Queen EmelineI cannot stop pacing my chambers.
Ulf, Skarth, and the king retired to his officium. I was unable to follow as this would anger the king’s ealdormen further. We need them on our side. So I did what a queen would do—and retired to my chambers.
Aedan is watching over my father and brother because neither can be trusted. I wonder where Cecily is. She was with them, but I wonder what has happened to her since she is no longer of any use to my father.
The door opens, and the last person I thought would appear enters. My heart commences an unhealthy staccato.
Ulf closes the door and presses his back against it, watching me with his trademark dimpled grin. “Hello, ástin mín. I like what you’ve done with your hair.”
“What are you doing in here? Where is Skarth?” I ask, ignoring h
