Page 63 of Alliance Bride
“Oh.” Disappointment sank into her, though she shouldn’t have been surprised. Edward had always hated sitting still long enough to write anything. “Well, I’ll write a letter of encouragement for you to take back to him.”
He needed it more than she did at this point.
“I’m sure he’ll be eager to read it. He did send along silver for you. Since there was no agreed-upon bride price, he wanted to make sure you had something should you need it. It’s hidden under a false bottom in the largest chest.”
Though she did not need the silver, she appreciated the gesture. “Make sure to thank him for me.”
“And—” Galen reached into his jerkin and pulled out a thick bundle of folded and sealed parchment. “I know it’s not from Edward, but I do come bearing a letter.”
When he handed it to her, she recognized the script on the outside, and her earlier disappointment faded. “Brother Winstan!”
“He said it was a long one. Full of blessings and wisdom and all that.”
She laughed. “That sounds like him.”
She held the letter close to her chest. It might not be her brother’s words, but these would be even more encouraging.
Chapter Twenty-three
Heartylaughterandgood-naturedinsults echoed through the hall as Eadlyn stepped from the bedroom, drawn by the cheerful din. The men were gathered around the tables awaiting breakfast. Even Galen, who had seemed so stiff and wary only yesterday, stood among them, listening to Kian exaggerate a story with dramatic gestures while the others jeered and laughed.
Eadlyn paused for a moment to watch, smiling to herself. The slow melting of mistrust over the past day and night had taken time and effort, but the results spoke for themselves. The alliance wasn’t just holding; it was growing roots.
A chorus of good mornings greeted her as she joined them, standing next to Aevar. His fingers grazed the back of her hand. She found his smile warm and relaxed. His gaze settled on the long, simple braid over her shoulder. He wouldn’t get to watch Ranvi fix her hair this morning. But he didn’t seem to mind as he reached up and took the end of her braid between his fingers, running his thumb over the woven strands.
Heat rose in her cheeks, and she looked away to hide it only to find Galen watching them. His expression was unreadable, though less severe than the day before. Maybe grudging acceptance was the best she could hope for. At least for now.
Just then, Trygg clambered onto the table and brandished his wooden sword at Galen like a tiny warlord. “You look like a troll!”
Laughter erupted, and Galen eyed them suspiciously before focusing on Eadlyn.
“What did he call me?”
She coughed into her hand to hide a grin. “He said you look like a troll.”
Galen considered Trygg for a long beat and turned to Erik. “Well, you can tell him he looks like a baby rat.”
Erik’s laugh boomed out, and he relayed the insult with great delight.
Trygg’s eyes rounded, his mouth falling open. “I do not!”
Erik smirked, tousling his son’s hair. “You kind of do. Now off the table.”
Trygg hopped down in a huff, muttering about trolls and rats and promising vengeance. He was still giving Galen dirty looks when they sat for breakfast, much to everyone’s amusement. The men dominated the conversation, and Eadlyn was happy just to listen. If Galen grew to trust and see Aevar and his family the way she did, he would take that understanding back to Essix, and that would only strengthen the alliance.
Then, inevitably, the conversation shifted to combat. Sword styles, sparring mishaps, the time Aevar’s cousin had knocked himself out by tripping over a chicken.
Eventually, Galen leaned across the table and pinned Aevar with a steady look. “You know, we never established whether you were worthy of Eadlyn.”
Aevar sent him a lazy smile. “Is that a challenge?”
“Maybe.”
“Very well. Challenge accepted. Swords and shields?”
Galen nodded.
Eadlyn set her cup down and shook her head. At least this time, she didn’t have to worry they’d actually try to maim each other. Hopefully.
