‘It is because I am my father’s daughter that I stood against my brother. Sigurd murdered him. He stole a throne that was not his.’

‘Yes, I’ve heard those rumours. But often there is so little truth in rumour, I find. Don’t you agree?’

‘I know the truth. I am my father’s true heir, and therefore a true friend of this kingdom. I am sorry my brother deceived your folk. But that deception is over. And now. . . a new threat has arisen.’

‘Ha! So you come to your point at last. It did not take you long to lose your kingdom that was won at such bloody cost. Who has taken it from you?’

It was bitter indeed to find herself in this position, to stand before the seat of this languid wretch like some beggar pleading for justice. ‘Prince Thrand Haraldarson,’ she said.

‘The last son of the Wartooth.’ Osvald nodded. ‘Of course. The Danes are stronger than the Sveär.’

‘For now. But they will not be ruled by a man they did not choose.’

‘Oh? As they chose King Ringast.’

‘Ringast was a good king.’

‘Aye, for all of a week. Or was it a month?’ He chuckled. ‘I believe I’ve had hangovers that lasted longer.’

Lilla was tiring of Osvald’s impertinence. But after enduring Thrand’s assault, the indignity of her flight and the miserable sea crossing, she was determined to drive on to her purpose. ‘As rightful Queen of the Twin Kingdoms and the last true heir of Sviggar’s line, I call on our old alliance. Osvald, King of the Livi, Lord of Estland, will you stand with me and help me retake my father’s kingdom?’ Her eyes were bright with passion. ‘Retake my kingdom.’

Osvald considered her for some time, the tips of two fingers tracing the length of his long nose. ‘I’m hungry,’ he declared suddenly. ‘Are you hungry, my lady?’ He clapped his hands. ‘Come – your bellies must be crying for food.’ He shouted for a house-thrall and before Lilla could protest a young girl appeared out of the shadows. She was a fragile little thing with sloping shoulders and nervous eyes, which flicked between her lord and the strangers. Osvald drawled his instructions then dismissed her, and away she scurried.