The Promises We Make- Uhtred of Bebbanburg

Chapter Nine

"Leon stop! You are going to get us in trouble." I giggled as I chased him through the castle. He had stolen the small tapestry I was working on. Father said all lady's of my status had to learn needle work so he had demanded that I spend my free time away from my tutor to improve my womanly duties.

Leon had eventually stopped within the grand hall for a short moment until I arrived through the doors, tired and out of breath. The heat of summer did not help. Soon after he casually stepped towards fathers chair before he made himself comfortable, letting his legs hang over the arms of the chair. He then stretched out the fabric within his hands to inspect the art.

"Shocking work dear sister." He grinned. I shook my head in annoyance.

"Is it cat?" He questioned while turning the tapestry at different angles, squinting his eyes. "Or perhaps a dog?"

I marched to where he sat, snatching my work from his hands. He continued to slouch, showing an amused expression on his face.

"It is clearly a lion brother. How could you not see it?" I rolled the fabric up, creating a sort of weapon, then hitting Leon over the head with it. All he did was laugh loudly. Then I realised I was laughing along with him when a deep snort escaped my throat.

Silence fell and he started at me with shock.

"They should call you 'lady Delphine the pig'." Leon announced.

"Thank you for your kind words dear brother." I said as I bowed, smiling after. "Your compliments are always so loving."

"I try my best."

I placed my hand over my heart then rolled my eyes. Leon removed himself from the comfort of father chair and ran to embrace me in a hug. He would always show such affection towards me so it wasn't much of a shock. But this felt different. This felt more genuine. More loving, yet surprising. It began to concern me.

"Leon?" I questioned. "Are you well?"

"Yes Delphine. I am more then well. I am happy." Leon grinned brightly. Now facing me, he took my hands in his. "I am to be married. Married to the lady Marie of Burgundy no less."

"That is wonderful news brother!" I jumped with joy, pulling him in for another hug. A small laugh escaped his throat.

"I wanted you to be the first to know before father makes an official announcement."

"To marry someone you love is very rare."

"Rare indeed. I am the luckiest man alive."

"Though the same cannot be said for lady Marie."

Leon gave a puzzled look.

"What?" I playfully said. "Living with you is hell. I feel sorry for what lady Marie has to deal with now"

"Oh really?" He smiled. "Then I have done my job as you brother. I can die happy knowing I have made your life unbearable."

I lightly punched his shoulder in response.

"Why are you not in your chambers Delphine!?"

Both myself and Leon turned in nervousness to see my fathers figure standing just outside the hall door with a furious expression.

I woke up from what was now a nightmare. I did not have many good memories, but with the good memories I have, it was always ruined my father. Even death could not stop the fear I felt towards him. I would never truly be free from his control.