Page 3 of Alliance Bride
“Trade, for one,” Edward said, his voice sure. Good, he remembered Oswin’s counsel. “You have vast forests full of timber. Essix has fertile farmland and plentiful crops. Through trade, we can each supply what the other lacks.”
Runar’s expression didn’t change. If anything, his disinterest deepened. “Nordra has survived for generations without trade from Essix. We take what we need in raids.”
“Yes, but with open trade, there’s no risk to your men. I’m sure your people would welcome the grain we can offer to see you through your harsh winters. In turn, my people would value lumber and other resources. This alliance could end the raids both sides perpetrate along the border.”
Again, Edward looked at Eadlyn. She flashed the briefest smile to let him know he was doing well.
Runar peered at him as if he were weighing Edward’s worth. His hand rested on the hilt of his sword, tapping the hammer-shaped pommel. Was he thinking of using it?Lord, only You can make this work. Please let their hearts be open. I don’t know what else we can do.
“Why come to us?” Runar’s voice sliced through the stillness a moment later. “Why not Camria? Are they not your mother’s people?”
The question showed more knowledge than she’d expected from him.
Edward nodded slowly. “They are, but that accord is broken.”
Thanks to their father.
Runar raised a brow. “So you’ve burned one alliance beyond repair and now come to us in desperation. Why not go to the Talts?”
“Because we believe your people hold more sway than they do.”
Eadlyn suppressed a wince. So he hadn’t noticed the Talt. How many times had she told him to be more observant?
She eyed the man behind the jarl. His face creased with silent laughter as he exchanged a glance with the youngest Nord. Hopefully, in amusement and not ridicule. At least Runar appeared mildly entertained.
“It’s true, isn’t it?” Edward asked.
Runar shrugged. “To a degree.”
He studied Edward again, calculating. If only Eadlyn could know how big a fool the jarl took him to be and whether he possessed even the slightest inclination to align with them. Edward sat straight and still in his seat, for which Eadlyn praised God. He was no doubt young and inexperienced, but at least he was putting forth his best effort, if he’d just stop glancing at her for reassurance.
“What is it you truly seek in this alliance? I know it is not trade.”
And there it was. The question Eadlyn had dreaded from the start. She had prayed for a miracle, but deep down, she’d known trade alone would never suffice. Now came the moment they placed the fate of Essix in the hands of these fearsome warriors.
A flicker of discomfort passed over Edward’s face, but he masked it. “As I’m sure you’re well aware, the transition of poweris a vulnerable time for any kingdom. We fear the kingdom of Waelon may declare war. In forming an alliance, we seek your assurance that, should we come under attack, Nordra will stand with us.”
Runar gave a harsh snort. “So you want my warriors to die cleaning up your father’s mess?”
“We ask only that you help us defend our borders. Essian soldiers would take the front lines. Neither of us benefits from Waelon gaining more power. And with your backing, it is our hope they won’t even make such advances.”
“In other words, you want us as your guard dogs.”
Though Edward made an effort to be diplomatic, Eadlyn sensed the desperation creeping in. “We want a mutual agreement. If you help us defend against Waelon, we will likewise help you should Kalgora break your truce. We know how fragile that peace is.”
Runar leaned back, studying them. Was he moved, or did he regret even meeting with them?
“How do we know you’ll hold to this agreement? Essix is not known for keeping her word.”
“I am not my father. As long as I am king, we will honor our terms. You have my word.”
The jarl’s eyes narrowed. “Boy,”—Eadlyn caught the way Galen stiffened at the jarl’s blatant disrespect toward Edward, but he stayed his hand—“I don’t know you. Your word means nothing to me. Trust is earned, not merely given.”
The words stung, and rightly so. After all their father had done, no one in their right mind would offer Essix trust freely. That left only one option. Her heart gave a panicked lurch, but she held firm to her resolve. She looked at Edward with a singledecisive nod. This was the cost, and she would pay it if it meant saving their people.
Edward’s face fell. He hesitated for a moment longer and turned back to the jarl. “Then let us form a marriage alliance. I’m told you have three sons, and only one is married. I have a sister. Let one of them marry her. In doing so, our kingdoms will be bound not just by words, but by blood. I would never harm my sister, and once she is part of your household, I hope you will likewise guard her and, through her, Essix.”
Eadlyn held her breath. The offer was made.
