“You have my word,” Ulf says, tossing the heavy bag at the man’s feet. “Now, please feed the women.”
Alruna turns to look at Ulf, clearly surprised that beneath that gruff exterior lies a gentleman, or something like one. I, however, am not surprised at Ulf’s chivalry.
The man bends to pick up the pouch, and when he peers inside, he gestures with his head to a woman who waits for his command. “Prepare the stables and bring them some food.”
She nods, but it’s clear she’s frightened.
I wonder if, perhaps, one day we will all learn to coexist. I know not all Vikings are like Ulf and Alruna. But not all Saxons are like me, either. And with this divide, I cannot see it ever being bridged. Therefore, I will be fighting for unity until the day I die.
I wanted a better England for my children. But I fear I have failed them. My heart grows heavy when my thoughts drift to Skarth. If this was all for nothing…Then I will burn my kingdom to the ground myself.
This quest seems to take me further and further away from what I once believed in. I can’t help but feel I’ve wasted so much time and all for what? To be here, sleeping in a stable once again, as I fight for my survival.
Ulf’s touch is what draws me back to the present. He speaks to me in Norse, and although I have no idea what he says, it calms me instantly. He gently cups my cheek in his large palm. When our eyes lock, my world refocuses, and I feel like I can breathe again.
“Thank you.”
He runs his thumb along my bottom lip, sending my body into a fever. “Do not thank me for something that comes to me as naturally as the sun rises and sets.”
And this is the reason I will always love Ulf the Bloody.
The man notices our exchange and doesn’t mask his disgust. But the pouch of coins he clutches dearly holds his tongue. We dismount our horses and follow the woman who leads us into an area where a brothel is being served.
It smells delicious.
It’s in the simplicity that I appreciate life the most. Within my kingdom walls, everything I want is within reach. But this meal, prepared with love and eaten with commoners, somehow makes it the best one I’ve eaten in a while.
We are all famished and devour our meals within minutes. Our bowls and cups are never empty of food and drink.
“Thank you,” I say to the woman who ensures we’re well fed.
She nods without making eye contact.
“Your people are such scared little mice,” Ulf says without shame. “You fight for cowards.”
“I fight for England,” I correct, not taking offense. “Just as Skarth fights for your people who may be seen as weak for being captured.”
“They are weak.”
Ulf doesn’t realize his words until Alruna stands abruptly and departs angrily.
“You still stand by your claims that your people are weak? She is anything but feeble.” I place my bowl onto the ground as I stand.
However, Ulf grips my forearm quickly. “I am sorry, princess.”
I remove my arm from his grip. “I’m not the one you should be apologizing to.”
Although I know Ulf is genuinely sorry for speaking out of line, I’m still angry with him for being so heartless at times. I call out after Alruna, who is charging through the forest.
“Please, stop. It is not safe.”
“You too believe I am a coward, then?”
“No, I do not,” I reply, catching up to her. “Ulf does not think before he speaks.”
“Only you can see the good in him. You love him?”
Her question catches me off guard. “I?—”
