Free Fire and Ice by J. E. Christer Page B

held a candle on each.  It was a pleasant room and the last of the summer sun’s rays came through the window, lighting her hair to flame gold.  She changed into a green woollen gown and kid slippers before going downstairs to the main room where Ulfric and Thorvald were waiting for her to begin the meal which had been hastily prepared for them.
    “I’ll never understand why women always have to change their clothes at every touch and turn.  No wonder you’ve brought so many boxes, Juliana – but I must say the result is very becoming,” Ulfric said holding out his arm s to her.  “I thought you said you needed new gowns, but these are definitely fit for an audience with the King.”
    “ These gowns were my mothers, Ulfric and a little more care of your own appearance wouldn’t go amiss.  You need to shave and change your clothes before you see the King,” she answered.
    “I will do better than that.  I will find a bath and you can join me in it.  How’s that?”
    “By all means, my lord, find a bath if you will, but I will not join you in it.  Don’t you care that everyone here thinks I’m your mistress.  I’ve no wedding ring on my finger so what else would they think?” she snapped.
    “Here we go again, marriage, marriage, marriage – is that all you can talk about?”
    Thorvald needed to take the heat out of the situation so rose to propose a toast, “To Juliana, the most beautiful woman in the shire of Lincoln.”
    Juliana bowed her head gracefully at the compliment and Ulfric looked shamefaced but irritated.
    Their food was eaten in near silence, the joviality of the previous few hours dissipating quickly.  Juliana excused herself and went to her chamber and Ulfric sat with Thorvald until they were well in their cups.  He later climbed the stairs with a heavy heart and rolled into bed where Juliana had turned her back to him and was as far on the edge as she could be without rolling out.  Ulfric turned his back too and fell asleep instantly, snoring so loudly that Juliana had a sleepless night.
     
    ***
     
    The next day Ulfric left Juliana, who had managed to drop off to sleep around dawn, whilst he roused his men and sent two of them to advise the King that Ulfric and his party had arrived and were asking for an audience.  He and Thorvald then sat down to a hearty breakfast wondering when the King would see them.
    “The servants tell me there’s a carnival in the town with jesters and acrobats.  Shall we go and see them?” Thorvald asked.
    Ulfric smiled, “Yes, we’ll take Juliana - that should bring a smile to her face and hopefully take her mind off marriage.”
    Juliana appeared at that very minute and gave a cautious eye to Ulfric, “Marriage my lord?  Did I hear you mention marriage?”
    Ulfric groaned, “No you did not, Juliana and I don’t want to hear about it again.  I’ve told you that I’m not marrying you and that’s final.  Instead, we are going to the fair today.  The weather looks set fine and we should have a good day, if you’ll only let yourself.”
    “ Yes, sire.  I assure you I will not beg you to marry me.  I am not that desperate.”  Juliana ate the porridge in front of her in silence until they were interrupted by Ulfric’s men returning with orders from the King.
    Ulfric opened the parchment, “It looks like we have to present ourselves tomorrow, Thorvald.  The King wants his knights to hear his plans for this town along with the bishop and various other locals.”
    “I wonder what his plans are.” Thorvald mused.
    “We won’t know until tomorrow so let’s get going to the fair and enjoy the time we have, because I have a feeling we’ll be busy from tomorrow onwards.”
    Despite herself, Juliana enjoyed the walk into the town and was entertained by the acrobats and jesters as Ulfric had hoped she would be.  Both men were feeling carefree and watched a procession of dwarves parading around and doing somersaults and back flips,