Hope sprang eternal…where opportunity breeds

Her eyes rose beneath her raven black veil as the casket was carried and laid into place within the family crypt. Dutifully she bent down beside it as if praying for his immortal soul but truthfully she was reflecting on the past and thinking, mapping out her next course of action.

It was a shame that it had to come at the expiration of the old man but for years she saw him toy with the fate of her and Astridr, establishing their futures only to alter them to his benefit, according to the circumstances. Forgiveness came slow to her and she just couldn't bring herself to forgive him for his betrayal. When he could have defended her betrothal to Lord Vytis he stood down allowing the young lord to dictate. His inaction had denied her a long coveted future that now belonged to Astridr.

It had been many months since her sister had departed but in the interim Astridr had continuously sent correspondence mentioning that she was very happy despite the factor of her continually declining health.

As if I care…

And barely a month after her departure Astridr's courses had stopped and in the few solitary months that had followed her tiny abdomen had swelled with child.

Well, at least she had fertility in her favor!

Although it remained to be seen if Astridr could sustain the child when she could barely sustain herself. Personally she didn't greet the idea of childbirth with any relish but Ingrid didn't like the idea of Astridr surpassing her and succeeding therefore she truly hoped that she miscarried. If her darling elder sister failed to bring a child to term it would make her look that much more inadequate and make Vytis, the Lord of Lorraine, all the more desperate.

In the months since they had parted she was sure the first flush of love for his duly dependent wife would have departed. One thing that was for certain he couldn't hold any desire for her when she got weaker and fatter by the day. However each day the child developed the least likely she was to get her wish. Miscarriages were most prevalent in the earlier stages of development and where her sister had been carrying the child for nigh on seven to eight months meant it was almost taken to full term.

The only bright aspect was the fact that worse things could yet happen to both the brat and its mother. Fervently she offered a malicious prayer that both of them would die in the attempt, the best case scenario in her eyes.

Beside her Mereit was hounding her steps like an annoyance, treating her as she was going to break from the loss of her father. Frankly she couldn't stand him and she was glad he was gone. With him gone, to a point, she was free. With no other family to look after her the responsibility would fall to Astridr's spouse and she looked forward to furthering THEIR acquaintance.


"I'm so sorry, Astrid."

Her Father, Gudleifr – the Margrave of Aurelien, was dead.

Unbidden tears came to her eyes as she read the conclusion of Mereit's missive. Vytis had not hidden it from her, speaking to her and preparing her for the news the moment he inherited her lands but it was somehow harder to have someone close like Mereit confirm it. Her immediate reaction was to blink, closing her eyes allow the darkness of her eyelids to consume the sorrow suffusing her so the tears could stop. Inevitably the soft light of the sun permeated through the thin skin of her eyelids prompting her to open to look at the enclosure around her.

As soon as the warmth of spring had come Vytis had ordered that the sun room be aired out to provide her a place in which she could relax while enjoying the grounds. Spring had been an improvement to her health but it didn't provide a vast change. Every comfort had been provided for her regardless of cost when it came to her delicate condition though truthfully she'd not be able to pay her respects to her father until after the birth – travel, even by carriage, would be too difficult in her fragile condition.

"What will become of Ingrid?"

Her parting with Ingrid had been more difficult than that of her father, to spend an entire lifetime living and growing together only to leave her behind alone. Over the months she had felt guilty like her sudden marriage was an abandonment of her younger sister. For the time in which Ingrid had inherited her betrothal she may have secretly resented her sister's fortune but that didn't change the fact that she was her sibling and she loved her, cared about her. Now, in her absence, Ingrid would be all alone and instantly Astridr's heart went out to her sister.

Vytis gave her a serious gaze kneeling down beside where she was seated so he was level with her eyes, his tone was calm and conciliatory as he tried to relax her, "You needn't worry. Ingrid's future is assured and will be provided. In the interim the king shall dispense her ward ship into the keeping of a suitable, intermediary guardian and one day, a lucky lord shall call her his wife. Do not grief too deeply, Astridr. It is hard to lose one's family but Ingrid, she will have new opportunities before her and she will be able to rise from the ashes of this tragedy."

"You, you are right but I would like to see her…if I may."

"Then it will be done. I shall send an invitation for her to join us here."

"If that is the case then perhaps you should file for her ward ship herself. How better to alleviate your wife's fears than to place her own blood under your protection? Hmmm? And Lady Ingrid could be present to support your bride through the remainder of her seclusion," the voice of Vytis' mother cut in, descending on their private conversation.


The opportunity was too good to pass up.

This was the chance she had been waiting for: to correct Vytis' mistake, THE mistake, of his marriage to Astridr. Ingrid could surely make the best of an opportunity when it was presented to her. Astridr had surprised her in carrying a child to term this far but the fact was that the pregnancy had drained the woman of her vitality. It sapped the weak young creature that was his wife, no matter how they tried to deny or hide it.

Not to mention Astridr was so cumbersome between her health and the child that they'd not been able to exercise conjugal rights in months. Six months was a long time for a male to remain under self imposed celibacy. When she had been pregnant with Vytis even her own husband had sought relief in the bed of another. It was expected, the male NEVER should have to give up anything on the account of the woman. Every night, out of loyalty, he accompanied Astridr to bed and lay with her out of duty but she was sure that even he'd leave his cold bed for the promise of warm company elsewhere.

Though truthfully if they were able to secure this than it would set the events of the future solidly in place. If Vytis took Ingrid to his bed than no noble would ever take her, forcing him to set her up at his mistress in the interim until Astridr passed on and then he could marry her. Finally resulting in the match that should have been! If only she could ensure that Vytis played his part according to her hand. Therein laid the true difficulty…


The arrival of his mother made his grip on Astridr tighten, it was a reaction that surfaced by instinct, an instinct to protect her. His mother, Lady Adalind, was no friend of his beloved wife and he knew it. Mere weeks after she arrived to assume the mantle of duchess as his wife his mother had been so abrasive and cruel, that he had threatened to remove her to the dower estate several miles away if she continued to treat Astridr with cruel disregard.

Since then she had been tolerant at best, clear in her continued disapproval of the match. He was nothing short of loyal and kind to Astridr, she deserved that. He didn't believe it was love, for that was an emotion that was altogether fantastical but it was close, she was very dear to him. Scrutiny readily came to his visage as he gazed at his mother, as if trying to read her true objective behind suggesting such a radical act. Truthfully the last thing he wanted to do was invite Ingrid to live under his roof especially pending the fact that in the past she had not been squeamish about trying to further their acquaintance a mere morning after the consummation of his nuptials.

Immediately he broke his gaze with his mother to look at Astrid as she allowed his mother's words to permeate the veil of her silent thoughts. Before she even gave voice to her thoughts he knew that his beautiful, kind Astridr would desire nothing more than her sister's wellbeing especially in light of such a loss. His mother had plied successfully upon her inherent kindness because Astridr turned to him, imploring him to capitulate, "Vytis…it would give me so much peace to have her near and know she is well…"

He could say no to his mother but not to her, not when she was so selfless in her request. It would be selfish for him to say no just on the account that he didn't want to deal with Ingrid and maybe the younger sister could give Astridr the much needed support in the future that was fast approaching. A deep breath escaped through his nostrils and he inclined his head in surrender, "Of course, anything for you," he brought the back of her hand to his mouth and kissed it before rising to send the missive via courier to the capital.


Ingrid had never expected that everything would fall into place so conveniently. She knew that without any male relatives to speak for her that it was likely that Vytis would inherent her guardianship but barely a day after she buried their father she had received a formal message from the king, offering condolences and mentioning that Vytis, his nephew, had accepted this responsibility and would act as the ward of her interests in the foreseeable future. Two days after that message was delivered four guards had been sent to collect and escort her to Vytis' estate in Lorraine.

It had been a disappointment to see that he had not bothered to collect her himself however she was sure he was very busy. Absence in this case made the heart grow fonder and she was most eager to see him when she did arrive. It took them less than a day to leave her ancestral home for his. The weather was typical of the spring and summer season, fair and warm enough that she didn't bother to wear anything save a light cloak over her dress. Ingrid had made sure to choose a dress of black that gave the appearance of mourning for her late father however she made sure it was a most attractive piece.

As soon as she arrived in the courtyard she saw a single figure in the courtyard – a female. A smile freely curved at her lips as she urged her horse onward to the head of the traveling party, stopping several feet from the Lady Adalind to dismount, "My lady, it is a pleasure to meet you yet again at last."

"Indeed, the last time I saw you, you were a mere youth of nine years. You have blossomed beautifully; my husband was not in error when he spoke of your loveliness."

Vanity flared within her but a shy smile readily flared into place on her visage followed by a flush that was all for show – a show of insincere modesty, "You flatter me, Lady Adalind."

"You may call me Adalind or mother, my son's marriage to your sister makes you worthy of claim to either name of familiarity."

"I never had a mother before…a weak creature with constitution much like Astridr's. The gods have been kind to gift me with another."

Lady Adalind smiled, "Would you be in the mood for tea? I am afraid that your sister is indisposed at the moment else I am sure she would have come to greet you herself."

"I would love that…"

"I regret to inform you that my son is absent, he had matters to attend to at court however he will return this evening. He returns every night to spend them with Astridr in her delicate health," she opened the door and went over to a table, pouring them two cups of tea, handing one to Ingrid, her lips pursed together as if debating whether to say more, "Ingrid, your arrival is of opportune timing. I am concerned about Vytis, concerned about his infatuation with his ailing bride. His obsession is not healthy, not for him."

"What do wish 'me' to do about it?"

"We both know that you were meant to be his wife and we both know that your sister will not hold that claim forever. He has remained celibate for nigh on six months now…,"the meaning of Adalind's words were clear enough to for her to read: easy prey.

Men were not saints and they had needs that had to be attended to quite regularly. Months ago, the morning after his first tryst, when he was feeling the afterglow of good sex Vytis had said that he'd never take her to his bed while her sister lived however she wished to see if he'd be so foolish and idealistic when he had spent months in cold agony, "What you are asking of me equates to ruin, it will deny me any sort of future."

"This could MAKE your future. Think, girl! If he deflowers you it will ignite a scandal but once your sister dies the scandal can be silenced if he marries you! You will not be able to do better than my son. He will king one day and I truly DOUBT that Astridr will live to be his Queen."

Her mind was made up as she smiled up at Adalind with a conspiratorial smile.

The vacancy of the throne would be filled by her…and no other…


The entire estate waited for their lord to return, even the servants knew he'd not leave his bride – their beloved Lady of the house alone for even one night. She didn't bother wasting her time to visit her sister, from what she had heard the woman was sleeping so it would be an easy matter for her to lie and say she tried to but found she was asleep and didn't want to disturb her rest. The false relationship came to her MUCH easier than the true one ever did. No, she spent her time wisely, making sure to freshen up and when Vytis did return she was among the first to be present to welcome him home. It was her big chance to make an impression on him outside her sister's shadow. He dismounted allowing the groom to take his horse. She watched him eager to approach, for him to take notice of her. Vytis dutifully greeted his mother and turned his eyes upon her finally at long last!

"Ingrid...," he seemed at lost what to say and she dared to believe that he liked what he saw for he surveyed her intently with an inscrutable expression but instantly his eyes snapped upward, into the house where she saw Astridr was coming slowly down the staircase. Vytis instantly passed her without so much as a 'by your leave' or 'excuse me', hurrying to his wife's side to help her down the stairs. Astridr smiled and kissed him in welcome, her eyes shining as she joined the assembled crowd.

"Ingrid," Astridr breathed as though the sight of her sister pleased her more than anything else in the world at this moment. Her sister instantly crossed the distance between them and embraced her. Only sheer discipline had kept her from scowling at Astridr's appearance, the same discipline kept her from the urge to sink a blade between her sister's ribs for ruining her welcome for the delectable duke standing mere feet away, "You arrived? You should have come and seen me right away. I've been so anxious for you."

"I tried to," the lie came easily, "I didn't wish to disturb your sleep after all there is plenty of time for us to spend time together now."

"Yes, I suppose you are right," her gullible sister smiled fondly and Ingrid knew that she could still play her like a harp.


In the weeks that followed that proved to be invaluable. For Vytis proved to be difficult to approach, it was almost impossible for her to find him without Astridr and Astridr became the only way she got within feet of him. Of course she could never do anything outright in front of her sister. It was altogether frustrating, Lady Adalind tried to ply her son with 'innocent' suggestions to break the stalemate, to allow her opportunity but he staunchly refused which made her realize that she had to engineer a catastrophe for her convenience – one in which he'd be ripped away from Astridr's side.

She took the opportunity on the third week when she went out on a ride into the forests. While in the saddle she pulled out a book on herbal remedies, looking at the picture of the plant before surveying the area around her. She was looking for a particular herb to induce change on her beloved sister's condition…hopefully for the worse.

It took her a while but finally she found it, a long erect plant with lovely pale pink blossoms – pennyroyal. She dismounted and brought out a small knife, cutting off plenty of the plant into small pieces. It smelled strongly of spearmint, a fact that she was instantly thankful for since her sister was particularly fond of scented teas and would therefore not have suspicion if her tea was spiked with an abortifacient. Satisfied that she had gathered enough to drug her sister into natal complications she mounted her horse and returned to the estate to put all the pieces into place.

Her sister always took tea with her in the afternoon and when she returned to the room she saw that a tea tray had already been set in the corner to prepare for their daily habit. Her sister was asleep on the massive bed that she and Vytis shared nightly, her chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm. She hastily poured the tea and placed the herbs inside her tea waiting for it to seep. She had no idea how long it would take but she allowed it to seep until the pleasant scent of spearmint wafted from the glass before using the sugar tongs to pull the plant out. She was not stupid enough to keep the incriminating evidence on her person so she disposed of it, throwing the plant out to allow the wind to carry it far away. She turned to pour herself some tea, preparing it as she liked it, before going over to her sister and waking her.


Ingrid's presence had truly been a blessing; with her sister present she was no longer lonely. Vytis had been kind to her providing constant companionship come nightfall however that didn't change the reality that he had responsibilities that he was expected to fulfill and he spent a great deal of his daytime hours away on business. Instantly she realized that Lady Adalind was right, for a woman in seclusion companionship was everything and her sister was priceless in assuaging her loneliness. It felt as though the years in which they had become estranged had been swept away by their mutual grief. Ingrid had pronounced herself grateful for her support, hers and that of her spouse's. So much that she dutifully attended to her, although naturally Ingrid took times for some of her own activities which was too strenuous for a woman as far along as she was.

Every day Ingrid awoke to take Morning Prayer with her followed by a breakfast that lacked for nothing. The day was often spent knitting and sewing garments in anticipation for the coming child. Ingrid had never taken a love to needlework so when she didn't wish to help out she read to her elder sister, read books taken out of the library. Ingrid took her mid-day meal alone in the hall at Astridr's own insistence, refusing to make her sister suffer through the full strains of seclusion. After all the only other times Ingrid ever left her side was when she rested and always woke her mid-afternoon for tea which they took together. The remainder of the evening was spent together until the evening meal which Vytis had claimed for himself. Her husband returned every evening, taking his meal with her alone in her room. He was absolute in this, not even servants disturbed the nightly ritual.

Truthfully even though she was terrified that something could yet go wrong she had never been happier, even in grief of her dearly departed father. Ingrid passed her a cup on a saucer, her tea was made exactly as she liked it, scented with cream and no sugar, "Drink it, Astridr, before it gets too cold."

She brought the tea carefully to her lips, curving them over the rim of the cup as she watched Ingrid settle the tray on a table at her bedside. It smelled oddly pungent enough to make her nostrils flare but as the tea hit her mouth it tasted satisfactory so she drank it without further question. Later she would politely ask her sister to hold back on such a strong brew next time but it seemed unbefitting, not to mention ungracious, to harp on her beloved sibling over the strong concoction of caffeine and cream.

"Are you alright?" Ingrid surveyed her over the rim of her own confection of sugar and cream.

"Just tired," she smiled softly, attempting to appear much stronger than she felt. The pregnancy was draining as it lingered onward so much that she feared the labor would be altogether debilitating when it came. Every day she slept more and more, as if gathering energy to prepare herself for a task that would absorb so much. Even now she knew that it was close to the evening meal which meant she had slept her day away. Her tea remnants laid neglected, it was too strong for her to finish. Finally a knock on the door, "Come in," Ingrid said allowing a female servant to admit herself, "My lady, Lady Ingrid, his lordship is back. Already the evening meal is being prepared and sent up."

The cue was clear, Ingrid was expected to leave. Vytis however appeared before she had departed causing Ingrid to rise to her feet in haste. Ingrid approached to collect the tea tray but Vytis spoke out, "Leave it there, I would like something warm."

Ingrid graced him with beautiful smile, "Of course," curtsied and left.


Vytis immediately went over to the tea tray and his nose blanched as the strong smell of spearmint hit it, no doubt one of the scented teas that Astridr seemed to favor but at least half of it was neglected making him wonder if, even diluted down with cream, it was too strong for her liking. He poured himself a cup of hot tea and downed it in one gulp before coming to the bedside and kissing Astridr fully on the lips in welcome.

They had not been able to lie together in passion since she had quickened with child but still he could not get enough of holding her or kissing her. It was quite typical of a male to take a mistress in the interim of their wives pregnancy but he could not stand the idea of hurting Astridr with such a tactic. Therefore he spent his evenings with her, so she would always know where he was and took attending to his needs into his own hands. Astridr cherished the fidelity and it served to further the intimacy of their passionate marriage.

At half past six dinner was announced in the hall, typically their trays were delivered ten to fifteen minutes after. In the interim they spoke: about his day, her day, the child, the future. It seemed to brighten her, to lessen their mutual fear of the impending childbirth. He still feared for Astridr since childbirth was famed for its complications and the death that followed in its wake. Likewise Astridr feared of living up to the expectations of failure. He had to remain strong and positive for them both. Their trays were set into place and he rose to get some wine for himself and milk for Astridr. However as he turned to pour the drinks he heard a clatter only to see her tray overturned onto the floor and Astridr who had been sitting up was doubled over in pain.


Agony splintered through her, a sharp pain unlike anything she had ever felt before. It was not the baby simply kicking her. She felt her body strain as though trying to purge the babe, fighting against it even though she knew this could claim her life. If she delivered improperly without a midwife present the child would likely be lost through miscarriage and after carrying it for so long she couldn't bear the loss. She felt warm arms curl around her as she moaned in pain, her eyes rolling upward, "Summon the—"

"It's already been done," she felt his lips caress against her forehead which already felt heated to the touch. She knew that he'd be ripped away from her for the ordeal of childbirth so she took what comfort she could, gritting her teeth as her body absorbed the abuse of the volatile contractions – blows that felt like they were going to cleave her into pieces. Finally a voice, several voices, skirted at the edge of her awareness.

She heard the voice of a female ordering hot water, blankets, the rest of the list was lost as she faded in and out of semi consciousness. The arms supporting her had not yet been ripped away which meant Vytis was not yet gone. A glass was raised and tipped against her lips, "…dragon wort! A herbal remedy to stop hemorrhaging, it will keep her from bleeding to death! Now, out!"

A moment later she felt the strong arms release her and knew that the man who they belonged to had departed.

Vytis…

She shivered, trying to gain strength enough to concentrate on the labor. Her mind reaching out feebly for the promise of the future, the future they had imagined together, a future that included many children and the promise of his love. Her consciousness solidified around that tendril of thought enough that she was aware and able to contribute to the effort of her delivery when it came upon her.


Ingrid dutifully swallowed her dismissal with a grain of salt as she settled down for the evening meal with Lady Adalind. The meal had barely started when they heard the call placed for the midwives. The house fell into a frenzy of chaos as servants hurried to get everything needed for the premature labor. The fools didn't yet realize that she was LOSING the child, not delivering it. Nevertheless this would finally yield the chance she had been waiting for. Vytis would not be allowed to linger at the time of the birth; he'd only get in the way in the eyes of the zealous midwives which meant he'd finally be alone…at long last. Ingrid rose from her meal, rising up the staircase towards the adjoined room she shared with her sister. Outside the door her eyes covetously fell upon a figure that was pacing in the hallway.

"My lord?"

His head snapped into attention, his eyes directed upon her but they seemed out of focus as if he was lost in his worries, "It has begun...," he said.

"I-I heard, from the Great Hall. Is there anything I can do for you?"

"Nothing," he answered as she reached out to touch him but was not even allowed that. Before she could pull it back his hand snapped around her wrist like an iron manacle, "I thought we moved past this, I don't need the type of 'help' you are offering, Lady Ingrid. If you are going to be of use attend to your sister, she is more deserving of it than I!"

He then released her wrist as if throwing down a venomous snake before going down the staircase and out the doors, leaving the mansion without looking back.

As long as she shall live…

The words taunted her but only now did she truly realize the 'truth' in them – if Astridr was alive she would ALWAYS eclipse her.

She wasn't sure which hurt worse: unrequited love or being 'second-best'?


The labor was long and arduous, it never seemed to end. It was a matter of concern to the midwives; though they tried to be encouraging while they plied at her with their remedies she heard the concern in their voices. The longer the labor, the less likely it would end well. The labor took hours, she lost count of how many, and her mind could scarcely concentrate around the pain. Finally a cry split through the dark room, "A boy!"

A son!

She wanted to weep in relief when she felt a massive lurch like that of a somersault and realized it wasn't over, "There's another!"

One of the women attended the first babe while the others flocked to help with the second. Again the hours were lost but her eyes managed to raise, enough to see it was during the day. Her contractions made it impossible to sleep and she was weary, so much that she felt her mind dissociate from her body, and her vision was swaying when she heard the cry that announced the second-born, "A lass! A daughter!"

A cry tore from her lips, blackness almost overtaking her in an instant, "She, she has a third!"

"She's fading."

Out of the corner of her sight she saw the senior midwife thrust a chalice into the delicate hands of a young girl – a servant that had been hastily recruited to help the midwives who were stretched thin between her and the babies. The concoction was spiked with stimulants and pain relievers; she could smell the familiar draught before it was tipped into her mouth with cautious care. A feeling of artificial alertness and synthetic strength swept through her, suffusing her with energy enough to deliver one last time. This time the child came but with no response nevertheless she held out her arms desperate to see. The tiny slip of a girl was deposited into her arms and she brought the child to her breast as unconsciousness clawed over her. The last thing she heard was the voice of one of the myriad females attending her.

"...thirty-seven hours…will she survive?"


A cloaked figure in the dark held the light of a candle before bending down beside a foul idol depicting a fallen deity. She had everything she needed for the ritual, setting it up just like she had heard. The undead were quicker than the gods to hear prayers and they answer the malevolent and impure wishes of mankind with a ready ear.

She cut her wrist and slowly allowed it to bleed out, to summon the spectral sentinel.

"What are you willing to give up, to acquire what you want?"

She smiled, it was a terrible thing: for a moment of vengeance, she'd give up her mortal soul.


The mortal had nearly died…yet she had been happy, pleased with herself. Such was the nature of a mother, to take delight when her children thrive. The memory should have been a happy one, untainted but Freya felt an undercurrent – one of ruin. A foul hand came to rest over Astridr's mortal soul, she was touched by a curse, one that Freya instinctively knew had served its purpose in engineering her downfall…


A/N: I purposefully made Astridr's point of view obscure as she was so taxed that she was barely aware of what was happening around her. Feel free to ask questions if you have them. I will try to clear up misunderstandings if I may.