"It is in a father's nature to see the good in his son even if it is obscured by the darkness in his heart," Beorn began. Truthfully, it was hard to see the good in Brynjar. He doubted that the man could ever be redeemed, but he knew it went against Artemesias' teachings. He tried to sound optimistic.
"We are taught that no man is pure evil. Even the most vile man can seek redemption... But we choose who we are going to be, Evangelina. You are strong and good. If you cannot bring out the good in him, then he has chosen to murder the evil within himself of his own free will. I would try to fulfill your promise, but the king would not hold you accountable for his son's own actions." He told her.
He looked out the window. The sun was rising swiftly.
"The Northmen are getting ready to leave. I should see my prince."
Leo smiled slightly as he saw his wife dress in the northman fashion. It wasn't something most courtiers would approve of, but it fitted her and honestly, he was tempted to damn the formalities and show her how much he liked it, but they couldn't behave like newlyweds now. Not after what they had agreed to begin.
He flushed slightly at the way everyone seemed to be looking at them. They didn't look that flushed, did they? He smiled pleasantly in Brynjar's direction regardless. If their activities could perturb his brother, it was just a bonus. He met Jorvik's gaze as he said his farewells. He wasn't about to let his daughter be hurt. Not if he could help it, as weak in body as he was. He was heartened to see Beorn standing in attendance. When the foreign king had left, he went to greet his friend.
"I see you are at work nurturing new life," he stated in amusement. Lelinus laughed.
"You have a sophisticated way of putting it."
The monk shrugged, "I am a monk."
Lelinus gripped his shoulder, "I would ask you to pray with me later this afternoon. At the old chapel, you know the one. Please."
Beorn nodded, but paused in confusion at his next request.
"I would ask you to bring Evangelina. For her perspective on children of course. At the rate we are going, we hope to start a family soon," Leo told him. Beorn could smell the bullshit in his friend's words, but merely bowed his head.
"Of course."
They watched the pefromance of his brother and his newest target, saying nothing. After a moment, Beorn looked away. His heart was troubled and the look on his friend's face did nothing to soothe it.