Mist & Moonlight

Chapter 44 | A Wedding and a Warning

The sun shone brightly over the shores of Kattegat, a gentle breeze stirring the colorful banners that lined the wedding circle. Flowers adorned every surface, and the air was filled with the scent of pine and seawater. This was a day of joy and renewal, a celebration of love and life—the wedding of Freydis and Erik.

Freydis stood at the altar, wearing her mother's wedding gown, the delicate silver embroidery catching the sunlight. Her red hair was braided with threads of silver and small white flowers, making her look as radiant as the morning. Nearby, Ingrid held Halla in her arms, rocking the baby gently as she watched the ceremony unfold. Meryna stood proudly beside her, cradling the ten-month-old twins, Hakon and Ida, her smile warm despite the lingering grief in her heart.

At the other end of the aisle, Erik waited, his eyes locked on Freydis. His tunic, adorned with his house's symbols, and the wolf pelt draped over his shoulders marked him as both a warrior and a protector. Today, he wasn't just a fighter—he was a man ready to start a new chapter with the woman he loved.

Leif stood beside Freydis, ready to give his sister away, his expression filled with pride and emotion. His presence, steady and comforting, was a reminder that no matter what life brought, family would always stand by her side.

Freydis took a breath, clutching her bouquet of wildflowers as she glanced up at Leif. He smiled gently and leaned down to whisper, "You're ready, Freydis."

With a nod, she looped her arm through his, and together they walked down the aisle. The people of Kattegat, gathered in joy, smiled and murmured their blessings as the siblings passed by. When they reached Erik, Leif gave him a nod of approval before placing Freydis's hand in his.

Erik smiled, his eyes filled with love. "You look beautiful," he whispered.

Freydis's smile was soft, her heart full. "So do you."

Aslaug, draped in her ceremonial robes, stood before them, raising her hands to bless the union. "Freydis and Erik," she intoned, "you stand here today before the gods and your people, vowing to walk together through life's storms and its calm waters. Do you swear to love and protect one another, through fire and shadow, until the end of your days?"

Freydis and Erik gazed into each other's eyes. "I swear it," they whispered in unison.

The crowd murmured in approval, their excitement building as the moment of unity approached.

Just as Aslaug raised her hands to complete the ritual, a figure in a dark cloak slipped through the crowd, moving with deadly intent. A dagger gleamed in his hand, the sunlight catching the blade as he lunged toward Freydis.

Time seemed to slow.

Ingrid gasped, clutching Halla protectively against her chest. Meryna instinctively pulled the twins closer, her eyes wide with horror.

Leif's hand shot to his sword, but Erik was already moving. In one swift motion, he shoved Freydis behind him, drawing his sword with a metallic hiss that rang through the air.

The assassin's blade sliced toward Freydis, but Erik's sword intercepted it with a clash of steel. Sparks flew as Erik twisted his blade, disarming the attacker in a single motion. With a fierce growl, he swung his sword in a deadly arc—the assassin crumpled to the ground, lifeless, his dagger clattering beside him.

Erik stood over the fallen attacker, his chest heaving. For a moment, the world seemed to hold its breath. He scanned the crowd, his hand still gripping his sword, his gaze sharp and alert. When he was satisfied that the danger had passed, he turned back to Freydis.

"Are you hurt?" he asked urgently, his eyes filled with concern.

Freydis shook her head, still catching her breath. "No... I'm fine," she whispered.

Erik exhaled in relief and pulled her into his arms. "I won't let anyone hurt you," he whispered fiercely. "Not now, not ever."

Freydis clung to him, her fingers curling into his tunic. "I know," she whispered. "I know."

Leif kicked the assassin's dagger away, scanning the lifeless figure with a sharp eye. Signe, now the leader of the Sons of Shadow, stepped forward from the crowd, her expression grim. "Whoever sent him won't stop here," she murmured. "There will be more."

Erik's jaw tightened, the muscles in his face hardening. "I'll find out who's behind this," he said darkly. "But first..." He looked at Freydis, his gaze softening. "We finish what we started."

Freydis gave him a small, determined smile. "Yes. Let's finish it."

Aslaug stepped forward once more, her expression calm and resolute. "The gods favor your union," she said. "No shadow can stand against the light of your love."

The crowd, still stunned by the sudden attack, began to stir, whispers of relief and joy spreading through them. Erik took Freydis's hand, squeezing it gently as they turned back to Aslaug.

"With the blessings of the gods and the witness of your people," Aslaug intoned, "I now pronounce you husband and wife."

A cheer erupted from the crowd, filling the air with joy. Erik didn't wait—he leaned in and kissed Freydis, a fierce, loving kiss that spoke of promises kept and futures waiting to unfold. The crowd roared with approval, the tension from the attack melting away into celebration.

As the music began and the people gathered to celebrate, Erik and Freydis remained close, unwilling to part from each other even for a moment. Ingrid approached, Halla cradled safely in her arms, her expression both relieved and proud.

"You'll have to tell her about this one day," Ingrid said with a wry smile, glancing at Halla. "Her parents' wedding with an assassin at the altar."

Freydis laughed softly, brushing a hand over Halla's head. "She'll probably think we made it up."

Meryna joined them, holding Hakon and Ida close. "You were brilliant," she said to Erik, her gaze warm with approval. "Rorik would be proud."

Erik nodded, the warmth of Meryna's words settling deep in his heart. But even as he smiled, his mind was already racing. Someone had tried to take Freydis's life today—and whoever was behind it wouldn't be allowed to hide in the shadows for long.

As the feast began and the people of Kattegat celebrated, Erik leaned close to Freydis, his voice low but filled with promise. "We'll enjoy this night," he whispered. "But tomorrow, I start hunting. Whoever sent that assassin will regret it."

Freydis nodded, her hand tightening in his. "And I'll be right beside you, Erik. Always."

Erik kissed her again, lingering in the warmth of the moment. For now, they had each other, and nothing—not even an assassin in the crowd—could take that from them.

The sun dipped lower over Kattegat as the celebration continued, the firelight casting long shadows over the land. The threat lingered, but so did love.