Widow Queen

by Kingswallow

Following the Stormcloak victory at the Battle for Solitude, Elisif is given a list of impossible demands to keep her throne. With a city recently-filled with Stormcloak soldiers and spies, she has no choice but to comply. A caged queen desperate to prove herself, she decides there is one thing more important than being High Queen: protecting Skyrim. [Eventual Ulfric/Elisif.]

4. Chapter 4

CHAPTER FOUR

The sights and sounds of the Imperial City awed her greatly throughout the entirety of her childhood, but nothing captured her imagination quite like the exquisite ladies of court in their dashing gowns and elegant hairstyles.

Her father was a nobleman of Nord heritage, and when she had finally mastered her formal table manners and curtsy at the age of five from her governess, he took her with him to court for the very first time. She usually hid behind his legs in crowds, but as the noblemen and noblewomen flooded the major courtroom, it was all she could do not to rush forward. The women were beautiful and regal in their fashions, and they carried themselves like statues, postures perfect and brimming with poise. The colored fabrics and cuts of their dresses shimmered in the light, their fingers gleamed with rings set with gems of all colors, and when they moved, the fragrance of their perfumes whirled with the swishing of their skirts and filled the air with extravagant scents. To her, they all seemed to be touched by the goddess Dibella, living perfection, and she burned to be like them more than anything.

Tugging at her father's trousers, Elisif pointed a finger at the glamorous huddle of women.

"Father, will I be one of those ladies someday?" she asked excitedly, unable to tear her eyes away.

He chided her on pointing fingers and lowered her arm gently, but he couldn't help but chuckle at the look of complete amazement on her face. He scooped her off the ground and balanced her on his shoulder to get a better look at the excitement of court.

"Sweet Elisif," he laughed, "Fair Elisif, you are already more beautiful than any of those ladies in their fineries. You will not be another mere lady in a Count's court - you will be the wife of a great king or emperor someday, I promise you, and your children will be princes and princesses."

She gasped with joy, her imagination overflowing with possibilities. "Will I be a queen, Papa?"

"Sweet Elisif, you will be a beloved queen no matter where you are, and all will recognize you by your fair face and the crown atop your head."

"My Lady, you look positively exhausted."

Elisif merely blinked her red-rimmed eyes as her maid gently worked a fine silver comb through her hair. Her thoughts had settled somewhat, leaving her in a state of mild shock concerning the prior day's affairs. Elisif reached to the table next to her wardrobe and washbasin and held a hand-mirror between her hands, her pallid complexion reflecting poorly, like a stone mask. She was certain if she raised a finger to her cheek, it would be as stiff as a statue.

Erdi nattered on as she combed the Jarl's hair until it shone like silk, and then carefully twisted two braids on either side of her head, joining them at the back. She left briefly to retrieve Elisif's dainty gold and ruby circlet, which she set delicately at the crown of Elisif's head. To Elisif, it felt heavy.

Erdi paused in her endless stream of consciousness. "My Lady, are you well?"

Elisif summoned a small smile for her maid that cracked painfully at the edges of her mask. Erdi's relentless happy chatter usually pleased her greatly, but today she waved her away. "Headaches again, Erdi. Nothing more."

Erdi looked concerned. "Trouble sleeping again? Shall I notify the court that you are indisposed and fetch one of the bards?"

"No," Elisif assured as she rose from her chair, although her body ached to stay in her chambers. "I have much to discuss with my court. I thank you for your service this morning. Please, return to your duties."

"As you will, my Lady."

—

Elisif wore slippers that made no noise as she emerged from her room and walked the masonry of the hallway that connected her chambers to the throne room. With an erect carriage and perfect posture, she ghosted through the halls of her beautiful castle, aware that noises tended to bounce off the ancient stones and walls of the Blue Palace.

A nasty laugh reached her ears through the archways.

"… I would be surprised to see our Jarl in court today. I heard that she spent nearly the entire night in the Steward's quarters before returning to her own chambers in the small hours of the morning. Perhaps our Steward tires her out more than we ever guessed!"

"That's absolutely ridiculous! Hold your tongue, Erikur, unless you would like me to remove it for you!"

"Of course it's ridiculous. The day that Erikur actually contributes something intelligible to this courtroom will be the day that I am surprised. If every jibe, lie, or piece of gossip that passed his lips were a gold coin, his mouth would be a fountain, and he wouldn't need all of his 'legitimate side businesses' to support himself. You do seem rather defensive though, Bryling. Could you be jealous?"

"How dare you, Sybille—!"

"Look, look, honorable members of the court, I'm only saying the things that any other courtier or Stormcloak spy would say. My point is that she should conduct herself more carefully."

"No, your point is to spread salacious gossip at every turn for your own amusement."

"You seem to know more about what a Stormcloak spy would say than any loyal member of this court should, Erikur. Would you care to explain why that is? I am ever so eager to hear it."

"What a sloppy accusation, anyone in Solitude with ears can hear these rumors, either inside or outside of the Blue Palace. This palace is filled with spies and gossiping guards and maids, who take home their daily rumors to their families, who then spread it in the tavern to the rest of the Hold. They whisper that the Jarl closes court early oftentimes complaining of 'headaches.' They say that she is in court less and less, barely attending to her duties as Jarl. They say that she calls on the bards to relieve stress for more than just music, especially that young Redguard lad that she seems so fond of… Ataf, I think his name is? There were rumors about her and General Tullius when he was alive, and with how frequently she meets with Falk, there are rumors about them now, too."

"Yes, we know - but we don't spread them. They are lies that undermine her authority, no matter how weak, and I'd watch my footing if I were you, because I have a few ideas about where this gossip originates from."

Elisif rounded one of the arches where the hallway spilled into the grand throne room, and each member of her court turned and looked like guilty children caught doing something naughty, save for Erikur, who hadn't the shame to look contrite.

Elisif's face remained stony, but she couldn't fight the flush that creeped into her cheeks. Without Falk to oversee the court, they spoke with impunity; and it seemed that this was the level of calumny that he tried to protect her from. On some level, she knew that her Thanes gossiped and spoke about her behind her back, but in Falk's absence where it went unchecked, the brunt of it hit her with the same kind of force as if she was unaware of it in the first place. To her face, they never repeated the rumors that pervaded the court and always asserted their loyalty - but now she had a taste of those rumors, unfiltered. She now knew why Falk hid these things from her: because these words hurt, and she had no knowledge on how to squelch these rumors.

Silently, she took her place at her lavishly-carved throne at the head of the room, her gaze level and careful not to look any of her courtiers in the eyes.

There was a bashful hush in the court for a moment - still early yet to receive any complainants - before her court returned to order. Bolgeir emerged from his quarters to take his place at her right hand, her silent protector, but Falk's absence was palpable and left an unnatural feeling of uneasiness in the room.

The first to move, Bryling bravely sidled to Elisif's left, kneeling and placing one hand over hers.

"My Jarl, the Steward informed me late last night of what transpired in the Wells District. I am so sorry about what happened between the Steward, the crowd, and the Stormcloaks. I am ashamed of our people and the way they conducted themselves on what was supposed to be a solemn occasion."

Elisif finally met eyes with her warrior-Thane, who showed her great affection but secretly thought her weak. That stung.

"He is doing well, I take it?" she inquired politely, using courtesy as her shield. "I have not had the chance to visit him yet." She glanced at Erikur, who carefully guarded his expression.

Bryling nodded. "He is doing well. Tired from a night's lack of sleep, but the priestess came in at first light and told us he was out of danger, and that he should spend two days on bedrest."

"He protested, I imagine. He never misses court."

Bryling laughed, and it loosened some of the tension in the room. "Of course. But some of our household staff is keeping an eye on him to make sure he convalesces."

"We also heard the news this morning, although the sounds of the mob could be heard even from my home." Erikur, sensing his opportunity, slunk into her field of vision. "What a horrible tragedy, my Jarl. Absolutely horrible. Although we all wish the Steward a speedy recovery, what great fortune that he was there! To think that you were supposed to be the one on the podium… how awful. Thank goodness that you escaped such a dangerous accident. You must be terribly shaken, however; please do let me know if there is anything I can do to assist you."

Sybille concurred with Erikur with a haughty snort. "That's putting it mildly. But you should rest easy, your eminence. Most people are as stupid as cattle, and that stupidity is exactly what makes any crowd prone to mob antics. If there is a next time, we will be more prepared to contain them."

Elisif kept her voice moderate and careful to remove any emotion. "You two seem convinced that this was sort of tragedy; and, as tragic as it certainly was, I have heard other opinions on the matter. Falk is convinced that this was no accident: he believes it was an attempt on my life, as does Bolgeir."

Sybille's brows rose, and Bryling squeezed Elisif's hand. "I concur as well, my Lady. What better opportunity for an assassin to strike than when you leave the safety of your castle?"

The thought filled the air with a pregnant pause before conversation resumed with an edge.

"What do you think, Jarl?" Erikur asked, brows drawn.

Elisif wasn't ready to share her thoughts, as even a night's worth of restless pondering hadn't given her any insight. She merely shrugged her shoulders in response. "I cannot say; however, Falk is convinced it was the doing of the Stormcloaks."

"Why would they do that?" Bryling balked. "If they still have any shred of honor, they would uphold the protection that Ulfric granted you after the Battle for Solitude…"

"Indeed," Erikur said, "But then, what's honor among murderers and thieves? Our sovereign is anything but benevolent. Still, it's hard to believe that anyone is responsible for what happened - the city of Solitude has seen its mobs from time to time, after all."

"Not in my time," Elisif asserted, "Not until yesterday."

Her courtiers shared a glance, and Elisif flushed again, knowing that they were likely thinking about just how short her time had been.

"In any case," Bolgeir interjected, in one of his rare moments of participation in court chatter, "I recommend that you remain inside the walls of the Palace or the Temple until things cool down."

Elisif frowned. She wished to feel safe in her own city and see it healed.

"You…" she sighed, conceding. "You are probably right, Bolgeir."

Una, one of Elisif's maids, tentatively appeared at the tops of the stairs in the courtroom. "I am sorry to interrupt, my Jarl," she supplicated, "but people from Haafingar are beginning to arrive, and many are in the waiting room as we speak…."

"No need to apologize, Una. Please let them know that court is open, and instruct the guards on the main floor to have them directed up the stairs in the order in which they arrived."

Una bobbed her head in recognition, and disappeared.

Suddenly, the feeling of unease returned to the room again.

Nose wrinkling, Sybille asked in a lowered tone, "My Jarl, is it… wise to open court today? Perhaps now is not the most opportune time."

Elisif took stock of the room and saw the discomfort in the eyes of her Thanes as well, even Bryling, and she felt a small twinge of betrayal wound her inside. It was plain to see that they interpreted Falk's absence to mean that court would not resume until he was healed enough to return to his duties; after all, most common affairs of court - including the handling of complainants and day-to-day affairs - were directed to him, not Elisif, who merely sat on her throne to reinforce his authority and occasionally chime in on weightier issues. Often, although she relied on and appreciated Falk's support, she felt as though she was not the ruler of her people. Falk was her greatest friend, but she hated the way her Thanes looked at him for confirmation whenever she spoke, and at times it strained her relationship with him and her courtiers, now that she was developing the eyes to see it.

Despite her great exhaustion, Elisif narrowed her eyes in a look that challenged them to object. Since the war, all she had felt was great desperation, but the fire that was kindled in her the previous evening when she saw her Steward bleeding and in pain found itself a hearth in her chest once more, and she raised her chin defiantly.

What she lacked in confidence, she came by honestly in stubbornness. I'm a Nord too, after all, she thought, willing herself to believe it, and these are my people.

"It is always an opportune time," she said smoothly, "My people are always in need of guidance and aid, especially after this war, and they need it immediately. I am certain that the riot caused some damage as well, which will need to be addressed. We cannot wait for Falk to rejoin us if we would like to remain on top of courtly affairs." Once said aloud, her courtiers looked guilty again. She lifted her chin higher, and her back straighter. "After all, isn't it a Jarl's duty to see to her people?"

"Certainly," Sybille muttered under her breath, "but in doing so, you are probably letting in the rioters that caused the damage in the first place."

One of Elisif's thin eyebrows twitched. "Enough, Sybille." She looked up to where her citizens were hesitating to approach the landing to the courtroom. "Send them in."

—

The day passed with a steady stream of people until the light that filtered through the palace windows cast her throne in orange rays of light, signaling the final hour of daylight to remain to the people of Haafingar.

"Thank you, Jarl Elisif," a resident gushed, wringing her hands in gratitude.

"Of course. Haafingar's people will always be safe within the city walls, I promise you that. One of our castle masons will be by your residence tomorrow to fix the damage."

"Thank you, Jarl, thank you!" she skittered away.

Elisif signaled for the guard to impede the flow of traffic. "Guards, please send these people back to their homes, and ask them to return tomorrow if they have not been received yet. Court is now closed for the day. Their concerns will be taken care of in the morning."

As the stragglers, disappointed, turned from the stairs and exited through the palace doors, Elisif's shoulders sagged in pure exhaustion. She had sat in court since her husband's death over a year ago, but Falk had primarily dealt with the issues of her citizenry. It was difficult to believe that so many people could come to her castle seeking aid and not have enough time to attend to them all by the end of an entire day's session.

Sailors complained of an increase in pirate raids along their trade routes, merchants grieved over rising taxes within the city walls, poor farmers struggled to rebuild their properties while maintaining the current season's crop, stonemasons and blacksmiths required ongoing direction in repairing the still-there trebuchet damage from the battle, citizens from the un-walled sections of her Hold pleading for more troops to protect their homes from all manner of threats, travelers on the road complained of both bandit attacks and dragon sightings, and many other grievances from her people of every sort were put in front of her - all needing the aid of their Jarl and her court. They sought guidance, protection, and assistance, unaware that that the Jarl herself lacked all three. It seemed as if every soul under her protection and rule was in dire need of aid, and with the state of Haafingar following the war, she wasn't sure she had the resources to follow through on all the promises she made to those who sought her help, and this pained her deeply.

So many people and so many problems, Elisif thought, rubbing her temples. I can hardly help them, much less address my very own large debts to Ulfric…

Posture slipping, Elisif's shoulders sagged even further under the imaginary weight of Ulfric's demands.

Bryling touched a hang to her shoulder. "More will be back tomorrow," she said apologetically, "but you did good work today, my Jarl."

"They are not my only concern," Elisif sighed. "As much as I want to heal Haafingar as quickly as possible from the damage incurred during the war, I have Ulfric's demands to contend with as well, most especially addressing our reparations."

"Falk and I would be more than happy to assist, you know. That offer still stands."

Elisif waved a hand. "I appreciate that Bryling, truly. But I will not undo the work of my husband's father, and you and Falk are busy enough trying to scrounge for recruits to contribute to Ulfric's army. How goes the recruitment?"

"Falk and I had a meeting two nights ago where we discussed some ideas," Bryling said, "and I hope to set them in motion very soon, although it might take some time for our labors to bear fruit. Thankfully Ulfric hasn't given us a deadline, so we remain hopeful that we have time to put our ideas in motion."

"Good," Elisif said shortly, barely hearing her. She had her own issues. "Thank you, Bryling. Feel free to arrange a meeting if you wish to discuss this further."

"Thank you, my Jarl."

Erikur rose from his usual seat by the benches and approached her throne. "My Jarl, if I may—"

"No, you may not," Elisif snapped. She had no patience for his honeyed words and bold-faced lies. "I said that court is closed today. You may all leave. I wish to visit my Steward and determine the status of his health. Or would you consider that inappropriate?"

They locked gazes for a moment, and Erikur's mouth tightened before something flickered across his face and he released a rakish laugh.

"Never, my Jarl! Wish the Steward a speedy recovery for me."

At that, all members of the court found their way back to their homes, leaving Elisif alone with her housecarl by her side. She took in a breath, and pushed herself off the throne with great effort, assisted by a hand from Bolgeir.

"My Jarl, you are exhausted," Bolgeir said flatly.

Elisif chuckled mirthlessly. "Come. I will visit the Steward, and we shall have our rest."

Dutifully, Bolgeir followed her to the Steward's quarters. One of her household servants - the name she couldn't place - looked up from a bedside chair next to what looked to be a sleeping Falk. She looked from Elisif to Bolgeir and stood, bowing her head low and backing out of the room. Bolgeir guarded the door on her way out.

As Elisif took her seat, Falk's eyes opened and he smiled at her, his countenance clearer than the previous night. Elisif smiled back, relieved.

"I heard you did well in court today," Falk said.

One of Elisif's eyebrows arched in surprise. "How did you hear?"

"The maids. They are paid to be invisible, so they see and hear much, and they chatter."

"Ah."

"You look exhausted, my Lady Elisif."

This time, Elisif laughed out loud, with a touch of humor. "Falk, I have been hearing that line all day. I came here because I wanted to hear how you were feeling. How is your head?"

Falk grunted. "Better. I am still tired from last night. I don't know why the priestess demanded I stay in bed for two days, however; sometimes I think excess of leisure makes the body more tired."

"She is a healer," Elisif chided gently. "And a priestess. Have a bit of faith. She is not just a religious scholar of the Divines, she was also trained extensively in the school of Restoration. I'd take her advice if I were you, and get some rest. If resting under your own power for another day is so disagreeable, I could ask for Angeline to procure a sleeping potion and have Bolgeir force you to take it to preserve your sense of honor."

"I surrender!" Falk laughed, holding his hands up. "I will rest another day. I just feel so useless laying here when I know I could be helping you and the court."

"I can manage the court for another day, but I do have something to discuss with you," Elisif confessed. "I came here to check on your condition, of course, but since you appear to be feeling better, perhaps I could ask you a favor."

Falk's expression sharped at attention. "Anything. What is it, my Jarl?"

"In two days, I will need you to take over court completely for the day. I need to go to the Temple of the Divines."

"Ah, I see. Ensuring everything is prepared for Jora's arrival?"

"Yes. She should be here in six days, according to Jorleif's last correspondence. These demands are taxing me greatly, Falk, and I want to accomplish as many as I can, as quickly as I can, so I can focus on my people once again." Her eyes pleaded him. "I was not able to discuss matters with the high priest and priestess yesterday, but in two days' time you should be fit to attend court again, and I can attend to the final touches of this last demand."

Falk nodded. "Good. Although I fear that ensuring her a place in the Temple of the Divines will not be sufficient to convince Ulfric the people of Haafingar are devout again."

Elisif smiled, proud of a secret she felt she had sleuthed herself. "That may work in our favor. Ulfric truly believes in his own hero complex: that he was fighting a holy war to preserve Talos as part of our culture. He's enamored with his own mythology. He sees himself not as a conquerer, but as a liberator, and when he won the Battle for Solitude and ousted the Empire, he believed that he freed an entire Hold of people who would rejoice in his victory and celebrate Talos's return, rather than destroyed the homes and commerce of the people who live here. My guess is that he will be quick to believe that Talos worship has been reinstated.

"Whether our new priestess is a spy or not," she continued, "I will double my efforts to make frequent trips to the Temple of the Divines to bring offerings, and speak at length about Talos with this Jora, who I believe will be more than ready to educate me and everyone else on the subject."

Falk looked astonished. "My Lady… you have really thought this through."

"Of course," she frowned, but reminded herself that, if today had shown her anything, she was inexperienced, and she shouldn't take it out on Falk, who went out of his way to protect her.

"As you said, whether Jora is a spy or not - and I think it likely that she is - time in the Temple will do you good. I don't think I need to advise you on caution within earshot of Jora when not speaking of matters of the Divines, however. You've been a prisoner of this castle for far too long, and you deserve to have the sunshine on your face and see the altars of the gods."

"Thank you, Falk, I appreciate that."

"You are welcome, my Jarl."

—

Falk managed to fall asleep in her presence, and she was careful to shut the door soundlessly behind her as she and Bolgeir exited his chambers.

"My Jarl," Bolgeir said tightly, his back stiffening.

Elisif's eyes were drawn to the archway outside the room, and Erikur stepped from the shadows.

"You seem to have startled my housecarl, Erikur. Isn't it unseemly for a member of the court to linger in the shadows?"

"Beg pardon, my Jarl," Erikur exhorted. "I merely did not want to interrupt your visit with the Steward, so I waited until you were no longer occupied. There is an urgent matter that I need to discuss with you."

"If you'll forgive me, Thane, it has been a very trying couple of days. My housecarl and I are exhausted and in need of rest. I believe that I dismissed court nearly an hour ago, and that included you. Whatever business you have with me can wait until morning, or you can make an appointment with me during private hours outside of court."

"My Jarl, please wait," he pleaded, reaching forward to touch her arm. Elisif shied away and Bolgeir swelled with such insult that he looked as if to arrange an encounter with his fist and Erikur's smug face.

As Bolgeir lurched toward him, Erikur seemed to reconsider and put his hands up in supplication.

"Peace," he amended quickly, "I meant no offense. Let me reassure you that this matter is urgent."

Elisif took in a deep breath, looked between her housecarl and her Thane, and swallowed back a sigh that she desperately wanted to release on her exhale. Instead, she crossed her arms gently in front of her - so as not to be grabbed - and forgave him with a nod.

"Fine. What is this matter you wish to discuss?"

Erikur held out a hand - not expecting her to take it, only as a show of good will.

"If you would take a walk with me, there is a private conversation I would like to have with you, concerning Haafingar's debt to Ulfric."

This caught Elisif's attention. She didn't like Erikur - she never had - especially after overhearing his own self-incrimination on his part of the rumor mill surrounding her. But with her own wherewithal on fiscal matters nonexistent and her ideas lacking, she felt obligated to make company with her Thane.

"Very well," she reluctantly conceded, "I shall follow you."

A hand on the railing of the throne room's overlook, he began to slowly pace throughout the throne room. The last remnants of sunset had faded into a dusky glow that covered the throne room in a dark veil softened by intermittent starlight. In such a setting, such a meeting felt clandestine - and that made Elisif nervous. Bolgeir felt her tension and followed closely behind her.

When Erikur heard two pairs of feet following him, he glanced over his shoulder and noted Bolgeir's increased presence.

"My Jarl, I believe a private conversation might be best…"

Bolgeir snorted.

"I apologize, my Thane, but whatever you can say to me you can say to Bolgeir. Since the troubles began he has stayed by my side, save for resting; even in his presence, what you and I discuss here will remain a private conversation."

Erikur didn't seem pleased by this, but he averted his eyes and his hands expressed with him as he spoke, continuing on nonetheless.

"Earlier today as you closed court court, I tried to bring up the topic of war reparations, but you cut me off. Forgive me if I overstep myself, but I believe that this is the only demand of Ulfric's that has not been given any attention."

As Elisif walked with him, a sick feeling crept into her stomach.

"Considering the sum, I am surprised that you have not asked me - a successful businessman - for advice, especially considering I am one of your Thanes."

Elisif hid the look she wanted to give him by focusing her gaze on her feet.

Erikur laughed. "Or perhaps not. But, may I offer you some advice?"

Elisif inclined her head, reminding herself of her manners. "You may offer it," she acquiesced.

"Everyone at court has invested their careers into the prosperity of Haafingar - you know this. In light of recent events, however, every member of court is thoroughly overstretched in their individual duties to meet the demands of Ulfric's war council in addition to the already-hefty responsibilities of managing the everyday affairs of the Hold. Although each demand is and has been challenging in its own way, I think that the sheer sum of money that Ulfric demands in reparations no doubt weighs heavily upon all of us, most especially you. While I admire your courage in attempting to address this issue on your own, given my extensive history in the world of making and managing coin, I can tell you that this is something that is impossible to do without any training, and guidance, or any resources."

Erikur paused to turn and look at her, and she stumbled. She had been fighting this reality, and to hear it aloud stole her breath. She had hoped beyond hope that she could find another way, in time, to handle this herself and prove her growing competence, but the enormity of her task overwhelmed her. As much as she hated it, Erikur was right.

"Erikur…" she took a deep breath, regretting the words before they left her lips. "I need your assistance. What is your advice?"

"My advice is this: you need an advisor. And I don't mean Falk."

She studied him carefully. "You, then."

"My Jarl, it would be my honest pleasure. But," he digressed, "I am one of the members of court that is also stretched thin right now. I will happy to attribute my own aid whenever I can, but I am talking about a true advisor.

"It is nothing to be ashamed of, my Jarl: recall that this throne was meant for your late husband Torygg, who grew up with advisors and tutors that prepared him all his life for the responsibility of being Jarl, and eventually, High King. As such, he was well-educated in theoretical statesmanship as well as warfare. You, being a lady raised in Cyrodiil, were instructed in other matters. You have done well to manage this palace and keep the people at peace, but now that you are our Jarl by right, you must know the same things that Torygg once knew if you hope to succeed."

Elisif drank in his words carefully, like boiled looseleaf tea where she was careful to spot the bitter dregs that might gag her. After carefully considering his words, and finding no hint of mockery or deceit, she evaluated their worth with caution.

"Are Torygg's former advisor and tutors still on retainer? Or at the very least in Skyrim?"

Erikur shook his head. "Apart from Sybille, no, I'm sorry, my Lady."

Ah, Sybille. Of course. After all, she often boasts on how she helped raise Torygg. Although Sybille had fondness for her late husband, she had none for his wife and her current Jarl, of this Elisif was sure. Unlike the rest of the court members who tiptoed around their true thoughts and opinions, Sybille had none of the patience for it: she made no effort to hide her praise or disdain in Elisif's presence, although the former was exceedingly rare compared to the latter. In fairness, she served Haafingar well as court mage, but Elisif was sure that it was only because her position allowed her great resources; whenever Elisif spoke to her, she could tell by the look in her eyes that her affection extended only to her dead husband, and no further.

Irritable from lack of sleep and feeling hopelessness creep upon her again, Elisif demanded, "Then how am I supposed to continue serving my people as Jarl? How can I meet these demands when I have no one to advise me? How—"

Erikur stalled her by holding up a hand.

"You can think of no one?" he asked, amused.

Elisif was not in good temper and gazed at him mutely, with Bolgeir shuffling impatiently in the background.

Erikur looked astonished, spreading his arms wide and opening his palms. "You fear that there is no advisor right here in Solitude suited to facing the similar tasks you have before you?" he continued. "Not even a single one?" He chortled. "My Jarl, I can think of at least four."

A/N: I'd like to give a big shoutout to MASTER-OF-SURPRISE and Wolf Goddess of Siberia for their amazing support. You guys are awesome and always put a smile on my face! I hope everyone continues to enjoy the series!