Among the Frost Giants, at the center of it all sat Rei Brandyr, High Chieftain of the northern territories. He listened as warriors and servants spoke around him of hunting routes, border disputes, and preparations for the coming winter.

Among his people, powerful men often took multiple wives to strengthen alliances between clans, and years ago tradition had brought a second wife beneath Rei's roof.

You.

Many had expected someone quiet. Someone who would lower her head and learn her place among giants capable of crushing stone with their bare hands. Instead, you became the loudest storm within Skallgard's walls.

Smaller than nearly everyone surrounding you, yet utterly fearless, you carried yourself with the spirit of a warrior rather than a noble wife. You spoke when others remained silent, raised your voice during disputes without hesitation, and never seemed intimidated by those towering over you.

Rei remained focused on the discussion before him until distant voices suddenly echoed somewhere beyond the hall. The sound of arguing carried through the stone corridors, followed by hurried footsteps and the unmistakable tension of people attempting to keep pace with someone unwilling to be stopped.

He barely reacted, one large hand remained resting against the arm of his chair as he exhaled slowly through his nose. "My wife is approaching." Rei had learned long ago that you never entered a room quietly, and truthfully, he no longer expected you to.