Elska was good at reading people, it was the reason she could handle herself well in court. Ingrid was skilled at reading her opponent in battle so she could counter attack and defend. Elska could read emotions and knew how to turn the opinion of the court with subtlety. Tyr was speaking close to Brynjar, but the strain in his jaw put Elska on high alert. Tyr was tense. What were they talking about?
"I can see our countries do stand a chance at becoming friends. Your advice is sound." Brynjar responded in good nature. Tyr's eyes were pulled away and Brynjar over his shoulder to see the two women had returned. The women were prompt to return to the table as Tyr had beckoned them over. Brynjar was quiet as Tyr and Ingrid embraced. He noticed that both women had a certain glisten about them and realized that the rains had resumed.
Tyr was nearly choking on his words as he rushed to speak them to prevent Brynjar from taking the lead. Brynjar quirked a brow rather amused at the tactic.
Elska was content to melt into the background of the dinner conversation before Tyr turn the attention of their immediate table upon her. Her stomach sank as she looked upon Brynjar.
"Indeed I do," Brynjar stood from his seat casually with a manner as aloof as a cat waking from a sunny nap. "I would prefer to discuss with you in private," he paused before looking over to Tyr, "but I don't suppose Tyr believes us good enough friends to trust me alone with such a beautiful woman." He allowed a wolfish and taunting grin on his face purely for Tyr's reaction before relaxing his face and turning to her.
Elska's stomach squirmed. The constant taunting air about Brynjar vanished as he looked her over. He had a look of hope on his face and it made her skin crawl. She decided she would've preferred the grin he had given Tyr over this face that suggested he wanted to be friends with her.
"What can I do for you, your majesty?" her voice was calm and collected and didn't betray the unease and fear that was growing within her.
"Hm, to begin with, I would at least like some semblance of privacy." He offered her his arm. "How about we speak over there?" he nodded to a rather vacant corner in the room. "That way your watch dog can be sure I won't try anything devious." He winked in a teasing way.
Elska buried one of her hands in the material of her dress at her side, while accepting his arm with the other. She discreetly twisted the fabric, a horrible habit she had never been able to break. She only ever did it when she was uncomfortable or feeling frightened.
"Certainly." She spoke smoothly while darting a look to Tyr and Ingrid.
Brynjar was a man who insisted on controlling the situation. Even though Tyr had made it evident that he'd prefer the conversation happen right at the table, Brynjar had still managed to weasel around it and put everyone on edge again.
It felt a bit awkward to be escorted to a quiet corner with the newly crowned king, but Elska refused to show it. He kept her hand in the crook of his arm and angled them just enough so Elska was hidden from the others at the table. Brynjar had his back to them and resisted the urge to gauge the reaction of those who he was sure were holding their breath. He was known to be unpredictable, and that was what made situations like this fun.
"You're making quite the scene for something I'm sure is trivial." She pursed her lips as she decided to call him out on his behavior. He grinned down at her.
"I know." His spoke in a low voice that suggested they were co-conspirators; she didn't like it.
"You could've asked me at the table, your majesty," she tacked his title on reluctantly.
"Yes, but there would be no fun in that."
"Is that all we are? A source of amusement?"
"I'm a man of war Elska, without war, I'll go mad." He was surprisingly honest with her and it brought her fears back up to the surface. "I was rather intrigued when I discovered Tyr was staying." He reached out and twisted a few strands of her hair between his thumb and forefinger. She began to fidget as he didn't say anything more. She was about to speak when he spoke up again.
"My court is dull," Elska wasn't surprised he found his own court dull. She doubted he found anything exciting unless it involved maiming of some kind. "You were bred for a life in court." Both of these statements had Elska on edge. What was he getting at? What was his goal? "You care for Tyr."
Elska felt her heart start to sink. "H-he's like a brother, they were all siblings to me." She wanted to step out of his reach but he kept on fingering her hair.
"The others may have been," he said slowly and casually, "but you've got a separate part of your heart reserved for Tyr."
Elska had never said anything aloud and had rarely dared to think it. Why would Brynjar be so confident in speaking it aloud? Did she wear her emotions so readily on her sleeve?
"You're afraid for him." Brynjar released her hair before trailing his fingers down her arm. "You don't like the idea of him staying here underneath my feet."
Elska shifted so she could look around Brynjar and to where Tyr still stood. She was afraid for both Ingrid and Tyr, but the fear she felt for Tyr was more primal.
"Why don't you stay?"
This question was unexpected and she looked back to Brynjar startled.
"Why?" she asked cautiously.
"I told you, I'm bored," he shrugged. "Let's be honest, you'd rather run the risk of staying here so you can keep an eye on him. You'll go mad if you go home not knowing when," he paused and even though he didn't say it, they both knew he also meant or if, "you'll get to see him again."
Elska bit her lower lip. She peered around Brynjar at Tyr again. She was too afraid to leave him alone with Brynjar even though Brynjar had seen right through her. She was terrified that her feelings were so transparent; even still, she'd rather stay and play into Brynjar's hand than risk never seeing Tyr come home.
Brynjar looked down at her expectantly. She stared up at him with a blaze of defiance and wrenched her hand from his grip and took one step back.
"I'm not going to let you hurt him," she said fiercely and for a moment Brynjar thought she resembled a mother bear defending her young. "I'll stay." Even as she said it she nearly wanted to take the words back as a dark and maniacal look entered his eye.
"Good." The way he said it sent a shiver down her spine and she flinched slightly as he reached out to offer his arm to her once more.
They walked the distance back over to the table and Elska had lost her appetite.
"It's settled," Brynjar had returned the mask to his face and flashed a grin to both Lelinus and Tyr. "Lady Elska will stay and offer her insights into my court," he leaned in close to her and she forced herself not to flinch back. "I look forward to getting to know you better," he brought her hand to his lips and kissed it.
"As do I," she managed before turning to the others. "Today has been a long day, I'm afraid I'm not feeling well, if you'll excuse me, I think I'll retire." She dipped her head respectfully.
"Certainly Lady Elska," Brynjar nodded his head and she began a quick retreat.