Snippet #2700211

Elska saw the confusion and hurt flash across his eyes when she had pulled away and even took an extra step back from him. She didn't like this, she didn't like setting him ill at ease but what choice did she have? She knew a man like Brynjar kept eyes and ears everywhere. Tyr had always treated her with affection and respect that he had shown Ingrid, his sister. Elska knew even that could be dangerous fodder in the hands of a mad king. She felt her heart ache as he raised his hand and reached out to her, but dropped it after a moment. He seemed conflicted and she wanted to lay his worries to rest.

Tyr spoke up and Elska frowned. She suddenly questioned her own motives for staying. Was he trying to protect her, or just trying to get rid of her? She bit the thought down. It was ridiculous and born out of her unrequited and silent love. "No Tyr," she spoke more firmly than she had meant to. "I'm staying." She felt goosebumps flush across her skin and she folded her arms. "You and Ingrid are the only family I have left, if I go back with your father-" she paused. She would be impossibly alone there. Things would be cold. She would feel cold. 

Elska would rather live under the enemy next to the one person she loved most in the world than live out the rest of her life wondering what had happened.

"I'm staying Tyr." She spoke more softly and stepped across the distance between them. Her fingers itches to reach out but she resisted the urge. She had already gone on this long without saying or acting on her feelings, what was a bit more? 

"I know you don't approve of this choice, but imagine if our roles were swapped. You wouldn't hesitate to stay for me, and not even a water ox could drag you home with how stubborn you are." She gave him a sad smile. "Well lost Ull and I couldn't be there for him, I can't risk that again." She spoke softly incase there were any ears lingering about.

Elska stepped away from him again. The chill of the morning was settling uncomfortably in her bones. She shivered and the goosebumps erupted across her flesh once more.