They left two days after, spending this time to ready the ship, packing their stuffs and organizing their departure. Rollo knew their trip will not be easy. The sea tended to be unpredictable and the wind could drown their ship. But he had enough knowledge to know that despite it, they were gonna be fine. After all, he asked Aegir and Thor to protect them. It didn't take them so much time to leave and before they knew it, they already reached the sea.
The wind was hitting hard and entangled Gisla's hair. The iodated air was fresh and waves were crashing on the front of the boat. It was both tiring and invigorating. Rollo was standing in the back while Gisla was looking at the sea in front of the boat. She was fascinated by the beauty and the ferocity of it. Never has she saw the sea. Nor did she went on a boat. She heard the last crys of the seagulls and saw the last part of land disappearing below the horizon. She stared at it for a moment, thinking only about her son, she left behind because the trip was too dangerous for a little baby. She will miss him. To both her and Rollo. Suddenly, a wave crashed on the boat and water-spattered Gisla, making Rollo laugh histerically.
- Any problem here princess ?
- I'm not like you Northmen! I wasn't born at sea, she shouted angrily.
- Then come with me instead of putting you in front so the wave can splash on you.
She shook her head and stood beside him. The men were rowing, following Rollo's strong voice and her husband looked far before him. Gisla stared at him and realized that he was as at ease as if he was casually sleeping in their bed. He seemed to be in his element here. She didn't noted at the time they were travelling on the river Seine, but now she could see that he was really skilled at sailing. Suddenly, the waves became higher, the wind stronger, almost making the boat overturns. Gisla looked at her husband in total terror. They were going to die. They were going to die and never see their son again. As terrible and panicked thoughts rushed to her mind, just like the waves were crashing on the skiff, her eyes wide opened. Rollo gave her a stare and froze when he saw her face. He took her by her waist with his free arm and whispered to her with a comforting voice:
- It is fine. This is just Aegir and Thor welcoming us on their territories.
- Well, don't you think they should welcome us more politely instead of this madness, she asked pissed but still scared. They don't seems like calm people.
- This is because they are not. The sea is as unpredictable as a woman's heart and the wind is as powerful as love.
- Who taught you such poetry, she asked still pissed.
- I was born this way.
- Oh, she said looking at him awkwardly.
The wind and the waves didn't seem to calm down. But Rollo started to say something in old Norse, which Gisla could understand a bit, to give back his men motivation and strength.
- Up onto the overturned keel, clamber with a heart of steel! Cold is the ocean's spray and your death is on it's way! With maidens you have had your way! Each must die some day!
Gisla didn't know which magic he used but the men intensified their efforts and despite all the fury of the elements, the boat continued its path toward England. The more they were sailing forward, the less the waves were violent and the wind strong. It took them hours to see the white cliffs of England. And as soon as Gisla saw them, she turned to Rollo and smiled with relief and excitement, to which Rollo answered by a kiss on her head. They were here, and they were gonna fight.
Their ship was now sailing on the river toward the place where Ragnar's men set the camp when they were still raiding in Wessex. The men rowed and the veil was down. The more they were sailing forward, the more they saw houses and farms. Gisla stopped looking around and suddenly asked Rollo:
- How are we gonna introduce ourselves to the king if we weren't announced first?
- I didn't think about that, Rollo confessed. I just want to, you know, surprise them.
- Why?
- To see his reaction and see his real thoughts. What I suggest is that you enter the room first, it will put him in a good mood. After all, you're the proud descent of Charlemagne, the king he liked the most.
- You are really as twisted as your brother, she said annoyed.
- Never say that again, he said sternly looking at her. I am in no ways like my brother.
- Fine, she said pouting. We will do as you say, it's not like I had the choice anyway.
They drew alongside the shore and the ducal couple mounted on their horses toward the capital of Wessex. While they were riding on their path, Gisla couldn't help but to look at her husband. He was so majestic and seemed so strong when he was on his horse. It gave her chills. He was her's and they were going to be alone for days. Who knew what could happen in one week.
They arrived at the gates of the capital and Gisla announced herself and her husband, Robert, first duke of Normandy. The guards opened the gates staring at Rollo, wondering why his face seemed familiar. They dismounted and entered the castle. Now that he thought of it, this castle was really small, especially when he compared it to his fortress. They arrived at the throne's room door and Gisla held Rollo from stepping forward.
- I'll do as you planned. I'll go first, so stay here until I call you, she said with a stern low voice.
Then, she opened the doors.
The king was sitting on his throne, apparently discussing about important war matters and he raised his head in sign of surprise when he heard the doors being opened and someone say:
- The duchess of Normandy, Gisla.
Gisla walked with an assured gait to the throne and Ecbert. She stood in front of him, her head held high and said with her proud voice:
- Forgive me my lord, but I won't bow before the man who is planning to invade my lands.
The king stood up and stared at her with curious eyes. He stepped closer to her and asked:
- You seems vaguely familiar. Did we met before?
- No. But perhaps my face reminds you of one of my relatives.
- Maybe... But I can't remember...
- This is perfectly normal, you were too young then. But I can't believe you don't remember Charlemagne.
- Charlemagne, he said with a realisation voice, so that means …
- Yes, Gisla said proudly, I am Frankia's king's daughter, princess Gisla.
- This is such an honor, your majesty, he said bowing before her. I didn't know you were a duchess. Your father married you, as I can see. Who is the happy husband.
- You probably don't know him, she said lying. He is came here with me. Shall I tell him to come inside?
- Why, yes, of course.
- This is okay Robert, you can enter.
- Finally, a familiar voice said behind the walls.
Rollo stepped in the room as majestic as a duke should be and looked at the king's reaction. He saw his face goes from surprise, realization, anger, disgust and finally his usual faked curtesy face. Rollo knew the process. He experienced it already with Ragnar. The duke stopped his walk to Gisla's height and stood beside her, grabbing her waist. He kept eye contact and, after a few minutes of silence, he smiled at him. Gisla was looking at the scene with utter delight. Rollo seemed to have fun and she really loved to put people to their places.
- My husband, Robert first of his name, duke of Normandy, she said introducing him with her free hand.
The king stared at the duke. He was different than before. Dressed in a richly embroidered tunic, a long cape on his shoulders and his wild mane brushed the Frank way.
- Rollo. This is so good to see that you are well.
- Keep your manners for yourself, Rollo said brutally. We need to talk.
- How did you learn our tongue?
- My wife taught me, he said as brutally as before.
- He is a fast learner, Gisla added.
- I see, the king said with a thinkful voice. How did you end up duke?
- The king made me an offer, I took it. Now, shall we sit and talk or keep saying vain things?
- Please, the king said showing a large table.
And so, they sat on their chairs, Rollo and Gisla next to each other, facing the king. Rollo started talking:
- I've heard that you plan on invading and conquer my duchy.
- Rollo, the king said with a fake smile, this is not what it seems. I only wanted...
- To extend your kingdom, Gisla cut him.
Ecbert remained silent, apparently angry at the two people who dared stop him from achieving his goal. But despite Ecbert apparent annoyance, Gisla and Rollo remained focused on what they had to do and their eyes showed determination and anger.
- There is something that bugs me, Ecbert said, how did you get these informations?
- We have our sources, Gisla said enigmatic.
- Spies then, the king deduced. May I know where they heard that?
- Your son, Aethelwulf, if I remember correctly, was talking about invading our lands, Rollo said casually.
- Well, that needs some confirmation then. Guards, please, tell the prince to come here, Ecbert said.
They waited for a few minutes in a tensed silence only broken by Rollo's fingers hitting the table and the sound of the outside. The prince came after what seemed an eternity. He opened the doors without looking in front of him while saying:
- I hope it is important, father! I was praying in the...
He froze the second he noticed Rollo. He looked at him with disdain, defiance and disgust, then his sight went to Gisla, then to his father, asking with a glance at them what was going on. Ecbert told him to sit with a head sign and Aethelwulf complied. When he was sit on his chair, he asked:
- What is this pagan doing here?
- This pagan, as you call him, is the duke of Normandy, Gisla said fiercely. You know, the lands you want to invade.
Aethelwulf gave his father a panicked glance and the king made a sign to say it was okay, that he would handle this.
- Son, Ecbert asked calmly, did you, or did you not said that you would invade their duchy?
- Why, no, of course!
- You liar, Gisla shouted. Our spies told us you did!
- And yet, I didn't, he answered menacingly. Your spies must have listened the wrong man.
- How dare you, she said outraged.
- Gisla, everything is fine, Rollo said calmly to his beloved. If the prince is denying it, that means the information was wrong.
- But, Gisla objected...
- You can speak our tongue, Aethelwulf asked with surprise and fear.
- Yes. I can, the duke said with his usual grin. Now, considering all this... misunderstanding, I suggest that in order to avoid future other conflicts due to such circumpstances, we sign a treaty of non agression. This way, it will keep our two fief at peace and we will stay in good terms.
Gisla smiled to him. He was wise to avoid war and to suggest such compromise. Moreover, this way would stop them from invading their duchy. No christian king would ever invade a place he signed a treaty with.
- But this time, you better not violate it, Rollo said menacingly.
- I swear, Ecbert said his hand on his heart, that I won't even think about it.
- Fine, then, when shall we sign it?
- I cannot give you an exact date, but as soon as we find a sheep's skin and we write the terms of the treaty, we shall sign it.
- Well, we should find some place to sleep, my love, Rollo said to Gisla.
- Yes, I suppose so, Gisla said with a thinkful voice. Unless... King Ecbert, could you lend us one room in your castle so we can stay here and visit your beautiful country, she asked politely.
- I think your husband is the perfect guide to show you around, your grace. After all, he knows the place better than we do, Aethelwulf said with a voice full of insinuations.
Rollo gave him the death stare, which Aethelwulf bore, and turned to Gisla.
- This is a perfect opportunity to have some... private activity, don't you think, Rollo whispered to her ear in Frank.
Gisla let a little moan, which could only be heard by Rollo, out, but her face showed desire and excitement. Ecbert, exchanged a curious glance with his son and said:
- This will be an honor to welcome the proud great grand-daughter of Charlemagne inside my castle, your majesty. I'll ask the servants to prepare your room. Please, make yourselves at home.
- Not too much, Aethelwulf said gloomy looking at Rollo.
Rollo ignored his last sentence and Ecbert guided them to their room with his son. When they arrived, Ecbert left to give his orders to the servants. As soon as he left, the atmosphere became more tense, and Gisla, who was exhausted, pretended to have to pray to leave what would have tire her even more.
Aethelwulf grabbed Rollo's shirt brutally and asked with anger:
- Tell me pagan, what will you destroy this time? How many people will you kill?
- None, if you let go of me, he answered menacingly.
He released his shirt, but kept his stance.
- How can an animal like you marry a princess and become duke, he asked with utter disgust.
- I guess your God loves me, Rollo said daring.
- You, the prince breathed with powerful anger. And how do you treat your wife, he asked keeping his cool. I suppose she is more a baby bearer.
- Ask her yourself if you want to know! She is the only person who can answer this stupid question, Rollo said annoyed and passably well angry.
They remained silent for a moment, only looking each other right in the eyes, testing the limits of their fury, looking for the moment they will fight. But it never came. They were suddenly interrupted by servants, bringing sheets and blankets for the bed of the ducal couple and Aethelwulf left to inquire after his wife and his father. While he was leaving, Rollo thought that this man and him could have easily be friends if he wasn't so eager on hating his people.
Gisla and Rollo were finally alone in the room. It had been cleaned and prepared within an hour and Rollo couldn't help but being impressed by the servant's work. They hung tapestries on the walls, put flowers in vases, arranged some other dry flowers around the room to create a soft but nevertheless delicious fragrance and the white sheets and blankets were carefully put on the enormous bed in front of the fireplace. They lighted the candles and Rollo asked if he could go to the bath with his wife. His request was answered quickly and positively and they left for the thermal baths. Of course, Gisla asked some privacy, which the king granted, and soon, the couple undressed and slipped with delight in the hot water. Rollo and Gisla were close to each other. So close they could feel each other's heat. Gisla looked at her husband. She was amazed that his body still producted the same effect on her: the urge of touching him and kiss him on every part of his muscles. Rollo must have seen it because he smiled at her, which always lightened the big scar he had on his face. Now that she thought of it, Gisla never asked him about this scar, even if they played to "guess how it happened" every night. But this scar remained a secret as it wasn't visible most of the time. She had to ask.
- How did it happened?
- What, he asked not knowing what she was talking about.
- Your scar. On your face.
- Oh no. you're cheating. It is up to me to ask you that question. You have to guess.
- I don't want to play the game. Please, answer me seriously.
- Torture. I didn't want to tell where my brother was when people wanted to kill him.
- Your loyalty will kill you, she sighed.
- Don't worry, I intend to give you a hard time for a long, long time, he said smiling tenderly to his wife.
- Idiot, she smiled back.
Then, she did something that surprised Rollo even more. She raised her lips to his scar and began to kiss it softly. Her lips were fresh, and so were her kisses. Rollo turned his head to her's and kissed her neck. He was pleasantly surprised. His wife was taking initiatives and he loved it. She moaned with delight, succumbing to her own pleasure. He grabbed her hips and made her sit on him while he was kissing the upper part of her body. Neck, shoulders, breasts, belly. His kisses became more burning and passionate. Her back arched to his love and her moans became louder. She took his head with her two hands and kissed him, this time on the lips. He was tenderly caressing every part of her body, making her moan a little more and while doing this, he thought that she was really beautiful. Even more than Siggy or Lagertha. He let a grunt of pleasure out of his mouth and opened his wife's thighs.
- No, she managed to say.
- You don't want it, he whispered to her ears.
- Not... Not here.
- In the room then.
They quickly dressed up and rushed to their room while giggleling from their intimate pleasure. Rollo hastily locked the door and undressed himself while his wife was teasing him faking to be unable to undress herself. Rollo walked toward her and with an amused smile, lifted her skirt, reaching for her thighs and caressing it. She had her back on the wall and her husband was below her belly, kissing every part of her legs. She breathed with utter delight. She felt so good this instant. It was just like she had died and was in heaven. Suddenly, he went up to her face, while removing her dress. There they were, naked in front of each other. He grabbed her legs and lifted her to his body. He drove her to the bed and layed beside her. He continued his kisses while she was moaning and breathing heavily from pleasure. He moved on top of her and his manhood went inside her body. Now, she was making more sounds, apparently at the zenith of delight. They were moving together, in unison, moaning, grunting, breathing heavily. She grabbed his face to kiss him more violently practically shouting his name.
- R... Robert. Oh, Robert!
- Call me by my real name, he whispered sternly to her still moving to give her more pleasure.
- No... My oath, she said between two moans.
- Say it!
- I swore it before God, she said almost crying.
- He is not watching right now.
- N... No.
- Say it! Say it, he ordered making her moan more.
- R... Rollo, she moaned succumbing to utter pleasure.
- Yes, he whispered smiling to her.
He kissed her more and their tender activity suddenly became more passionate. They were now more than only two persons. This moment, they felt so connected they became one. Neither of them had experienced something like that before. This instant, their marriage was the most important thing in the universe and the gods and the saints were singing it. This instant, the world was at peace.