The next days went by with an extreme tension running within Rollo's family. They barely talked during meals and only Ragnar and Rollo spent time together, arguing about battle strategies, weapons, politics and babies. They seemed to become closer and closer everyday they were together even though Gisla hated it. In the same time, the king offered Rollo three good dogs. Obviously, the other vikings were seeing it very badly: it was, according to them another sign of betrayal from the duke. These dogs were design to hunt: they had long and strong teeth, a large chest, strong paws and pointy ears. But despite the lack of approbation from Lagertha, Björn and the others, Ragnar would play with them whenever he could, even in the middle of an important conversation. He seemed to like animals and Gisla surprised herself to think he wasn't that bad after all, but this feeling was overshadowed by the northmen's hostility toward her. She was so inconfortable she usually didn't leave her room and stayed with her maids of honor all day, her room's door guarded by her two loyal knights.

One day, in the middle of the afternoon, one of the men who brought the dogs came to her room to "talk of an important matter" to her. He specifically asked to talk with her alone and she ordered the women who were with her to leave this instant. When everybody except her and the man left, she sudied him: he was a young boy, a page probably, he had dark brown hair, green eyes and his clothes seemed to be worn-out and his skin was all scratched and dirty.

- Why did you asked everyone to leave, she asked suspicious.

- Because what I have to say to you must remain a secret.

She stuck her head out of her high chair with an intrigued look on her face. The boy took one step forward but stayed at a respectful distance from her.

- Your father is very concerned about the northmen being right here. He is afraid they might attack Paris any moment.

- Wait, she stopped him. So he knows the northmen are here?

- He has spies among Rollo's court. Actually, he is surrounded by spies.

- So my father doesn't trust him, am I right?

- No.

- Well that's fine then, she said pissed. He doesn't trust Rollo, nor me! What a father!

- He is just worried about you princess. He shudders with fear to know you here with that beast you call husband.

- Then, he shouldn't have made me marry him, don't you think?

- I … I guess …

- So we agree.

The man seemed to be uncomfortable for a bit as he walked on the spot touching his shirt nervously. Gisla leaned back on her chair and looked at him as she just won a war.

- So, what was your message again?

- The king wants to entrust you a very special task.

- What kind of task, she asked.

- Murder.

Gisla suddenly rose back on her chair. The thing her father wanted her to do was even worse that all she could have imagined. Kill a man. On purpose. She could never do such a thing. Not her. She was supposed to be the purest in Frankia. Not to dirty her hands with such an abomination. Was that really what her father wanted her to do? She felt betrayed by him again. He didn't even care about her. He didn't even know her! What a pity, she thought, just when I began to felt some compassion for him.

- If my father thinks I'm gonna murder someone, he is highly mistaken, she said coldly.

- I know, but, princess, he also said that if you couldn't do it, you should ask somebody to kill the person in your behalf.

- And what if I say no?

- Then, he will no longer consider you as his daughter, disinherit and dishonor you.

- What does it matter? I'll be dead to him, so what?!

- He said that he will make everyone in the country know you're a witch and that you …

- I WHAT ?

- That you had sex with animals, he said shamefully.

- WHAT ?!

Gisla felt a wave of anger coming through her chest. She stood up and turned her back on the messenger to walk toward the window. She was furious. How dared he? Him who gave her everything, who loved her, who she supported. How dared he betray her like that, his own daughter! And besides, how could he be so immature at his age?! She slammed her hand to the wall, letting her anger coming out and when she felt she calmed down a little, she asked:

- Who do I need to kill?

- Someone important.

- That's it? That's all I have to know?

- Yes.

- Fine. I agree. Now get out while my maids and servants come back inside.

He complied with good grace while the people who were waiting outside of the room came back. When he arrived at the door, he asked:

- Do you have an idea my lady?

- I already made my choice, she said without looking at him. Now leave.

Rollo and Ragnar were sitting in two chairs with high backs in the great hall, examining some maps and documents and occasionally petting Rollo's dogs. It was after the dinner -when no one spoke, just as usual- which was copious, the sun was already gone and the servants lighted torches and candles for the duke and his guest to see in the room. Ragnar put one of his legs nonchalantly on the armrest of his chair, while Rollo leaned his elbows to the table, his chin in one of his hand, the other hand on one of his dog's head.

- Do you appreciate the king's gift, Ragnar asked all of sudden.

- Well, Rollo said looking at him. I've got to admit that I do. This way, Gisla can have some company and my son will have a faithful pet to join him in battle.

- Your son, Ragnar rolled his eyes. How are you sure this won't be a girl?

- I know it.

Ragnar rolled his eyes again and pet the head and the back of an other of Rollo's dog.

- Why did he offered you these dogs anyway, he asked.

- I guess he wants to make sure I respect my commitment. He is highly mistaken if he thinks I'm just gonna fight you.

- Yeah, really mistaken, his brother smiled. What do you think of him?

- The king? Well, at first, he seemed really weak. But after I knew him more, I deduced he was really weak.

Ragnar and Rollo looked at each other and grinned. They both had the same feeling seeing the king of Frankia and they probably thought they could extract something from him and his country. They focused back on the maps and documents and Rollo said:

- These wars with the Britons really annoys me.

- But you should love making war, Ragnar laughed. It is what you are the best at, after all.

- I do, but this time, I have got the feeling it'll never ends.

- What do you mean?

- It has been over 8 months since we first battled against each other. I already have conquered a big part of their territory but they are resisting in a town called Baiocas. Anyway, I need to take control of it and I need to do it fast.

- And why are you so eager to do that, huh?

- I was born to battle. You said it. And this time, I chose my battles.

- What do you mean by "this time", Ragnar asked curious.

- I mean, this time, I won't fight because of greed. I will fight because I want to.

- I don't get it.

- I want to make my land richer than it is. I want to give our people more possibilities.

Ragnar looked at his brother. Apparently he was surprized and amazed by what he just said. He grinned and said:

- And when did you become that wise ?

- I guess, I grew a lot recently, he smiled back.

The two brothers were looking at each other, smiling in silence. It was almost like they communicated by their eyes. Without any words, any speaking, nor sound, they could perfectly understand each other and by their own sight they told stories that they knew they could never say out loud. There was apologies, love, respect, deep and secret confessions, and regrets. They knew, they couldn't talk about this as easily as other people. They were these kind of people who kept all their feelings and thought inside of them and never let it go. They couldn't let all go even with the person they loved the most. So they kept it all inside and communicate by fights and violence. But in that moment of grace, they told one another everything they kept hiding these past years.

- How will you handle such a big territory, Ragnar asked.

- I already asked Gisla and she told me that in Frankia, dukes rule their duchy with military forces and specific laws and are given money by their people. And she also said that in some cases, the duke name a few barons to handle plots of the duke's territory. They have frequents meetings with the duke -me- and in rare cases, they can vote for a successor, if the duke hasn't one.

- Just like the king and the earls, back home.

- Exactly! But I have the king above myself.

- And do you communicate with other dukes ?

- Yes. I already had some men to deliver messages to the dukes of Aquitaine, Burgundy and Toulouse.

- What for?

- Gisla told me this is to maintain good relationships in case of war.

- She seems to have taught you some politic stuff. I guess she is really clever.

- Well, yes. She is my wife and the duchess, after all. I owe her so much. Besides, I think she is a good ruler.

- Is that so, Ragnar asked to himself.

- Actually, I may let her rule a short amount of time in the next few days.

- Why ?

- The Briton's positions and their recent attacks makes me wonder if I shoud go there to fight them. I mean, she is with child, I don't know if I can … And moreover, with all you warriors here, I don't know if she will be at ease.

- Don't worry about the warriors. I promised them a fight, they will get it, Ragnar grinned.

- What do you mean, Rollo asked intrigued.

Ragnar sat back on his chair properly and bend over to Rollo.

- I will come with you to fight those Britons.

- Are you kidding?

- Do I look like I'm kidding, Ragnar said keeping a straight face.

Rollo laughed. It has been a while since he didn't see his brother so serious, and to be honest he kind of missed it.

- Then, it is agreed. You and I will go into battle against the Britons. This will be so great to battle side by side. Just like the good old times.

- Just like the good old times my brother.

They firmly hugged each other and planned their attack. They were gonna leave the next day to reach the battlefront as soon as possible to cut the briton's defense. And they would attack with all their strenght to crush their enemies. Rollo felt good about it. He was thrilled to battle again with his brother. And this time, he would even be in command and fight as Ragnar's equal. Sure, the Duke was happy.

They left each other soon after, Ragnar to prepare himself and his warriors for the battle, Rollo to check on Gisla and give his orders to his men and warriors to be prepared for the next morning.

When Rollo entered the ducal bedroom, Gisla was still awake and was waiting for him only illuminated by one candle. She was reading by the window, gazing vacantly into space, apparently distracted by something. He standed behind her and gripped her shoulders, making her start.

She turned her face to his apparently mad.

- Did I scare you, he asked gently.

- As a matter of fact, you did, she said harshly.

- You seem upset, he noted. Did I do something wrong ?

- YOU …

She changed her mind and got back to the window. Rollo was confused. She usually yelled, when she was unhappy or upset, but this time, she didn't. She was hiding something and he was sure of it.

- You know you can tell me everything. I will always protect you.

He felt her shoulders shaking in his hands. She was crying. He thought she was going to escape from his arms and go to sleep without any sight toward him and don't talk to him before she fell asleep, but what she did highly surprised him: she turned over and took shelter in his arms. At first, Rollo didn't know how to react and let his arms in the air, but soon, he embraced her tenderly with his enormous arms. He comforted her a bit while she was crying on his chest.

- I'm scared. I'm so scared, she said sobbing.

- Why are you scared, he asked tenderly.

- My father … My father wants me to do something terrible.

- What ?

- I … I can't.

- Then don't, he said calmly.

- But... But if I don't, he will makes everyone hate me in the country.

- Who cares?

- I do! I have a reputation! I have to be the purest of all women in the kingdom! Yet, I am married to a barbarian, expecting his child! My reputation is already ruined!

She stepped back and sat on her chair, her head in her hands. Rollo kneeled before her and raised her chin to his face with two fingers.

- You are the purest of all. Nothing will change that.

She nodded and Rollo said:

- I need you to do something for me.

- What, she asked puzzled.

- Tomorrow, I will leave for the south of our territory to fight the Britons and I will need you to rule while I will be gone.

- Why me? Why not some of your men?

- You are my wife. The duchess. And you are the princess of this country. I believe you can do that really well. Besides, I wouldn't ask anybody else. The people will listen to you more than me and you know it.

- What makes you sure I will not betray you?

- I trust you. That's what husbands do.

- You have more faith in me than my father seems to have in me.

- That's because we don't have the same views toward women.

- Do you swear to always be on and by my side?

- I promise.

Gisla seemed to calm a little as he said these words. She stood up and undressed to get in the bed. Rollo did likewise and shut the candle before he headed toward the bed. He swept into the sheets and said:

- Goodnight, beloved.

They fell asleep in a silence full of secrets and unsaid things.