"I don't want to be what everyone else wants me to be. . ." I breathed while looking out across the camp.
He looked out to the camp once again and sighed heavily, "The world, the gods, and people are. . . tricky things. My brother wants to be king b...
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.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.
Sailing took into the night. It wasn't until the next morning did we reach our destination. We sailed along the coast of England.
From afar on land, I spotted a scout. I walked over to my brother and pointed him out, "In only the matter of a couple of hours will they know we are here."
He nodded and looked at the coast, "We'll make camp on the coast for our battle against Northumbria. We'll move inland as we approach Wessex."
I nodded and turned around. I walked over to the navigator, "We make camp here." The man nodded and directed the orders to the rowers of our ship, "Camp!" I belted out. Soon the horn sounded and the ships began to turn toward the shore.
I jumped off of the boat and walked onto the sand. Leaders of each fleet made their way over to me, "We are not staying here long. In a few hour's time, we will meet the army of King Aelle of Northumbria." They nodded in understanding, "Make sure your warriors are rested and well to fight." They walked off in the direction of their ships.
Harald chose to stay behind. He examined me and I tilted my head at him, "I thought Ironside was leading the army."
"I am simply barking the orders." I informed the king, "Though it is true my opinion matters to my brother. I am more skilled when it comes to battle and planning such attacks."
The man shrugged, "I agree."
My arms crossed over my chest as I turned to face him, "What is it you desire, Harald?"
His smirk grew and a chuckle rolled off his tongue, "My brother made me promise to always protect you and your sons. I don't think you should fight, especially if you are with child."
"Don't tell me what I can and cannot do." I urged him, "I am strong enough to handle myself far better than you, or any other man for that matter, ever could."
Harald held up his hands in defeat and he nodded his head, "I believe you, Great Shieldmaiden." He continued to stare at me through his lashes before trailing away back to his warriors.
A pressure landed on my shoulder and I glanced to see Bjorn looking after Harald as he walked away, "He doesn't trust you." I sighed.
"I hardly doubt it is a matter of trust," he explained as I turned around to face him, "he wants what everyone wants—"
"—What everyone wants?" I cocked my eyebrow at him with a smirk.
He chuckled and pushed my shoulder with his large hand playfully, "At least what every self-respecting person would want." Bjorn went to walk towards the tent where we would be figuring out a plan of attack.
"Ahh," I pushed his back with a grin, "so now I am not self-respecting."
Bjorn turned around and draped his arm around my shoulders, "Shut up and let us plan together."
