"You will not lose me Tyr, I can promise you that much." She murmured the words. She was not the one that Brynjar wanted to cause pain. "I know you're worried for me, but I won't change my mind. I'm going to stay." She spoke softly but she was resolved. He couldn't sway her. There was nothing in the world that could send her away from Tyr.
"You're father will be departing soon, I am sure he is waiting for you to come to say goodbye." She folded her arms once more close to her body. "We should go," she insisted before turning from him. She didn't wait to see if he was still following her. She was afraid of who might have seen them together. There was one person in particular she prefer'd to avoid.
"Isn't it part of our duty as Artemesians to show the better path to our pagan neighbors?" Brynjar had never really felt religious. It was only when it suited a means to an end that he really bothered to delve into it. "I do believe she will say yes." He knew she wouldn't refuse him. "But for now I would like this kept quiet. I want to properly court her for a little bit before making my intentions known. I think it will be the best way to ensure a smooth marriage contract."
"I must go and see our honored guests off and I'm sure you have work to finish. Thank you for your counsel Patriarch." Brynjar left the Patriarch's chambers and walked quickly to the large entrance of the castle. Brynjar was the first of the royal family to arrive. Jorvik had his party assembled in the front courtyard. Brynjar approached and dipped his head stiffly.
"Your visit was a great honor to us," his words were formal and an expected part of the goodbye. Brynjar glanced over his shoulder as Elska appeared with Tyr not far behind her. He got a mischievous glint in his eye thinking about what he had in store. Elska looked a little flushed and avoided meeting Brynjar's gaze. She did curtsy low before Jorvik before stepping aside. Lelinus and Ingrid wouldn't be too far behind.
"You look radiant today," Brynjar gazed down at her but she still wouldn't look up at him. He stepped close enough to invade her space but not enough that she felt she had to retreat.
"Thank you, your grace," she murmured demurely.
"I am pleased that you are committed to staying. I must admit a part of me was afraid you might have changed your mind and would be leaving with your people today." He was speaking softly so it was difficult to over hear. She finally met his eye and something steely and hot flashed in her own dark ones.
"I will not abandon my family to your madness." Her lips were in a thin line and barely moved and she whispered to him. He gave her a devilish grin.
"I am not a completely horrible person, at least not as grandly as you've made me out to be." He held a hint of suggestion in his tone and she clenched her jaw.
"I have yet to find any quality that might redeem you or your actions." She said stiffly and turned away. She faced forward and nearly jumped when he had leaned his head down so he could whisper in her ear.
"Give it time, you will see." The words were barely a whisper. To the spectators it looked to be a very intimate conversation. Elska gripped the folds of her dress but refused to look at him. She kept facing forward and didn't dignify him with a response.