3 book of the series
Feeling the anger well up, she slowly rose from the table, " No one will come and save us! Alfred will marry a Mercian lady, and they will form a strong alliance to overthrow these heathens" -her eyes bore deeply into Elfreda's...
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Aethelthryth continued to stare at Elfreda's face. She had a small shaped face, and overall all her features were dainty, tiny nose, lips, eyes, and then blonde locks. And she fell asleep effortlessly. Everything about Elfreda was perfect. She rolled onto her back with a sigh of frustration. Her father's corpse kept flashing before her eyes. She couldn't even close her eyes without the gruesome image flashing behind her closed lids. She stared wide-eyed at the stone made ceiling. Then her concentration drew to the voices behind the door. She immediately recognised the gruff voice. And the cold language they spoke. The door softly opened, and she pushed herself onto her elbows. And as her eyes rested on his handsome face, she had the urge to apologize. After all, she was cursing them all to damnation.
His blue eyes shined in the dark light coming from the hallway. He gestured with his head, and she sighed. She cursed her mind for wanting to follow him. She sighed once more before pushing the covers aside. She could feel his eyes on her, his hot stare sliding all over her.
Aethelthryth slid off the bed, feet touching the cold floor. She took the robe hanging around her chair and wrapped it tightly around herself before she slipped into the slippers. He gave her a small smile as she slid around him into the hall. Her guard walked before them with the torch.
"Where are we going?" Her voice didn't rise above a whisper. He smiled at her once more, "You shall see." She nodded, even though the curiosity was clawing at her. Once they stepped outside, she grew even more confused. They walked further into the gardens until they reached the planted trees. She noticed the hole underneath the tallest tree. Ubbe gestured with his hand making her step closer. And as his hand outstretched towards her, she hesitated.
A breath left her before she laid her hand in his. She could see the grin that reached his lips. Rolling her eyes, she stepped towards the hole and gasped. Covered in fur there was a small boat, and a shield rested at the head. Then she saw the handle of the sword, her father's symbols. So her father must be inside. She hoped that they put enough gold or things he may need in his afterlife. But she didn't dare to ask.
Her hand clutched his tighter, "Thank you." He squeezed her hand as if saying that it wasn't a problem. She hated herself for the way her heart fluttered.
*
They stood there for who knows how long, and he did not blame her. After all, she needed to say goodbye. Ubbe thoroughly enjoyed being able to hold her hand all this time. Then she crossed herself, something Ubbe could see many of her people doing, and turned to him. She was beautiful, and Ubbe had to restrain himself from wanting more than hold her hand. He had helped his men dig the hole even though Ivar told him to not waste his time. He also commanded Arne, the man he appointed as her guard, to cover it later.
"Will you mark his grave?" Ubbe nodded, he has also noticed that was another one of their customs. Aethelthryth looked relieved as she nodded back. She reached for him with her other hand something he did not expect. Her hand wrapped around his neck, and she pulled him down. He bent just to satisfy her, and rested his head in the crook of her neck, just to satisfy himself. He could imagine how guilty she felt, hugging the man who practically killed her father.
He reluctantly pulled back, "I will escort you back." She nodded before unsurely looking at her father's grave. She followed him as he pulled her hand. Once they reached the door of her room, his excitement dampened. She took a step from him and untangled their hands.
"I'm sorry for what happened." Aethelthryth turned at his words, her eyes shining. It would probably take much more to forgive him, but he had time. He could only hope that soon they could shine with forgiveness. A small smile reached her lips, and he exhaled in relief. "Maybe we could have breakfast together tomorrow?"
His eyes widened as he stared at her. She stepped closer making them widen even more. He watched her lips pucker as she leaned in and kissed his cheek. Ubbe shuddered at the contact of her lips, so soft. She took a step back from him, and he watched her cheeks pinken.
"Tomorrow then," she said softly. All he could do was nod as she gave a tiny timid smile and walked inside her room. They made eye contact one last time before she shut the door slowly, holding his eyes. Now he definitely wasn't going to get her out of his mind. He leaned onto the wall and breathed through his nose. Definitely not.
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Double update... I'm currently obsessed with Nobody Is Listening. What's your favourite track? (mine is Sweat). Also putting on repeat Golden for months now😂 (Vibez and Golden are kinda similar or is it just me😂)
