Prologue
"You still have not answered my question as to what you value most. I wish to know before I accept this from you."
He did not speak for a long moment, and kept his gaze trained on her face before answering, "Did you know that I did not accept your father's treaty until he offered me a marriage to you?"
Gisla's gaze dropped to the floor, and she felt her cheeks flush crimson, "Ah, so it is your marriage with me that you value most."
"Yes," he answered with a firm nod.
"Then I think it would be suitable for me to keep this," she said as she put the bracelet on her wrist and pushed it under her sleeve."
She watched as a small smile tugged at the corners of his mouth.
"But Rollo, you do understand that we are not truly married…yet." Her voice trailed off as she said these words and she watched his face carefully to see if he would react in anger.
He remained calm and answered, "By your laws maybe, but not by mine. You have been my wife since your father gave you to me."
"Are you angry that I found a way to break my father's agreement with you?"
His eyebrows knit together as he considered her words, "I do not understand."
"Are you angry that I tried to annul the marriage? Some women, many women, would not be able to do so. They would have to obey the will of their fathers. And many men would be offended that their wives would even try such a thing."
His face fell slightly at her words. "I am not angry with you. It is your right to choose who you marry. I was told that you agreed to this before the marriage. You do not, I hope, still wish to divorce me," he said glancing at the divorce papers in her hand.
"You think I have the right to divorce you?"
His face fell in disappointment at her question. "Yes, in my land women have as much say as men on whether they stay married or not."
"So if I told you I wished for a divorce you would abide by it."
"Yes, but I would rather that you would not."
"And why is that?"
"Because I think I can make you happy, and I wish you would give me a chance to try."
She tilted her head to the side, but did not look displeased. "And tell me how you think you could make me happy?"
Rollo's eyes flickered as he began to realize the game she was playing. "I would never command you to do anything, I would listen to your council in all things, and I would do my best to be good to you all your days." He watched as pleasure filled her face and then asked, "Would that make you happy?"
"I think so." She reached out and took Rollo's hand in her own and began to walk out of the room with him, carelessly leaving the unsigned divorce papers on a table they passed by.
