(Y/n) and Ardith sat in the chapel, their heads bowed in prayer. Even from being little, the princess had found the place of worship, the only room in the castle in which she could think. The only place that was truly quiet.

As she and her nursemaid had made their way from her father's throne room, (Y/n) had found herself quietly saying Ubbe's name over and over again to herself; having to admit that she quite like the way it sounded tripping from her tongue. She had always prided herself on being a strong woman, that was how Ardith had raised her; but she had to say that she had been afraid; afraid of what her father's decision to make a pact with the pagans, could mean for her.

She had heard of what the pagans would do to women. How they would just take what they wanted. Take a woman as if she was a spoil of war, leaving many broken. And she had had to wonder whether this fate would befall her. (Y/n) only able to put her life in the hands of God, and hope that he would be good to her. And, from what she had seen; what she had felt when she had looked into the eyes of the man that was to be her husband, the princess had to think that perhaps God had heard her prayers.

"He's handsome............." (Y/n) suddenly said, as she opened her eyes and looked to the golden cross that stood on the altar in front of the large, stained window.

"He is............" Ardith agreed, as she too raised her head.

"I had feared that he would be some awful creature. That he would look and smell like a bear; but...........but it appears that he looks far better than some others that have come looking for my hand." The princess continued, as she lay her head on her nursemaid's shoulder.

"Northmen appreciate strong women, just look at those that fight by their side. You may not be one of them, but as long as you always remember what I have taught you, I know that you will do well in your new life." The old woman explained, as she placed her arm around her lady's shoulder.

No one had ever really known where Ardith had come from, though she had claimed to be from Northumbria. Yet over the years, she had spoken to (Y/n) about a place called Galloway, with happiness. And it was through the nursemaid, that (Y/n) had learnt the language of the pagans. Learnt of their traditions and gods. Learnt to be stronger and to not be as delicate as other women in England might be. And now, the princess was glad of it.

"When am I to wed him..........?"

"Your father declared that it would be the day after tomorrow." Ardith replied, as (Y/n) got to her feet and made the sign of the cross, across her body.

"Then perhaps we could enjoy what is left of our time together." (Y/n) said, as she offered Ardith her arm. The old woman smiling, before she joined her lady. The two making their way out of the chapel.

                                                           >>----------------------------------<<

"(Y/n)........(Y/n).........(Y/n).........." Ubbe said to himself as he looked out of the window, over the garden below; having to admit that he quite liked the way that the name sounded. Having to admit that it would sound even better when he was saying it after they were wed, and alone.

Hvitserk was still laughing about the look that he had seen on his brother's face, when he thought that the nursemaid had been the princess. Ubbe finding himself beseeching Odin to not make this his bride. The prince feeling his heart jump into his throat and his loins begin to stir, as the real lady had made her way into the throne room.

Before that moment, he had been dreading the marriage. Not really liking the notion that he could end up with some Saxon hag, while Hvitserk, Sigurd and Ivar, would probably be allowed to choose women of their own. Yet, as she had stood before him; her eyes taking him in, he couldn't help but be pleased with how things had worked out.

"So..............?" A voice suddenly asked from behind Ubbe. The older prince not even bothering to turn and look at his brother.

"What do you think of your woman...........?" Hvitserk continued, as he took a drink from the goblet in his hand. More than interested in what his brother might have to say. The younger prince having to admit, only to himself, that he was a little jealous of his brother. Hvitserk knowing that he would very much like to see what delights lay beneath the princess' heavy gown.

What did he think...........? What did, he think..........? Ubbe wasn't completely sure. She was beautiful, there was no doubt about that, and she seemed to have a confidence about her, that other Saxon women didn't seem to possess. But he wanted more.........needed more. He wanted a chance to talk to her. To express himself, instead of standing and staring at her like a fool. But that would be easier said than done. The rooms that he was in with Hvitserk; the rooms of his father and any other that had stayed at the castle, were being guarded. It obvious that the king did not want them freely wandering corridors.

"I............" Ubbe began the rest of the words disappearing, as he noticed something move in the gardens below.

"It's her............" Ubbe finally continued, as Hvitserk joined him at the window, wanting to see what had his brother so interested.

"You should go down there.............."

"And how do I do that? There are guards everywhere. And I wouldn't even know how to get down there. She's also with that maid of hers.........." Ubbe sighed, as he continued to watch his bride to be. A small smile pulling at the corners of his lips, as she seemed to laugh.

"You think a few Saxon guards can stop us? If you want to see her, I'll take care of the soldiers, the rest you will have to do.........." Hvitserk smiled. Ubbe's smile getting broader, as Hvitserk moved back to the table, and crashed all the plates and goblets on it, to the floor. The door to the room flying open, as the guards outside heard the commotion.