A/N: Happy Saturday everyone! I have a new chapter for you guys and I hope you enjoy it.
Chapter 35: Return of a Princess
"Days in the pasts
All those precious days
Couldn't last..."
The angelic voice soothed the sleeping girl laying on the bed, curled up under the blankets, hugging a doll that was given to her a year ago. Seeing her daughter fast asleep, she quietly rose from the bed to walk towards the window. Her eyes gazed out the window at the sun setting in the distance.
"I can't go back into my childhood
One that my father made secure
I can feel a change in me
I'm stronger now, but still not free..."
Her thoughts went back to the letter from her father and the words. THe worry she had of whether or not her father was dying. Erik had sent word to the warriors and now they were waiting for the warriors to arrive. Staring off, she spotted something in the distance. Narrowing her eyes, she could see the figures of horses. Deciding to let her daughter sleep, she left the room to go find Erik who was with Saint. Sending out an order to get the castle ready for their guests, Christine knew that they would only be staying for a day or two before riding out for England.
About 30 minutes later, the group of riders approached the castle. Halting in front of the large doors of the castle, Tor dismounted his horse as Erik approached his fellow warrior. Christine came out of the castle and all the warriors noticed the swollen bump.
"Is this why you summon us?" Tor jokingly asks, motioning towards Erik's pregnant wife.
"Unless you're planning on staying with us for at least four months." Erik joked back. The others dismounted their horses and greeted the masked warrior. Christine walked down to them to greet them, having missed each one of them. Stepping back, she lets Erik lead the men inside the castle to let them settle in after the long ride. It was past evening meal so most of the warriors called it night, except for Tor. He joined Erik in the study with Christine.
"Have you heard anything after the letter?" Tor asked them.
"No." Christine answered, glancing down at her hands in her lap. Feeling a hand rest over hers, she followed it up to look at her husband. "I'm sorry..." She quickly apologized.
"Why don't you retire for the evening?" He suggested, knowing she was already exhausted. "I'll be there soon, I need to speak with Tor quickly." Nodding, she leaned in to kiss his cheek.
"Good night Tor, it's wonderful to see you again."
"Always a pleasure to see you." He bowed his head before she left the room. "She's not taking the news well, I see."
"I can't blame her though. She loves her father very much."
"When do you want to head out?" Tor asked, knowing Christine wanted to leave as soon as possible to see her father.
"First light." Erik answered, making Tor nod. Finishing his drink, he rose from his chair to bid Erik a goodnight to get some sleep before their long ride to London. Staying in the study for a little bit, he glanced at the fire heating up the room. As much as he knew this would happen one day, he wasn't prepared for it to happen now. Staring at the flames, he tried to not to think the worst. However, a part of him knew what was to happen.
By sunrise the next day, they set out for London. Christine was glad Meg was coming along this time so she wasn't the only female now. She wanted Isla to come along as well and finally meet her grandfather. This would be her first time in London and Christine's first time since the almost wedding. That memory seemed so far away, even though it was only a few years ago. Kilchurn was only a few hours away from the Scotland-England border which Christine was thankful for because long rides are never pleasant when you're pregnant. A few times they stopped to make sure she is alright and let the children stretch their legs since they aren't used to traveling much. By midday, they crossed the border and were in England. Now in England, Christine felt more nervous being back in England.
"Are you alright?" Turning her face, she looked to see Meg riding along next to her. Erik and Tor were in front of them, Isla riding between the two warriors. "You've been quiet all day."
"I'm just...nervous. And worried." She answered. "I haven't been back in England since I left with them."
"Are you worried what the people will think now that you're returning?" She asked, making Christine nod.
"I know many of them will hate me, but I hope they will understand why I left and made my choices. I just hope they will accept Erik." THat was one of the bigger fears she had. No one could forget Erik's reputation he had, well still has. All of England hated him and were terrified of him, now he'll be their king soon.
"If you can accept Erik for who he is and all his faults, the people will see that there's more to the man than just the stories." Meg tried to assure her. "In time, they will accept him. You cannot force people to accept them, it takes time."
"How much time though?" Christine asked back. With her father's health on the line, time was in question. Looking away from Meg, she glanced to the warrior in front of her. Meg had a point, Erik wasn't fully the same man he was years ago. However, would the English people be as accepting as the Scottish people were? They soon would find out.
Song is Days in the Sun from Beauty and the Beast 2017
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