The Concubine - (currently Revising, Complete)

Chapter Twenty-One

Eydis

"Today must be your lucky day?" Leidolf said at the entrance of the hall. "There is a chance you will no longer be shackled to a spineless tyrant. Perhaps you may find happiness?"

"You are drunk, and it is barely dawn." The smell of the ale surrounded him. I moved around the hall, clearing the tables and collecting Esme's toys. I missed her. "No one is impressed by your behavior, nor the lack of your respect towards the king."

"I disrespect my brother, yet you chose to fuck his best friend. It appears we are the same."

"We are not the same."

"Do not get angry with me; I speak the truth, and as always, the truth is painful."

"Who I lay with is none of your concern."

"Spare me your condescending tone. You will always be a slave and granted you are free, you are bound to serve Meili's heart. And you should know he doesn't have one." Liedolf laughed. "And what he did to Eydis is only the beginning."

"I am sorry," I whispered to him, the pain of Eira not being here was clearly triggering emotions you'd never seen in him. "Eydis left on her own accord."

"I hope he falls today." He admitted. "Either way, I am leaving for England in the morning."

"I am sorry to hear that," I ignored his malice words granted there was an inherent part of me that wished the same.

"Are you? I do not need your pity." He scoffed as he left the hall.

When he left, I felt a weight of grief leave my chest. His wife was in England, and perhaps returning to her would renew a relationship they have with another. There was unease as I gathered the children's things Jutland had become my home, no matter how I was brought here. I had grown to love the hills and valleys, even the halls and people. I would miss it here if forced to leave.

Erik stirred restlessly in the bed, his tiny feet kicking from under small tunic. I cleaned his face and rubbed the sweet oils on his skins while he giggled and looked up to his mother lovingly. "Hello there sweet prince, you sure are happy today."

"He is always happy," Siggy said.

"Good morning Siggy." I watched him from afar, the look of innocence and fear in his eyes. "How was your sleep?"

Sigtrygrr had opted not to go with his mother; his actions in no way surprised me; in him, I saw more of his father everyday. It was not the few good attributes that shined through him either. He did not answer me.
"I hope it was well; could you please make sure you have a blanket for your brother."

"You can get it."

"I asked you," I stared at him, and behind me, Meili clears his throat. "Please."

"Siggy, do as she says."

"Fine." he hissed.

"Quietly." He snapped. Meili walked closer to me, his hand resting on my shoulder. "After this, we wed."

"I know."

"Then, look happy."

"I am happy but also fearful. Rather you win or lose my life will be forever changed from this day forth."

"Changed for the better, either way?" He questioned me.

"I do not know what marriage with your offers or entitles me to."

"We will discuss it after the battle."

Haestan was larger than I pictured him; from the way Meili talked about him, I imagined him to be humble and small, but the man that waited in the middle of the square was a giant; he towered over Meili in height and muscle. I cowered, just looking at him. Thorsten stood beside me, his hand resting on my back and a slight tinge of worry in his eyes. The crowd was unsettled, all chanting Meili's name and raising his banners. The people of Jutland loved Meili.