Show Yuliy the truth

From Create Your Own Story

“Fine” you reply coldly, as you stand up “If you require to see with your own eyes, then I shall permit that. I will make you see what your honor has made you blind to.”

You have one of the prison guards fetch Lars, who again appears in seemingly impossible amount of time. Released from his cell but kept in shackles by the wrist and ankles, Lars keeps the Northman Yuliy from escaping or trying another attack. The both of you lead him out of the gallows to find his sister Anastasia and your brothers.

Conveniently, they are in the original courtyard in which you left. Rather than Anastasia being led to the boys, they found her, and created their own little party there. Empty wine glasses stand on the edge of a stone-half wall, next to a half-full plate of sweetmeats and cheese. Michael stands in the corner, playing a fast and joyous song on his favored violin. Gabriel stands next to him, clapping out a beat for Raphael and Anastasia dance together to in the center of the courtyard. Uncoordinated, and perhaps drunk, the dancing is mostly moving in a circle and spinning around.

You turn to look at Yuliy, who struggles unsuccessfully to get Lars’s hands off him, but otherwise makes no attempt to escape or intervene. His eyes transfixed on his sister, his jaw loosens agape as the song ends, seeing Anastasia bow first to Raphael, than to the other two, proceeding to give each a small, tender kiss on the lips. Raphael and Gabriel switch places as Michael plays a new, slower-paced song.

Yuliy turns his head away and mutters in defeat and shame “That woman is no sister of mine. Take me back to the cell, whore-queen.” Lars justifiably hits the disrespectful Northman before carting back to the gallows.

With no need to hide the events a secret, you return to the party, ready to expose and explain the entire situation. The guests, most of whom are well familiar with your brothers and their behavior, scoff at the idea that they would force themselves on anyone, and are quick to dismiss the North entirely as nothing more than savages. Inwardly, you want to remind them that the woman in question is from the North herself, but you’d rather keep the feast in high spirits than try to challenge prejudice. The evening ends pleasantly enough, with Anastasia being taken to your brothers’ room, keeping this moment of intimacy to themselves.

Yuliy is released from the gallows the next day, and departs from the kingdom without incident. His behavior towards his sister is as cordial as you could expect, and there is no discussion about her romance with your brother, as far as you know of. While you’re glad that he left without creating a scene or attack your brothers, there is wide concern held for Anastasia and her safety once she leaves the eyes and influence of your kingdom. Begin Chapter 2 as the Maiden Queen