He found her in the grey dark just before the sun would rise, standing by the edge of the river. It led to the sea. She'd always loved the sea.
The wind blew cold off the water.
He removed his cloak and went to put it around her.
"I'm not cold."
Quietly, he re-affixed it.
He stood beside her, looking out over the water.
"Why now?" she asked.
"My mother," he said, "has dies. My father needs one to leave behind him on the throne and the elders of my people demanded that it be one of the royal blood. They would accept no other. And," the air was cold and he folded his arms beneath his cloak, "my mother and I loved one another, once. I would be there for her funeral."
"When do you leave?"
"In a few hour's time."
"Mm," she shifted and he listened to the rustling of her dress. "I'd best go then. I have much to ready for our departure."
Odin turned as she moved, watching her, "You would accompany me?"
She stopped and looked back at him, very levelly in the thin, yellowing light. "I am your wife," she said. Her chin rose just slightly, and the blue of her eyes flashed with something he could not name. "It is my right."