Chapter 4

At the first whisper of sunlight Rollo was up and out of bed. He knew he must be away before she woke, though he was loath to leave her. She looked charming in the early morning light, and the hushed sound of her breathing was soft and pleasing.

They had talked late into the night and he had been surprised about what he had learned about her. She lost her mother when she was but a girl of ten. That was why she was religious, because she wanted to make it to the Christian heaven so that she could see her mother again. She amused him with the story of how when she was young she wanted her god to grant her the wings of one of her 'angels' so that she could fly to heaven and visit her mother sometimes. He asked her if she had ever told anyone else this and she said no. She also said that he was right and she did need someone to speak to before she drifted off to sleep for the night.

Rollo carefully removed himself from bed, using the greatest care not to wake her. She looked so young when she was asleep. Her cheeks flushed pink and her skin smooth because of her youth. He bent over her to kiss her on the temple, before returning to the balcony and climbing down the tree.

His eyes were heavy from lack of sleep, but his heart felt light. There was hope for him still.


The rustling of leaves woke Gisla from her sleep. She turned to see if there was much wind, but when she looked outside she did not think that was so. What a night she had had filled with such strange dreams. To think of a man sleeping next to her, what a sinful thought to have. But his imagined presence had been so lovely and warm. She smoothed her hand over the spot she had pictured him sleeping and then froze.

The sheets were warm. Someone had been in them. She sat up in fright and inspected further. The pillow was dented as if a head had been there. And the more she focused the more she could smell the musk of a man. Mortification filled her. What had she done?

Her maids entered the room and she froze. Could they see? Could they know? She had often heard people talking that one could see when a woman was sleeping with a man, was it so with her?

She gulped in fear and a slight shudder ran through her.

"Are you quite well, my Lady?" One of the maids asked, "You are very pale this morning."

"I am well enough." She answered, "I would like you to draw me a bath, though."

"At this early hour? Your father has requested your presence when he breaks fast."

"Yes, I require one. Go draw it and be quick."

"As you wish, my Lady." The maid said with a curtsey.

Gisla shook slightly as the other maids surrounded her to help her from the bed. Could they smell that strange masculine scent on her? They would talk if they did. What was she thinking, she could be ruined over this.

She hurried into the bath as soon as it was filled. Letting the scorching waters burn her as she settled in. It reminded her of the fires of hell she may face over such a mistake.

"More oils." She told her maid. She was determined to mask any hint of odor left on her.


She was late to the morning meal, but that could not be helped. Everywhere she walked she could feel other's eyes boring into her. Could they truly see some evidence of what she had done? They must be able to. She tried to keep herself composed, but her spirit felt flighty and restless over the secret she held.

"I am glad you could finally join us, daughter." The Emperor told her as he sat at the table.

Anger washed away her sense of shame. He was only breaking fast with the heathen; no other dignitaries were there. Perhaps her father wanted her to join him sooner so that their conversation would cover up the sound of the slurping and smacking pagan.

Gisla rolled her eyes, and then said, "I do not see why my presence is required for when you toss food to the dog. He is your pet, not mine."

Upon her words the heathen stopped chewing and looked up with round, wounded eyes. It was almost as if he understood what she said. But that was not possible, he was too simple to learn Frankish.

"Gisla," Her father admonished, "it offends me, your husband, and God that you are so uncharitable. I suggest you hold your tongue when such comments tempt you or else I will bring priests to decide a penance for you."

"As you wish, Father." Gisla said, filled with determination not to speak to him for the rest of the day.

The meal continued in tense silence, like the sky before a thunderstorm. Gisla watched as Rollo chewed his bites as if he had forgotten how to eat. Each bite he took was slow and drawn out like he had to carefully consider every action before placing the food in his mouth. When he swallowed he was so hesitant she wondered how he did not choke on every morsel of food. Perhaps he was astute enough to understand she was disgusted by his eating habits and was trying to make amends.

She did not care. It was too late for that, and she fantasied of the time the Cardinal would return and any bind between them would be dissolved in the eyes of the church.

By and by she noticed that the pagan's eyes never left her, which filled her with trepidation. What could he be thinking of? At first she wondered if he was planning to attack her and was watching her in the same manner a cat watches a mouse. But somehow there was a different emotion in his eye that she could not quite read.

A shudder ran through her. Could he know? Could he possibly know she had been abed with another man? Sudden visions of ear croppings and purity tests filled her mind. What would he do to her if he found out?

He would surely wish to fight the other man. Gisla scanned the room with her eyes trying to perceive who it was who had come to her chambers last night. But no one seemed to be quite right. He had told her he was very strong; strong enough to not be afraid of the heathen. All the servants around her seemed too scrawny and beardless. Did the man who came to her have a beard? It was dark when he came and she could not see, but somehow she felt sure of it. At some point in the night had she been close enough to him to feel the whiskers on his face? What a scandalous thought.

She was now sure that the man could not be one of the servants, they all seemed to meek to be so bold as to come to her. Her eye wandered in the direction of the guards that stood at the door. Perhaps it was one of them, inspired to visit her after they learned she would spend the night unprotected. But they were not right either.

She looked briefly at how square and strong her husband's shoulders were. Neither one of these men would be able to defeat him in a fight by themselves.

The mysterious man must not be in the room with her she concluded. Though she was determined to keep a wary eye out for him for the rest of the day.

Author's Note: Thank you for all the reviews! Each one means so much to me and they help me stay inspired :)