Hail Halvdan

“I wouldn’t call it ignore–rather, you were preoccupied,” Valentina told the other as she walked over to her vanity and lifting the glass of wine she had already previously poured and rested it on her lips. She took a swig back of the wine before placing it down on the surface. Her eyes taking another glance at the flowers and a small smile formed at the crease of her lips. “Well, the flowers are a good step, a very good step,” She answered, before waving her hand towards the servants, gesturing for them to leave. “To get to know me, it will require a very long night. I’ve been told that my mind is as deep as the ocean. In that case, do make yourself comfortable, your Majesty,”

He smirked slightly when she said that flowers was a good start. He wasn’t the best or even very talented in any of it. He was never one to think he had to ‘woo’ a woman. Women flocked to him in Norway, more so when he was in different lands. His presence held space in every room he walked in, but for her, he had to share it. He had to give the space to her. And tonight was a start. 

He stepped towards her when the servants left. “I am the time and never one to shy away from a challenge” He said confidently. His mind turning and spinning, wondering what is there to know, what she would tell, what he could learn.

italy had only just been surrendered when lucrezia took the throne. at the time, she’d only ever wanted to support his endeavors, even the ones that she didn’t necessarily agree with. but things were different now. even robbie’s own councilmen — who encouraged him to surrender — were quick to express their opposition. but everyone knew taking back italy would not be easy.

as he spoke, she kept her calm gaze, only breaking to offer the smallest smile, but not the ‘amazing smile’ he spoke of. “thank you, your majesty, for your invitation. my travel was just fine, although italian winters hardly ever get as cold as this,” she replied, hugging her cloak around her petite frame. “what exactly are the matters that you wish to discuss?”

He was thankful that she did not want to participate in small talk. So following suit he got straight to the point. “I wanted to see the new ruler of Italy myself. I wanted to make sure that the arrangements that were previously made are to be held. Or if new arrangements need to be made” He opened his hands while he talked, being inviting. “I want to know what can Norway and Italy do to move everything forward for the betterment of the people”

Demetria’s eyes snapped up to Halvdan when he offered marriage to the Queen of Scotland. The first emotion on her face was pure shock but quickly hardened into stern features. Demi’s jaw clenched as the information settled in her mind and she was doing her best not to react with the emotion she was feeling. “She is the enemy, brother.” She said in a stern voice. “She has threatened us time after time and now suddenly you want her to be a part of our family?” She asked angrily. The fear was beginning to settle in her mind that there would now be a woman in power next to her brother that wasn’t her and that he wouldn’t listen to Demi anymore.  “We do not need her.” 

Hail was equally concerned and excited to see this side of Demetria. He saw her face hardened and knew there was serious distaste within her. Which wasn’t something he saw often. He listened to her words and nodded his head to agree, she was right, she had threatened them and their empire. “You are right, we do not need  her” He said slowly. But he wanted her. How could he put that into words. “I think she would be a better ally than enemy. Joining forces could expand our empire little sister. There is a bigger picture in all of this” He said slower for her. Not because he was afraid she did not understand, but for him to real her anger back in and try to find a true source. “Surely we could not trust her just alone as an ally, but as a wife, it solidifies true loyalty... on both sides” 

closed starter for @hail-halvdan​

when she learned that robbie had surrendered italy to norway, lucrezia’s heart was shattered. in the moment, she sympathized for her soft-hearted brother. while she still understood the rationale of his actions, it made her job a lot harder. defending italy would be easier if norwegian ships weren’t already crawling at their coastlines. the alliance between the italian city-states was already fragile, and another weak ruler could completely dissolve that alliance. thus, lucrezia had to be strong and see that italy survive the war with an italian on its throne. 

prior to becoming queen, she’d hardly ever traveled outside of the borders. and norway was practically on the other end of the continent. she’d traveled by land and by sea and arrived at the snowy gates of halvdan’s palace. underneath her fur cloak, she wore a black dress exposing her collarbones. but at the base of her neck bore a large pearl and diamond cross. if she could not preserve italy, she had to preserve the seat of the holy see, no matter the cost. she was escorted to the throne room, where she met halvdan for the first time, but only offered an icy glare and a bow.

Halvdan as always made sure to make his rounds to his surrendered nations. Italy was one that he wanted to keep a close tab on. They had a new queen, a queen had had not initally made his arrangements with. In a way to resolve this, he figured that himself and Lucrezia should have a moment to speak on their own. 

Her time in Norway has been quite longer than she expected. Though, it was a time quite consumed with her negotiations with the countries that were already within the Empire and conquered. Not having to worry so much about Scotland has removed some stress from Valentina–though, she wondered how she can ultimately remove herself entirely. The more she thought, she enjoyed the idea of marrying Halvdan despite also hating the idea. Being able to rule not just one country, but several more seemed like a success. From all those who laughed at her, pitted her, signed documents in approval of her death could now all just look at her now. An Empress. If anyone should be needing some pointers, it was Valentina who could give them.

Though, she had wanted to spend this time getting to know her soon-to-be husband and his family. And it hasn’t been anything of the sort. Understandably speaking, she knew that the King was consumed with his councilmen, determining the next plan–and so did Valentina. Still, just having a simple conversation without a wandering ear would do them better. Standing by her chamber’s window, she stared out, watching how the waves ripped so calmly. There was a quietness, the brisk cold air hitting her skin. One that was very unlike Scotland and Italy. She had also finally retired her gold-silver armour, for a gown once again. It was strange to no longer feel all that weight again. Then again, she would’ve never expected to wear such garments in her entire life. However, she looks forward to the day to lavishly dress like she was notoriously known for. Beaded jewels from head to toes, and bright vibrant gowns, The Queen wondered if the world would ever go back to normal, whatever normal would be after all of this. Upon opening the door, flowers poured into her room, and she couldn’t help but give a lively smile. Flowers in all different scents and colours entered as if it was a summer festival in Florence like she had remembered. “What is all this for?” The Queen asked before peaking at the side and noticed the King behind the flowers and servants that entered. “The rumours are true, the Norweigan King is a charmer,” Valentina stated, her smile still apparent as she walked over to one of the large vases of flowers, cupping them to smell them. 

Demetria had finished her dinner and was about to get up to leave when Halvdan spoke. She knitted her eyebrows together and looked to her brother. “What is it?” She wondered. If this had been a war issue or topic, he would have done it with his advisers around or in the war room. But this was such an intimate setting, she wondered what was so important he needed to discuss.