Vytis had held her cradled in his grasp until the last of the flames gave way to embers before moving the two of them to bed, taking care not to disturb her serene veil of sleep. Throughout the night he had been unable to take his arms from around her, encircling her slight form in their warmth as he rested his face into the soft silk of her hair. He was unable to resist inhaling the fresh scent clinging to her skin and exhaling a warm breath that caressed the strands laid to rest over her shoulders. Throughout the evening he had expected that she'd encounter trouble with her poor health but nothing disturbed the newlyweds on their first evening together, allowing him to sleep easy and secure in the knowledge that she was well, safe within his arms.
However inevitably marriage was not enough to change his habits from the front which meant he still woke before dawn had broken. Even though he was aware, awake he didn't rise, afraid that the removal of his weight from beside her would make Astridr wake up long before she had to. Astridr's zealous maiden, Mereit, had begged him to be gentle and kind to the lady allowing her all the rest her illness demanded of her. It was the only attribute which kept his desire for her subdued and at bay though he looked forward to exercising his conjugal rights in the future, something he intended to do even if it had to be a gradual progression.
The sun had raised high in the sky, its light starting to filter through the curtain before he chanced removing the brace of his arms from supporting her. Astridr stirred but didn't wake prompting him to shift his weight to softly brush his lips in a chaste but reverent kiss. The gesture was innocent but profound reminding him anew of the vows he had made the previous day.
A token of my devotion to you, for every day you feel the touch of my kiss I announce anew my love for you and renew the pledge I made to you.
He dressed in fresh clothing which had been laid out for him by his generous host before leaving the room and trailing downstairs. The Margrave had already eaten and departed but the lady Ingrid was present and for a tenuous moment their eyes met, "My lord…"
"Ingrid," the tone he chose was civil and courteous, the way one was expected to treat their sister-in-law without their acquaintance getting fresh behind the back of the wife.
"Lord Vytis?"
A servant blessedly broke the atmosphere, allowing him to break his eye contact with Ingrid to survey the servant at his side, "Would you like to take your breakfast here? With the Lady Ingrid?"
"No, no offense meant, my lady," he inclined his head to her noticing how her gaze raked him, "I will take my meal with my lady wife and I kindly would like the meal deliver upstairs for her convenience if you will."
"Of course, my lord," the servant bowed, removing himself leaving Vytis under the silent scrutiny of Ingrid's gaze.
"You know, things did not quite work out between us but I realize you might be disappointed by what occurred last night. You needn't have to cling to her so loyally or avoid me. I may not be your bride…"
Obviously Ingrid wasn't below getting fresh with him nevertheless she spoke on basis of assumption when she spoke so openly of their marriage bed. In hindsight Astridr had little endurance for the ordeal but she hadn't disappointed him in the least, "I haven't the slightest idea what reference you are eluding to, Lady Ingrid, nor that it is suitable for a lady to speak so frankly, so freely of her sister's marriage bed when she so newly occupies it. What exists between us now is all that will ever exist while she is still living. Are we understood?"
"Perfectly, my lord, perfectly," her tone was sulky, holding the strains of one who was burnt by reproach. To be so firm with her, he was truly reluctant but if authority was the only thing she understood and respected than he'd have no qualms about using it to keep her in check.
"I am not your spouse, I am hers and I swore vows that I will hold myself to until death do us part."
"Very well, my lord. If you will excuse me I will take my leave."
A mute nod delivered her way was the only recognition of her
The man, he was a fool. What did Astridr have that she did not? Was she not what was expected and desired of wife? A woman of peerless beauty, impeccable breeding and bloodline, one who wasn't high maintenance, merely a companion for the purpose of presentation and procreation. One thing was certain she fit that mold more suitable than the likes of Astridr for her personal health profile wasn't so nearly as demanding.
At one time, like her sister, she had five years to prepare herself FOR HIM. A waste it had been for he had gotten this funny look on his face, stepping around her as if avoiding something unpleasant only to stalk her sickly sister. To stand her up, rejecting such an eligible and suitable young bride for her deteriorating husk of a sister, he would pay! Well actually, she would.
'While she is still living'
GOOD! It could be arranged! Astridr had been just short of taking her dying breaths in a graceful subdued fashion when Lord Vytis darkened their doorstep and swept her into his arms at the altar. Their father had focused a great deal on the health, to make sure her final moments whenever they came would be as comfortable as possible but frankly, for years, she had just wanted her darling saintly sister to DIE, leaving everyone to live in peace without worrying about her.
In the interim, there was much she could do to help her case which included rallying her own influential allies. Over the years she had shared correspondence with the artful Duchess of Lorraine. A letter upstairs could quickly be finished and sent ahead of them. After all a mother, Vytis' mother, the Lady Lorraine had every right to be privy to the details of the unpleasant surprise that was sure to come to her greeting hall in the form of Astridr.
Astridr awoke with her naked figure concealed beneath pleasant warmth provided by a thick tangle of covers surrounding her. It took her a moment to recall everything but she immediately recalled everything once she remembered the figure that made last night so magical, leaving such an impression upon her – Vytis, her enigmatic and all too desirable spouse.
Immediately she turned to try to seek to see if he was still sharing the immense bed with her but he was absent. Despite the soft throb of pain between her legs she pushed up the covers allowing her legs to spin so they could fall along the side of the bed. Not yet had Mereit or any laid out clothes before her which meant that the only clothing left was the gown that she'd worn the previous night. A quick check of the floor from the bed told her that someone had already attended to that minor detail, picking up the dress to put it away and leaving her with no manner of clothing to protect her modesty.
In the morning without the fire yet burning strong a chill had settled over the room prompting her to curl a blanket around her shoulders as she moved towards the budding flames licking at the dry wood that acted as tinder. A door opening behind her made her head snap to sudden attention. The vision of Vytis, his return, made her shoulders relax as his eyes instantly snapped into attention upon her, "I apologize the room is so cold. I am a poor hand at the menial task of making a fire."
A smile curved at her lips as she realize the crude comfort was another endearing attempt on his part to provide for her, "You knew to use the dry wood rather than damp," she supplied, to comfort his wounded ego.
"Yes, I remembered that much from setting up camp. I've taken the liberty of ordering a breakfast for us which I've brought up while you slumbered."
A flush permeated her cheeks, "I am normally not such a sound sleeper."
"That wasn't a prompt for apology, Astridr. If you rested so late," a purr crept in her ear from behind as he picked her up, blanket and all, "than you obviously had need for it. Now, I do suppose you are chilled so shall we get you dressed so we can enjoy a morning meal before our departure?"
"Departure? So soon?"
"Aye, Lady Astridr, I must hurry back. I am not sure if you remember but in the midst of the martial whirlwind yesterday I apprised you of the fact my father was recent to his grave meaning I must return, to pay my respects. Already I have seen to packing my sparse collection of belongings and instructed that your maid do the same for your own. Even my horse is being readied for the journey while we eat."
"You have my condolences, Lord Vytis," she had not remembered hearing that however her eyes lowered, their reverence matching her sorrowful tone.
"Vytis. You need only be formal in public, Astridr. Between us, first name basis to breed familiarity, I cannot stand the cold, unfeeling unions frequented by the wealthy."
"Of course."
"Now…I have a surprise for you."
"Another one?" Truthfully, for her, it was a surprise to have ANOTHER surprise waiting for her in the wings.
"Indeed although this gift is more practical than the last and thankfully, in hindsight, a good investment," he deposited her on the bed and brought over a wrapped package from the table, "Open it, please."
She was reluctant to see what expenditure he has lavishly bestowed on her but a part of her couldn't help but be thrilled as well. The reluctance was the only thing keeping herself collected, it was all she could do to prevent herself from ripping off the paper like a little girl. In contrast to the pale confection she'd been given the previous night this one was dark. A dark sapphire gown of the thickest satin with sparse, yet tasteful golden embroidery and at the shoulders was a deep dark raven pelt. The fur was unbelievably soft, almost spellbinding to stroke and touch. The fur was lined along the back and shoulders, sewn securely into the gown, to provide extra warmth.
"No animals were killed to provide the pelt; I salvaged it from a hunter of the forest who died as natural as death as one could. In these colder northern climates it is undoubtedly suitable, to protect you from the cold. Regrettably there wasn't enough pelt to line the entire length of the cloak however it was made with materials to keep one's body heat within and the damp cold out."
"Thank you; I have never received such a thoughtful gift, it is an honor to wear it," even though privately she wasn't sure if its grandeur could be done justice when worn by her but she didn't dare voice this to him as he gently unfolded the gown so it could be slipped over her head. He took opportunity to touch her wherever opportunity was granted, his strong hands roved of her skin as he tried to make the gown fit securely over her figure. His head gently kissed her cheek before moving down to her lips, his neck bent over her shoulder as it craned forward to touch his lips to hers from behind. A warm feeling bloomed within her gut during the kiss, her heart feverishly pounding until he pulled back with a whisper, "and the finishing touch."
Something cold suddenly slipped over the hollow of her throat as he secured a flawless collar of sapphire and pearls that perfectly matched the dress. During the kiss he had positioned her before a mirror and she had to admit…she was beautiful, this is what he saw and he wanted her to see it.
The breakfast, despite the delay, was warm and comfortable. They both took tea instead of coffee and though she was sure he would have offered, she quickly helped herself to whatever seemed right, seemed good. Her husband was seemingly satisfied with her appetite because he made no comments or suggestions about what to take on her palette. Afterwards the servants were summoned to dispense of the trays and collect their belongings now that she was decent and ready to go. It left Vytis to help her down the stairs where she saw her Father and her sister.
In the hallway her father greeted her with an almost haunted expression, "Take care, Lady Astridr, my daughter."
Her eyes lowered as she accepted the warmth of a hug from her father before leaving, "I will, I scarcely believe that Lord Vytis will allow me to do anything short of taking care of myself."
"Then I am at peace to leave you into his keeping. You are always welcome here at the home of your birth, my daughter."
"I will remember that, Margrave Gudleifr, Father."
Every step of readiness this morning had been seen to in a way that it would be to her convenience. Last night was sure to have left her sore and tired therefore he had allowed her to sleep in late so she'd have the strength to make the journey to his ancestral home. Even now he knew they must move before the sun rose too high in the sky but he had known that it wouldn't be an easy ordeal to leave her family and thus he stood back, giving her time and space to say her good-byes without feeling pressured, suffocated by the time constraint he was sure to impose.
Astridr's innocent responses this morning had been just a delectable as the sensual ones last night. It had been his greatest regret that he'd not been able to see firsthand her reaction to the pale gown he had bestowed upon her before but this morning's reaction, it had to be nearly as great, well worth the wait. Astridr had reveled in the gift but with discretion. The innocent reservation she'd had shown had been altogether like her and he had eagerly drank in every iota of her endearing personality as it was revealed to him. It left him sure in the fact that he was not going to leave in regret over the match he'd chosen out of last night's fiasco, the one his father left him to sort out.
As he led his horse over to collect Astridr he noted that even their transportation had taken her into consideration. It would've been kinder to take her to his home in a carriage but that would've been time consuming which left one other option – horseback. Riding, after last night, was sure to be a painful ordeal especially if forced to ride her own horse therefore he had taken care to make sure that extra padding was administered to the saddle where she'd ride before him, on his lap, so he could absorb the impact of the horses steady pace before they reached her. Yes, he was sure that everything was in readiness and they'd be able to make it before nightfall. Already he'd sent a missive to his lady mother notifying her of his anticipated return today, or at worse, tomorrow.
Once he was at the door he handed the reins to the groom waiting to help them before going up the stairs. Once he was there he turned to his father-in-law, "Margrave…I thank you for your hospitality. You needn't fear for your daughter, I will care well for her well. Your correspondence with her shall always be welcomed and naturally we shall visit. It is not good-bye, not for good, a temporary farewell at best. With your leave my lord, we will see you another time."
"Of course, Lord Vytis, safe travels."
"My lady," he extended his hand for Astridr's and she obediently placed her hand on his own upward palm. Instantly he scooped her up and placed her on the horse side saddle before climbing on the horse, settling into the seat of the saddle before positioning her securely in his lap between his arms.
The Lady took her morning meal at the head of the table, the seat and place where she'd remain until her son Vytis returned to claim his birthright. In the late hours of the night a missive had been delivered apprising her of the fact he would be returning this day. For Lady Adalind his arrival was perfectly timed, coinciding with the arrival of his uncle, Auberon – the noble king of Crell Monferaigne. It would be the first opportunity the king had to see his presumptive heir and she intended for him to make a good impression upon the aging king.
The sudden death of his brother, the Duke of Lorraine had nearly been an unpleasant surprise to him as it had been to her, robbing the childless king of successor and leaving everything to rest on the shoulders of her only child – Vytis. Ideally she could've been a queen had Auberon died before her husband but she was willing to place her hopes upon Vytis for he was likely to, unlike his ill fated father, inherit the crown from Auberon thereby making her, in all likeliness, the future Queen Mother.
"My lady?" A maid curtsied low to her while presenting a piece of paper imprinted with a wax seal and instantly she realized it was a letter from Lady Ingrid, her future daughter-in-law, a brilliant girl with ambitions to match Vytis' capabilities perfectly. With a match like that girl Vytis would go far under her watchful eye.
"Tip the courier, you are dismissed."
"Yes, my lady."
Instantly she broke the wax seal, her eyes anxiously scanning the missive, their depths darkening in displeasure with every line she read. What had been a long stream of pleasant correspondence between mother and daughter to-be had suddenly turned into a serious ordeal. There was nothing that could explain such an action. Vytis' act defied so clearly the final wishes of his father and it was a grave dereliction of his duty to his bloodline. It would not and could not be overlooked. The rest of her breakfast was uneaten as she hastily left the hall for the study where she knew Auberon was taking his meal, as he did every morning, in privacy. A knock was delivered on the door, firm and resolute against the hard wood, "Your majesty, it is your hostess, Lady Adalind, if I may beg just a moment of your time this morning."
The door was opened and she saw that he was finished with his breaking his morning fast to pack?
"A-are you leaving my lord?"
"Lady Adalind, you are a most gracious hostess but I must be returning to my court. I cannot be abroad and neglect legislation indefinitely."
"My lord, I beg you reconsider. Delay your departure for one day more. My son, Vytis is slated to return this evening."
"Is that so than I would be more than happy for him to pay me a social call at the time of his choosing? As Lord of Lorraine he will have a great deal of responsibilities to settle into."
"Some of them he has already taken upon himself," she could scarcely bite back her tone of discontent, absolutely furious at his disobedience. She'd not seen her son for ten years but she had believed his time away from her within the army would serve to make him more agreeable, responsible rather than reckless.
"You sound displeased, Lady Adalind."
"I have reason to be, my lord, he has defied our wishes. Vytis has overlooked the wishes of his father, your most noble brother, and taken a bride that is not of our choosing."
"Who is she?"
"Lady Astridr."
Recognition passed over his face but obviously since he didn't find anything wrong with the match Auberon obviously had forgotten that, over the recurrent years since it had been revealed, Astridr had been stricken with an affliction of a mortal sort, "The first daughter of Aurelien, was she not his betrothed?"
"At one time, yes, but she became gravely ill and we were granted divine dispensation by the church to void the betrothal. Then we chose the second daughter of Aurelien, Lady Ingrid, to be his bride."
"And you wish me to pronounce judgment upon this transgression of his? Because he took the wrong bride?"
"No! I want you address his intentional dishonesty, neglecting his duty on personal whims. I realize that at this point it may be impossible to do away with the marriage however his defiance, it is repulsive and unforgivable. He should not be able to possess a full marriage with her based on the manner in which he took her."
"You speak of a morganatic marriage."
"I request nothing explicit from you but justice," that would be a fitting punishment though. To deny him the fruits that his marriage with Astridr would have accomplished, leaving her altogether worthless to him since it would deny him everything he married her for.
"Very well, Lady Adalind, I shall remain for one more evening so I may deal with your rebellious son on your behalf."
By late afternoon he could see his house and hastily pushed the horse onward. The few stops that had been made and weathered was to rest the horse and provide Astridr whatever comforts the road denied her though truly he was eager to get home, to get her out of the cold. As hard as they tried he couldn't avoid taking note of the nasty cough that she had obtained during the course of their journey. Astridr told him not to worry about it, that it was a normal reaction to the cold but as he held her close he knew it was more than that as he felt her chest rise and fall only to struggle every time a cough wracked through her system. The only consolation was he had provided every comfort he could slipping even his spare cloak over her to protect her from the wind.
Darkness was descending on the castle as they sped toward it with light illuminated through the multiple windows in an almost welcome gesture. As his horse entered the courtyard he saw two figures that surprised him: his mother and his paternal uncle. The displeased gaze of his mother made him solidify his grip on Astridr as if to protect her from any sort of abuse that could be earned on her behalf from his actions. A groom immediately came forward to catch the reins as he threw them down, his eyes never leaving his mothers. Lips tightened, as he gave a severe gaze to match her own. He aided Astridr in getting down first before slipping down beside her, barely leaving her unattended for more than a few brief seconds, "Mother, Uncle, my lady and wife, Lady Astridr, the Duchess of Lorraine. Astridr, my love, my mother," the introduction of his mother fit the bare minimum of polite civility at his unceremonious finish, "the Dowager Duchess."
The rest of his introduction could scarcely be finished as Astridr bowed, offering an elaborate curtsy despite her surprise, "My lord, forgive me for not paying my respects sooner."
"That is fine…Lady Astridr," his uncle offered her a warm enough smile, bending down to help her up, "Rise, Lady Astridr, now is not the time to be lingering so close to the ground and the cold especially not in your condition."
"Lady Astridr, my Uncle, King Auberon of Crell Monferaigne. Mother, if we may I would like to move these introductions inside. This night air is not good for Lady Astridr's health."
"Of course," her lips were thinly pressed together in barely concealed malice, doing nothing to disavow Astridr of the notion that she was heartily disliked and unwelcome.
As they entered the hallway his uncle placed an arm on his shoulder, "I haven't seen you in quite a while. Vytis Come share some brandy with me."
"Isn't brandy dispensed after a meal?"
"Normally yes however this will give your bride an opportunity to acquaint herself with her mother and you an opportunity to warm up from the cold of the journey."
Instantly he was loathe to be split up from Astridr, fearing all manner of cruel things that his mother could say to her in his absence but finally relented when Astridr spoke, "I will be fine, I-I will see you at dinner," he was left to rue the fact that her words released him to accompany his uncle while she courageously accompanied his mother while looking so unsure, so uncertain.
Exhausted, the elder king funneled his nephew into a study, where he lit the wick of a lamp allowing light to suffuse the small room reflecting off the surrounding cherry wood walls, "There we go,"
To gain a blessed delay the king turned his back to pour a few crystal glasses of amber liquid, proffering one to his nephew. The boy took it but didn't drink but he took a long draught of the warm-inducing liquid before, "Now, the subject of your marriage to the Lady Astridr places me in a very awkward position, Vytis. I have received all manner of requests that I deal with the subject of your marriage."
Truthfully he was loathe to even touch the topic. The death of his brother meant that Vytis was his heir, his successor, and he wished to avoid doing anything which could alienate the boy. To declare his marriage as invalid would create a political chasm between them that he might spend the rest of his life trying to bridge while never granting any promise of success. The happy medium would be for him to, according to the wishes of Lady Adalind, declare the union valid but prescribe it as morganatic. However the royal bloodline of Crell Monferaigne was spread thin as it was meaning he could not afford to deny succession to any legitimate children that could possibly result from Vytis' current and future marriages. As king, his hands were tied tightly, the only way he could save face was to confront Vytis however to confront him could destabilize the monarchy.
"Why did you do this?"
"Because I gave her my word. Astridr is not barren, my father and mother had NO RIGHT to do away with the betrothal. She can fulfill the terms of our betrothal so I held myself to my own promises to her! My parents were hypocrites condemning her because she was a liability BEFORE the marriage. I am interested in finding out what they would've done had I been married to Astridr in her health all those years ago and now return to find her ill. I would still, in the eyes of the gods, be held to my word to take her in sickness and health. Would I not?"
"You would."
"Then tell me, my King, why I should lower myself in the eyes of the gods by abandoning the most sacred vow that bound me to Astridr when she was in the flush of her health at the time of our betrothal just on account that she is not well at the time I take her as wi—"
He could not throw the feeling that this was not the first time his nephew had defended his union with Lady Astridr, to see him emit such passion, "Does the match really mean that much to you? To keep it even when others disapprove?"
"If it didn't, I wouldn't bother defending it," the tone of his nephew was nearly insolent in his agitation but truth rang to his words. Vytis had defied the wishes of his most noble parents but would the gods approve of him, the king, breaking such a union? One that they gave Vytis the ability to defend with such strong logic, such intense words?
No…
The reception of her mother-in-law was cold; somehow the atmosphere of the drawing room with a blazing fire in the corner seemed chillier than the temperatures of the Northern winter-lands in their current state. Somehow for a long while, she had believed that everything could be made to work out between herself and Vytis. As soon as he left she had been made to regret it for she truly feared each callous, abrasive glance her mother-in-law gave her. Blessedly her new mother didn't speak as Astridr tried to pour tea so she could exhibit a command of her domestic abilities. No sooner had she poured a generous and pristine cup of tea for the elder female then she found it rejected. The elderly woman ignoring her polite attempt to pour herself a cup of tea while surveying her. Her lips were tightly pursued in extreme distaste like she had tasted something bitter or sour. It was this cruel scrutiny that made her wish that she had never been abandoned by Vytis for it would never be allowed but she had wanted to try to make peace with his mother, if only to make sure his life wasn't a non-stop battle to either please her or please his mother.
"Lady Astridr, I am aware that you have ensnared my son, though I can hardly express myself as pleased by the turn of events that delivers you here as his bride."
"I am not sure ensnared is the right words and I realize that I am not the bride, the daughter you were expecting…"
"No, you are not and I would not acclimate yourself to your titular gains for the union is not likely to survive long enough to be considered a true marriage."
Her words were a burn and instantly she averted her gaze, trying hard not to let tears swim up into her vision. The last thing she had married Vytis for was his titles, for greed.
"I will be frank, Lady Astridr, I only speak to you and grant you this audience because I wish you to release him. It may have been as his insistence you married but you will spell ruin for him and his future. Your sister could provide him with that but not you. If you agree to a peaceful annulment than you will granted a generous settlement."
"I refuse," she had not grown confidence in herself overnight but Vytis had believed in her enough to instill her with his. Once before, at the behest of his departed father she'd given up her right to him. Regardless of that Vytis had come to reclaim her, she would be a fool to give up on him a second time when he had exhibited such faith in her, such loyalty to her, "I may not be the bride you wanted but I am his wife, in all that it entails. I may not currently live up to expectations but if you watch me, I WILL become the wife he deserves."
"You are as foolish as him," the Lady Adalind was nearly speechless in fury, "and the two of you will be dragged down kicking and screaming like the children you are!"
The harsh spat of veiled threat couldn't keep Astridr from feeling a small twinge of fear knowing that, like her, Vytis likely faced defending the unwelcome union and the outcome of his conversation with his king would either make or break their union in its infancy. Her head rose to look out at the stars plastered against the night sky and she wondered if he realized that this time, he did not defend it alone.
Vytis was TIRED of having to repeat his argument and defend his marriage. Between Gudleifr, Astridr, his mother, and now Auberon he felt like he had spent more time defending the marriage that having it. There was no denying that this was a most crucial battle, to win over his uncle, a mortal authority that could strip any meaning from his hard-won victory despite any fervent arguments or protestations on his part.
He had not drunk the brandy but his rousing argument had done much to ignite his blood, warming him instantly in the way an inferno would. Somewhere in his defensive tirade his tone had escalated and he had risen from his seat towering over his uncle, pacing as the latter sat in silence, musing while scrutinizing him. One aspect he knew he should put a check on was his volume and tone of voice. If he was disrespectful to his uncle than he could consider the battle lost before it even started.
Finally after what felt like an eternity his uncle spoke, "I am a fair man but what you have done will not be overlooked. I will permit your marriage to the Lady Astridr and if it is truly blessed by the Gods than it will produce fruit however if the union is not and the Lady Astridr passes from this world for the next without issue than you shall be required to remarry, and when you remarry the time and bride shall be of mine own choosing. I will offer no other judgment, take it or leave it, but you will make this decision now before we leave this room and before I departure on the morrow."
Things could have gone better but after his display they could've gone worse. What more could he ask for if this was truly as far as his uncle was willing to go? There was a choice to be made: to refuse meant he will have taken Astridr only to lose her, deceiving her from the beginning but to accept, it was the only solution he could accept in the present. Surely Astridr, of all people, would understand the agony of one's duty, would understand that if she failed to produce any child that he'd remarry after her death. It wasn't like she would know of the deal he made this evening to keep her although truly he was sickened to promise himself to a faceless female in the future while she was still alive and not yet claimed by the grave.
"You have my word, I accept your terms," in the end victory in the present only came through surrendering his future but she was worth it.
"If it is anything as strong as your word to the Lady Astridr, I will need never fear that you will renege on it. I will hold you to it, Vytis. Now, let's go join your bride and mother. Your mother has outdone herself to provide a suitable fare for your return."
The bluff of Lady Adalind had failed and after she heard that their union would be preserved and celebrated this evening his lady mother had hastily begged to be excused. It was a permission that Vytis quickly granted her not wishing her to be present to sour the mood. At the beginning of the feast Vytis quickly lead her to the head of the table where a second seat was placed to join the single seat at the head. The feast was lively and through, leaving nothing to be desired. When Vytis' uncle gave his blessing to their union she felt as if the perpetual glow taking over her, one that could not even spoiled by the gloomy specter of her poor health or the idle threats that had been delivered to her earlier in the eve. At the conclusion of the meal, Vytis hastily begged that the two of them, weary from the day's travels, be excused and with the consent of his uncle he extended his hand to her helping her rise. Truly she had thought that was the end of her perfect day until she saw his hungry gaze, "Astridr?"
"Yes, my lord?"
"Vytis."
"Yes, Vytis."
"Last night you learned desire," he purred softly, "and tonight, tonight you shall learn pleasure, Lady Wife."
