Always Be By My Side - Sequel to Always Return to Me (The Last Kingdom Fan Fic)

Chapter 2

Ragnar

I looked at my dear Nadia who slept peacefully beside me. Her dark hair covering the pillow beneath her head. I was tempted to reach out to touch her peaceful face but knew better. She slept with a knife somewhere in reach, I'd made that mistake before. She'd been horrified that she'd cut my hand, but it wasn't her fault, I knew she came by being defensive even when sleeping honestly. I whispered to her, "Nadia, are you awake?"

"No," she grumbled, a smile tugging at her lips.

I reached out and placed my hand on her cheek. She slowly opened her eyes and looked at me. I wrapped my arms around her and pulled her closer to me. She grumbled some more, but soon had her head snuggled into my shoulder. I rested my head on hers and breathed her in. Is it weird that I love how she smells? I find warmth and comfort in her scent.

"Ragnar?" she asked.

"Yes, my love?"

"Are you worried about tomorrow?" I hesitated to answer her question. "I am," she continued on. "One of them is responsible for your death. Cnut, Aethelwold, Heasten, Bloodhair."

"And the one responsible will pay," I replied.

"But how will we know which?"

"You think it to be Aethelwold?"

"Brida was supposed to kill him. She was also supposed to retreat with our men if all looked lost..."

"She'll be among them. You are sure it was Aethelwold?"

"Yes, and I cannot deny that Cnut knew something of it. I do not know if he was involved directly, but it is worrisome he was quick to protect the turd from my accusations," she replied.

I considered her words. "I'm sure Cnut had his reasons to not divulge the information to you. My cousin would mean me no harm." She didn't respond, I knew she was thinking otherwise. "Cnut's a good man. We fought together in Ireland. He saved my life then, why would he try to kill me now?"

Her head stirred and she moved to look at me. "He saved your life in Ireland?"

"Aye," I replied.

"You never told me that."

"Our shield wall had been broken. A spear pushed through towards me, but Cnut saw it and took the brunt of it with his shoulder to shield me."

"That was noble of him."

"Aye."

"Well, I must thank him then when he arrives tomorrow." Her tone was not very convincing. I knew she was weary of my cousin, but for the life of me I cannot understand why.

"We will be fine. Nobody can hurt us as long as we stay together, alright?" I tried to assure her.

She nodded, but I could see in her eyes she did not believe it. She was a mother and a wife first. I knew her focus was on protecting her family, no matter who the enemy was.

"We will be alright, I won't let anything harm you or our children, and you won't let anything harm me or our children," I whispered to her.

"Always?"

"Always." I planted a kiss on her lips and felt her wrap her arms tightly around me. I nuzzled my head back into her hair and held her tightly until dawn.

~~~~~

Nadia

The next morning Ragnar and I tensely ate our breakfasts and paced about the hall. The children were to be kept upstairs, and Ragnar would join them once we received word that our visitors were approaching. Around noontime the word came. Ragnar gave me a quick kiss before ascending the stairs to wait.

I took a deep breath before stepping out of the hall. I wandered up to the battlements above the gate and watched as our visitors approached. As they drew nearer, I began to make out familiar faces. Cnut was at the front along with Heasten and Ragnar's man, Rorik. Bloodhair was absent. I did not see Brida, who should've been at the front. I gulped and took a deep breath to regain my composure. They reached the gates and halted. Cnut looked up at me and I met his eyes.

"Lady Ragnarson, we thank you for your hospitality." He bowed his head slightly.

"I am sorry to see so few of you have returned," I shouted back.

"We seek shelter, food, and rest lady. We throw ourselves upon your mercy," Heasten chimed in.

"And what of our men Rorik? Do you all too throw yourselves upon my mercy?"

"No lady, we've come home," Rorik reassured me.

I nodded and told the man next to me to open the gates. The gates were opened, and I climbed down to welcome home our men and greet our visitors.

Cnut was first to dismount, and I pulled him into a hug which he reciprocated. "It's good to see you lady. Though I wish the circumstances were different."

"As do I," I replied into his ear.

I pulled away from him and nodded at Heasten and looked to Rorik. "You two go on inside with your men. You'll find food and ale on the tables. But not too much ale, I have a grand feast planned for tonight," I told Cnut and Heasten. They both gave their thanks and led their men into the hall. "The rest of you go on in, I wish to speak with Rorik. The rest of the men followed suit, leaving Rorik and me alone.

"Where's Brida?" I asked him, already guessing the answer.

"I am sorry my lady, Cnut said he saw her fall," Rorik replied.

I closed my eyes a moment and bit my lip, fighting the tears threatening to come. "I see."

"We took many Saxon lives but became greatly outnumbered. The Lady of Mercia came to Wessex's aid," he explained.

"That was I supposed to be expected," I replied, wondering how so many of them had managed to escape being taken prisoner.

"And the traitor Uhtred led Wessex," Rorik added.

"Did he fall?" I asked, trying to not sound like I cared too much.

"Not to my knowledge lady," Rorik replied.

I nodded my head. "Well, you should go eat, rest, see your wife. Thank you Rorik for your loyalty, you will be rewarded well."

"Tak my lady." He bowed his head. "We have a prisoner for you," he continued on, indicating to one of his men to bring forward their prisoner.

"A prisoner?" I asked, intrigued.

I came eye to eye with the last person I'd expected to see. A terrified dirt and bruise covered face stared back at me.

"He reeks," I noted.

"His nickname suits him," Rorik smiled.

I smiled back at him and turned my attention to trembling my prisoner. "Hello Aethelwold," I smiled coldly.