Page 4 of Alliance Bride
The jarl appeared genuinely surprised judging by the lift of his brow. But what caught Eadlyn’s attention most was the wordless exchange between the two men seated beside him. Maybe they were his sons. These rough, wild, heathen men. Her vision wavered at the edges. Then she caught the other Nord watching her again, his expression lacking any clue to his thoughts. Did he pity her? Or was he amused, laughing at her being bartered to them as if she, too, were only a trade commodity like the grain her brother promised?
No. She was not a commodity. This was her choice. She did this willingly for her people. Strength flowed into her chest, chasing away the cold in the pit of her stomach. She raised her chin and met the Nord’s gaze, unflinching, until the jarl spoke.
“I wish to discuss this with my men before making a decision.”
Edward nodded. “As you wish.”
The Nords rose and left the pavilion. Once their backs were turned and distance stretched between them, Eadlyn sagged into her chair, the weight of fear and tension pulling at her limbs.
Edward, however, shoved up from his seat to face her and Oswin. Everything that churned inside of her raged on his face.
“I don’t like this. Perhaps we should reconsider.”
“Your Majesty,” Oswin said in a cautioning voice. “You’ve seen for yourself. They will not even entertain an alliance without a marriage offer. I don’t like it either, but we have no choice.”
“There must be another way.”
Eadlyn drew a slow, deep breath into her lungs, shoring up her resolve and drawing on the strength only God provided. “Oswin is right. This is the only way, and it’s working. If Jarl Runar were uninterested, he would have refused outright. He’s considering it. That means we have to stand firm.”
Panic flared in Edward’s eyes. “They’re heathen savages. What if they hurt you?”
That question had haunted her for weeks, though she dared not speak aloud. She couldn’t answer it, not truly. Only God knew what lay ahead.
“I survived our father. I’ll survive this.”
“You weren’t Father’s wife. The most he did was hit you.”
Eadlyn swallowed hard, her throat as dry as a grain field at harvest. Would she be used and abused? Her mother’s silent suffering came to mind. These men inspired little hope, but war with Waelon offered her even less.
“We don’t have a choice. If we rescind the offer, they will refuse us. And if Waelon conquers Essix, then I won’t be a wife, I’ll be a captive.” Her voice faltered, then steadied. “Even if I married a man of Essix, there would still be risk. What matters is what this marriage can buy us. A chance at peace. A chance for unity. You must take that chance and make it count.”
Edward’s shoulders slumped beneath the weight of that truth. “You’re braver than I am. You should’ve been born a man. You’d make a better king.”
While that may have seemed true, Eadlyn knew better. “God made us exactly as we’re meant to be. He knows what He’s doing.”
“I wish I had your faith.”
“You can.” She reached out to grip his arms. “You’ve heard the truth. You know what Brother Winstan and I have taught you. God isn’t far off. He’s waiting for you to come to Him. You’ll need Him in the days ahead. Don’t keep waiting.”
Edward only responded with a brief nod, and that was all she could hope for.
She leaned back, staring out toward the Nords in the distance. The moment of decision was coming, and there was no turning back. Her only choice was to wait and trust.
Chapter Two
Aevartrailedbehindhisfather and older brothers, their boots crunching on the rocky soil as they strode away from the prying ears of the Essians. Kian stayed by his side, as usual. No one spoke, but Aevar sensed their thoughts turning, the tension rising like the bite of northern wind. Had they been alone, he might’ve wagered with Kian how long it would take before someone admitted what they were all thinking.
“That was surprising,” Kian said, his Talt accent still thick despite his years in Nordra. “I didn’t think they’d have the guts to offer a marriage alliance.”
No doubt he felt the brewing uncertainty just as keenly.
The silence remained heavy until they reached the river’s edge. Here, all eyes went to their father, who stared out across the water toward Nordra before he turned to them.
“What do you think?” Erik asked. As the eldest, he usually spoke first.
Aevar crossed his arms. Would their father address the obvious or circle around it?
“I think the king is weak and grasping for any alliance he can.”Fathirleveled the pavilion with a stern glance.
