Your ladies walked in in the morning to help you get dressed. They informed you of your father's plan. You were to come back during midday to get ready, and at night, there would be your wedding. Some of your ladies, the one who didn't know who he was were smiling, telling you how excited this day was. The others gave you sympathetic eyes, keeping to themselves. If it was dangerous to speak before, to speak while the northmen were here was suicidal.
You walked to the dinner hall for your breakfast, and you heard more voices than usual which meant that, not surprisingly, some of the northmen were here. The guard in front of the door started to open the door but you asked him to stop.
"Are you alright my lady?"
You looked at the guard, he was young and handsome. You wondered if he would have scared you as your soon to be husband scared you if he was, in an upside-down world, the one to take your hand. You wondered, in between two breath if he would help you if you were in danger today or tomorrow or if he only saw them and pitied you today.
"Yes, thank you. I..."
He looked at the other guard, standing at the other side of the door. It wasn't in your habitude to talk to strangers, especially now but now that you knew that everyone around you, in a couple of days, would be strangers you needed to meet someone who might not be.
"You are in my father's guard aren't you not?"
"Yes, my lady"
"And what is your name?"
He didn't answer right away, you looked him in the eyes, hoping maybe he would help you.
"Edward, your grace"
"Well, Edward, are you a knight"
"Yes. Forgive me my lady, are you alright?"
"Yes, knight Edward, I just, wanted to know who my foes were before I entered. At last I can't say that I am not wondering who those strangers in my father's hall are"
"Some of the northmen are here my lady, they arrived last night"
"Oh, but Edward, I knew that."
He nodded, he looked puzzled and you stepped back and sighed.
"Do you know which of the knights are coming with me to the north after I am married?"
"I do not know my lady" It was a shame. This interaction gave you nothing.
"You have done no wrong Edward"
Your hands were shaking but once you put a hand near your left breast and felt the poison that you made sure to keep in your dress it was slightly better.
"You may open the door now, Thank you"
You gave him one last look and then the voices got louder. You stepped inside and it got quiet. You could hear a pin drop. You managed to keep your head high, only the sound of your heels on the hard ground a music to the guests. You didn't want to look at the strangers in your house. Your father got up, opened his arm and smiled warmly.
"My sweet daughter, good morning"
You smiled back calmly and bowed. Next to him was a strange man and there was one next to your mother too. You wondered if one of them was your new husband but as both smiled largely that wonder went away. You had been told your husband didn't smile.
"Hvitserk, Ubbe, I present to you my daughter, (Y/N)"
Shyly you bowed for them too.
"It is a pleasure to meet you my lords"
YOU ARE READING
The Devil and The Snake
FanfictionThis is the story of a princess sold like meat to a Viking. She is forced into loving him until she really does, her life tinted by the presence of a lady of the court she has brought with her.
