Elska was impressed by the various steeds they found in the stables. She was even distracted from the anxiety that leeched from her in Brynjar's presence. He had stepped back to watch her idly as she slowly walked down the length of the stable looking between the horses.
She had stopped briefly in front of his own horse--Baelfire. The beast was a demon on the battle field and as ill tempered as his master. Though something in Elska's calm demeanor had the horse approaching her calmly. Brynjar had his arms crossed against his chest as Baelfire allowed her to stroke his forelock. She seemed to sense to the power behind the stallion and retreated her hand rather quickly.
"He's terrifying." She commented without looking back at him.
"He has to be," Brynjar watched as Baelfire bumped his soft muzzle against her shoulder. "Any other, and you'd have lost your nose by now." Elska didn't doubt the truth of his words as she sensed something sinister behind the dark eyes.
They moved on quickly as Elska was afraid whatever goodwill the stallion may have felt towards her would vanish and she'd lose a finger.
Brynjar brought her in front of a stall a few doors down revealing a mild dapple mare. She was a beautiful thing to be sure, but part of Elska felt a bit insulted.
"What's the matter?" Brynjar sensed her hesitation.
"I am from the North, and I can be as wild as the wind," she spoke vaguely, "if we are to go riding later, you must settle me with something that has spirit." She straightened to her full height and leveled him with her gaze.
Brynjar pierced her with his gaze but she wouldn't back down. She was an odd mixture of bravery and fear. She had strong convictions, and while it seemed he may bend her towards his will, he realized she would not break. She was only here because he had leverage.
"Then I have the perfect horse for you."
Elska was not seated next to him this time. Instead, it was Lelinus. Lelinus was next in line to the throne and his position was at Brynjar's side. Brynjar was in a rather good mood and didn't try and pick a fight with his younger brother. Brynjar was mostly thinking about the ride he would take with Elska later. While his motivations were against Tyr and Ingrid, he was finding her fascinating.
Lelinus was getting the all too familiar flush of fever and Brynjar glanced discreetly between the newly weds. Lelinus had shown moments of weakness since the wedding but he had yet to fall sick. Brynjar watched as Lelinus excused himself and rose to his feet. He wondered how Ingrid would handle Lelinus' frail health now that it was in front of her face.
Elska watched curiously as Lelinus had risen from the table and seemed to be in great haste to leave the hall. Her eyes widened in shock as he had only made it a few strides before he collapsed to the ground. She quickly stood, her chair scraping against stone like the few others participating in the meal. Ingrid had rushed to his side and Beorn had quickly stooped low.
"Is he all right?" even though she was a few seats down from Brynjar, he seemed the only one left closest to her to ask.
Brynjar heard Beorn's word, but surprisingly this was not due to Brynjar's meddling. Ingrid was helping support Leo and they quickly abandoned the hall to return to their chambers. It was rather odd watching the warrior princess half carrying her sickly husband. This would be the topic of conversation as soon as it spread through the castle.
"Don't fear Lady Elska," he turned and saw the concern riddling her face. "My brother has always been predisposed to boughts of illness. He always recovers." He assured her. Though recovery was usually the worst part. As a child Lelinus would spend weeks bound to his bed because he was too frail and weak.
Elska lost her appetite. Brynjar was king and the next in line had very little physical strength. She felt as though the House of Augustus would fall like cards and it would all be from the whims of a mad king.
"Are you finished Lady Elska?" his question cut through the cloud in her mind.
"I suppose so. Do you suppose we should check on them?" her brow cinched together in worry.
"Nonsense, Brother Beorn has it under control. This is not the first time he has tended to my brother." Brynjar pushed his chair back and stretched languidly. His lack of concern made Elska feel more ill. Brynjar was quite content with the development. Perhaps this would be the instance that would do his brother in. Perhaps fate was settled on his side.
"Would it be wise for us to go riding this afternoon?" she questioned unsteadily.
"Be at peace," he waved his hand. "Lelinus may succumb frequently to fevers, but with Brother Beorn and Ingrid at his side he is sure to be in good hands. You need not worry." Brynjar was starting to feel frustrated. He was used to Lelinus falling ill. "My brother would not want his illness to prevent you from touring our lands."
Elska bit her lip. She didn't want to get in the way and she hardly knew Lelinus at all. She also knew what Tyr's opinion was of her riding alone with Brynjar, but what other choice did she have?
"Very well, I will be ready later." Though there was still a frown at the corner of her mouth.