''Some women fear the fire, some women simply become it.''
Evellíne embarks on a journey with her parents to England, as a request of Queen Judith and her son, King Alfred. They barely met and the connection between them is so strong that in a blin...
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Silence is golden and often is an answer.
And from the exchanging looks between the King and his family, Ubbe and the rest of the Northmen could understand with complete clarity that the chances of Lagertha's proposal being denied were almost nonexistent.
Alfred came down from the throne and approached them.
"From what I've heard about Ivar, I'm afraid I'll agree with you. Curiously, the last time I saw him, we played chess. At that time he appeared to be... How can I say... Less insane, if that's the right word. The pain of loss is capable of doing horrible things with a person, right? Well... here I am not only in dialogue with those responsible for the death of my grandfather and the cause of such destruction in England but also almost empathizing with them. And yes, I'd like all of you to pay for what your people did, but I understand the reason for revenge in your father's name... Sorta. And I understand the request for refuge. However... I hope you are aware that my protection has a price. And conditions.''
"I will not lie. After Ivar is proclaimed King, we have not left many choices of places, who will say allies. Everyone turned their backs on us or for bribes or for fear that he would find out and kill them for treason. We went into an intense arguing between the four of us, for days and days until we came to the conclusion that you would be our last hope. The worst part is... I do not know if this is the best choice. But still...here I am"
''And the past repeats itself again, right before my eyes... In my opinion, it's worthwhile'' awkwardly, Judith interrupted.
"We'll see," Ubbe said roughly.
"I wish it were all that simple... but I think it takes a lot more than two leaders agreeing with each other to stop the killing that's on the way." Aethelred was finally muttering sensible words. Eve had expected a much more disturbing reaction from the young prince, but thanks to the heavens he had fallen into common sense.
"And about the land... our land" Bjorn began.
''This will have to be discussed in more depth after the conflict.'' Alfred cut off Bjorn's speech abruptly. "I do not care if you want to solve this now or later, the imminence of the attack does not make me comfortable for all this bureaucracy, for now. I am in debt indeed, but I assure you that you do not have to bother because, at the right time, you will be rewarded.''
Suspicious, the same thought crossed the mind of Ubbe and Bjorn: if Alfred acted like Ecbert and cheated, denying the lands once again, after Ivar being defeated they would take Wessex for themselves killing whoever was in the path including the own King.
Noticing the discomfort of the two women in the tight iron handcuffs, Evelline nudged her husband and looked down at both of them. With the message received, Alfred had ordered one of the soldiers to let them go. When they were released, Bjorn did not thank him, only nodded slightly at the girl, who did the same.
