A Divine Secret - Viking Fanfic

The System

A little longer of a chapter today. All of this needs to be kept together, so enjoy! Who do you think Runa's new husband is? I dropped a little hint at the end. Maybe you'll catch it

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"Ruu-naa!"

    Runa's head peeked over her shoulder as her eyes fell on Unn. His herculean figure stood behind her. She giggled quietly at him and turned around in her chair as he sang her name again.

    "Ye-es?"

    "My mother has sent me to fetch you," Unn said in his normal voice. His green eyes widened as he spotted eyed the basket of hawthorn berries next to Runa's feet.

    "Unn, no. Those are for Einar."

    Unn ignored Runa and licked his lips mischievously. He outstretched his hand down to the basket, but Runa slapped his hand away. She pointed a ringed finger at him as she chastised him, "No!"

"Oh, come on, Runa. Just one?"

"No."

"Just one tiny, itty, bitty berry?"

"No."

Unn pouted like a child as he stared at Runa. She laughed at him.

"You are such a baby," Runa muttered as she reached down into the basket. Unn's face lit up when she handed him a handful of berries.

He chucked the handful into his mouth. From behind them, someone cleared their throat. Both Runa and Unn whipped their heads around to find Einar standing in the doorway. He raised an eyebrow at his brother, whose cheeks were filled with fruit. Unn offered him a grin while Einar shook his head.

"Mother has grown impatient."

Runa stood up and handed Einar his basket of berries, "I'm sure she has. I will go to her now."

He took the basket and glanced at it warily. He raised an eyebrow at Runa as she walked past him.

"It's for the hunt," she said with a big smile on her lips. Hunting with Einar was the highlight of Runa's week.

Einar nodded. Unn reached over his brother's shoulder and grabbed another handful. He smiled at his twin as he popped a few into his mouth. Einar did not return his smile. Runa strolled towards the main longhouse, leaving Einar to fend for his own berries.

Runa's steps faltered as she entered the great hall, for Lady Helle sat in the Jarl's chair. Her legs were crossed as she waited. Her eyes were immediately upon Runa as when she stepped through the doors.

"Runa."

"Hello, Lady Helle. I must apologize for my tardiness. Unn-"

"Nevermind that. Come, sit."

Runa hesitated before she took a seat beside Helle, in the Lady's chair. She shifted around in the fur-covered seat. It was a seat meant for a woman of power. A seat next to the Jarl. Helle noticed this and set a warm hand on Runa's shoulder. Her voice was gentle and motherly as she spoke, "It's quite alright."

"Doesn't Jarl Lorensen care that you are sitting in his chair?"

"Raul?" Helle chucked, "If he did, he'd have more to worry about than who's sitting in his chair."

Runa giggled. She liked the Lady. She was a wise woman who led alongside her husband. Jarl Lorensen was the Jarl, but he was no man without his Lady by his side. She was his most trusted advisor.

Helle cleared her throat, gaining Runa's attention.

"Runa, I wanted to talk to you."

"About?"