Mist & Moonlight

Chapter 51 | A Proposal of Duty

The air in the great hall of Kattegat was cold, the winter winds pressing against the stone walls as Leif paced by the hearth. He had sent for his cousin, Sigbrand, knowing the conversation they were about to have would carry weight. The eastern territories were still restless, and though Sigvard's betrayal had been dealt with, the cracks in the alliance remained. A marriage alliance with an eastern princess could secure the peace they needed—but for that, Leif would need Sigbrand's cooperation.

The sound of boots echoed through the hall, and Leif turned to see Sigbrand enter, his expression curious but guarded. The two men had grown up together, and while they often fought side by side, this conversation wasn't one Sigbrand would expect.

"You sent for me?" Sigbrand asked, brushing the snow from his cloak as he approached the fire.

Leif nodded, motioning for him to sit. "I have a request, cousin. And I won't ask it lightly."

Sigbrand sat down at the edge of the hearth, leaning forward on his knees, waiting for Leif to continue. "That sounds serious. What's on your mind?"

Leif rested a hand on the mantle, gazing into the flames. "The eastern jarls are still divided. Sigvard's death stopped the worst of it, but there's tension—resentment. If we don't act now, it could grow into something worse."

Sigbrand's brow furrowed. "And what does that have to do with me?"

Leif turned to face his cousin, his gaze steady. "We need to strengthen the alliance with the east—and a marriage is the best way to do that."

Sigbrand blinked, realization dawning in his eyes. "You want me to marry someone from the east."

Leif nodded. "An eastern princess. It would bind their bloodline to ours, make it harder for them to turn against us. It's not just politics—it's the best way to ensure lasting peace."

Sigbrand leaned back, rubbing his hand across his face. "You know I've never been one for marriage, Leif. And now you're asking me to marry for politics?"

"I wouldn't ask if it weren't important," Leif said quietly, his voice carrying the weight of responsibility. "I trust you, Sigbrand. You're family—and I know you'll do what's right."

Sigbrand let out a low breath, his fingers tapping against the edge of his chair. "Do you even know who she is?"

Leif gave a slight nod. "Her name is Princess Elira. She's strong-willed, from what I hear. Respected by her people—and tied by blood to one of the more powerful eastern clans. Marrying her would give us the alliance we need."

Sigbrand was silent for a moment, the fire crackling softly between them. He wasn't a man easily swayed by duty, but he knew the stakes. He had seen firsthand the cost of war—and the price of broken alliances.

"Do you think this will be enough?" Sigbrand asked, his voice low.

Leif met his gaze, his expression firm. "You won't be the first one I've asked to make this sacrifice. Princess Sigrid has also agreed to do the same. It's a step toward peace. And we need every step we can take. We cannot risk the unrest that occurred during my father's rein to boil to the surface again."

Sigbrand sighed heavily, shaking his head, though a faint smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. "You've always known how to rope me into your plans, cousin."

Leif chuckled softly. "It's a talent."

Sigbrand's grin faded slightly as the weight of the decision settled over him. "I'll do it. If this marriage will keep the peace, I'll marry the princess."

Relief washed over Leif, though he knew this wasn't an easy decision for his cousin. "Thank you, Sigbrand. You won't regret this."

Sigbrand leaned back in his chair, exhaling through his nose. "We'll see about that."

Leif placed a hand on Sigbrand's shoulder, gratitude clear in his expression. "You've always stood by me—through everything. And I trust you with this."

Sigbrand gave a small nod, though his eyes glimmered with a mix of humor and resignation. "I suppose if I'm to marry for politics, I might as well do it properly."

Leif chuckled, clapping him on the back. "That's the spirit."

They shared a brief moment of laughter, the fire between them burning low as the weight of the decision settled. It was a necessary step—one that would secure the future of Kattegat and prevent further unrest. And though the path ahead was uncertain, Leif knew they would face it together, as family.

As Sigbrand stood to leave, Leif gave him a final nod. "The arrangements will be made soon. I'll make sure everything is handled."

Sigbrand smirked. "You owe me a strong drink when this is over."

Leif laughed, the tension finally lifting. "You'll have as many as you want, cousin."

With that, Sigbrand left the hall, the cold wind following him out into the night. The alliance would be sealed, and with it, a fragile peace would take root—one bound by blood, duty, and trust.

And for Leif, that was all that mattered.