Alaina awoke the next morning to the rhythmic tapping of a servant's knock on her chamber door. As she reluctantly pried open her slumber-heavy eyes, she discovered warm sunlight streaming through the window, bathing the room in a golden embrace. Shadows danced on the well-worn wooden floor, echoing the soft rhythm of the morning breeze.
Her bed chamber, a sanctuary of rest amid the castle's bustling energy, was adorned with intricately woven tapestries showcasing the kingdom's ancient legends. Delicately carved wooden furniture, time-softened by years of use, added a regal flair to the space. The canopied bed where she began to stir was a nest of lush, velvet linens in shades of earthy greens and burgundies, reflecting the warmth and comfort of a safe haven. The scent of fresh flowers, arranged carefully in crystal vases, lingered in the air, subtly mingling with the musty charm exuded by tomes of poetry and history that graced the bookshelves lining the walls. The room was a testament to her heritage and a refuge for her soul, where she could escape the storm of emotions that swirled outside its walls.
"You may enter", Alaina called out. The servant was a tall and thin lady, slightly older than she was.
"Pardon for waking you, my lady. His lordship and Gareth are waiting for you in the great hall. There is also breakfast if you are hungry," the servant said as she hurriedly set a bowl of water and a washcloth on the table. "I will return with your new dress."
Alaina cast off the heavy covers and swung her legs out of bed, nestling her cold feet into a plush pair of wool-lined slippers. Compared to Hann Aisle's warmer climate, the chill in the air here bit at her skin, causing her to shiver despite the crackling fire that burned steadily beneath the mantel. Draping a thick, warm robe around herself, she splashed water onto her face and raked her fingers through her tousled locks. Rummaging through her drawer, she located a miswak stick and a mixture of crushed leek seeds and mint leaves. She diligently cleansed her teeth until her mouth felt refreshed and pristine.
Soon after, a servant entered with a stunning burgundy, long-sleeved velvet dress adorned with a satin panel insert and gold ribbon accents. Alaina was gratified to find that the dress appeared elegant, warm, and well-suited for the region's wintry weather.
"Let me assist you, my lady," said the servant as she helped Alaina remove her nightdress. Alaina put on her undergarments and stepped into the dress the servant held for her.
"I do not believe I know your name," Alaina tried to make conversation to fill the silence. She felt like a stranger in her own home.
"Oh! My apologies, my lady. My name is Zora," the servant huffed in embarrassment. "Gareth has assigned me to care for you, so please let me know if you need anything at all."
Alaina smiled at the mention of his name as she slipped her arms through the buttery smooth sleeves. Zora helped to tie the ribbon on her bodice, careful not to make it too tight. Alaina waited for her to question about the large, gruesome scar along her spine, but Zora did no such thing. She did not even flinch. After fixing the dress, she took a brass chained belt from the large chest of drawers.
"This is a beautiful dress", Alaina remarked as she stroked the soft fabric.
"Aye, my lady. Gareth commissioned this dress for you as soon as you arrived. The seamstresses are working swiftly on your other dresses."
Alaina's heart thumped against her chest, knowing that Gareth had these dresses specially made for her. She shook her head, trying to clear her nonsensical, childish feelings. Alaina knew she had to be firm today to get her much-needed answers. She had to push aside her thoughts and not be blinded by them. He was the enemy, she painfully reminded herself.
"Thank you, Zora. Please keep the fire burning in my room. I am not yet accustomed to the colder temperatures here."
Zora nodded in acknowledgement. Alaina smiled gratefully at her servant and quickly left her chamber.
Although the castle's corridors were chilly, the great hall was quite the opposite. It was warm with all the lit braziers and the large fireplace. There was a decent spread of food for breakfast waiting at the table. Assorted freshly baked bread with fruit preserves, sliced smoked ham, and a bowl of warm vegetable stew were laid out. She saw her father and Gareth speaking at the far corner of the room, both in deep discussion. However, she was pleased to know it was an amicable conversation, unlike the tense one the night before. She approached quietly, trying to remain inconspicuous to the two men and not to interrupt them and sat at the end of the table. A servant gave her a goblet of warm mulled wine as she helped herself to the food on the table. She peered at the two men discussing. Her gallant father's face had a fixed frown, while Gareth looked calm and collected.
Alaina's heart quickened upon seeing Gareth again. How did he make her feel this way? She thought to herself. She did not even know him, yet he seemed so familiar. The same magnetic pull she felt the evening before brewed in her chest. Her thoughts were interrupted when a servant dropped an empty goblet on the floor. Both her father and Gareth looked up, also interrupted by the commotion.
When Gareth's gaze caught hers, her heart skipped a beat. Frantically, she looked down and tried to steady her breathing. She refused to be affected by him.
She did not notice them walking toward her as she busied herself with the food on her plate.
"Alaina," her father said gently as he sat beside her. "I must apologise for my outburst yesterday." Rainald spoke with utmost sincerity. He placed his hand on top of hers and smiled gently at her.
"There is nothing to apologise for, Papa. Everything is overwhelming at the moment, so I understand your distress," Alaina answered, taking his hand in hers and squeezing it tight.
"We have something important to discuss once you have finished your meal. Please join us in the council room when you are ready." Alaina nodded and continued eating her breakfast. Rainald rose from his seat and straightened his clothes.
"I trust you have rested well." Gareth's voice was warm and affectionate. Her heart fluttered even more.
"Yes," she replied quietly, looking down, hoping he would not see her flushed face. "And thank you for the dress. It is lovely."
"I am glad you like it, Alaina. More dresses are being prepared for you. Enjoy your meal. We will be waiting for you in the council room."
Both men walked out of the great hall. Alaina ate as quickly as she could. She was curious to know what they had to say. She also had many questions that needed answers and felt it would be the best opportunity to ask them.
The council room was empty except for Rainald and Gareth speaking quietly at the table. Alaina walked in, holding herself as confidently as she could. Her mind was focused on the questions she needed to ask. She asked a servant to bring her some wine as she stood beside her father.
"What matters needed to be discussed?" she asked, surprised by her confident tone.
Rainald recounted the dilemma, acknowledging the veracity of Gareth's assertions from the previous night; the region of Dunkeld was, indeed, facing grave peril. The devastating drought had left its mark on the once-bountiful lands of Dunkeld. Fields that were once seas of golden wheat and flourishing vegetation now stretched barren and lifeless, their parched soils fissured under the unforgiving sun.
The duchy had been known for its wide variety of crops, from lush orchards producing sweet, juicy apples to tender stalks of asparagus gracing the finest feasts. Now, however, nothing thrived.
Farmers, who had once taken immense pride in their work, tending to their fields meticulously and nurturing each seed from planting to harvest, felt the bitter sting of despair. They helplessly watched as their livelihoods withered and their futures grew uncertain.
The drought's impact reverberated throughout the kingdom, extending far beyond the simple confines of agriculture. Livestock, too, suffered as the plants that sustained them shrivelled, and the rivers and streams they relied on stagnated into shallow creeks or disappeared entirely. As famine gripped the land, even the once-bustling markets turned eerily silent; the stalls, now bereft of goods, stood as stark testimony to the drought's pervasive effects.
In addition, the region's economy ground to a halt as a direct consequence of its struggling agriculture. The affluent merchants and traders, who once flocked to make a fortune from Dunkeld's legendary bounty, found no reason to stay or visit. As the treasury's gold dwindled, so did the region's reputation as a thriving domain. And so, with each passing season, the vibrant spirit and prosperity of Dunkeld receded further into the pages of history, leaving the once-great region beleaguered by forces of nature beyond any mortal control.
Alaina recalled the days when Dunkeld, bolstered by its fertile lands, served as the primary grain and produce supplier for all five kingdoms. Its great prosperity and bustling trade had formerly made it one of the most affluent realms. The knowledge that such a legacy was now verging on collapse due to a force beyond Rainald's control weighed heavily on her heart.
He explained that his frequent absences from the kingdom were necessitated by his efforts to re-establish trade routes and seek assistance from neighbouring kingdoms. Still, Alaina noticed that he made no mention of Salome.
"This is why I was so adamant about your marriage to the prince," Rainald said solemnly. Alaina knew that a union by marriage between the two kingdoms would guarantee a secure alliance and financial assistance.
"However, the King has not caught wind of my… predicament. It has been a fear of mine that he would decline the marriage should he find out that Dunkeld is in dire condition." Rainald took a large gulp of wine, little red droplets beaded on his wiry, grey moustache.
"The King would not want a deadweight alliance."
"I am sure his friendship would outweigh this predicament," said Alaina, gulping her wine as well. There was so much to digest, and she tried as hard as possible to wrap her head around all this unfortunate information.
"The friendship would not matter!" replied Rainald, growing agitated at her lack of understanding. He started pacing the room, sipping his wine as he walked.
"He is a kind man, but he is not stupid, Alaina. He would not jeopardise his reputation and the reputation of his kingdom for the sake of friendship. The King sees friendship only when he can gain something from it."
Alaina struggled to reconcile her own experiences with the accusation. In her experience with King Magnus, he had always been a loving and devoted father figure. She never felt like he viewed her as a mere instrument for his gain. And yet, what did she truly know? After all, she was intended to be his son's wife and the mother to his future grandchildren, the ones who would carry on his lineage and preserve his legacy. But deep within her, she couldn't shake the belief that the King Magnus she knew would not have used her as a mere pawn in a game of power and lineage.
"Then why am I forced to marry the Prince if you knew of these problems?" she questioned angrily.
Alaina frowned, so even if she were to marry the prince and create the alliance by marriage, it would also not guarantee that Hann Aisle would keep funding Dunkeld. Moreover, once the prince became King, he would have the power to dissolve the marriage whenever he wished, leaving Alaina unable to wed again and Dunkeld in debt to the crown.
"It was the only plausible solution at that point, Alaina. You don't understand the difficulties of running a duchy…"
"How can you blame me for not knowing these things when you've never told me? I have not seen you in three years, papa. You've barely replied to my letters."
"You are a woman. Your role is to provide heirs to your husband. I am sorry, but that is the harsh reality of our time."
Tears pricked in Alaina's eyes, hearing her father speak those words. It was not that she didn't know her role; every day of her life, she was reminded of it. But hearing her most treasured father say those words out loud did not make it easier. Rainald noticed Alaina's distress, and his face softened. He took her hands in his and kissed her fingers gently.
"Gareth, however, has agreed to help us", sighed Rainald. "As he mentioned last night, he has been supplying food and gold to our people. Perhaps I was too ignorant to notice that the northern men have been aiding us."
Rainald continued with his revelation, sharing that Gareth had been providing Dunkeld with an array of special crops and vegetables specifically bred to endure harsher weather conditions. These resilient plants boasted a remarkable hardiness, thriving even in the face of prolonged drought. Introducing these drought-resistant varieties to Dunkeld was part of a well-thought-out strategy to revitalise the agricultural sector and, in turn, to gradually reestablish vital trade routes, breathing new life into the beleaguered economy.
Gareth had not only sent seeds but also facilitated the transfer of knowledge through expert farmers and horticulture specialists from his tribes, who would teach Dunkeld's farmers the most effective cultivation techniques tailored to these particular crops. This far-reaching, collaborative effort would help restore the once-fertile land and replenish the swiftly depleting castle treasury.
As Alaina absorbed this information, a sense of relief washed over her. This new arrangement, she realised, could potentially eliminate the burden of marrying the prince. Additionally, she took comfort in knowing that with Gareth's help, Dunkeld could regain its former status as a prosperous and invaluable component of the greater kingdom. Like the hardy crops, the seeds of hope had been planted, promising a brighter future and a renewed legacy.
"But he has one condition…." Rainald said curtly, jolting her out of her thoughts. "He wishes to marry you."
Alaina's face paled, and a lump gathered in her throat. She recoiled her hands from her father instinctively.
"The choice is yours, Alaina," Gareth interjected, "I do not wish to force a marriage on you if that is not what you want. If your heart lies with the prince, I will not intervene."
"No, it does not!"
Shaken by her outburst, she covered her mouth with her cold fingers. She blinked and tried to steady herself.
"I mean to say. I only wish to make a decision that would benefit Dunkeld."
Gareth reached forward and took her cold hands into his.
"And I only wish for your happiness," Gareth said softly, stroking her hands ever so gently that she felt her body hunger for more. "With me, you will not be treated as a mere wife. It is not in our custom to do so. You will have the freedom to do as you wish."
She stared at his lips, the lips that were barely inches away from her face the night before. She involuntarily bit her lip and felt his hands grip hers tighter, hunger growing in his eyes. Mustering every bit of willpower, she pulled her hands away and held them together at her waist.
"I have to make sure that Dunkeld prospers. It is my duty," her voice quivered. "And it seems the best possible solution would be to marry Gareth since he already has solutions to our immediate problems," she anxiously picked at the skin on her fingers. "However, I don't believe the King would take too kindly to this arrangement." Alaina looked at her father, searching his face for a reaction.
"No, he will not. But I will have to be the one to inform him. I have to make him see that this would benefit the other regions. With our trade routes established, we could supply the rest of the kingdoms as we used to. I would need to come clean with him and tell him everything."
Alaina considered his statement. It made sense that he should accept it, believing it would benefit all involved parties. Finding another noblewoman to wed the prince would be easy. Alaina was sure that there were other better candidates than herself.
"And what about the prince in the dungeon? I assume he would have to be released to appease the King."
"I planned to use his release as leverage, that Gareth would free him if you agreed to the marriage." Rainald breathed, stroking his beard. "It would also show that the northerners are not as blood-thirsty as people know them to be."
Alaina did not like the feeling of being married off to solve problems, and she would have preferred to live a free life, making her own decisions. But she knew it was her duty as the Duchess of Dunkeld.
"Well, if that's settled, then we should proceed to inform him about the marriage."
Rainald appeared to presume her compliance to the arrangement, considering the burden of responsibility that rested on her shoulders. She pondered the situation and concluded that perhaps being wed to Gareth would be preferable to marrying the detestable prince. She envisioned a life of misery alongside the prince and clung to the hope that marriage to Gareth might offer her greater freedom and the chance of happiness. His striking presence had already stirred desire within her. However, she acknowledged that she knew little about him, and yet, here they were on the second day of their acquaintance, broaching the topic of matrimony.
As Rainald and Gareth discussed their plans for a departure to Hann Aisle the following day to deliver the news to the King—out of respect for their longstanding friendship—Alaina stood nearby, feeling awkward and uncertain. She wondered if Gareth truly regarded the decision as hers to make. Could she trust that he would continue supporting Dunkeld even if she chose not to consent to their union? She found it hard to believe anyone, including Gareth, could be so altruistic. Invariably, everything came with a price. And yet, she couldn't help but question: why her? What was it that drew Gareth to her so fervently?
"Why me?" she said out loud. Both men looked at her in surprise. She turned to Gareth, addressing the question to him. "Why me, Gareth? Why not have your pick of any of the beautiful women in Dunkeld?"
Gareth frowned at her as if she had asked something so absurd. Rainald's eyes darted to Gareth as if he feared his answer.
"If you are giving me a choice of any of the women in Dunkeld, then I would still choose you," Gareth smiled cooly.
"But why?"
"I need to make arrangements for my return," Rainald said, panicked as he hurried out of the council room, giving orders to the servants along the way.
Upon Rainald's departure, Gareth turned to Alaina; his smile was proof of his joy. He reached for her hands, cradling them within his own, and brought them to his lips, pressing tender kisses upon her knuckles. As the warmth of his breath danced over her skin, Alaina felt a blush spread across her cheeks, and her legs threatened to buckle beneath her.
"I may not be a prince," Gareth vowed with unflinching sincerity, his eyes never leaving hers as he kissed her knuckles again, "but I promise to make you the happiest woman in the world. Perhaps one day, you will see this union as one of love rather than a mere act of duty."
His voice, filled with candour and compassion, kindled a newfound hope within her, encouraging her to believe that his words would one day become their truth.
"You have not answered my question."
"I will, but I would prefer if you found out yourself," Gareth's eyes softened as he released her hand. "The past will not matter eventually."
"The past? What do you mean?"
"Once you are my wife, I promise to tell you everything. But I'm afraid I have urgent matters to attend to today. Call upon the servants to make arrangements for the wedding. The castle is in dire need of a woman's touch." Gareth's face was inches away from hers.
She stared at his lips, breathing heavily. He sighed as if annoyed by the tasks he had to complete and left the room.
Alaina felt herself quiver as she held the table to support her shaking legs.
Hating being listless, Alaina tried to busy herself by planning for her wedding. She called upon a handful of servants and instructed them on what she wanted them to prepare. As she had found it, it was many years since an extravagant event was held in the great hall of Dunkeld. Many of the accessories and items used for dinners were sold during the unfortunate downfall of her father's wealth. Although Alaina did not know when the wedding would occur for certain, she decided to plan ahead to estimate how much this event would cost the kingdom. Considering the difficult years, she did not want to overspend, but she knew that her father would have his reputation on the line. As far as she could recall from her history books, a wedding between a noblewoman and a northerner had never happened before. Not only would her father have to prove to the other kingdoms that this wedding was truthfully for the betterment of Dunkeld, but it would also be a way to re-establish the merchants and trade. They had to show their power and wealth to be taken seriously for making such an uncontemporary marriage arrangement.
Moreover, most of the kingdom thought she was already engaged to the prince, considering they had such a lavish announcement party not even a fortnight ago. For her to suddenly have a change of suitor would cause endless rumours and unrest. She knew that fowl things would be said about her, that the only reason for the marriage was because she lost her maidenhood to the northerner. Or that her father had lost his mind and sold her to the northerners. She shuddered, thinking of the repercussions of this marriage and the mental turmoil she would have to face after that. But she knew it was the best possible solution. As her father had said earlier, the King could call off the wedding if he learned about Dunkeld's lack of resources or the never-ending debt that hung like a shadow over her father's back. Gareth was not only providing a short-term solution but also a long-term one. The different types of crops he would provide would mean that Dunkeld would no longer suffer if there were another drought. If the seasons start picking up, they could always return to their original selection of crops and produce. No matter the weather conditions, Dunkeld would always be able to provide for the rest of the kingdom.
But what if the rest of the kingdom shuns them? It was abnormal for a noblewoman to wed a northerner and for the kingdom to trade with them. What if she could convince them to change their stance? What if this could be a new dawn of an alliance with the Northerners? Only time could tell.
Alaina's fingers absentmindedly brushed through a collection of fabric samples for the new tablecloths and tapestries she intended to order. During her initial encounter with the castle's dining area, she had noted the age and wear evident in the tablecloths; some even bore unmistakable signs of rodent damage. She was acutely aware that any noblewoman present at her wedding would take heed of these imperfections, potentially sparking a torrent of gossip.
As she examined the selection of materials, she encountered a luxurious swath of silk, its smooth texture gliding gracefully under her fingertips. The lushness of the fabric would certainly lend an air of luxury to the feast. Her hand then found a more rustic but equally elegant linen, its weave intricate and sturdy, imparting a sense of both refinement and durability. An enduring symbol, she thought, of the solidity of her impending marriage.
A vibrant array of colours presented themselves, ranging from deep, regal blues offering an air of sophistication to rich, verdant greens that echoed the region's natural splendour. Alaina found herself pondering the balance between legacy and innovation as she contemplated which fabrics would best dazzle the noble guests and silence the wagging tongues of critics.
Alaina handed her selected fabric samples to a servant, instructing them to place the order. Shortly thereafter, a delegation of seamstresses arrived to take her measurements for her wedding gown. Having been thoroughly impressed with their work, Alaina specifically requested the same skilled artisans that Gareth had highly recommended. As the preparations continued, she tried not to be swept away by the excitement of her altered fortunes. She knew that marrying Gareth would undoubtedly be a more desirable fate than being bound to the odious prince.
Nevertheless, the unknown elements of Gareth's character weighed on her mind, preventing her from trusting him wholeheartedly. Could his kindness merely be a facade to secure what he sought? She reminded herself to request a viewing of the new crop specimens, eager for reassurance that his claims rang true. Thus far, Gareth had not proven himself deceitful, but Alaina desired confirmation. An enigma remained, the unanswered question of Salomé's identity. She understood that her father would be preoccupied with arranging his imminent journey to Hann Aisle and opted to reserve her inquiries for his return after the wedding ceremony.
The magnitude of the revelations concerning her father troubled her greatly; the myriad of secrets and the depths of deception left her questioning whether she had ever truly known the man she called father. As the grand event approached, she braced herself to confront these lingering mysteries and forge a path toward a brighter future.
"My lady, should I bring your dinner to your chambers?" a female servant asked politely. Alaina looked up in surprise. How long had she been sitting in the great hall? She looked outside the window and saw that the sun had almost entirely set.
"Yes, please, I shall eat in my chambers. Please tell Zora to prepare my bath as well." The servant nodded and left to complete her assigned duties.
When Alaina returned to her chambers, she saw a bundle of wildflowers on her bed. She curiously inspected them and saw a small piece of parchment. On it, there was a handwritten note.
Their beauty reminded me of you
-Gareth
Her heart skipped a beat at the sweet gesture. It was the first time Alaina had received flowers from anyone. Bringing the wildflowers up to her nose, she inhaled its lovely freshness. Moments later, Zora knocked on her door, bringing in her bath and night clothes.
"Would you like my assistance for your bath, my lady?" Zora asked as she set the tub of warm water down.
"No, thank you, Zora. I can manage myself," replied Alaina, smiling back at her. Zora nodded and excused herself from the room, giving Alaina the privacy she requested. Alaina undressed and got into the bath. She massaged her tired muscles and washed her long hair. Once she was done, Zora entered the room, bringing her dinner. It was a steaming bowl of lamb stew and freshly baked rye bread. The smell was heavenly, so Alaina wasted no time eating. While she ate, Zora placed the wildflowers that Gareth had picked into a large porcelain vase and left the vase on her dressing table. Alaina smiled at the flowers as she ate her fill. A warm feeling of hope radiated inside her. Perhaps this wedding will not be too bad after all…
Gareth was positively elated, a sensation that bubbled up inside him throughout the day, etching a broad, irrepressible smile. The mere thought that Alaina had willingly accepted his proposal and embraced the possibility of a future together filled him with a joy he'd never experienced. Each time the realisation struck him anew, warmth swelled within his heart, invigorating him with a profound sense of hope and happiness.
Observing his friend's noticeable cheer, Einar remarked with a knowing grin, "I suppose the arrangement went as planned."
Gareth could only smile in response, finding himself at a loss for words to accurately capture the wellspring of emotions coursing through him. Einar teased, "Wipe that grin off your face; the battle's not over yet!"
Summoned by a whirlwind of energy surging through him, Gareth declared, "Call the men to the training grounds; I need to release some of this pent-up energy."
Einar chuckled and cunningly suggested, "Why not go to her bedchamber and expel it there instead?"
At that, Gareth's smile vanished, a storm of protective fervour brewing in his eyes. He lunged towards his friend, grasping him by his neck. "You will not disrespect her, Einar," Gareth growled, his teeth clenched in anger, "You may be my friend, but I will not tolerate jests at her expense."
Realising he'd gone too far, Einar apologised, patting Gareth's iron grip on his neck as he pleaded for release. As Gareth gradually relented, Einar slumped to the floor, coughing and sputtering, "I don't know what you see in her, my friend."
"It is not for you to know."
"We have followed you here and started the chain of events for a war. You cannot expect us to follow you blindly into battle for a woman."
"Then leave if you do not wish to follow me" Gareth spat out. Einar sighed loudly.
"You know I would die for you, brother. We all will."
"Then do not question me," his gaze still pierced daggers; Einar could only flinch in response. Seeing it was a pointless argument, he dropped the subject and left to gather the men to the training barracks for some sparring.