Mist & Moonlight

Chapter 45 | Treachery Unveiled

Erik stood in the war room of the great hall in Kattegat, his mind consumed with thoughts of the assassin who had tried to take Freydis's life. The joy of their wedding day was now shadowed by the realization that someone still sought to harm them.

He had promised to keep her safe—and that promise began by uncovering the truth. Erik stared at the assassin's lifeless body, draped across a table before him. The man's face was unfamiliar, but there had to be something that would reveal where he came from and, more importantly, who had sent him.

As Princess Sigrid entered the room, her boots clicking against the stone floor, Erik glanced up. Sigrid had proven to be a sharp ally—someone who knew the subtleties of politics and the hidden truths others overlooked.

"You said you found something," Erik said, his voice low and edged with tension.

Sigrid gave a slight nod, moving closer to the table. "Yes. It's not a sigil or any document—those would be too easy to trace. But he has something... harder to hide."

Sigrid pulled back the sleeve of the dead assassin's tunic, revealing a tattoo inked into the flesh of his forearm. It was small but unmistakable: a coiled serpent entwined around a blade. Erik's eyes darkened the moment he saw it.

"This tattoo," Sigrid explained, "is given to those who live under the rule of Jarl Sigvard. It's not just a symbol—it's a mark of loyalty. Everyone who swears fealty to him wears it as a brand of allegiance."

Erik's jaw clenched. Sigvard. The name carried with it a bitter weight. Sigvard had fought against Kattegat in the battle for the throne, only to kneel before Leif and swear loyalty when the war was over. But it was clear now that Sigvard's oath had been a lie.

Sigrid's gaze was steady. "This assassin was one of his men. There's no doubt about it."

Erik's hand curled into a fist, his knuckles whitening. "Sigvard sent him. Why?"

Sigrid's expression darkened. "I believe it is because Sigvard blames Freydis for the death of Jarl Arlick. In his eyes, she abandoned Arlick, leading to his downfall. And now that she's married you... he can't stand it."

Erik's rage simmered just beneath the surface. "He thinks it's unfair that she's alive and happy while Arlick is dead."

Sigrid gave a curt nod. "Exactly. He believes that by killing Freydis, he's avenging Arlick—and sending a message to Leif. If Sigvard can stir unrest and weaken Leif's hold on the jarls, he thinks he'll have a chance to reclaim power."

Erik's grip tightened on the hilt of his sword, fury burning in his chest. "He sent someone to kill my wife because of his twisted sense of justice?"

Sigrid's eyes gleamed with quiet determination. "Yes. And he won't stop unless you stop him first. I know him to be a determined man. And though twisted- his sense of loyalty is deep. Him and my father were dear friends."

Erik paced the length of the room, his mind racing with possibilities. "We can't confront him openly. If we do, he'll deny everything, and without proof, he'll retreat behind his allies."

Sigrid crossed her arms. "We need more than this tattoo—we need him to expose himself."

Erik nodded, his jaw tight. "We'll tell Leif. Together, we'll set a trap and force Sigvard to reveal his hand."

Sigrid gave him a small, approving smile. "You'll need to tread carefully, Erik. Sigvard is cunning—and dangerous."

Erik met her gaze, his expression hard and unyielding. "So am I."

Sigrid turned to leave but paused at the door. "Make sure Freydis knows you're handling this. She needs to feel safe."

Erik's expression softened for a moment as he thought of Freydis. "She will be. I won't let anything happen to her."

Sigrid gave a small nod. "Good. You'll need that focus when the time comes."

As she slipped out of the room, Erik stood alone, the weight of the situation settling over him like a storm cloud. Sigvard had broken his oath, and soon, he would face the consequences of his treachery.

Erik left the war room, his boots echoing through the stone halls as he made his way toward the chambers where Freydis waited. She needed to know the truth—that Sigvard's hatred still burned and that the attempt on her life was only the beginning. But more importantly, she needed to know that Erik wouldn't rest until Sigvard was stopped.

The cold wind from the fjord whispered through the halls, stirring the banners overhead. Erik's hand rested on the hilt of his sword as he walked, his mind already set on what needed to be done. The hunt for justice had begun—and when the time came, Sigvard would learn the cost of his betrayal.

There would be no mercy. Not for those who threatened Erik's family.

Not for Sigvard.

The wind howled over Kattegat, carrying with it the promise of retribution. And Erik knew, with every step he took, that Sigvard's days were numbered.