VIKINGS || GYDA

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝟑𝟒

"Be still Gyda."

I stood upon a wooden step as mother and Althia doted over the final touches to the dress and hair, whilst Eira sat in the corner, arms crossed speaking not a word with a cynical look upon her face.

I stood still, as the fine white silk of the dress hugged my frame, cascading to a considerable length past the step to the stone floor. I was thankful that I was given at least one choice on this day; Prince Athelwulfs wife, Judith provided many dresses for me to choose from.

It was an easy choice. Sorting through all the dresses that these Saxon women wore was enough for me to pick the least extravagant. The gown was of silk that flowed down straight and long. The dresses sleeves and trail decorated with seams of lace.

My head hung low as mother wove a single plait, that finished and laid upon the top of my hips. She finishes by laying the lengthy veil upon my head, it's body too flowing like the trail.

Mother and I had spoken few words to each other since our fight. I couldn't find forgiveness for her on this day—I dreaded this whole affair. Everything was happening too fast.

My head turns to the sound of a knock at the door, at which Athelstan enters shortly after.

His gaze flows up and down the dress as he steps closer, his eyes betray him as he finds his voice, "It... It is time Gyda."

My stomach drops at his words

Mother nods her head towards him as she then offers her hand, as does Althia. I take their grasps and step down from the block, careful to not intertwine myself within the delicate length of the dress.

Eira stands from her seat in the corner. Her eyes narrow over the dress and only grow colder as she meets my eyes.

"I never thought I'd see the day when you would submit to the enemy." She smirks to herself as her hands rest to her hips, "I intend to keep it that way."

With haste in her steps she rips one of the doors opens and leaves, the anger in her footsteps being heard down the corridor. Her words cut me deep, her absence on this day even more so. But I couldn't find the time to ache over her when I already sunk under the weight of what awaited me.

Clearing his throat to break the silence of Eira's abrupt departure, Althelstan steps forward to hold the door open as mother and Althia escort me out.

My breathes are hitching in the back of my throat as our footsteps echo through the halls we travel through, Althelstan leading the way.

Athelstan backs up to walk beside me.

"Now Gyda, the wedding ceremonies here are not like what you're used to."

I swallow a lump as I continue walking, taking in his words, "Well, what should I expect?"

"Weddings here are of a more formal nature. More serious—not like back home." Images flash by of the very few wedding celebrations I had attended as a child. Formal was most definitely not the nature of it.

"You make your vows and bestow your rings to each other, then there is another vow you and your betrothed will cite that I believe is a tradition of King Edmund's wife, Queen Gracelyn."