Mist & Moonlight

Chapter 43 | A Family's Blessing

The warm glow of the hearth filled the royal hall of Kattegat as Freydis sat with her brother, Leif, and their mother, Meryna. Ingrid sat beside Leif, her golden hair glimmering in the firelight, her hands folded over her growing belly. Though the loss of Rorik still weighed on their hearts, the family had begun to find moments of peace amid their grief. Life pressed on, and in those quiet moments, Freydis realized it was time to embrace the future waiting for her.

She shifted in her seat, smoothing her hands over her tunic, the words she had been holding in her heart now ready to be spoken. She glanced at Erik across the room, where he stood by the window, arms folded as he gave her an encouraging nod.

Freydis took a breath and turned to Leif and Meryna. "There's something I need to tell you."

Leif leaned forward, curiosity flickering in his sharp gaze. "What is it?"

Meryna tilted her head, her dark hair falling softly over her shoulder. "What's on your mind, love?" she asked, her voice gentle.

Freydis gave them both a small, nervous smile. "After the mourning period is over... Erik and I want to get married."

Leif's expression softened, and Meryna's eyes glistened with unshed tears, her lips curving into a smile. "Oh, Freydis," Meryna whispered, her voice full of warmth. "That's wonderful."

Freydis felt the knot of anxiety loosen in her chest at her mother's reaction. "Losing Father... and having Halla has made us realize how precious life is," she said softly. "We don't want to wait any longer. We want to build a family—together."

Leif gave her a proud smile. "Father would have wanted that," he said, his voice steady but filled with emotion. "He fought for all of us to have a life worth living. He'd be proud to see you do this."

Freydis blinked back the tears stinging her eyes. "I know he would," she whispered. "That's why I want this to feel right. And there's something I'd like to ask."

Leif leaned closer, his brow lifting slightly in curiosity. "What is it?"

Freydis smiled through her tears. "I'd like you to be the one to give me away, Leif."

Leif's expression softened, and for a moment, he didn't speak, as if the weight of her request had taken him by surprise. But then, slowly, he reached across the table and took her hand in his.

"It would be an honor, Freydis," Leif said quietly.

Freydis squeezed his hand, grateful beyond words. "Thank you, Leif. That means everything to me."

Meryna smiled warmly, brushing a tear from the corner of her eye. "This wedding will be a celebration, not just for you and Erik, but for all of us—for your father, for Halla, and for the life you're building together."

Ingrid, who had been listening quietly, rose from her seat and made her way to a large chest near the corner of the room. The wooden lid creaked as she opened it, and from inside, she pulled out a gown wrapped in soft linen.

Freydis's breath hitched as Ingrid carefully unfolded the fabric, revealing a beautiful wedding dress with delicate embroidery and silver threads shimmering in the firelight.

"This was your mother's dress," Ingrid said softly, holding it out to Freydis. "And I wore it at my wedding to Leif. Now, it's yours."

Freydis's eyes welled with tears as she gently touched the fabric. "This was... Mother's?"

Meryna nodded, her expression tender. "I wore it on the day I married your father. And now, I'd be honored if you wore it when you marry Erik."

Freydis held the dress to her chest, feeling the weight of the legacy it carried—a legacy of love, hope, and family. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "I'll wear it with pride."

Meryna leaned over and kissed Freydis's cheek, her smile warm and full of love. "You'll be beautiful, my darling. Just like I knew you would be."

Leif stood, walking over to place a reassuring hand on his sister's shoulder. "We'll make it a day to remember," he said, his voice soft but full of promise.

Freydis smiled through her tears, her heart brimming with gratitude and love. "Yes," she whispered. "We will."

Erik, still standing by the window, stepped forward, joining them with a quiet smile. He reached for Freydis's hand, threading his fingers through hers. "No more waiting," he murmured, pressing a kiss to her knuckles. "We're ready."

Freydis nodded, squeezing his hand tightly. "We are."

As they stood together—Freydis, Erik, Leif, Ingrid, and Meryna—the fire crackled softly in the hearth, and the warmth of the moment settled over them like a quiet blessing. Their path forward was clear, and soon, they would gather their family and friends to celebrate not just a wedding, but the life they were building together—a life filled with love, joy, and the promise of new beginnings.

No more waiting. No more fear. Just love—and the life they had fought to build.

The embers in the hearth glowed softly as the family shared quiet smiles, knowing that soon, they would stand together once more to celebrate the love that had grown from the ashes of grief. And in that celebration, they would carry Rorik's memory with them—forever.