The Deepening Night (The Kingdom of the East Angles Book 3) by Jayne Castel Read Free Book Online Page B

coolly.
    The King of the East Angles gave a curt nod in response and
kept his gaze fixed upon the Mercian King as he returned to his wife’s side on
the dais. Saewara knew Annan was deliberately avoiding looking at her; and she
did not blame him. He seemed as unwilling as she to be wed.
    “Let us pledge these two individuals, Annan, King of the East
Angles, and Saewara of Tamworth.” Penda paused then before his gaze met
Annan’s.
    “Annan, are you ready to make a contract between our two
families – to make the handa sellan and pay the handgeld in order
to wed my fair sister?”
    Annan nodded curtly. Penda spoke of the ‘hand-shake’ in which
he would formally promise to marry Saewara, and the payment, which would seal
the marriage pledge. Annan would also have to make another ‘payment’ – the morgengifu ,
or ‘morning gift’, on the morning after their wedding night – but, for now, the handgeld was sufficient to seal the promise.
    “Annan, take Saewara’s hand,” Penda continued, “and tell us of
the handgeld you bring in exchange for this woman.”
    Annan turned to Saewara, his gaze still avoiding hers, and
took hold of her hand. His hand was warm and strong, and his touch made
Saewara’s pulse quicken.
    “Sabert.” Annan turned his head to where the dark-haired
warrior stood behind them, acknowledging him for the first time. “Show him the
shield.”
    The warrior nodded and removed the covering from the large
object he carried; revealing a huge lime wood shield, covered with leather and
studded with an iron boss. It was mighty, well-made and heavy.
    “This shield was made for my father, Eni of the Wuffingas,”
Annan said, his voice toneless and flat, his face a mask. “He passed away
before he was able to wield it, so I give this shield as handgeld , in
payment for this woman. As morgengifu , your sister will receive two gold
arm rings.”
    Penda nodded. “Your handgeld is accepted. Say then, the
words that will seal your betrothal.”
    Annan turned back to Saewara. His gaze met hers, but it
appeared that he was looking through, rather than at her. His hand that
enclosed hers did not move but Saewara saw the despair in his eyes. This was
even worse than she had thought; they both despised this union.
    “I, Annan of the East Angles, declare myself witness that you,
Saewara of Tamworth, bond me in lawful betrothal,” Annan began, his voice low
and emotionless, “and with this handshake you pledge me marriage in exchange
for the handgeld I have given and the morgengifu I have promised.
You are henceforth betrothed to me and will fulfill and observe the whole of
the oath between us, which has been said in the hearing of witnesses without
wiles or cunning, as a true and honest oath.”
    A silence followed his words and Saewara closed her eyes as he
released her hand.
    It was done.
    “Very well.” Penda broke the silence. “Now, all that remains is
to fix the date of your handfast ceremony. I will make the arrangements.”
    “No,” Annan replied, his tone firm. “We will marry in the ‘Golden
Hall’ of the Wuffingas, surrounded by my folk, not here under your roof.”
    Penda regarded Annan, his pale eyes clouding. “I don’t think
you should be so hasty to make demands while you are ‘under my roof’. If I
insist, you are hardly in the position to deny me.”
    “If my people are to accept your sister as queen, it is better
that we wed in Rendlaesham,” Annan replied, his tone brooking no argument.
“That way, they would witness the joining of our two kingdoms.”
    A tense silence now filled the hall. Annan held the Mercian
King’s gaze, refusing to back down. Eventually, Penda gave a low, mocking
laugh.
    “It seems you are resolute. Very well, marry her in
Rendlaesham if you must. However, I will send one of my men with your party to
ensure the handfasting actually takes place.”
    Annan’s gaze narrowed. “Do you doubt my word?”
    Penda’s mouth curved into a cold smile.