Queen EmelineSkarth rode out in the dead of night, and he took my heart with him. He promised he would return as soon as he could, but we don’t know when that’ll be.
The king and I are due to ride the countryside, as he believes it will be in our favor if the Mercians see their king and queen. I agree, but I’m in no mood to smile and wave.
My heart will not stop aching.
There is a knock on my chamber doors, and Ulf, Liv, and Aedan enter.
This kingdom is less formal than I am used to, but I suppose King Beornwulf does not follow traditional law.
Aedan and Ulf appear to have bonded quite quickly, which surprises me as I’ve not known Ulf to like anyone. But Aedan did protect me when Ulf couldn’t. Not that it is his job to protect me—that’s no one’s job as I can look after myself.
Pullin
