“What other choice do we have?”
Four
Queen Emeline
Lord Louis is unhappy with the newest addition to our alliance. But he knows better than to question my decision.
We’ve ridden for what feels like days, but Aric has taken us into parts of England that I have never ventured into before. It almost feels like we’re setting foot on foreign soil.
Aric is rather fetching, and it’s apparent Catherine has taken note, as he has of her, which is why I ride between them. I know firsthand what it's like to love a Viking. I will not bestow the same fate on my daughter.
“Emeline, it will rain soon,” Aric says, peering into the darkened skies.
“It is Queen Emeline,” one of the guards spits.
Aric bursts into humored laughter. “She is not my Queen. No offense, milady.”
“None taken. However, you’ve adopted the Saxon tongue?” I say, referring to the way he addressed me.
“I was taught that is the way to speak to a Christian woman. Am I mistaken?” he asks, appearing genuinely curious.
“You were indeed taught correct. Who tutored you?”
A look of sadness overcomes him. “A Christian woman. Her name was Helene.”
He need not speak further as it is clear what happened to Helene.
Bloodshed has spoiled this land regardless of the agreement we have in place. I wonder if all of this was in vain.
“We camp here,” Aric says, pointing at a small cave.
Nostalgia tackles me because it was a cave like this that I lay in with Skarth. Even though that was a lifetime ago, the memories of flesh upon flesh assault me, leaving me with a longing so deep that my anger only grows.
How could he leave so easily? Does he not feel the pain I do?
We ride toward the cave as the moon disappears behind the clouds. Lord Louis orders his men to guard the horses and entrance as we enter. It’s small, but I’ve slept in far worse places before.
Aric removes his fur jacket and attempts to place it on Catherine’s shoulders. I, however, step forward.
“She does not need your coat,” I say, standing firm. “For you shall build us a fire to keep warm.”
He towers over me in height as well as stature. But he nods and quickly leaves.
I turn to look at Catherine, who appears a little annoyed, but she doesn’t say a word. I knew this time would come, regardless of her expressing her desire to remain unmarried. I do not condemn her being attached; I just do not wish for her to live the life of a Viking bride.
I want to save all my children from the pain I endured in this lifetime.
She sulks as she sits against the wall, drawing her knees toward her chest. Lord Louis meets my eyes and nods, agreeing with my decision, as he can see this is fated for disaster if we do not intervene.
“Can we really trust this heathen?” he whispers, angered.
“No, we cannot. But I have not come this far to not take chances. We have shelter to wait out the storm, but what of my sons, Louis? I will do anything to protect my children.”
I make a point of looking at Catherine because it includes all my children. She lowers her chin.
“You are right, milady. Forgive me. I worry, that is all. What if this is a trap?”
“Then we fight…just how we always do.”
