Chapter 24:

Astrid glanced over at Deman, who was resting in the large red chair beside the fire. She studied him closely as she had never done before. His light brown hair was cut short, with hints of gray along the roots. His features were strong with a square jawbone covered with light beard scruff. His smooth ivory skin glowed with the illuminating effect from the warm fire. The small wrinkles beside his eyes showed his age. His wide hands held masculinity, as well as the arched muscle that protruded from the short sleeve of his tunic.

Astrid cleared her throat loudly, causing Deman to wake up. He smiled happily at Astrid as he proved himself up straight in the chair, staring into the orange flames in the stone fireplace.

"How old are you?" Astrid asked as she looked up from her embroidery. "You never did say?"

"I am forty-four." He replied simply, glancing over at Astrid with a smile. "What about you?"

"I am either twenty-six or seven." Astrid shrugged. "I am not sure. Time moves so quickly I simply cannot recall my exact age."

"How have you managed to live this long as a slave?" He questioned, staring back at the fire.

"Just like you have managed to survive." Astrid responded, leaning closer to Deman. "I remained a fighter," she laid her hand lightly upon his knee. "If I had given up like they had planned, they would have won."

"I wish Lorna was more like you." Deman shared, letting out a discouraged sigh. "She is selfish and gives up easily."

"I am sure she will grow out of it. She is still young."

"I am dearly sorry for what she done to you." Deman apologized, shaking his head. "She had no place to speak wrongly towards you. You are our guest and you shall be treated like one."

"Oh," Astrid said, faking a smile. "Do not worry about it. I understand what it is like to be under pressure. It is hard to hold your tongue sometimes."

"Her suitor is coming today."Deman shook his head once more. "These last few days has been a nightmare on the maids and I with the way Lorna is acting."

"Marriage is a hard things for a girl to accept at her age, I am sure." Astrid said, beginning her embroidery once again. "She will come to accept it in a few days, I assume."

"You were dealing with completely different things than marriage." Deman responded, staring intensely at Astrid with a serious expression. "I want to ask you something, something I want you to think about."

Astrid raised her eyebrows and began to bite the corned of her lips with an uneasy feeling boiling in the pit of her stomach.

"What is it that you ask?" She hoarsely asked, slightly reluctant.

"I would like you to consider being my wife." Deman boldly asked, twirling his thumbs nervously together. "I understand that you do not know me well, and I do not know you either but I feel that you would be a great asset to my kingdom and a wonderful influence on Lorna." He paused a moment and cleared his throat. "Just think about it. I would never wish you to do something your heart does not agree with."

Astrid focused her blank stare at a crack in the floor, grasping her cloth tightly in her clinched fists. She continued biting her lip uncertain of how to respond.

"I am not what you need." Astrid whispered, knowing it was a terrible answer for the bold statement made by Deman. "You do not want to marry me, I can promise you that."

"Oh," Deman cried out, laying his firm hands on top of her fists. "But I would." He brushed a loose strand of hair away from her eyes and smiled. "Is there another man who has your heart?"

Astrid instantly tensed at the question. Her mind went wild with thoughts of Knute as she remembered his smile and tender voice, while her heart began to beat faster.

"There was," Astrid said, fixating her stare once again on Deman. "but he just a memory like everything else in my life."

Deman became silent, as he stared longingly at Astrid, who tried to keep her eyes averted from him. The faint sound of heels clicking in the hall could be heard.

Deman glanced at the door then back at Astrid. "I should be getting on with my business." He arose, laying a tender hand upon Astrid's shoulder. "Remember, a dinner will be later in the evening. I would love to see you there."

Astrid nodded with a smile as Deman gracefully waltzed to the door, leaving silently.

Oliefsborg

Erick clapped his hands loudly together, taking the attention of the large massed crowd.

"People of Oliefsborg," he announced boldly, surveying the people's confused and blank expressions. "I would like to announce that we will be helping my son," his eyes trailed onto Bard, who was smiling smugly. "To attain more lands."

The displeased villagers began to discuss amongst themselves.

"Any man who wants to raid with us, come to my longhouse and we shall get you all the information you need." Erick said, making a motion to walk back to the house. "That is all I have to say."

He stepped quickly back to the longhouse, where he immediately broke down into tears. Jezebel watched him from the doorway with a blank expression on her face.

"Why are you crying dear?" Jezebel asked, taking a step closer to her broken husband. "There is no reason for tears. You have done the right thing I promise you."

"I cannot believe you made me trick them like that." Erick yelled, covering his hands over his disgruntled face. "I have betrayed their trust that has taken me years to build!"

Jezebel wrapped her arms around his waist, laying her head on his back. "Just think once you find Astrid, Bard will no be back. Oliefsborg will be fine, your son will be gone and content, and we will have a new baby."

"I should not go." He looked over at her and dropped his head. "I do not even know where to begin with searching."

"Do not give up before you even begin."

"Look, woman." Erick bluntly stated, grabbing Jezebel's shoulders. "She is not worth it. I refuse to trick my men to go on a hunt for a slave, who by rights should have never left here!"

"But you traded her and she is gone!" Jezebel argued back. "Either you send forces with him telling them they are raiding and find her or," she pointed her finger in his face. "Let Oliefsborg suffer the consequences."

"I thought you were a friend to her." Erick snapped back, turning away from Jezebel. "Let the blood be on your hands, I refuse to touch this mission."

"Are you a crazy old fool or what?"

Erick spun around on his hill and ran towards Jezebel angrily. "Yes I am a crazy old fool for believing every word that came from your mouth. I should have never married you." He looked around at the room. "You should still be a slave and Astrid should be here living the way you are." Erick jerked a golden chain from around her neck. "You do not deserve to wear this, you conniving woman."

Erick jolted away from her towards his throne, where he plopped down forcefully.

"Erick, it-"

"Be quiet woman!" Erick yelled, raising his hand.

Jezebel pursed her lips tightly together and looked around the room, bitterly sulking. The silence was broken when Knute walked in and sat down in front of Erick.

"Erick," Knute spoke quietly, dropping his head. "I know you are not helping Bard but going after Astrid."

Erick nodded his head, covering half of his ashamed face. "Knute, I must know how angry-"

"Anger is not the word." Knute's face melted from sternness into complete disappointment. "You know how I felt about her and as much as this breaks my heart," he paused, spinning the golden arm ring hanging from his wrist. "I must renounce my loyalty to you, sire, and find Astrid before you do."

A single tear trickled down Erick's reddened face. "Knute, please do not do this."

"I must." Knute replied simply, sliding the gold arm ring from his wrist, laying it at Erick's feet. "I will not take part in this wrongful act. I am sorry."

Knute arose and bowed respectfully before Erick. "Forgive me."

¤§¤

The day had passed slowly as Astrid scuttled around, attempting to find things to keep her busy. The castle to her was uncharted waters. She had no real desire to find anything beyond the bedchamber where she stayed. Outside, people could be seen coming towards the castle wearing their best clothing in honor of the princess's betrothal. The bright sunlight warmed Astrid's cold body as she sat in the windowsill watching everything very carefully. The crackling fire had started to go out, leaving glowing embers behind. The only thing that came to Astrid's bored mind was the marriage proposal. No, it was out of the picture. She thought silently to herself, trying her best to forget about it all but simply could not.

"You are wanted in the dinning hall." A lady spoke, knocking on the chamber door.

Astrid looked up, shutting her eyes tightly.

"Please go away." Astrid whispered under her breath, opening her eyes once the lady knocked again. "Why can I not just be in a dream?" She grumbled, reluctantly opening the door. "I will be right down."

The light haired woman remained beside the room, boldly staring at Astrid up and down. Astrid felt uneasy while she inspected the baggy green dress that hung loosely on her small-framed body.

"You cannot go looking like that." The lady blurted out, inviting herself inside. "Let me help you." She began searching in chests, scattering cloth and dresses around in the floors nearby. "My name is Camilla, if you would like to know."

"Camilla," Astrid said, walking towards her. "I am Astrid."

Camilla looked up with happy chocolate eyes. "I have heard great stories about you."

Astrid folded her arms meekly around her body when she felt her face blushing.

Camilla began smiling widely as she pulled out a vibrant purple velvet dress. "I have found the dress for you."

"It is beautiful." Astrid remarked, running her fingers along the smooth material. "Why is it in a chest and not being worn?"

"It was Deman's mother's dress." Camilla informed, holding it up to Astrid. "He wanted Lorna to wear it but she refused and said it was not good enough. I believe it will just fit you."

"I cannot wear this."

"I believe it would do him well to see someone as beautiful as you in it."

Astrid hesitantly studied it, tracing along every detailed thread of embroidery with the tip of her rambling finger.

"I do not know I mean-"

"I will help you." Camilla answered, closing the main door. "They will be looking for us if we do not go soon."

Astrid nodded as she slipped her soft-soled leather shoes from her feet. She looked downward at her feet, then at Camilla, who smiled anxiously. Astrid untied the tie around her neck before slipping the dress from her body, leaving only the linen shift on. She crossed her arms over her skimpily covered chest, while Camilla slipped the fresh velvet material over her head. The dress hung flatteringly against Astrid's body, fitting perfectly in every place. . It swept the ground slightly but was lifted when Camilla attached a golden belt at her waist. Camilla took Astrid's hair down from the loose braid in which it was in and fell into loose waves. She soon began tugging her hair into a large, elaborate braid that she rolled onto the top of Astrid's head.

Once Camilla was finished, she looked at Astrid once again, placing her hand lightly over her mouth. "You look beautiful."

Astrid smiled in return to the compliment. She felt a nervous pit fluttering in her stomach as she prepared to leave the room.

Oliefsborg

Knute sat completely still beside the sea, staring out amidst the calming waves. He fought back tears that came to his eyes with every painstaking memory.

"I thought I might find you here." Erick said, walking hesitantly towards him. "I need to talk to you," he plopped down beside him, tilting his head facing him. "So hear me out, Knute."

"What?" Knute asked, meeting the cold glare of Erick. "If you are here to talk me into going with you, you are wasting your breath."

"Are you willing to travel with me and others that you trust to go find her?" Erick questioned. "I promise you I will not bring her back to Bard. I plan on taking her to a safe haven- a place where she can live out her days happily."

"Bard will not be with us will he?"

Erick shook his head. "He will remain in Oliefsborg with Jezebel and his men. It will only be us and others that we trust."

Knute raise a brow intrigued. "If we find her she is completely safe, correct?"

Erick nodded, reaching into the fur satchel that hung on the belt around his waist. "She will be perfectly safe." He pulled out the gold arm band and reached it to Knute. "What do you say?"

Knute stared at the bracelet for several seconds in doubt.

"I need you back, Knute." Erick mumbled, placing the band on Knute's wrist. "Do it for Astrid."

Knute nodded. "I will go."

¤§¤

The chipper sounds of music was heard playing from the dining hall as Astrid and Camilla strolled peacefully through the hall. People smiled to them as they casually passed and entered the room.

"I am nervous." Astrid whispered, wringing her sweaty hands together. "I do not think I can do this."

Camilla smiled warmly. "You can do this. I believe in you."

Astrid studied the room, examining the faces of strangers enjoying their lives. She caught a glimpse of Deman talking to a group of well-to-do men and began making her way through the crowd, passing people with a fake smile plastered upon her distraught face.

"Astrid," Deman spoke, stepping away from the circle. "you look very stunning." He looked Astrid up and down. "It does my heart good to see this dress being worn again."

Astrid smiled meekly, clasping her hands together behind her back.

"Shall we sit?" Deman asked, motioning towards the long table located at the front of the room.

Astrid nodded and followed closely behind him to the table,where she took the seat beside Deman. The servers passed around trays filled with delicious entrées for a short amount of time before several women brought out large platters carrying roasted pigs to each of the tables, which were already filled with fresh fruits and vegetables. Wine was being passed in pear-shaped bottles. The chatter among the crowd ceased when Lorna entered gracefully, making her way to the seat to the opposite side of Deman.

"I am glad to see you have emerged." Deman spoke sincerely, placing a kind smile upon his face as he poured the sweet red wine into his golden goblet. "Your suitor is very excited to meet you."

"Well I am not excited to meet him." Lorna responded in disgust, pushing herself away from the table. "I do not even want to be here!" She hastily jumped up from her chair. "As a matter of fact," she paused, popping a single grape into her mouth. "I do not think I will sit through this."

Lorna stormed off but was quickly caught by the crowd, praising her for everything she done. Astrid watched with an annoyed expression, regretting her attendance at the event. Deman remained drinking and eating in a calm matter while a mild-angered face shown through.

Astrid slept silent, studying the actions of everyone in the room. She focused her attention upon the quiet man perched on a chair in the corner. His face held a displeased scowl while he glared back at Astrid, who soon realized that he was Lorna's suitor.

An hour ticked away slowly. The crowd of people became silent, watching Deman as he arose from his chair, taking Lorna by the hand.

"Upon my late brothers behalf," Deman announced, eyeballing random individuals. "I will be passing my niece on to the man she will be marrying."

Lorna rolled her eyes obnoxiously. "Against my will." She grumbled under her breath.

Deman shot a displeased look at her before motioning the man to approach them. Complete silence was in the drafty room. Lorna stared intensely at the man.

"I will not marry him." Lorna blurted out, shaking her head violently. "Uncle you cannot make me marry him if I do not wish to." She stepped down from the platform where the table was at, making her way to the front. "You all are here for nothing. I will not be getting betrothed to this man, he is not what I am looking for."

"Yes she will." Deman loudly spoke over her complaints. "In forty days wedding will be held at the village church. The business between us has already been done and I will not be denying this man."

"It is that woman putting these thoughts in your mind." Lorna cried, pointing at Astrid. "She does not like me and longs to get rid of me so she can be the only female in your life."

Astrid sighed at the remark with a slight shake to her head. "I am afraid you are wrong there, dear. I do not like you that is true, but I do not want you to leave." She paused and smiled at Lorna. "It is your duty, though, as a princess to marry this man. You need to follow through with the customs of your people."

"You would never marry someone you did not know!" Lorna yelled, slamming her hands on the table across from Astrid.

"How do you know what I would do?" Astrid asked calmly, straightening her posture in the large-backed chair.

"Because you like your freedom too much!"

"Well, let me see here." Astrid said, raising a single finger up in the air. "I have only been free for a very short time- and I mean very short. The rest of my life I have belonged to someone else so yes, I am loving my freedom." She stood up and walked slowly around the table. "But who would not enjoy their freedom if you had not had it in so long." Astrid leaned against the edge of the table beside Lorna, who was bright red with anger. "You are only angry about marriage because you are spoiled. You have never known about a hard life and you do not want to risk losing that."

"You can come back and give me a speech whenever you have to marry a man you barely know."

Astrid smiled a crooked grin as she began looking around at the silenced crowd, watching every movement that was made.

"Deman," Astrid began, rolling her head around, locking eyes with him. "I believe I will accept your offer."

His eyes grew wide as he swallowed his gulp of wine. Lorna stared at them confused with a slight look of concern in her eyes.

"What offer?" Lorna mumbled, looking up at Deman who smiled happily.

"Are you certain, Astrid?" He asked. "I do not want you to feel pressured into this."

Astrid nodded. "I am certain. I am willing to marry you."

Thanks for reading! Remember to vote and comment. I have been having technological problems or this chapter would have been up quicker. 💗 thanks & God bless.

Also, this chapter needs a title. Tell me what you think.