Helga [Lovers: Cecily]

Shortly thereafter, the new King and Queen of Ostgrenze departed for the wild lands of the Daynes. The full flower of Ostgrenze's nobility enthusiastically took up the call to war, eager to conquer new lands. Cecily and her growing baby were left behind, as there was no reason to put them in danger for the expedition. After many long weeks of marching, your war party arrived in Helga's ancestral home.

Word of your arrival was a great shock to the feuding siblings. It seems none had expected poor, powerless Helga to come with an army that dwarfed any of theirs, but there she was. The first of her siblings foolish enough to challenge you was quickly routed. His forces charged into battle, with little regard for tactics or strategy. While the savage axemen and berserkers of the northmen took a heavy toll on your battle lines, your troops held ground long enough for the veteran knights of the Almains to drive off the enemy cavalry and hammer into their lines from the flanks. In short order his army was routed and crushed, and the proud Dayn slain in battle. The rest realized they could not hope to win in a direct confrontation. While this strategy was more effective, and put a great strain on your logistical capacity, Helga's local knowledge and growing support with the local populace allowed your forces to survive. The Dayns respect strength, and none in Daynland had more in that moment than you and Helga. Some surrendered to your army; Helga wished to execute the pretenders to prevent a power struggle, but you convinced her that exile and seizure of their property would be sufficient. She relented once you presented the argument that killing those who surrendered would set a bad precedent, and **** her enemies to fight to the bitter end. While the war ran long, your triumph was inevitable. After defeating the last of the rebellious siblings, Helga was coronated by the Daynish cardinal himself.

After many long months on the campaign together, Helga's pregnancy was confirmed. She gave birth to a healthy, beautiful boy. Despite her usual self, Helga seemed to truly love the child with all her heart. He was blond like his mother, though her lacked he distinctive platinum color. The two of you decided he would winter in your (somewhat) warmer kingdom, and summer in hers. Hopefully, this would help him understand both of his inheritance's customs and peoples. It was also decided to set aside time for the both of you to...secure the succession.

In Daynland, Helga rules with an iron fist. Helga is adept at politics, and often crushed dissent and rebellion before it can foment into a threat. Many of the noble positions vacated by the **** and exile of her enemies were filled by lesser Almain nobles. These immigrants, being completely dependent on Helga's protection in this foreign land, became many of her most loyal subjects. An elite core of Almain shock cavalry was the hallmark of Helga's reformed army, and Confederation tactics were being adopted.

At home, Cecily kept you company most days, and your bed warm most nights. While she had trouble adapting to court life at first, especially considering the scandal of her role, she grew on most of the court in short time. While often it is more out of pity than affection for the shy girl, she is well-mannered, intelligent, and does not have excessive influence over your policies. After the birth of your second child, not to mention your constant companionship, she was nicknamed "The true queen of Ostgrenze" by the court, something you try to keep as far from Helga's ears as possible.

You sit at your hearth, enjoying the heat as you watch your heir, Hakon, playing with his young half-brother and half-sister. You sigh, truly happy, hoping only that you can keep their relationship like this, and not like the relationships Helga had with her siblings. You'll find something for your other children, you're sure. Politics wouldn't suit them anyways.