The Kingdom of Burgundy in 1200-something, in a parallel history...
The wedding preparations were going splendidly, though it had been a very intense time. To tell the truth I still wasn't sure I wanted to travel so far north, to the almost mythical place of Sweden, but the diplomatic ties must be expanded and so my hand in marriage had been promised to their future king, Olof. It was now the very last days before departure, and the Swedish delegation had come down to help with escorting me up. The roads were treacherous, if word was to be believed, and if you weren't used to the country you could end up delayed, lost, or worse... I shivered, thinking about all the stories of the nefarious creatures hidden in the woods and lakes in that most foreign country.
This afternoon I was to receive the Swedish delegation myself to become familiar with them, as a kind of practice run before I departed. I'd seen them briefly at their first audience and they had seemed pleasant enough. I just couldn't imagine leaving this place with its warmth and sunshine for the far north. I sighed as I walked through the herb garden, my five ladies in waiting trailing behind me, giggling as usual.
One of the palace stewards approached me, bowed, and said:
'My lady Gisela, it is time to receive the delegation. Shall I ask them to proceed to your chambers?'
'You may,' I replied and then made my way back indoors.
It was a bit cooler inside, and I sat down in a brocade chair with my ladies in waiting around me. I was styled in the latest fashion, and of course so were they, although less adorned. Our bodices were in the new style which hugged our figures in the most flattering way. All my ladies were whispering excitedly, a little breathless at the prospect of our near departure to these snow covered lands. According to rumour, the men were meant to be very handsome and indeed, the portrait I had received of Olof seemed to prove this point.
The big doors to my chamber opened and the steward walked in with an important look on his face.
'Your royal highness, please may I present to you the Swedish delegation, Jarl Johan and Jarl Leif. They have travelled far to lead your escort back to their fair country, and they would like to spend some time with you in private before departure to familiarise yourself with them.'
The bugles sounded and two tall men with mighty beards walked in. One of them was mostly muscular whereas the other also had a significant pouch, proving how rich he was to be able to afford decadent foods and drinks. Both had extensive tattoos over their muscular arms as well as half their faces.
They both bowed to me, and I bade them to sit. Behind them they had their own retinue, which fanned out but remained standing as custom dictated. I noticed that they were all, indeed, most handsome and comely. It turned out the larger of the two was Jarl Johan, and Jarl Leif was the younger and trimmer one.
'Your Royal Highness!' Johan boomed, and noisily kissed my hand. 'How lovely to behold your magnificent beauty! In this kingdom of your family, so rich in food and, may I say it, very tasty drinks!' He laughed delightedly, and I couldn't help but smile.
'Your words are much appreciated,' I replied. 'I take it then that you have been well received?'
'Indeed!' They both beamed at me. I have been told the Swedes were reserved but so far these two seemed most well versed in social company, but then again they were diplomats. 'And tomorrow we must begin our journey back to the north, we want to get home before the sewing for the year begins. It is the duty of all to maintain farms and feed the population.'
I nodded. 'Of course. We have everything prepared for our departure on the morrow, and tonight we have planned a great feast to honour you and celebrate the joining of our two nations.'
'Also, it is true, the fairer sex in this region is indeed very fair,' Johan said with a wink.
My ladies stirred slightly in their silk dresses, rustling like wind in leaves. All great ladies such as myself had ladies in waiting and they were often used as bargaining chips. One day they would marry someone of importance, but until then their services lay in more immediate gratification... Sometimes this gratification was of important guests or courtiers to curry favour for their mistress, and sometimes the gratification was of the lady they served herself. But these men were like nothing my ladies or me had ever come across before, although they did by all accounts seem to have been informed of these customs of ours.
'Indeed we are, Jarl Johan,' I smiled. 'Have you had the luck to make yourself more acquainted with any of the ladies of the court?'
'Not as yet, Your Royal Highness,' he replied, while having his gaze transfixed on my lady Ermengard. She was a busty beauty, well fed and plump, with rosy cheeks and raven hair, and she was indeed a court favourite.
