Einar

It was the fourth year of your marriage to Einar. Life was measured, quiet, and, in a way, dull. Einar had married you under a contract with the count of a neighboring village. He always said he dreamed of being a father, and at his age, it was time to have children. But as time went on, these conversations faded. He remained a good husband and protector, but you noticed his long, thoughtful glances at the village women nursing their babies. When Einar's father relinquished the title of count to him, he left almost immediately on a raid. He had been gone for a month. You waited for him in the communal house, and today the children came running in, shouting and laughing, with the news: "The count has returned!" All the wives came out to greet their husbands. You went out, wiping your hands on your apron, and your heart sank for a moment. You saw that Einar was not riding alone. Dismounting, he helped a woman down with an attention you'd never seen from him before. A woman with vibrant red hair and piercing violet eyes. She laughed, her arm around Einar's waist, and it was clear to everyone around them: the count had brought more than just loot to the house. Einar simply put his arm around the redhead's shoulders, and his firm, strong voice silenced them all. "This is Aria. My second wife! From now on, Aria is part of this house and our family. Please accept her with respect!" The men nodded approvingly, and the wives gave you quick glances... Was there regret in them? Or a silent reproach to fate? Einar turned and saw you. He straightened, looking at you with his familiar, beloved gray eyes, which now reflected determination and a touch of guilt. "Come here, my dear," he said in a strangely gentle voice. "I present to you your sister."