New Alliances

The wagon rattled as it crossed twigs and rocks along the path. She had been sleeping blissfully. The two men stopped to rest near a village. One went to relieve himself by a tree and was suddenly struck with an axe. He fell to the ground with blood squirting from his neck.

Back at the wagon, her eyes opened when she heard the other man being slain. She screamed. They saw her trembling on the back of the wagon. One man smiled, “Look, her belly already has a pup in it.”

“No matter, still good for humping.”

“Please no. Don’t. I am carrying a prince’s child.”

They burst into laughter. “You expect us to believe that?”

King Knud walked up with Einar, “What is this?”

“A cunt. And she’s carrying a pup.”

King Knud smirked, “A Prince’s pup?”

She nodded rapidly.

“Untie her and leave her to me.”

The men did as commanded and left King Knud with the girl standing before him. “What will you do to me?” she asked, nearly trembling.

He surveyed her, almost inspecting her. “Which prince’s bastard are you carrying?”

“Prince Oswald of North Umbria.”

He smiled, “So then you know of Prince Liam and his cunt Yande?”

She nodded, “Well, I know Liam. Yande and I have not engaged in many conversations. I’ve only seen her about the castle. She is great friends with Princess Winfred.”

He touched her face, “Allow me to introduce myself, King Knud of Norway.”

She smiled, “A King from the North. You don’t appear to be as menacing as I’ve heard.”

He almost blushed, “I can be menacing but I can also be gentle to those who deserve it. I think we can help each other. Can we be friends?”

She smiled.

*****

Mercia

A black dress for the solemn occasion. Lord James barged into her chambers and ordered everyone out. The door closed. She stared at him, “What are you doing?”

He smiled, “Why do you pretend?” he asked as he drew closer and sniffed her hair, “you enjoyed me on our wedding night.”

She kissed her teeth, “Just because you took me to the mountaintop does not change how I feel about what you did to my husband. Our agreement still stands.”

He leaned in. She didn’t move. He grinned, “You will eventually come to love me. I am not as bad as you think.”

She watched him leave. She rolled her eyes. His cock was nice, but she still wanted to rip his heart out.

****

Everyone lined the roads. The King was being laid to rest. The ceremony began. Lady Godgifu noticed Princess Winfred’s distant cold demeanor. She hoped it was only due to the circumstances but later when things settled down, she found Winfred standing with Yande, “There you are,” she said smiling, “I didn’t get a chance to speak to you earlier.”

“Since you are no longer a queen, I’d prefer if you addressed me by my proper title.”

Yande merely watched the exchange in awe. Lady Godgifu nodded, “Yes, Princess. I forgot myself. Please forgive me.”

She nodded, “Lady Yande. Looking radiant as always.”

“Thank you, Lady Godgifu.”

She bowed and went on her way. Across the room, Yande saw a man staring at her. She nodded, “Who is that?” she asked Winfred.

“I believe he is King Edwin. I’ve heard about him. He stole my brother’s birthright. And now he wants the whole of England. Everyone to bow to him.”

Yande nodded. They saw him strutting toward them. “Oh, dear god,” Princess said.

“My deepest sorrows for your father, Princess Winfred.”

“Thank you, your majesty.”

“And who is your friend?”

“My friend and also a future Princess of North Umbria. This is Lady Yande from Portugal.”

His eyebrows lifted, “Ah yes, you are marrying Prince Liam. I hope to be invited.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Your accent is delightful. I’ve only met the King of Portugal once. He was rather pleasant.”

“He’s, my uncle.”

“Lovely. I heard his wife the poor queen is ill.”

Yande remembered Queen Marie. She nodded, “Yes. It is all very sad.”

Darleen walked up with Prince Michael, “Princess Winfred and Lady Yande.”

They nodded to her.

“Please meet Prince Michael, my future husband.”

Winfred made a face. Yande did her best not to roll her eyes, “Congratulations,” she uttered.

“I do hope you truly mean that. Things did not go well for your brother and me but there is no need for us not to be at least cordial.”

“Everything happens for a reason. I do wish you and the prince a long happy marriage.”

“Do consider yourselves invited,” said King Edwin, “now, let me find King Oswald.”

*****

A room filled with Kings and other nobles. They had listened to King Edwin go on and on about how uniting all the kingdoms would be more beneficial. King Oswald scoffed, “For whom? Yourself?”

He waved his hand very fancy like, “Now King Oswald, don’t be that way. I heard just recently you and your men had to help the Kingdom of East Anglia ward off an attack from those heathens. Think of horribly that could have gone.”

“Yes, but we handled it.”

“Did you?”

There was murmuring from the other men in the crowd. “How are we to trust those Vikings? They are not like us,” said one king.

King Edwin nodded, “They are not like us. We have our God. And I am certain those men will send for others and eventually, their numbers will grow and what will we do? Wait for them to go from kingdom to kingdom, killing our men and our heirs, taking our women?”

“As much I love having my power. I do feel a united front is better,” said another king.

“Think about it King Oswald,” insisted King Edwin, “If you’re able to attend my son’s wedding in the coming days, we can talk then. If not, I’ll visit you in the north in due time. For your son’s wedding.”

King Oswald watched him strut away.

****

Lord James stood by his new wife’s side as people approached to provide their sentiments. There was a gentleman that she had not seen before. He was dressed very well and was as handsome as could be. “Madam, I would like to express my sincere condolences for your loss. I heard from my trusted advisor that he was a great and wise king.”

She nodded, “Thank you and you are?”

“Lord Francios Delacroix of Frankia.”

“Frankia,” she said as her eyes squinted.

He appeared before her refined as a gentleman, “Lady Godgifu,” he said.

She nearly fainted. Lord James helped to steady her. “Arledge?”

He smiled, “Yes, I arrived yesterday. I am one of Lord Delacroix’s trusted assistants and advisors.”

“Yes. Arledge told me he once worked for you and the king. It's such a small world isn’t it.”

She gulped, “Yes.”

Across the room, he saw her. Her belly was full. She stood next to Prince Oswald, Lady Yande, and Prince Liam. When her eyes met him, they both felt that jolt. A blast from the past. She tore her eyes away and excused herself from the group to get fresh air.

****

Arledge saw the princess walk off. He wondered where she was off to. He excused himself and went for a walk. On his way, he encountered Lady Godgifu in the corridor. She stared at him. He looked like a new man. He’d always been handsome, but the fresh attire and well-groomed look made him even more splendid.

He sighed, “I know you think I’ve returned to destroy your relationship with Winfred, but I would not add any more hurt to her.”

“Very well then. I appreciate your kindness. Truly, I was only doing what was best for her and you as well.”

“I am sure you believe that.”

She nodded, “Winfred. Our relationship is a tad strained.”

“I understand. Rest assured you don’t have me to worry about. I am engaged. Soon I’ll be married to a beautiful woman in Frankia. All thanks to Lord Delacroix. I used to help him at his estate. He took a liking to me and realized I had a lot more to offer.”

“Good for you, Arledge.” She looked up and saw the King heading to their favorite spot, “Take care.”

*****

He found her by the stables. She stared at her favorite horse. She felt him standing behind her. She turned, “Why?” she asked as she began to hit his chest.

He grabbed her arms and held her, “Because I had to. It was for both of our sakes. You are happy now.”

She stepped back and nodded, “I am. I suppose I should thank you. I knew we could not be together, but you could have said goodbye. All you left was a jewel,” she said as she showed him the item that she had made, “Darleen had this made so I could always remember what you and I shared.”

He remembered the night he snatched the necklace off Darleen’s neck and hurled it in the air. He sighed, “I’ll never forget what we shared. Now we both can move on. You’re married with child and soon I’ll be married.”

“Married.” She nodded, “Congratulations.”

“Thank you, princess. And I am sorry for the loss of your father. King Charles was a great man.”

“Thank you, Arledge.”

*****

His eyes couldn’t believe what he was seeing. His heart sank. There she was in the very spot they used to share but with another man. A King. He couldn’t help but watch as the King held the woman he enjoyed in the same fashion that he used to.

He heard her passionate moans. So delightful. It made him horny and sick all at once. He heard the King release his load. They exchanged a few words and the King adjusted his soft rod back into his pants before taking his leave. Prince Oswald hid and waited until the King left.

He saw Lady Godgifu cleaning herself. He spoke, “I see that you have found someone else to keep you occupied.”

Startled, she turned, “Prince Oswald.” She saw the hurt in his eyes, “It’s for the best isn’t it? You and I can’t go one as we have.”

“Now you have a conscience?”

She scoffed, “Winfred already hates me. I can’t risk her finding out about us. This child," she said as she touched her belly, "please.”

He nodded, “I suppose you’re right.”

His feet didn’t move. She knew what he wanted. With her lips still swollen, she invited him into her sacred space one last time. Her eyes rolled and so did his. They grunted and panted as he moved swiftly. His hands gripped her tits.

They hummed simultaneously as he erupted. Slowly, he pulled out, “It has been a pleasure, Lady Godgifu.”

“It has.”

****

Lady Yande and Liam walked along the cobblestoned path. The scenery was beautiful. They happened upon Prince Michael and Darcy. They spoke. Darcy stared at Lady Yande, “You are remarkable. I’d love to do your portrait.”

“You’re an artist?”

“He’s the best,” replied Prince Michael.

Darcy blushed, “You should come to Wessex. You and the Prince of course.”

Yande looked at Liam. He nodded, “We shall, soon. You can do a painting of us for our wedding.”

“That would be splendid.”

Lady Darleen found them. “Prince Michael, your father is preparing to leave. We should as well.”

“You’re right my dear,” he said as he said farewell to Liam and Yande.

Darleen insisted that he and Darcy go ahead of her. She looked at Liam, “Would you mind if I have a word with Lady Yande alone.”

He nodded, “I’ll be waiting inside,” he said to Yande.

Yande sighed inside. Lady Darleen gloated, “Soon you and I will be princesses. But that could all change. King Edwin has a vision of uniting all the kingdoms under his rule and that would mean there would be no other Kings or Queens. And well, you’re a smart girl.”

Yande smiled, “I am.”

Darleen stepped closer, “You would be wise to speak to my cousin. It’s far better to have me as a friend than an enemy,” she said as reached out her hand.

Yande stared at it. She touched her hand to hers. Darleen smiled, “Good, we have an understanding.”

“We will never be friends. But we can at least be cordial.”

Darleen nodded, “Take care.”

Yande watched as he sashayed away. She saw it plain as day. After several days, Darleen would feel the symptoms. Yande knew it would be better to keep Darleen close.

****

The night was quiet. She lay in his arms. She played with the hairs on his chest. “Do you have a wife?” she asked.

“I did. A long time ago.”

“Will I ever get to see your homeland?”

“I can take you there one day if you wish but first there are many things here I have to accomplish.”

****

Two sunrises later, Jarl Erick and his men were ready to return to the North. They approached the camp and were surprised to see ships with his banner. “We have company,” he said to Jarl Sigurd who recognized the woman at the helm.

“It’s my sister. It’s Ida.”

They hurried to help the ship dock and anchor. She was all smiles. They looked a bit famished from the journey. Sven’s heart melted when he saw his love. They exited the ship. Ida embraced her brother, “You look well, brother.”

“What a great surprise.”

Jarl Erick agreed, “How are my wives and children?”

“They are well, considering.”

He squinted, “Considering?”

She looked at the ships and saw King Knud’s banner, “You traveled here with King Knud. Where is he?”

“We have parted ways with him. He was not cooperating.”

“Good. Then you will not object to me slicing his throat.”

Their eyes widened as she explained both attacks. When she finished, Jarl Sigurd asked about Yana. Ida explained to him that she left with Revna the night before the attack. He shook his head and walked off. Astrid followed him into the woods.

She found him standing near a rotted tree trunk. “You told me that I’d marry a woman who sees me before I see her.”

She nodded, “And you shall. You will have beautiful children and one of them will have incredible gifts.”

His eyebrow furrowed, “Gifts? What do you mean?”

She smiled, “I think you know. You can feel her in your spirit. You’ve felt her. She has seen you. She will need you.”

“I don’t understand.”

She touched his hand, “You will in due time.”

He watched as she walked away.

*****

They loaded the ship. Jarl Erick was relieved to know that Ida helped secure things back home. He shook hands with young Magnis and thanked him for all he had done. Jarl Sigurd returned as he was about to board the ship, “I should return with you.”

He placed his hand on Sigurd’s shoulder, “No. Stay. Ida assured me that all was well. Finish what we started and I’ll return soon.”

“Yes, brother. I will.”

They watched the men push off. They waved. It was time to head back. Mary approached Jarl Sigurd with Armod by her side, “Mary,” he said with a nod.

“My Lord, I wish to be with Lord Armod.”

He smiled, “If that is what you want. Then you are free.”

“Thank you.”

Armod reached out his hand, “Much obliged, Jarl Sigurd.”

He nodded, “Of course, now we must all be on our way. There is still a lot of work to be done.”

****

Ida and Sven walked slowly behind the group. She told her that the seer Astrid saw the ship’s wreckage. They paused for a moment. He held her hands, “Finally, you and I can be together. We can have a family.”

She touched her belly, “We have already started.”

He smiled and lifted her.