Mist & Moonlight

Chapter 49 | For the Realm

The afternoon sun slanted through the tall windows of Kattegat's great hall, casting streaks of amber light across the stone floor. Outside, a cold wind stirred, whispering of the storms gathering in the east. Leif sat at the long table, his elbows resting heavily on the wood, eyes distant. His thoughts churned as the echoes of Jarl Sigvard's final warning haunted him: more would rise if the crown didn't act. The uneasy alliance with the eastern jarls teetered on the brink of collapse, and every day the threat of rebellion grew stronger.

Leif drummed his fingers against the table. The answer was clear, but it was not an easy one. He needed a marriage alliance—a union that would tie Kattegat and the eastern territories together. And to forge that bond, he would need the help of Princess Sigrid.

He exhaled deeply as the door to the hall opened, and Sigrid entered with quiet grace. Her footsteps echoed faintly against the stone, and the light streaming through the windows caught the edges of her blonde hair. There was a sharpness in her gaze, a look that said she knew this meeting would not be without consequence.

"You sent for me," she said, her voice steady as she walked toward the table. She took a seat across from him, her expression calm but curious.

Leif leaned forward, resting his hands on the table. "I did. I need to ask something of you, Sigrid."

Sigrid folded her hands neatly in her lap, watching him with quiet intensity. "What is it?"

Leif took a measured breath, weighing his words. He knew the burden he was about to place on her. "The situation in the east is delicate. Even with Sigvard gone, the jarls are restless. If they unite under someone else, it could ignite a rebellion."

Sigrid arched a brow. "And you have a way to prevent that?"

Leif nodded slowly. "Yes. A marriage alliance."

Her eyes flickered with understanding. "You want me to marry one of the eastern jarls."

Leif met her gaze steadily. "It's the best way to stabilize the region. You've proven your loyalty to us. You'll be a bridge between their world and ours."

The silence between them grew thick. Sigrid's mind worked quickly, as sharp as a blade. She had grown up in a world where duty came before desire. Sacrifices had always been expected of her. Yet, even now, the thought of marrying for politics instead of love settled uneasily in her chest.

"And you believe this will be enough to keep the peace?" she asked, her voice careful but direct.

Leif nodded. "It may not be enough but it's a step in the right direction. The Eastern jarls respect strength, and they'll see you as someone who unites rather than divides."

Sigrid leaned back in her chair, folding her arms across her chest. "Who will you arrange the marriage with?"

"There are a few possibilities," Leif replied. "But I'll make sure it's someone worthy of you."

She studied him closely, the weight of her decision growing heavier. She knew what was being asked of her—to put the needs of the realm above her own desires. But she had always known this day might come.

For a long moment, Sigrid said nothing, her gaze locked with Leif's. The enormity of what he was asking hung between them, unspoken. This marriage would not just bind her life to that of a stranger—it would be the key to holding the kingdom together.

"I will do it," Sigrid said finally, her voice calm and resolute. "If this alliance will keep the peace, I'll do my part."

Relief washed over Leif, though the weight of guilt lingered beneath it. He knew what this sacrifice cost her, and yet it was a burden she had taken without hesitation. "Thank you, Sigrid," he said quietly. "I know this isn't easy. But your sacrifice means more than you know."

Sigrid gave a small, thoughtful nod. "You can trust me, Leif. I won't let you down."

Leif leaned back slightly, the tension in his shoulders easing for the first time that day. "I never doubted you," he said sincerely. "You've proven yourself to be someone we can rely on."

Sigrid tilted her head, a faint smile flickering across her lips. "It's not just for you," she said softly. "It's for Freydis. I'll do what's needed."

Leif's chest tightened with gratitude. He knew the weight of what he had asked, and he knew that Sigrid had agreed, not just for duty's sake but out of love—for his family, for her home.

"I won't forget this," Leif murmured.

Sigrid gave a quiet smile.

The two sat in companionable silence for a moment, the fire crackling in the hearth behind them. Outside, the wind rustled the banners hanging from the walls, carrying with it the chill of the coming storm. But here, in this moment, there was a fragile peace—a shared understanding between two people bound by duty and loyalty.

Sigrid rose gracefully from her seat, smoothing the fabric of her gown. Leif stood with her, his expression earnest. "Thank you, Sigrid. Truly."

She rested a hand lightly on his arm, a rare gesture of affection. "We all have our roles to play," she said quietly. "This is mine."

Leif watched her leave the hall, her steps light but purposeful. He knew that the path ahead would not be easy, but with Sigrid's help, they had a chance to keep the kingdom together. Her willingness to sacrifice for the realm was a gift—one that might just save them all.

The wind continued to whisper through the hall, a reminder that the storm brewing in the east could still be quelled. But with family and loyalty on his side, Leif knew they had a chance—a slim but real chance—to hold the peace.