "Will we not be going through the main city?"

He shook his head, his platinum hair moving along with him. "You will be introduced properly, within a fortnight. I sent word to the main housekeeper, Tayla. She demanded that you be introduced at the Winter Festival-fitting for the Queen of the Northern Kingdom."

"What's the Winter Festival?" Mina moved again, her body looking forward to being outside the small carriage. She noticed his piercing eyes seemed to follow each movement she made.

"It's a festival to celebrate the arrival of winter. The festival can last five days-work is almost at a standstill-for the common folk-it's a time to rejuvenate and prepare."

Mina simply nodded again-unsure what else to ask.

She sat back as a Castle came into view. Before she knew it, the carriage came to a stop and the door was flung open.

Malachite stepped out first, his dark brown boots stepping out into the mud; he turned sharply and held out his larger hand for hers.

Mina slipped her hand into his and stepped out-her legs stiff, as her feet made contact with the ice cold ground.

She gasped slightly at the site before her. Over a few dozen soldiers stood before her. Each in uniforms similar to the one Malachite was wearing. Dark brown boots, fitted to the knee, with black pants tucked inside. A black, loose fitting long sleeve shirt was tucked perfectly into each pair of pants. Dark brown capes sat from their shoulders and carried down to their mid calves. All had swords wrapped around their waists, with a bastard shield held in their hands. The only difference between Malachite's uniform and theirs was the ice blue lining that lined his cape, and his immaculate sword.

Malachite moved his hand to the small of her back, pushing her forward gently.

"Men of the Northern Kingdom, welcome your Queen." His voice boomed out over the courtyard as all went from an at-ease position, to perfect attention.

Mina swallowed nervously and looked up at Malachite for any direction on what she should do, when she saw him simply looking over his soldiers, she decided to act as the Queen she was supposed to be.

"Thank you for welcoming me into your home," she paused for a brief moment, "I hope that I can earn your respect and I hope that I will be a worthy Queen."

The small squeeze on her back proved that her words were accurate, and without delay, swords were drawn and beaten against the medium sized shields they all carried-signifying their approval.

Malachite pushed gently on her back again, and she began to match his step as he moved forward.

Within moments they were inside and greeted upon by what Mina assumed was the main housekeeper-Tayla.

Mina smiled at the grandmotherly look Tayla possessed. Graying hair pulled into a loose bun. Her body, though plump, was wrapped in a deep gray dress, with an off-white apron tied around her waist.

Tayla seemed to cluck around as she took in Mina's appearance.

"My king, I'm ashamed that you allowed our Queen to be seen in such disarray! The bottom of her dress is covered in mud and her hair is in tangles." She picked up Mina's heavy sun kissed hair, that was laying over one shoulder in a loose braid.

"I have my work cut out for me it seems." Tayla tsk'd again.

"Make sure she receives a bath and deliver her to my chambers Tayla. You have two hours." Malachite's swift order echoed throughout the hall as he turned and marched down a corridor to his left. His boots echoed for a few moments before silence.

Mina watched him go, her cornflower blue eyes, wide with fear.

"Come now child, let us go and get you bathed. He doesn't like to be kept waiting." Tayla grabbed her wrist gently, and pulled her along. They moved within corridors and up two flights of stairs before they came to a solid oak door. Mina's fear escalating with each step she took.

Once they were within the bathing chambers, Mina couldn't hold her fears in any longer, "Tayla," Mina swallowed gently, "may I ask something?"

"Sure my dear, what is it?"

Mina glanced down at the water filling the marble tub, holding on to the robe that engulfed her smaller frame.

"What…what do you think he expects of me tonight?" The quiver in her voice had Tayla looking up from what she was doing.

A confused look crossed her features before realization dawned on her.

"My dear, did you consummate your marriage yet?"

Mina shook her head quickly, biting her bottom lip in nervousness. "Literally after our small reception, I was told to change and we headed out. He said he wanted to get home as soon as possible."

"And how old are you? You look no older than 16 winters."

"I just turned 17 a few weeks ago."

Tayla took on the face of a concerned grandmother and tapped the side of the tub, "Come, the warm water will be good for you."

The satin felt too cold against her skin, as Mina was prepared for the evening. She asked another chambermaid, whom she learned was named Mona, for a thicker robe. But the young maid shook her head stating, "This is what his majesty requested."

She was ushered from the safety of the room she presumed would be hers, through double doors that connected her room to a sitting area, and then through another set of doors, leading into an office and then finally, the King's chambers.

Mina couldn't help but admire all the décor that passed by her quickly. Everything was in deep navy blues and lavenders. While she always preferred the brighter colors of the Capital, there was something soothing about the colors chosen for her new home.

She was left alone, and Mina forced herself towards the door she entered through.

She glanced around. A large fireplace was burning against the far wall. In front of it stood two overstuffed chairs and a small round table. To its right were four doors leading out onto the balcony. Deep navy blue drapes hung over them, parted slightly to show the darken night sky.

Following that was a massive four-post bed. It had, what Mina could count, at least eight pillows situated perfectly, all in pure white sheets. She had to move her eyes away from the bed, as looking at it made her heart race, and saw a door which she assumed led to his bathing chambers.

She was taken from her observations when that said door opened and out-stepped Malachite, dressed in only a pair of loose fitting dark trousers.

Mina's cheeks boomed scarlet, as she took in the sight before her.

He seemed to be chiseled from the gods themselves.

She had to look at her feet as he slowly approached the bed.

"Remove your robe, Mina."

She glanced up, and shook her head slightly. Her voice squeaked as she spoke,

"My lord, I ask that you allow me a few days to become used to—"

"You've had a few days Mina. I gave you more time then what's considered acceptable. We are husband and wife, and I am your King." His voice carried over to her, as if he stood just beside her. "Remove your robe." It was a command-not a request.

Mina could only look at the ground as her trembling hands moved to the tie wrapped around her waist.

"Please my lord."

She glanced up only to see him still standing by the bed, a look of finalization on his face.

Tears rolled from her eyes as the tie came loose and pooled at her feet.

She wrapped her arms around herself as she was left in a pale black silk night shift that covered her body to her ankles.

"Come to this side of the bed Mina," he pointed to the one opposite of him, "and remove the shift." His voice seemed strained, and Mina moved without looking towards him.

When she reached the bed, she stood with her arms at her sides, her small hands balled into fists.

"Please my King." Her voice trembled as she dared a glance at him.

His ice blue eyes were no longer the hard, cold pressed eyes from their wedding and journey-rather they were filled with something she had never seen before and did not understand.

"Remove your robe Mina, and get beneath the covers."

Mina's body visibly shook, as her eyes filled with water, and began pooling down her face. She didn't understand why he couldn't wait longer. Allow them to get to know each other more.

She looked up one more time and realized, with fear, that she had no right to deny him.

She moved her hands up slowly and slid the straps down her arms. Having to pull her shift gently, it too slid from her body. Mina quickly brought her arms up to cover her breasts.

The cold air was just too much, as she bent down, barely moving her hands, she brought the covers back and climbed in. With her back facing Malachite, Mina pulled the covers to her chin.

She held her breath, as she heard him remove fabric and shivered as the bed caved with the weight of her husband behind her. She felt him climb beneath the covers himself and soon felt a warm body just an inch from her.

His fingers gently traced her arm, and before she could even take a breath, she was pulled flush up against his body.

Mina awoke to the sound of metal clanging against each other and a few loud knocks on the chamber door. She opened her cornflower blue eyes and eyed the doors leading out to the balcony.

She turned slightly when the chamber door opened and two young chambermaids came in. They stopped and curtsied to her, and Mina sat up, keeping the blanket tight against her bosom.

"My Lady, "the one closest to Mina spoke up, "We are here to help you prepare for the day."

Mina nodded, though her cheeks tinted rose, "Please hand me a robe."

"Of course my Lady." The chambermaid moved quickly and retrieved a robe from the bathing chamber. Within a moment, she had returned and stood in front of Mina, holding the robe open.

Mina stood as quickly as possible and slid her arms into the robe, grabbing the strings and tying them tightly around her small waist.

She glanced back when she heard the rustle of sheets, and blanched when she saw evidence of the previous night, stained red on the bed sheets.

"It's alright my Lady." The other chambermaid spoke up, "We are supposed to bleed a little the first time. That is one way our husbands know that they purchased a virgin."

Tayla walked in at that moment, glanced at the sheets, nodded her head towards the other two maids, and walked to the bathing chamber.

"A bath is in order My Lady. If you are sore, the bath will help."

Mina nodded and followed Tayla into the bathing chambers.

"My Lady, may I ask something?"

"Go ahead Tayla."

"My master, I pray he didn't hurt you."

Mina felt her face burn red and had a feeling it would be this way for a while.

"It hurt for some time, but he was gentle." Mina shivered at the memory-though she couldn't lie to herself and say it was from repulsion. She recalled the way his lips had touched hers-the way his hands had roamed her body. How terrified she was, but then how patient he was. She never expected it from the large warrior.

She didn't expect kindness like that.

Mina was removed from her silent thoughts when Tayla dumped a bucket of water over her hair to begin washing.

Authors note: Thank you for reading! I am new to posting on FanFiction and I'm also a perfectionist. Please excuse me if I go back and edit things that I see wrong.

The next chapter should be up soon!

Please review! I love hearing feed back!

LAla