Kingdom of Northumbria- 804 AD

Tualla already felt homesick. She didn’t like the level terrain, the different wildlife or the salty air, and after three days of riding on horseback, her backside ached.

She wished her aunt Dena could be here to hold her hand. Despite Dena's concerns about the union, Tualla had agreed to hold off the engagement until after she had met the lord.

Many of her fellow villagers also expressed doubt. They believed the saxons couldn't be trusted, but none had taken the news as badly as Aedan. He refused to speak to her or even make eye contact, but no matter how much it tore her apart, she'd already made her mind up.

At least Tualla only had to put up with his silent treatment. Aedan had lost all respect for his father. He would challenge Padraig at every opportunity, treating him with hostility and utter contempt, and Tualla had to question Padraig's reasoning for bringing Aedan along. 

The tension between them had already dampened the journey and now an icy bite rolled in from the turbulent grey-brown sea, making the last stretch of the ride even more miserable.

As daylight began to fade, Padraig announced they were almost there. Fields and the outline of a town could be seen on the horizon. Even from this distance, Tualla could tell Elnwich was bigger than Dun-Barnock, the palisade alone had to be twice as high.

She took a deep breath to settle her nerves. Would the lord treat her well? Could she grow to love him? Would she be happy here? 

Not that those things mattered much, not when it came down to her clan's safety.

Their horse’s hooves clacked on the stone-paved road. Though her hands were numb from the bitter cold, Tualla clutched at the reins as she prepared to meet her future husband.

***

Townspeople gathered around them as their group dismounted, subjecting them to curious stares, pointing and hushed mumbles. Although her heart hammered the whole time, she wouldn’t shy away. This was soon to be her home. 

With a pleasant smile, Tualla met their gazes with decorum and dignity. The women all wore light coloured fabrics over their hair. While some of the men wore simple hats, most had no covering at all. 

The crowd began to hush and disperse as three men approached. One had a tall brown dog by his side and a falcon perched on his arm. This had to be the lord of Elnwich. Everything from his fitted leather tunic and fur cloak, to his trimmed dark hair and styled moustache set him apart from everyone else. 

Padraig’s face lit up as he caught sight of him. “Edwin!” 

Upon hearing the greeting, the lord turned to one of the men beside him and transferred the falcon over. He removed the leather glove as he strode towards them with a commanding grace. 

“It’s good to see you again, Padraig,” he said in a cool manner, his eyes giving nothing away as they raked over his guests and fell on Aedan. “This must be your son?”

Padraig seemed uneasy for a moment before he puffed out his chest. “Yes, yes this is my son, Aedan.”

“I’ve heard a lot about you,” Edwin said, extending his arm.

With his arms crossed and his body tense, Aedan stared at the lord's hand. Padraig nudged Aedan’s shoulder and he reluctantly unfolded his arms. He gripped hold of Edwin's forearm, squeezing much harder than he should. If his grip hurt, the lord didn't show it.

“And this is Tualla,” Padraig said, stepping between the two and interrupting the stand off. He ushered Tualla forward and everyone’s attention turned to her. “Tualla, this is Lord Edwin of Elnwich.”

She could feel Aedan’s anger and possessive gaze as she stepped up to the lord. She risked a brief glance in his direction but he’d already turned away. Aedan’s behaviour worried her. She'd never seen this side of him and feared he would somehow mess this up.

Shifting her attention back to the lord, she hoped the interaction went unnoticed by him. With a polite smile, she held out her hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, my lord.” Her cheeks flushed as she wondered whether she’d addressed him correctly.

A slight smile played on his lips as he took her hand, clasping it in both of his. “The pleasure is all mine, my lady.”

Although older than her, and despite his stoic demeanor, he was handsome and she noted the kindness in his eyes.

"Come," Edwin said, addressing their party. "My men will see that your horses are fed and watered. You must be tired and in need of refreshment after your journey."

With his dog by his side, Edwin led them through the town. His two men stayed close, keeping an extra watchful eye on Aedan. They passed a number of dwellings and workshops. Like home, they were made from mud and straw, but the buildings were more square rather than circular. 

When they arrived at the great hall, the smell hit Tualla first; an earthy floral aroma mixed with mouth watering scents of cooked meats and baked goods. Tiny purple flowers scattered the wooden floor which creaked beneath them. Similar to the Talla Mòr, but without the smell of livestock, the large room boasted more space and appeared to have a couple of extra rooms attached. Three long tables surrounded a central fire, each packed with every food imaginable. Pork, beef, venison, duck, pheasant and an assortment of vegetables. Tualla closed her eyes and inhaled, the smell reminding her of the many festivals back home. 

As the guests of honour, Edwin invited Padraig and Tualla to sit either side of him at the head table. The dog curled up by Edwin’s feet and the falcon had already been perched behind him.

One of Edwin’s men went to take the other seat by Tualla, but Aedan jumped in the spot. 

“That’s where I sit,” the man said, a hand ready on his sword as the two fiercely glared at one another.

“Stand down, Osric,” Edwin said without looking over. When Osric hesitated, he added, “Aedan is a guest and I expect all of my guests to be treated with the same respect you show me.” 

In his usual cocky fashion, Aedan smirked at Osric who struggled to contain his anger as he settled into a seat further down.

"Can you try to behave yourself?" Tualla hissed only to be ignored again.

With everyone settled, Lord Edwin stood and the room fell silent. "Friends," he said, raising his flagon. "It's an honour to have you here this evening. Our people have been at war for generations and much blood has been spilled. May this be the beginning of a new age, one of peace and prosperity." With a smile at Tualla, he continued, "I hope this will be the first of many celebrations between us." Turning back to the room, he raised his flagon. "Waes hael!"

"Waes hael!" the room echoed, downing their drinks before tucking into the feast. It tasted as delicious as it smelled, washed down with copious amounts of ale, mead and wine. 

Since Padraig and Edwin were busy discussing trade deals and military tactics, and Aedan still ignored her, Tualla busied herself by looking at the various tapestries decorating the walls. Each depicted a man with a close resemblance to Lord Edwin, and appeared to show him participating in hunts or battles.  

"That was my first ever battle," Edwin said, leaning into Tualla and pointing at one where he seemed young. "And the first of many victories." For a moment, he seemed to withdraw into himself, but he shook it off and resumed conversation. "I trust your impression of Elnwich is good?"

Tualla felt Aedan's seat shuffle beside her, no doubt listening in. 

"Yes, very, at least what I've seen of it so far."
"It is unfortunate your party arrived so late in the day. Tomorrow, I shall give you a tour— with company, of course. It wouldn't be appropriate with just the two of us." 

Tualla's brow raised, curious why it would be an issue, but before she could ask, he went on to say, "I must admit, I was surprised to hear that you wanted to visit before making your decision."

Aedan scoffed behind her. "Because no one would turn down a wealthy lord." He kept his tone lighthearted, but the insult was clear.

Edwin smirked. "That's very true, but I won't let it affect my pride." 

Tualla fought the urge to kick Aedan under the table, but Edwin's sense of humour impressed her and she focused on keeping things civil. "I believe a union regardless of reasons should be built on mutual respect." 

"That's very sensible." Edwin glanced at Aedan before returning his attention to Tualla. "Have you given any further thought to my proposal?" 

Tualla felt her cheeks heat up with embarrassment. She hated being caught in the middle and Aedan needed to understand his behaviour wouldn’t change a thing. Taking a sip of wine, she considered how to answer. "My mind has been made up since before we arrived. An alliance will benefit us both."

The table lurched forward, spilling drinks everywhere. Edwin's dog began barking and snarling, and Osric was already on his feet, ready to defend his lord.

The entire room fell silent as they watched the scene unfold. Padraig looked beyond furious.

Still seated, Edwin remained calm as Aedan stood in front of him, his stance intimidating, his fists balled at his side as he made an exaggerated bow. "Excuse me, my lord." 

Aedan stormed out of the hall. 

Although Tualla hated this jealous side of him, she couldn't help the guilt churning in her stomach. She closed her eyes as warm tears rolled down her cheek.

"I understand his frustration," Edwin said. "It must be very difficult letting go of something so beautiful." He reached for a lock of Tualla's hair but she jerked out of his way and glared at him. 

"Aedan sees more than my beauty, " she snapped, then kicked herself for letting her emotions get the better of her. "I'm sorry…" She looked away and took a deep breath before making eye contact. "It’s been a long day and I have drunk too much wine. It's probably best if I retire for the night." 

"I understand," he said with a soft smile. "Let me show you to your room."

Her room? She wouldn't be sleeping in the hall with everyone else? 

She followed Edwin to one of the doors off the hall. Illuminated by a flickering candle, the small room had the same floorboards running throughout, a linen sheet covered a plump straw bed with a pile of furs on top.

"I trust your stay will be comfortable. Please let me know if there's anything you require."

"Thank you," Tualla said, stepping into the cosy room. "This is more than enough." 

"I can't promise you love." Edwin paused by the door. "As desirable as it may be, love isn't a necessity for marriage."

The declaration caught Tualla by surprise and she didn't move when he stepped closer.

"I can promise that you'll be the finest lady in this land. Your gowns will be made of the softest silks and your jewels will rival those of any queen." 

She admired his honesty and felt he deserved the same. "Those have little interest to me." 

"I shouldn't be surprised," he said with a genuine smile. "You're unlike any of the noble women I've met." He moved closer, fixing her in place with his intense gaze. "What do you want from this marriage?" 

"I want to protect my people, to keep them safe. I want to be treated with respect, as an equal."

"Loyal, compassionate and fair… those are admirable qualities." He smiled and walked out of the room. "Good night, my lady." 

Author's Note-

Thanks for reading, and if you enjoyed it, please consider voting and leaving a comment.

Please excuse the long wait for this chapter. Chapter 6 and 7 have been a challenge as I had a lot to cover which is vital for later parts.

However, I have raced ahead with the first draft, and I can't wait to show you how it plays out. Now the first draft is almost finished, the rest of the chapters will be updated quickly... all within the next week before the ONC deadline.