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what excuse she could give, but she was saved by her mother walking into the chamber.
    “Ah, my lord Ulfric, I see you’ve found my sleeping po tion.  I’m sorry but I left it here when we exchanged rooms and I’d forgotten about it.”  She made to take the pouch but Ulfric snatched it away.
    “Juliana, did you know what this was?”
    “Yes, sire, my mother had trouble sleeping when my father died and Sara gave her this to help.”
    “Why did you look so guilty when you saw I’d found it?”
    “I was afraid that you would think it was mine and accuse me of plotting to poison you,” she answered shyly, hoping he would believe her.
    Ulfric looked from mother to daughter trying to perceive any deception but could not find any so he handed the pouch to Hilde and she tucked it away into a pocket of her gown and left.  Ulfric signalled for Thorvald to leave too which he did and closed the door.
    There was silence for some moments before Juliana ventured, “You are looking well sire.  The brown colours suit you and you look younger with a trimmed beard.”
    Ulfric had forgotten the reason why he had taken so much trouble with his appearance and was pleased at her flattery, but still not convinced of her true intentions towards him.
    “I thought I would show you that I’m not the barbarian you think me to be.  Also, I have to give you some news.”
    Juliana raised her eyes to his and he came to stand in front of her, but found her closeness too difficult to deal with and moved away, in case she saw his discomfort.  He coughed and continued, “As you know I have to go to Lincoln to see the King in a few days time and I’ve decided to take you with me.”
    Juliana was speechless and just gaped at him.  “Well, don’t you have something to say?” he asked.
    “Er, yes of course.  I’m just surprised that’s all.  Why would you want to take me with you?  I don’t have the right clothes to be presented to the King.  I’m just the daughter of a noble lord and we don’t have much use for finery here.”
    “I’m sure you and your mother can purchase cloth enough to make you a couple of gowns.”
    “No, sire.  It embarrasses me to say, but we don’t have any coin of our own.  You own everything here now and it isn’t for me to use your money.”
    “So, you want my money now! ” he said deliberately misunderstanding her. “I’ve never paid women for anything, Juliana.  I’ve coin enough for myself but it was hard fought for.  I risked my life for what I have and don’t intend to give it to dressmakers and such.  No, use what you have already.  Enough of this women’s talk - speak to your mother.”
    Juliana was now doubly embarrassed but also angry at his assumption that she was trying to wheedle money out of him.  “I have no intention of asking you for your hard-earned coin and if you offered it I would refuse.  You owe me nothing and as I’m neither your wife nor your mistress you have no need to feel obligated.”
    She turned on her heels and left slamming the door behind her.
    Ulfric was struck dumb by his own stupidity and looked out of the window, resting his head on the cold stone lintel.  What was wrong with him?  Why was he picking fault with her every word?  Was it because of what Thorvald had told him about her warming to him?  Was he deliberately pushing her away? 
    A movement caught his eye and he watched as Juliana went into the woods opposite the Hall.  She had her cloak with her and he surmised she was going to the beck.  In a second he had made up his mind and ran down the stairs to try and catch her and to explain his feelings towards her.  He had no idea what he would say but his heart was hammering when he arrived at the beck.  She was sitting with her back towards a tree, leaning on the broad trunk with her knees drawn up, casually throwing small stones into the water.  She was looking wistfully out over the water and he stood for a moment watching her,