Northumbria ✓

16

Aethelthryth opened her eyes much later that day. It was already getting dark outside. She could guess that whatever meeting took much longer than Ubbe thought it would. She even had time to go to her room and change into her nightgown. It took her a few minutes to convince Elfreda that she was not giving in to any plans Cyneburga made. The baggy material hanged on her comfortably, and the long bishop sleeves caressing her skin as she moved. Elfreda had to tie the lacing on the neckline of her dress. For they both knew she was quite incapable of doing such a simple feat herself.

She picked up another letter from the table, a table that was very much messy. Aethelthryth knew Ubbe didn't write this one. He did not know how to write in her language. She guessed that it was probably one of her father's generals that used to reside in this quarter. She sat at the table, trying to keep herself occupied. Her eyes swept through the letters, some battle formations, or the defenses of the castle. She heard the door open and picked up her head excitedly. She didn't even notice it was so late. She must've sat at the table for another few hours. Some candles were already burning out.

Ubbe looked slightly troubled as he stepped towards her. She had no chance to ask him if everything was alright as his lips claimed hers. She responded sweetly, letting his tongue wiggle into her mouth. Aethelthryth did not fight him, instead, she let him have control. He deserved it, and she did not want to challenge him as his brother probably challenged him all day.

Once his lips left her, she breathlessly asked, "Is something troubling you?"

He shook his head, pecking her once more, "I'm just happy to see you here in my room." She was not stupid and immediately picked up that he wanted to avoid answering her question. But she was also not blind to not see his troubled expression. It must be bad news. Her thoughts went to the Lords. Did they know they weren't going to come? Should she feel guilty for not telling at least Ubbe? She shook the thought away quickly and focused on him. He was undressing, showing off his bulging muscle. His rippling, powerful back to her, and her mouth watered.

Feeling brave and very much turned on, something that made her feel guilty, she pushed from the table and made her way to him. She hugged him from behind, her fingers trailing over his pecks. She felt him shudder under her touch. He was so defined. A butterfly kiss landed on his neck, "You can tell me what's wrong," he did his best to hide his grin at her words. When did she get so brave?

"In two days, we will march to Newcastle," his voice was solemn. She blinked at that. In two days, he will go and fight her people. Kill her people. He continued, "Some men will stay behind to protect you and Ronja" —he turned around— "a messenger is already traveling to Trondheim. Irvina and Bjorn will send men, and some men from here will return to Norway." His hands cupped her face as she blinked up at him.

"Why is Ronja staying behind?" Aethelthryth doubted that the woman would stay behind. She felt as if even her condition wouldn't stop her. "She's very close to birth and does not want to distract Ivar by forcing him to protect her," he smiled, playing with the laces above her breasts.

A smirk replaced the smile, "Besides, I do not doubt she will terrorize the rest of the men that will stay behind." Aethelthryth let out a silent laugh at that. "I will leave Arne behind even though he is itching for a fight. Gorm, the man that walks behind Ronja like a shadow, will also stay behind. Both are great warriors." She nodded, already expecting that much. Ubbe assigned Arne to follow her even when they did not establish any relationship. She was surprised that he wasn't commanding more men to shadow her.

She could see it in his eyes that he was daring her to complain. But why would she? Aethelthryth was not the one going to battle? Besides, her mother taught her to support her husband while he went to war, or just in anything he wanted. As an unmarried woman, she had much more selfhood now that she thought about it. Elfreda described marriage as something magical, but she did not see it that way. By law, you were property. She nodded her head before standing on her toes to give him a small kiss. Her hands slid over his broad shoulders before putting them over his.

Her eyes held his. She could still see the stress rolling off him. Her lips kissed the inside of his palm, "I will be fine!" He nodded before leaning in. They kissed for what felt like an eternity. Slow sensual kisses as if they had nowhere to rush. When in reality, they actually did. He soon pulled them both into bed. They laid next to each other, his fingers trailing over her face. Digits sliding over her features as if he wanted to remember her. As if he was pushing her face so deep into his memory that he could remember it before the battle.

In between his feather-like touches, they exchanged small kisses. Kisses that went beyond words and Aethelthryth felt at peace. From afar, she did not imagine he could be gentle. Ubbe seemed like such a brute. But she was definitely proven wrong just from the way he was looking at her. So affectionately that his blue eyes caressed her. She wanted to give in to any demands that he may have. The twinkle in his eyes showed her that he was content just the way it was now. Their hands intertwined and foreheads touching. Soon she felt herself being lulled into sleep by his evened breathing.