Chapter 4: Kingdom of Mercia

The candles in her room burned. She listened closely. It was late. Everyone has to be resting in their chambers, she thought as a naughty grin appeared on her face. She left her bed and reached for her cloak, which lay across the foot of the bed. Just as she attempted to put it on, her door opened, “Cousin?” she said with a surprised look.

Darleen smiled. She had a tray with two cups, a pitcher, and baked goods, “Yes, it’s me. I thought we’d enjoy some milk and bread before we sleep. It’s been a long time since we’ve had our nightly talks. You’ve been busy.”

Winfred made a face, “Busy? No, I’ve been exhausted. Soon, I’ll be married and—”

“No worries. Let’s just eat and talk,” she said as she walked over to the small table by the chair in the room. She placed the tray down, turned to her cousin, and handed her a cup and a piece of sweet bread.

“Ummm,” Winfred said as she tasted the bread. It was nice and warm, “I will miss our baker. She makes the best bread.”

“Indeed she does. I’ll miss her too.”

Winfred made a face, “Why is that?” she asked out of curiosity.

Darleen wore a gorgeous necklace with blue stones. She toyed with it as she spoke, “Because I am coming with you. I am not staying in Mercia. I will be wherever you are.”

Winfred smiled, “It will be nice to have a familiar face there with me in Northumbria.”

“And, of course, I plan to win over Prince Liam.”

Winfred’s eyes were glazed over; she yawned, “Heavens, pardon me.”

“Are you okay, dear cousin?”

“Yes, perhaps, I should rest now.”

Darleen stood, “Yes, perhaps you should. Sweet dreams,” she said as she stood and left.

Winfred fought the drowsiness. She had a mission. Arledge was waiting for her. She longed to feel him once more. She didn’t have many nights left. She reached for her cloak. She placed one arm inside, and before she knew it, she fell back onto her bed.

The room was dark. He was already in bed anticipating her arrival. When the door opened, “Winfred, my love, finally,” he said sweetly.

“Close your eyes,” she said softly.

He chuckled and complied with her request. The footsteps got closer and stopped. He lay on his back. She wrapped a cloth around his eyes. He felt the warmth of her cunt as she rocked her hips. He hummed nicely, “Kiss me,” he said.

Her hand covered his mouth. She humped faster and wildly, bucking on his cock like she was riding a bull. This felt different. This wasn’t what he was used to with his sweet princess. He reached for the cloth over his eyes. Just as he peeled the left side off, he saw her face. He went into a panic.

She gave a sinister smile, “Tonight, you will leave. I have made arrangements for you to study at a monastery in Frankia.”

He pushed her off his drenched cock, “I don’t understand.”

She lit a candle in his room, “I’m sure you understand perfectly,” she replied as she adjusted herself, “I know that you love Princess Winfred,” she sighed, “I just never thought you’d betray your King and your Queen by defiling our daughter.”

He gulped, “But we’re in love.”

She scoffed, “That is sweet. However--”

The doors opened; two menacing men stood there, “I need you to write a letter to Winfred. Tell her that you are leaving.”

“I can’t,” he said as his eyes watered.

The guard drew his sword. She held up her hand, “And why not?”

“I can’t read or write.”

She sighed, “Fine. I’ll figure something out.” She eyed him impatiently, “Well, go on then, get your things. The morning will be here before we know it.”

Arledge moved about the room collecting his things. He didn’t have much. What he most valued, he couldn’t take. All of these things were loaded into a gray sack. He looked back at Queen Godgifu, “I know I am not worthy of marriage to the princess, but you do not have to do this.

For a moment, she felt torn. She sighed. Just as she was about to speak, Darleen entered the room. The guards grabbed Arledge and shoved him toward the door, “Have fun in Frankia,” she sneered.

He snatched her necklace from her neck. She gasped when she saw it flying through the air. It landed on the floor by the Queen’s feet near the bed. “You are despicable,” he said to her as they shoved him out the door.

She hurried over to the Queen, who lifted the jewel and handed it to her. Darleen’s eyes watered, “My mother gave me this before she died. Now it’s nearly ruined,” she whined as she looked at the item.

“It’s not ruined. It simply has character,” the Queen replied.

The morning arrived; the day started with breakfast in the royal dining hall. The King and Queen were sitting at the table when Darleen entered. She greeted them before she took her seat. They spoke briefly while the food was placed on the table.

Minutes went by, and then, finally, King Charles looked at the seat where his daughter usually sat, “Where is Winfred?” he asked.

Darleen shrugged, “Perhaps she is still sleeping.”

“Is she okay? It’s not like her to sleep this long.”

Darleen looked at the Queen, who was tight-lipped. However, the two women seemed to have a conversation with their eyes, “I’ll go see what’s keeping her,” said Darleen.

Queen Godgifu smiled, “Thank you so much, Darleen.” She reached for her husband’s hand, “I’m sure she’s fine. We can eat.”

He smiled, “You are right, my love.”

Darleen reached her cousin’s bedroom door. She took a few breaths before tapping on the heavy wooden door, “Cousin?” she said as she stepped through. She saw Winfred still lying across the foot of the bed with her cloak half on, “Oh dear,” she said as she hurried over to her. She nudged her, “Winfred?”

Winfred’s eyes fluttered open, “What, where, ughhh,” she sat up slowly with the assistance of her cousin, “my head.”

“We were worried when you didn’t come to eat. Are you all right?”

Winfred looked around her room. Her heart pounded against her chest. She felt panic. She grabbed her chest, “Is it morning?”

Darleen nodded, “Yes.”

Winfred’s eyes misted over; she held back her tears. She got out of bed and paced frantically. Darleen watched her, “Winfred, what is wrong?” she asked her cousin who looked troubled.

“Nothing. I just. I need a moment. Please tell my father I am fine. I will see him later.”

Darleen stared. Her lips parted, “Are you—”

“Please!” she snapped.

Darleen clutched her necklace. She felt a stone missing. “Very well. I will speak to you later, cousin.”

Winfred paced her room. She missed her date with Arledge. She quickly found suitable attire, got dressed, combed her hair, and left her room.

Scandinavia

The water was covered with ships. The rowers were diligent. They were already a distance from the port. Ida and Yana stood at the edge of the dock. They watched the warriors sail away. Yana was still in her wedding gown. Her face had specks of blood from their wedding ceremony. Her love was leaving. She waited eagerly for him to turn to her. She wanted to believe that perhaps their marriage wasn’t one of convenience. She hoped it could blossom into love.

Sven stood next to Sigurd. Sven looked back. His eyes were on Ida. His wife stood at a distance. She saw how he looked at Ida. She huffed and left the docks. Yana didn’t get the look she wanted but she was still hopeful.

She turned to Ida, “I’m surprised you decided not to go with Sigurd.”

Ida smiled inwardly and responded, “My brother left me in charge. He trusts me to keep things running in his absence.”

Yana rolled her eyes, “Sigurd and I are married.”

Ida shifted her stance, “So you thought that he’d leave you in charge? A woman who barely speaks our language. Barely understands our culture or people. As if you could defend or devise a plan of attack against someone who wanted to come here and kill everyone.”

Yana remained quiet. Ida shook her head and walked off.

After the run-in with Ida, Yana found herself walking through the forest. She found the Seer’s hut. She knocked and entered. The Seer smiled, “Yana, the wife of Jarl Sigurd. How does it feel?”

Yana sighed, “I don’t know yet. I thought I’d be happier, but—”

“Sometimes the things we hope for do not make us happy. You wanted to be free. You are free. You are married and with child.”

Yana’s eyes widened as she touched her belly, “I am with child?”

The Seer nodded, “You are. Find a reason to be happy now.” She saw how Yana sat; she looked defeated, “What is the matter?”

“Ida. I don’t think she likes me.”

Astrid shrugged, “What does it matter?”

“Sigurd trusts her. He left her in charge.”

“She is his sister.”

“I am his wife.”

“Last night, you were a slave. This morning you married Jarl Sigurd. Trust is earned.”

Yana stood and handed her a few coins. Astrid watched her leave and sighed.

Ife, Northwest Africa

Yande pointed, “Look there,” she said smiling, “we are here.”

Aminata looked past the trees. She was there. She was back in her village. She saw the people walking to and from. The women carried baskets with grace on top of their heads. Some balanced with one hand and the more experienced ones walked steadily without holding their baskets.

Men were fast at work doing things in the village. Some worked on houses, and others worked in the gardens with their wives. It was busy like she remembered it. As they walked down the dusty path, people looked. They pointed. Some whispered.

One older woman said to another, “Is that Aminata?”

She felt their eyes on her. Some looked happy to see her. Others were surprised. There was one home, the largest one in the village, where several people funneled outside and watched. Her heart beat fast. Joaquin rubbed her arms, “It’s going to be okay.”

She nodded. It had to be. She took a deep breath. She stopped and stared into a woman that shared her face, only she was older. She wrapped her arms around her, “ọmọbinrin mi ti pada,” she said happily, “My daughter has returned.”

Her sister scowled at her, “We thought you were dead.”

“How? I sent many letters and money here for Mother and Father.” She looked at her brother Enofe. He looked away.

“We never received anything,” her sister replied as she looked at the people who accompanied Aminata, “who is going to feed all of these people?”

“Don’t worry. We brought our provisions.”

She kissed her teeth, “All these years, and you come back when Baba is near dead. If you had not left things so badly with the Nneka, perhaps she could have helped our father.”

Their mother sighed, “No fighting. No arguing. This is a happy day. My husband may go on to be with the ancestors but my daughter has come home,” she said as she looked at her oldest daughter, “and look at these beautiful children.”

“Children by a pale face,” her sister mumbled.

Yande eyed her aunt in a way to make her look away. Aminata touched her arm, “This is Yande.”

Yande hugged her grandmother warmly, “Hi, iya agba.”

“You’ve taught them Yoruba,” she said to her cheerfully.

“Yes. This is Samba, our son.”

He hugged his grandmother and smiled, “Inu mi dun lati pade yin.”

“It’s nice to meet you as well.” She looked at Joaquin and smiled, “Where is my hug?”