"Do my eyes deceive me, or is that Prince Ragnar I see standing before me?" the man called out as he approached them just as the ceremony concluded.
The priest had departed only moments earlier, having offered his final blessing to the newly wedded couple. In his wake, a gentle murmur rippled across the grand hall as guests exchanged pleasantries, and offered heartfelt congratulations to the newlyweds and their immediate family.
The man drew closer, and with the richness of his attire, it was impossible to mistake him for anything other than a noble of considerable standing. He was tall, nearly matching Ragnar in height, and wore upon his face the widest, most unabashed smile Circe had ever seen.
Ragnar turned at the sound of his name, and at the sight of the approaching figure, his lips curved into a grin just as broad.
