Honor and Blood - Part I.

A husband that fits you

One thing Vanya learned during the journey to Kattegat was that she loves the sea. The splashing of the waves, the partial silence. It was so different from what she was used to, and she liked it. Another thing is that Bjorn isn't as scary as she thought. He seems fine for a "filthy and bloodthirsty savage" - like everybody calls them.

Also, Scandinavia is cold. She already put on a cloak to keep her warm, but she is still shaking. If it is nerves or the cold, she has no idea. Hopefully, it's from the cold. Freezing to death seems like an excellent alternative to marrying Ivar. Bjorn told her a few things; he said that his younger half brother has a temper. Otherwise, he seemed reluctant to share anything about him. He also watched her like a hawk whenever she stood too near to the edge of the ship. As if she would fall in or jump.

The days passed too fast for her liking. Today they would arrive in Kattegat. She can already see the land and its people getting ready to greet them. The nearer they got, the more she shook in her seat. It scared her to think about her husband. He was young and temperamental. Silas's words kept haunting her: "I chose a man I knew would fit you perfectly." Who knows what kind of monster Ivar is.

"We are nearly there." Bjorn's voice drew her from her thoughts. Vanya looked at the man before her and nodded. She knew. Of course, Vanya knew. She took a deep breath and stood up, looking at the people awaiting her arrival. One of them is her husband. A lot of them are very handsome and tall. That is a good sign. What would be the odds that Ivars any different?

The ship hit the shore, and Bjorn helped Vanya get off when a woman with three men walked forward. She held her head high and was stunning. And the young men by her side were handsome too. "Welcome to Kattegat, Princess Vanya. We are happy to have you here."

Vanya bowed before the royal family and smiled a timid smile. "It is a pleasure to be here, Queen Aslaug."

The pretty Queen smiled back at her and mentioned to the men by her side. "My sons, Ubbe, Hvitserk, and Sigurd." All three smiled at her, but she didn't have the energy to smile back. Where was Ivar? "And, of course, Ivar." She said, mentioning to somebody by Ubbe's side. Vanya looked towards the direction Aslaug pointed and froze. Her husband to be was dragging himself over the ground. Silas chose her a cripple as a husband.

She ignored her thoughts and bowed before him, as well. "Nice to meet you. My name is Vanya." She smiled the most dashing smile she could. Mother always said smiling is very important when meeting someone. It makes a good impression.

Ivar only scoffed and raised an eyebrow at her. "I know who you are." He said, rolling his eyes, making her pause.

"Ivar." Warned Aslaug before leading Vanya to the Great hall. Mother said to walk beside her husband, but that was very hard when he dragged himself behind them, looking like he would rather be anywhere else. Instead, she walked with the Queen, who kept asking her questions. "How do you like Kattegat so far? How was the journey?" She answered them only not to be rude.

But, all she could think about was that it finally made sense what Silas meant. "A husband that would fit her." A man who dragged himself through the dirt perfectly fits a princess who belongs to the animals. The great hall was huge and filled with food and servants who filled their cups the moment they sat down. Aslaug sat a the head of the table with Ivar on her left. Next to him sat Vanya with Hvitserk on her other side. In front of her sat Ubbe with Sigurd on his left and Bjorn on Aslaugs right. They all talked between them while Vanya listened to their strange language. She had no idea what was being said, and it frustrated her. She knew nothing of the people she will live with from now on. She was sent in blind and deaf.

"So, Princess. How do you like Ivar?" Sigurd suddenly asked, making everybody stop. Vanya looked at the ginger Viking and blink. She did expect that question. Ivar, on the hand, just glared at him.