VIKINGS || GYDA

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝟒𝟑

The grand space of the throne room bellowed with fury as the dozens of lords voiced their disapproval to their kings revelation. No lord could deny the insult and shame that lingered in their gaze as their passive king stood atop the few stairs that separated them.

King Edmund swallowed his words as the lords erupted. He knew it was no use in trying to talk over. They had the right to protest. Edmund himself knew a small part of himself protested his notion as well but he also knew that deep down it was to be the right thing to do.

"My lords please!"

It took a moment, but eventually the lords raised arms and voices simmered to a halt. While the respect they had for their king was rubbing away by the seconds, it was still there.

Edmund reached back and took hold of the extensive letter containing the orders of King Ecbert. He held it up as he address the men. "This letter is to be regarded as nothing but barbarous hysteria. This letter will amount to nothing but damage for our emerging kingdom of East Anglia."

Edmund sighs harshly as he feels his chest fill with anger. He was a leader, he felt every emotion that others do— yet it didn't mean he was encouraged to parade them. He learnt this early.

"My lords... you are all supposed men of honour. Men with wives and children. Men of modesty and I pray civility." Step by step, Edmund descends down to their level. It wasn't a long way to fall to, Edmund never considered himself above all.

"As your king and as a husband and father I implore you to heed my words. Never have I lend you down a path of hate and war... do not let Ecbert sway you so easily against yourselves."

The king felt his gut drop as the lords voiced their disagreements even louder than before. Edmund eyes shut and his head fell in exhaustion. He had been in negation with these lords since dawn and wished to retire to his dear Gracelyn. But a fool could deduce he would find no peace for a while.

"We'd sooner let Ecbert dictate us before we live alongside filthy heathens!"

"What makes you think we'll take orders from a northman loving king!"

"You've brought the enemy to corrupt our peaceful lands!"

"Down with the barbarians! Down with the settlement! We'll burn it all!"

The clacking of heeled shoes rushing across the stone floor captures the attention of all. Bouncy red locks flowed from Queen Gracelyns neck as she climb the few steps, her blue gown trailing behind.

In the presence of a lady the lords seem to find their manners once more as they quiet their chants and look to the relaxed face of the red head who couldn't stand in the shadows any longer. She loved her husband to death, she could never ask for someone more perfect for her but he was too good natured for this world. He tried always to see good and be fair. Such qualities is what made Gracelyn fall for him, it's what made Edmund such a great father to his sons. His people adored him. But it was not the common people that Edmund had to worry about—but the notoriously greedy lords who held the power.

"My husband has been away from his family all morning. I can see that you my lords are not satisfied with his choices—"

"Aye we aren't satisfied! Edmunds choices will lead to the breaking of the alliance with Ecbert and Wessex."

"And what's more... If we break away from Wessex, we break away from Mercia and from North Umbria!"

"We are a smaller kingdom in comparison, East Anglia needs alliances if we are to grow greater and powerful!"

Lady Gracelyn eyes scan every lord in the room. Daring them to continue their words as she slowly makes her way down to her husband. She locks her arm around his. The two lock eyes. Even in a scene like this, Edmund took his time in admiring the woman always at his side. Her fiery nature of strength and perseverance radiating into him by just a touch or a look. He found his voice again as he looks to the men.