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When Alfild returned to her people in Kattegat, Brunhilde was less than impressed by her behavior.
"You cannot appear weak in front of these people, Alfild! You cannot show them kindness." She had scolded.
Alfild had been left confused by her Queen's message, "But mother, are we not their allies?"
Brunhilde had given her everything she needed to know in one foul smile and a shake of the head. And yet, she still gave the girl more and set Alfild's fears in stone. "You naive little girl." She had spat. "We are not here to make friends. I thought you understood that. Kattegat is one of the largest trading ports in Norway. Why would we be their allies? They are weak. This could be ours."
Over the previous years, Alfild had come to understand why Brunhilde chose her. Brunhilde was cold and merciless, much like the young girls name. And though Alfild was prone to bouts of intense rage that left her enemies decimated, the young princess had not yet become jaded by the world. She was still young and foolish. And when she had heard of departing to Kattegat, her heart leapt at the chance. She was not the monster Brunhilde originally hoped. She was just a little girl still.
But Alfild wasn't looking for friends. She wanted to be the woman Brunhilde hoped to replace her. She wanted to do right be her queen. And if that meant she had to murder every last citizen of Kattegat, that is exactly what she would do.
She was compassionate, but she was also merciless.
As Alfild and Brunhilde entered the Great Hall, many eyes began to fall upon them both. Most of Norway was terrified of these women. They were like Valkyries among men, with bloody wings and a lust for death. They were strong. Stronger than many of the men in Norway. And that was what terrified them. These women, who should have been part time shieldmaiden looking after their husbands, found no need for men. They stood alone. And, though all men craved them, none were deemed good enough.
"Queen Brunhilde, Princess Alfild, its lovely to see you both." Queen Aslaug smiled, though something behind her eyes seemed disingenuous.
Brunhilde gave a curt nod, "Queen Aslaug, it is always a pleasure to be in your company."
Throughout this interaction Alfild remained silent. Her emerald eye burned into the floor, uncertain where else to look. She was nervous, afraid that she couldn't get her duties correct for her Queen. How could she be fierce without seeming like an enemy? She didn't understand. So, instead of drawing attention to herself, she simply remained silent. Although, that was not good enough for the youngest Prince of kattegat.
"Princess Alfild, have you got anymore inspirations you'd like to share?" Ivar grinned, his eyes moving momentarily toward Sigurd as though there was a previous conversation involved. This seemed like feud, perhaps something Alfild could use against them.
Alfild shrugged once more, her face remaining apathetic, "Those stories were from a long time ago, Ivar. The only person who inspires me now is my queen."
This did not seem to be the answer that Ivar was looking for, but that was exactly what she hoped for. And Brunhilde seemed rather pleased with her response. That's what you get for towing the party line, she supposed.
"So, Alfild," Aslaug began, looking between Alfild and her four sons eagerly. "Have you any plans to marry?"
The girl looked at Brunhilde, searching for an answer to no avail, and then back towards Aslaug. She paused for a moment, figuring out her words, and then replied calmly. "I don't believe I need a man to become Queen. Isn't that the weak way to the throne?"
She smiled sourly back at the princess, "You're right, you do not need one. But do you not wish for a husband?"
Again, Alfild shrugged, "A man would only get in my way."
For the remainder of the night, the two Queens spoke of politics and such matters while Alfild merely sat in silence. She had decided that she would sit and watch her queen, taking in every detail of how she operated for future reference. Perhaps she could learn from it and apply such methods to her own reign. Though, as the night progressed and Brunhilde grew weary of politics, the two retired to their cabins peacefully.
"You were excellent tonight, little one." Brunhilde complimented, making a smile spring onto Alfild's lips.
"Thank you, my queen." She beamed with delight.
Brunhilde stopped, holding onto her heirs hand with a firm but friendly grip. She smiled gently as she took in the young girl's appearance. "You have grown so much, little one." She spoke fondly, "And I cannot wait to see you grow more. When we take Kattegat, I cannot think of anyone better to rule over it."
"You." Alfild answered instantly. "You will be their queen."
She chuckled, gently caressing the princess's cheek. "I cannot be in two places at once, and there is no one I trust more. I'm so proud of you, Alfild."
These words filled the young girl with joy and confidence. She'd waited many years to hear those words and it meant more from Brunhilde than it could ever mean from anyone else. Though this was one of the most joyous moments in Alfild's life, it would soon become a bittersweet memory. As, what the two women were unaware of were the prying eyes of Kattegat's youngest Prince.
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