Mist & Moonlight

Chapter 5 | A Mother's Trust

Erik found Meryna in the garden courtyard, where the morning sunlight filtered through the trees and cast dappled patterns on the stone. She sat on a low bench, her hands resting in her lap as her gaze followed the movements of her twin infants, Hakon and Ida, who were playing on a soft blanket at her feet. The five-month-old twins babbled and reached out to grasp the colorful wooden toys scattered around them. Meryna's calm expression brightened at their antics, but there was a shadow of concern in her eyes.

As Erik approached, she looked up and offered him a warm but knowing smile. "Erik," she greeted him. "Come, sit with me."

He took a seat on the bench beside her, his nerves tightening at the thought of what he was about to face. He had meant to speak to Meryna for some time, but now that the moment had arrived, words seemed to elude him. They sat in silence for a moment, the quiet interrupted only by the soft coos and gurgles of the twins.

Meryna was the one to break the silence. "I know, Erik," she said simply, her voice gentle. "I know that you are the father of Freydis's child."

Erik's heart stilled, and he turned to look at her, his expression one of stunned surprise. "Your Grace..." he began, his voice faltering.

Meryna reached out, laying a comforting hand on his arm. "There is no need to explain," she said softly.
"I am not here to judge you, Erik. The heart is not something we can always control. And I saw the way you looked at her before... even if others did not."

He exhaled slowly, the relief mingling with an undercurrent of uncertainty. "I don't know what to say," he murmured.

Meryna's gaze returned to the twins, who were now trying to pull themselves upright using her skirts. She reached down, gently settling Ida onto her lap while Hakon continued to explore the toys at her feet. "When I first came here, I was a stranger in a foreign land, even though it was now my home," she said, her tone wistful. "I was far from my family, surrounded by people whose customs were not my own. I know Freydis is strong, but she is my daughter... and she is far away, facing so many unknowns." Her voice softened, and she met Erik's gaze. "She will need someone by her side who truly cares for her, and I trust you to be that person."

"I intend to be," Erik replied, the earnestness in his tone undeniable. "I swear to you, I will be there for her."

"That is why I wished to speak with you. I heard from Leif that you wish to serve as the family's royal messenger."

Erik looked down, feeling the weight of her kindness and understanding. "It's true," he admitted. "I cannot bear the thought of not being able to see her. Fleeting moments are better than no moments at all."

Meryna's smile softened, and she reached out to take his hand. "I will speak to Rorik on your behalf," she promised. "I believe he will consider your request. You've already shown your loyalty to this family in more ways than one."

Erik's eyes widened with surprise and gratitude. "I... I don't know how to thank you."

"You don't need to thank me," she replied gently. "You being there for Freydis is enough. She will need you, and not just because of the child. When I look at her, I see the same courage I once had, but I also see the same fears I carried when I came here. If you can help ease some of those burdens, it will mean the world to me. And..." her voice dropped, and she looked at him with a mother's concern, "you must tell me how she is doing. I worry for her, and it comforts me to know that someone who loves her will be there to watch over her."

"I will keep you informed," Erik promised. "I will make sure you know how she fares. You have my word."

"Good," Meryna said with a nod. "Now, go. There is much to prepare."

As Erik rose to leave, Meryna shifted Ida onto the blanket and reached out to clasp Erik's hand, her grip firm with unspoken resolve. "Take care of my daughter," she said, her voice steady and full of meaning. "And the child she carries. They are my heart."

He met her gaze and nodded. "I will, Your Grace. I will protect them both. I swear it."

With a final look, Erik turned and walked away, feeling the gravity of his promise settle upon him. But there was also a sense of hope and purpose that spurred him forward.