The king and queen sat down with their children, the king at the head of the table, the heir to the throne to his left, his queen to his right and their only daughter sat next to the queen. King Trahaearn looked at his family after they said grace before eating. His son Brioc was the eldest of his children and had his mother's hazel eyes but his father's black hair. His daughter Tegwen on the other hand had her father's green/blue eyes and her mother's bright red hair. Both his children were tutored in different languages, as well as etiquette on being the prince and princess of Ceredigion. "Father, I got word from the scouts that north men were spotted on Cardigan Bay." Prince Brioc stated as he sat up straight and stared at his father while taking a sip of his mead. King Trahaearn looked at his son from his plate and cleared his throat a little. The statement also got the attention of his sister and his mother as they both looked between Brioc and the king.
"Is this true?" Queen Alaw asked as she raised one of her eyebrows and looking intensely at the king. The king sighed and looked at his queen, "Yes my dear it is. However, I didn't truly believe they would make a visit here." He finished stating calmly as if nothing was wrong nor there was an actual issue with it and went on eating his food. Alaw just gaped at her husband the man she fell in love with over the years. He used to tell her everything even though he did not need nor have to say anything to her about the politics of the kingdom. 'Why would he keep this from me? Is there something else he is hiding? What do the north men want?' The queen thought to herself and furrowed her brows. And as if the king read her mind he responded once again, "Before you ask Alaw, I didn't tell you because there wasn't a need to. We shall welcome them and give them all they desire for them to be on their way." He finished as he took a sip of his mead staring at his wife.
However, the statement the king made only infuriated her, these north men, heathens, pagans, Vikings whatever you want to call them were known to be untrustworthy. All they care about is war and death and ruining kingdoms. "And if they start attacking our people or us or even your children what then?!" Alaw shouted who unknowingly was now in front of her husband. "They won't..." He started causing Alaw to scoff and placed her hands on her hips before ultimately cutting him off, "How do you know?!! Are you going to take their word for it?!" She screamed her pale skin turning red with rage. "ENOUGH!" King Trahaearn shouted back as he slammed his fists against the table regaining the attention of their children. "You may be my queen, but I am still your king and you will treat me as such above all else and before you treat me as your husband. I know because I received a letter from the king of Norway and his demands." King Trahaearn finished as he stormed out of the dining hall leaving his wife to look stunned and shocked at his outburst as well as her own.
Brioc glanced at his sister and then at his mother, they have seen outbursts by their parents but nothing like this. There was a long silence as Queen Alaw walked out of the dining hall as well shortly after her husband. Prince Brioc gave his little sister a small reassuring smile, "It will be fine Tegwen. Father would not put us in danger, those north men will not lay a hand nor finger on you or mother." He stated before excusing himself leaving his sister alone with her thoughts about the north men and what they were really like and not from the stories she has heard.