Survivor (A Skyrim Fan-Fiction)

Chapter Six

I stared at Ulfric with no thought other than why here was in my room at this hour. He answered my thoughts by saying,

"You must be wondering why I welcomed myself into your chambers."

He paused as if waiting for confirmation for that it was indeed what I was thinking, but after no reply he continued.

"As you know, this feast I have been convinced to host is purposed to celebrate our victory of winning the war...and to find myself a spouse to provide an heir. Soon to be gathered are the most influential people from around Tamriel. The Jarls from every hold are here, Maven Black-Briar with her family, the Grey-Manes. I've even invited the Blades and the Greybeards which I thought would please you."

He paused again. Silence.

"I had a meeting with the Jarls once they had all arrived at Jarl Thongvor and Jarl Elisifs request. It seems despite me being prepared to find a wife on my own accord, they have come to an agreement that I should marry Ingun Black-Briar. I don't get a say in it at all. At least Galmar protested fiercely against the ridiculous proposition."

The corner of his mouth started to sneer and his eyes were dark. For the first time I had ever seen, Ulfric was in despair. I could tell his high strong walls were starting to crack and he didn't know what to do. He had come to me for advice.

"The Black-Briar girl isn't unsightly by any means, and she definitely isn't as much a snob like the rest of her family. But I just don't understand why I have to marry right now."

"She is a sweet girl, and considerably pretty," I agreed. "It's possible the opportunity of being High-Queen intrigues her, but to me from what I know of her, it seems like all she really cares about is leading a normal life and being an alchemist."

He sighed and ran his fingers through his hair. The reflection of the fire danced in his eyes as he watched it intently, thinking over every detail.

"Can't you just refuse to marry her?" I asked.

"I'm afraid not. They say the wealth and alliance of the Black-Briars will be too beneficial to my claim to refuse. And to sweeten the deal, Elisif and Thongvor threatened to make common cause with the Thalmor and invite yet another war if I were to refuse. A bit extreme, but I suppose they just want stability."

I sighed, got up and walked over to the table in the corner which held several tankards and a flagon full of wine. I filled up two tankards and gave one to Ulfric as I leaned against the fireplace. He drank the wine deeply and threw the cup aside once he had finished.

There was casual silence between us for a while. Not the uncomfortable type of silence; a mutual deep in thought silence.

"Is there any way out?"

He grimaced. "Only if she dies, I die, or if Maven retracts the proposal. Can you believe that? If she refuses. It makes me sick."

He got up out of the chair and slowly walked to the narrow window. His chest was heaving up and down as he glared out of the window. I watched as his fists clench into tight balls and his jaw tighten in his rage.

"I'M HIGH KING!" he roared as he punched the stone wall in anger.

I was about to disagree and say he wasn't yet officially, but with his temperament I hastily thought against it. He moved again, but to my bed and lied down, not able to stop in his angst. His eyes fluttered close as he breathed heavily in and out.

"Lie with me," he mumbled.

What?

I hesitated from the unanticipated request, especially as it was coming from Ulfric, well known for his bluntness and his dispassion for affection. I softly and slowly padded to the bed and climbed onto it with enough room for another person to fit between Ulfric and I.