The Journey

Eric couldn't wait to see Freya. He had been thinking about her all day. As anxious as he was, however, he still waited in the shadows near the back of the hall. He made sure that he had a clear line of sight to the entrance doors though. He stood among his closest friends, listening to them talk about this female or the other. Speculating just how hot the Princess would look tonight. None of them, except Uriah, knew that Eric wanted Freya for his own. Not even Uriah knew, though, of the ring in his pocket. Tonight Freya would be his. So while he had to endure all the single men of Dauntless talking about her, touching her in dance, and making offers to her to be her mate, he knew it was all for naught. She was his and by tomorrow night everyone would know it.

Eric was brought out of his thoughts by Max's announcement. The crowd was dead silent as they watched the doors open, waiting to see the Princess. Then she was there, striding through the doors like she owned the place, and she did. In that moment she owned all of Dauntless and all who called it home. Breathtakingly gorgeous would be an understatement. Eric couldn't move, even as his buddies elbowed him to get his attention so they could comment on how sexy Freya looked. He could hear nothing, see nothing, but Freya. She was amazing. Only Freya could look that sexy and classy at the same time, showing just the right amount of skin for such an event. Eric couldn't wait to get his hands on her, but he would have to. A line was already forming near the dance floor, and he wanted to be one of the last to dance with her anyway.

"Eric man, are you coming?" Zeke asked, practically bouncing with excitement to dance with Freya.

"Yeah dude, let's go.....gotta make an impression on the Princess before Four does. Look he's already in line!" James said, "Let's go!"

Zeke, James, and Blaze rushed over to line completely abandoning their attempt to drag Uriah and Eric with them.

"Idiots, the lot of them." Uriah laughed, turning to Eric. "Dude, you need to breathe or you won't have a chance to offer for her."

"Right...damn though, look at her," Eric said, still unable to take his eyes off Freya as she navigated through the crowd to greet her parents.

"Oh, I see her, as does every other man here. Why aren't you in line already?" he asked, confused as to why Eric would linger in the shadows when there was a Princess to claim.

"I don't need to rush over there. Let them think they have a chance. She's mine. I know it, she knows it...even though she may try to forget it tonight since she thinks I have no interest in her. I'll wait 'til the crowd dies down a bit." Eric said, finally regaining his normal confidence.

"You sure man? I mean I'm not doubting that she had feelings for you, but are they strong enough to withstand every man in Dauntless offering for her?" Uriah asked honestly, and almost instantly wished he hadn't.

Eric turned to him, finally taking his eyes off of Freya, glaring as he spoke "Yes, I'm sure. Freya is mine and no man in Dauntless, hell no man on this planet, could ever take her from me. Let them try, they all will fail" he growled out.

"Alright man, I believe you. I know she wants you. Just don't fuck it up. I'm going to go get in line."

"Ok, remember who she belongs to though."

"Eric, she's all yours."

Damn right. Eric thought, sipping his drink while scanning the room for Freya again. Tori was pulling her away from her parents, leading her to the dance floor. Once she was in the center Tori released her hand and walked to the beginning of the line to get the first man for Freya to dance with. Well, here we go...