"Bernard is missing."
"How long?"
"A couple of days, sir. He was due to return two nights ago, but no one has seen or heard from him."
"Hmm. We shall punish those are responsible."
"Yes, sir." He watched as Erik walked towards the main hall. He quickly followed behind.
Christine sat at the table, unable to believe what she was hearing. Instead of hoping that their friend was okay, they were making battle plans. Sure they had waited until the end of dinner to do so, but it was something that should not have been discussed at a dinner table. Secondly, these men should be putting their efforts into finding their friend to make sure he was alright instead of assuming the worst and preparing for battle. It was no wonder God created women, Christine thought, without them there would be no one to stop the men from going to war over everything. Christine laughed softly as she thought this train of thought, catching the attention of Eric.
"What is so funny?" Erik loved her laugh, but he did not think this was the appropriate time for it.
"What is so funny is the way you all think that you are such brave, tough men but yet talk like children who are preparing to look for a buried treasure chest left by pirates."
Erik laughed. He never once heard any other woman dare to insult him or any of his warriors. His warriors looked at him questioningly, not knowing whether he was amused or angered. It could be hard to tell with Erik. His laughs were not very distinguishable. Christine stood and prepared to walk back to her bed. Erik took two steps and was in front of her. "And what would you know of pirates, Christine?"
"Well, if it is buried treasure, you're seeking. You won't find it."
"And why not?"
"Pirates don't bury their treasure."
Erik tilted his head. "They don't?"
"No, they don't. They're too busy spending it."
"I'll be sure to keep that in mind. And what do they do with treasure that they can't spend?"
"What do you mean?" Erik's lips came crashing down on Christine's. When he finally had to pull away for lack of oxygen, he noticed her blushing and her eyes sparkling.
"Not all treasure is silver and gold."
"I do not know. You will have to find a pirate and ask them."
"I'll be sure to do that. Good night, Christine."
"Goodnight, Erik." Erik watched as his wife walked away. He turned to notice that all of his men watched as well. He let his displeasure at this be known. The men quickly refocused their attention back on him.