Berengar sat back in his office and sighed heavily as he took a large gulp of his beer. Weeks had passed since the Victory Day celebration ended, and the royal families of Europe had returned to their homes.
With one notable exception. During the feast that Berengar had hosted for his guests, he had negotiated with King Alvar for his young granddaughter Astrid to stay behind in Kufstein and receive a German education. Perhaps out of jealousy, Ingrid insisted that she do the same.
Berengar's reasoning for such an arrangement was two-fold: firstly, it ensured the continued loyalty of the Nordic Countries, and secondly it fostered a healthy relationship between his son Kristoffer and his little fiancee. Ingrid forcing her way into his house was an unexpected surprise, but a welcome one. Berengar could tell the girl planned to have Hans all to herself, and he wanted to see his son knock her down a peg.
