Ulfric watched her go with mixed feelings. His attempt to shield her feelings by refusing to be nude around her was a wasted effort. His scars hadn't offended her. He saw something totally different in her eyes, respect! That could only mean one thing. She admired the strength required to endure such tortures and emerge whole. Her reactions said a lot about her character.
He often questioned why her feelings mattered to him. The little witch was getting under his skin. He was coming to terms with the fact he could be devoted to a dunmer. He already respected her. Unions based on less than that had been successful. As future high king Ulfric never expected a love match. He had been toying with the idea of a visit to Riften since she came into his custody. Perhaps it was time to have a serious talk with her.
Galmar entered the war room to collect Ulfric for the morning training session. He chuckled to himself. Only one person could have caused the expression Ulfric was wearing, Gilse! He idly wondered what she had done now. The wee lass didn't realize she had Ulfric wrapped around her finger.
He sobered when he saw Ulfric's outfit. That armor was reserved for the times the Jarl wanted to expose his scars. Usually, to remind himself how he got them in some dank Thalmor prison. It symbolized the cause they were fighting for. Entertaining the idea of a march on Whiterun, was affecting Ulfric more than he was letting on.
Gilse was halfway to the docks before she slowed to allow herself to think. Ulfric would view her actions as a betrayal. Why should she care? She had been solid in her intentions, before she saw a glimpse of his vulnerable side. Was that all it took to break her? Was she really so weak as to question her loyalty to Jarl Balgruuf of Whiterun? That city had sheltered her after Helgen in her time of need. And what about Sofia her daughter? And Lydia her loyal Housecarl?
Gilse had reached the docks it was time to make a choice. In her heart she knew she was making the right decision. She paid the courier extra to maintain confidentially. If the divines were kind, Ulfric would never know she betrayed him. But, she would always carry the guilt in her heart. She embraced her regret as penance for ratting out someone she was starting to care about.
Gilse tried to concentrate on her work but was obviously brooding. Things were finally looking up for her and Ulfric. She would make things right between them. Oengul took pity on her and gave her the day off. She decided to head to the palace and rest. She had been up most of the night. Her first sense of dismay came when she saw one of the elite guards rushing towards her. It became full blown panic when she was informed Jarl Ulfric had summoned her. She was to be escorted to the palace.
Gilse well aware of what waiting for her inside the keep, decided the only thing she could do now was face it. Tension was thick in the air of the throne room. Galmar was standing near the banquet table glaring daggers at her. Ulfric was studying her with an uncommitted expression as she came to stand before him. She watched with morbid fascination as he turned to expose the familiar missive in his hand.
A/N: This is short because the last chapter was getting to long. This was my intended cut off point. I would love a few reviews so I can see how I am doing with this.