Chapter 29 Fate

" Do you think that guy is still lurking around? I hate his guts."

Guinevere hated being with Halfdan who would always pick a fight with her. For some reason, everything that she had done would be always criticized by him. Especially when she cleaned the castle or garden, his face would always darken and scold her even though she did her best.

However, that was from only her perspective and Lancelot knew it best but he didn't say anything as he kept his poker face for he might suffer her wrath.

" He said dust that through or clean that. I am a proud daughter of the Duke and I have never been humiliated like this before."

She kept bickering until she turned around the corner to tumble with Arthur who was guiding his new friends through the castle.

" Ah!"

Her foot slipped on the rock that was popped from the floor, almost hitting the floor before Arthur pulled her up. He raised his eyebrows when he saw her attire because it was dirty, unlike other workers.

He saw some mud, dust, and web around her dress while her knight was clean as river water. The stark contrast between the two was plenty noticeable and he guessed the reason behind it.

" You messed up again, Guinevere. I told you to do it clean but you always do that."

Halfdan rubbed his temple with distress, picking her up like a child in his arms while placing her on the near-high platform. Then he pulled out leather gloves from his pocket, wearing them on his big hands while dusting her dress before others.

Poor Guinevere almost dug a hole for herself to hide due to her embarrassment. She swore she could do this alone but this hateful guy always did this to her.

" Lancelot, why are you here and why is a lady wearing this attire?"

Gawain who was familiar with nobles, obviously recognized them almost immediately. Specifically, Guinevere was known for being a tomboy princess while Lancelot was the eye candy for many noble ladies.

" I don't want to speak."

Lancelot didn't want to mention how he almost ended up being a criminal and how he was working as a servant in the castle as a punishment. Perhaps, he would tell them if they were in the same situation.

Tristan observed their faces with a smug grin while trying to hide his admiration for Halfdan who treated Guinevere like a child. He was able to tame the infamous lioness of Wales in such a short amount of time.

" You are thinking something rude, aren't you?"

Guinevere's sharp eyes shifted his direction as she gritted her teeth to bear this act. Her tendons were bulging from excessive rage as her blood boiled when she faced Halfdan who was far superior when it came to strength.

She wasn't foolish to wrestle this tall tower-like creature who was with his trusted aide whom she also disliked. In her eyes, all Vikings turned into troll-like beings except for his mother who was beyond wise.

" Why do you like to tease me? What have I done to deserve to accept such action?"

Halfdan smirked mischievously at her question, hiding the fact that he liked having her near him. During their duration with her, he felt he had a little sister. She was brave and bold like his mother and she was clever even though she had flaws, so he treated her as his sister.

For many years, he always wanted to have siblings and she was almost identical to his imagination. Thus, he quickly got closer to her after hearing about her life and struggle. His compassion for them was like his compassion for his people and didn't try to hide his affection for them.

He practiced with Lancelot and taught Guinevere unconsciously to become independent.

Meanwhile in the meeting room.

" Poor man touches women with his hands but I am not a weakling, Duke. If you are disrespecting me because of my gender, I believe we have no point in talking."

Freyja got up from her seat with a calm face while leaving dumbfounded Grace who didn't understand what was going on because he felt like he fell into the hands of her play.