Life in Asgard has been complicated. Life in Jotunheim has been . . . complicated.
Laufey smiled from the painting, timeless.
Farbauti gazed at the portrait of Laufey holding Vonir. "My dearest. My love." He felt odd speaking to the painting. Not because he was speaking to it at all—he had done that on every visit to the chapel since it was painted after her death, as a way of keeping a connection with her—but because of the words he was about to speak.
"My Laufey, my queen, my love." His throat thickened, then eased. "We were to spend our lives together. Ruling Jotunheim, raising a family, being together, always."
"None other could ever take your place in my heart. You were my first love, Laufey."
"When you died, I thought my heart had died as well. I never expected to feel anything but alone and lonely, until we were reunited in death. I will always love you, Laufey. But you are no longer here with me. And Vonir is with you in the land of death."
Laufey regarded him with sweet eyes.
Conditions in the realm were still plenty difficult, but no longer dire. Mid-winter was still a lean time, but no longer did his people go hungry, or perish from famine, during the dark of the year.
Unexpectedly, Jorku had requested a private meeting. He was one of Farbauti's most reliable councillors, having first begun service under Farbauti's father. Jorku had requested permission from his king to retire to private life, and spend his remaining years in the comfort of his family. Farbauti had reluctantly agreed, knowing that he would be unwise to refuse, and wanting to do what he could for such a loyal servant. He knew it would be impossible to replace such an experienced advisor.
Jorku had anticipated Farbauti's concerns, and suggested that Farbauti nominate Lacaia, Jorku's niece, to his place on the council. Educated, sophisticated, and clever, she would be a good addition to the inner circle, despite her lack of direct experience in government. Adopted by Jorku when her own parents had succumbed to plague, she had grown up listening to her uncle and her aunt Moreia discuss matters of state at the dinner table, and was as familiar with Jotunheim's history and politics as anyone currently on the council.
Farbauti had agreed, not only because the woman herself was qualified, but because it would allow him continued, if limited, access to Jorku's wisdom and strategy via Lacaia's contact with her uncle.
Farbauti quickly grew to appreciate Lacaia's presence on the council for her own value. Despite her youth, she had a quick mind and a thorough understanding of politics that gave her a deep and strategic perspective on managing the realm and its problems.
One day, during a presentation of arguments about handling an issue with the Duergar, Lacaia had stepped into position to speak just as a beam of light broke through the glass of the council room, falling sideways onto her, illuminating her face and hair. Farbauti had been so struck by the sudden beauty of this woman he had seen countless times, he had lost track of her words, and found himself at a loss when she concluded her speech.
Before he could recover himself, the sun shifted, the light faded, and Karel, one of the other advisors began droning on with his opinion.
Farbauti took notes, and watched Lacaia as much as he felt he could without being obvious.
After that, he began to notice the elegance of her birth lines on her cheeks, the brightness of her eyes, the strength and grace of her movements. Her keen intellect, quick wit, and genuine care for the realm and its people impressed Farbauti, and reminded him of Laufey. His beloved Laufey.
"I am honored that you have chosen to visit, my King." Jorku smiled to see his liege. "Please forgive me if I do not rise. The cold has settled into my bones, and I find it difficult to move much."
"Jorku, my dear companion! It is just the two of us, we have no need of formalities." Farbauti kept his smile in place, concealing his worry for his friend's health. He knew Jorku was not a young man, but he was not prepared for Jorku to be quite so old.
"I am honored by your visit, my king." Jorku did seem truly pleased at Farbauti's visit. "It is good to be remembered while one is still around to appreciate it!"
Farbauti laughed. "Indeed it is! I have missed you greatly each day, both in council and afterwards."
"Lacaia keeps me informed of events. It sounds as though you have things well in hand, and my absence is not a problem."
"You are missed, my friend. By all of us."
"Even Karel?" Jorku's eyes were bright with merriment.
"Oh, especially Karel!" Farbauti laughed again. "No one will debate with him. He states his views, which are politely acknowledged, and the discussion moves on. I believe he finds it all rather tedious now."
Jorku laughed, and recomposed himself. "Truly, my King. What brings you to visit?" Lacaia had kept him informed of the council's discussions, and he was not aware of any truly pressing issues. Nonetheless, when the messenger from the King had arrived, requesting a time to call upon him. Jorku fell into worry.
Farbauti stood, and began pacing. "It does my heart good to see you, Jorku." Farbauti marked the length of the room, and back again. "And I require advice on a matter that I cannot confide to any other. So I seek your wise counsel, my friend."
Jorku nodded. "I will do my best to speak truth and wisdom to you, Farbauti."
"In the many years since the war with Asgard, much has changed." Farbauti continued pacing. "The quality of life has improved for all Jotuns, and we have made progress that we could not have imagined after the loss of the Casket."
Jorku nodded. "And the people have grown in their respect for their King."
"I hope so, Jorku." Farbauti paused, and looked out the window.
Jorku recognized this pattern, and waited for Farbauti to finish his thoughts.
The king spun, and words poured out of him. "The one thing I have not been able to change, Jorku, is the lack of an heir to my throne. The council has mentioned it repeatedly, and I am aware of the need to attend to this matter. But after losing Laufey, and Vonir, and having my people reduced to dire circumstances due to my own rash actions, I knew my first priority was to restore the realm."
Jorku nodded. "And the realm is greatly recovered."
"And now I find that my heart—to my great surprise—is ready to love again. I have found myself thinking quite frequently how good it would be to have a wise Queen to help me rule, and a gracious wife to raise a family."
Jorku nodded, pleased to hear these words. "There are a number of eligible young women among the nobles. I am certain you would not lack for possibilities, and the people would be cheered to hear that the King is seeking a bride."
Farbauti smiled, remembering the first time he went through the courting process. Standing alone in the Great Salon, and watching the endless stream of ladies enter the room, trying to figure out who might be a suitable queen and wife. It had taken several weeks of these planned socials for him to work out that Laufey was far and away the best choice for him, as a king and as a man.
"Ah, yes. Well, that won't be necessary."
"It is custom, my King. It is necessary."
"I am a grown man. I have been married once before, and fathered a child. I have been King for centuries. I do not need an ongoing parade of possible brides to make a choice this time."
"You have someone in mind, then." Jorku's face was calm. "Who is the lady?"
Farbauti allowed himself to pace to the window, and back to his friend's side. "She is—she is truly amazing. Intelligent. Clever. Lively of speech, quick-witted, and charming."
"And beautiful?" Jorku permitted himself to smile.
"So beautiful! As lovely as the glow of the sunset on the ice-clad spires of the castle!" Farbauti's eyes grew soft. "Lovely, and gracious."
"But you are worried for some reason?" Jorku grew serious again.
Farbauti sighed. "I fear I am too old for her to find me interesting. I am still vigorous, but in truth, I fear she may wish a man closer to her own age."
"Who would not be flattered to be loved by her King? There is no higher honor."
"She is—she is not a flatterer, and does not brook flatterers. I do not wish someone to accept me because they are flattered, or honored. I wish her to accept me because she wishes to be my queen and my wife." Farbauti's face was lined with worry. "And I fear she will not wish such."
"Have you spoken to her at all?" Jorku already knew the answer, but he also knew the King's thought process.
Farbauti was surprised by the question. "Not at all! Not even a hint. I have no wish to disquiet her."
"Has she indicated any interest herself?" Jorku suppressed a smile.
Farbauti's voice was quiet."She is always polite, and well-spoken. We have not conversed much, aside from council business."
Jorku smiled. "My King, I encourage you to speak to Lacaia. You may find yourself pleasantly surprised."
Farbauti stared at his advisor. "How—how did you know?"
"Of the women on the council, Lacaia is one of the few who is unmarried. And the others who are not wed are much closer to you in age."
Farbauti laughed. "My clever friend! Yes, your niece. She has captured my attention, and my heart. I can only hope I am able to win hers as well."
"Speak to her, Farbauti. Tell her your heart, and give her time to listen to her own."
"Thank you, Jorku. I appreciate your patience, and your wisdom, as always."
"It is my pleasure to serve my King, and my friend." Jorku chuckled. "And I can hardly wait to hear the reactions when the news is carried."
Farbauti strode to the council room with an unaccustomed lightness in his step. He had slept quite well, and was looking forward to the council meeting today.
The members were assembled, and rose as one when the King entered. Farbauti took his place, and motioned them all to be seated.
Karel stood. "Your Majesty, the first item on today's agenda—"
"My good Karel, please take your seat. I have revised the agenda." Farbauti was almost grinning, watching the man sputter at being interrupted.
"My King, I must—"
"My good Karel, you must take your seat now. I have a new agenda."
Several of the other councillors were absorbed in their notes, and a few coughed in an attempt to cover their amusement. Farbauti noticed Lacaia's calm, and was pleased with his soon-to-be-Queen's grace and composure.
"Many of you have encouraged me to wed again, and to ensure the line of succession. I have deferred on this, as I believed my first priority was to heal the land and restore the well-being of our people."
A sea of heads nodded.
"We have labored long, and I believe that now, the time has come for me to take a wife, to give Jotunheim a new Queen, and to secure the lineage of my family."
Several of the councillors shifted in their chairs.
"After much consideration, I have made my choice. I have spoken to the lady, and she has accepted my proposal." Farbauti stole a glance at Lacaia. Still calm and perfectly poised, she gave no indication that she knew what his next words would be.
"The Lady Lacaia has consented to become my wife, and my Queen."
The council members began speaking all at once, some delighted, some shocked, all surprised.
"The wedding is set for Friday. Take your ease today, councillors. I have a wedding to prepare for, and plans to make. We are adjourned, and will reconvene on the morrow."
Farbauti rose, and held his hand out to Lacaia. With quiet grace, she rose from her chair and joined Farbauti at the head of the council table. In formal pose, they walked out of the meeting room. They had made all the plans they needed to make, so he hadn't really needed to cancel the meeting; he simply was not inclined to spend the day listening to political matters when his heart was filled with so much joy—joy he wanted to share with the woman who had brought full light back to his life.
"I need heirs, Laufey. I will not be in my prime forever. Now is the time. I must marry for the sake of Jotunheim."
His councillors had reluctantly raised the issue a some years ago, and Farbauti had quickly dismissed it. He knew he had an unfulfilled duty to his people, but he could not bear to even think of taking another wife, of starting another family. However, now that peace had held for so many years, and prosperity and joy were returning to his people, he could grant himself those same blessings.
"And I must marry for my own sake. A good King is made great by a wise Queen. And since I have lost you, I must turn to another in hopes of being a better King, and a better man."
"You are still in my heart, and I will always hold you there, with all tenderness. I hope you understand, my Laufey. My new love resides in my heart next to you, my first love."
Laufey regarded him with sweet eyes.
Laufey smiled from the painting, timeless.