Mist & Moonlight

Chapter 24 | Shadows of Doubt

The clang of swords echoed across the training grounds as Erik and Leif sparred under the early morning sky. Sweat beaded on their brows as they moved in fluid patterns, testing each other's reflexes. Despite the physical exertion, there was a heaviness in the air between them—both men weighed down by thoughts beyond the sword in their hands.

Erik swung his blade, but Leif deftly blocked it with a smirk. "You're distracted," Leif teased, his voice light, but his eyes curious. "Something on your mind?"

Erik stepped back, shaking his head as he adjusted his stance. "Just a lot going on."

Leif lowered his sword slightly, sensing there was more to Erik's mood than he was letting on. "I imagine it has something to do with Freydis," he said, wiping his brow with the back of his hand.

Erik exhaled heavily, resting the tip of his sword on the ground. "Rorik wants us to marry before the baby is born," he said, his voice quiet. "He's made it pretty clear that after Freydis is finished mourning we are to be married. He doesn't want us to wait."

Leif shrugged, leaning against a nearby post. "And why should he? There's a baby on the way, and you love her. You have to marry her."

Erik glanced at him, the tension in his expression unmistakable. "I know," he admitted. "I don't mind marrying her—I've wanted to for a long time. But I don't want her to feel rushed. Freydis has been through enough, and the last thing I want is for her to feel trapped."

Leif studied his friend for a moment, his brow furrowing in thought. "Freydis loves you, Erik. She wouldn't be with you if she didn't. What's really bothering you?"

Erik was silent for a moment, staring down at the ground before finally speaking. "She ran from me once. When she left with Arlick, I didn't see it coming. She thought she was making the right choice, but it hurt. Now that she's back, I can't help but wonder if... if she'll run again."

Leif straightened, his expression more serious. "You're scared of losing her."

Erik nodded, his voice rough with emotion. "I am. I'm afraid that if we rush into this, if she feels like she's being pushed into something, she'll leave. I don't want her to marry me just because it's expected. I want her to choose me."

Leif's gaze softened, and he walked over to stand beside Erik. "She chose you when she came back. Whatever happened with Arlick, that's in the past now. She's here, and she's carrying your child. That means something."

Erik let out a slow breath, leaning on his sword for support. "I know. But I can't shake the feeling that I'm walking on a knife's edge. I don't want to force her into anything, but with Rorik pressing for the marriage before the baby comes... it feels like everything is moving so fast."

Leif rested a hand on Erik's shoulder. "Listen, I get it. But sometimes life doesn't wait for everything to feel perfect. You've got a baby on the way, and you love her. Marrying her doesn't mean you're trapping her—it means you're building something together. She won't run if she knows you're in this with her, not just because of the baby, but because you want her."

Erik looked up, meeting Leif's gaze. "I do want her. I've always wanted her."

"Then tell her that," Leif said simply. "She needs to hear it from you, not just feel the pressure from everyone else. Freydis is strong, but she's been through hell. She needs to know that she's your choice, and that she's yours, no matter what."

Erik nodded slowly, taking in his friend's words. "You're right. I need to stop worrying so much about what might happen and focus on what's right in front of me."

Leif smiled, clapping him on the shoulder. "Exactly. You've been through worse than this, Erik. You brought her back home. The gods are already favoring you both."

The tension between them eased, and Erik straightened, feeling a little lighter. He knew he had to have a real conversation with Freydis, to lay everything out before her without the pressure of anyone else's expectations.

Leif picked up his sword again, grinning as he took a fighting stance. "Now, come on, let's see if you can still keep up. Can't let fatherhood make you soft."

Erik chuckled, stepping back into the sparring ring, feeling more determined than before. "I'll show you who's going soft."

With that, they resumed their sparring, the clashing of blades filling the air once more. But this time, Erik's mind was clearer.