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

Chapter 7

Nadia

Ragnar still lay peacefully asleep when I awoke the next morning. I quietly slipped out of our room and down to the main hall. Breakfast was waiting and Little Ragnar and Cnut were playing with the apples on the table. I sat down next to Little Ragnar who offered me an apple. I accepted it and thanked him.

"Good night?" Cnut asked suggestively.

"Is that all you men think about?" I fired back.

"Mmm... that and war," he chuckled.

"What?" Little Ragnar innocently asked, the juice from his apple dripping down his face.

I wiped his face with the corner of my sleeve. "I'll tell you when you're older."

He frowned at me but seemed content enough and didn't push the issue. Cnut and I chuckled and watched him dash off out of the hall to play.

"He's getting big so fast," Cnut smiled.

"Aye, that he is."

"Has Ragnar told you yet, my sons are coming soon."

"He did not," I replied, interested by this bit of information.

"Just like the old man to forget things," Cnut chuckled.

"You must be excited," I grinned.

"I am. They have news for us."

"Of the Saxons?"

"Aye lady. If they bring the news I hope they do, we will be able to reassemble and march soon."

"And what news might that be?"

"Mercia and Wessex are divided. Alfred's death has brought division between the two kingdoms. This will work to our advantage. Additionally, they think us weak and unable to attack since we suffered heavy losses at Holme"

"It does seem a prime time to make a move," I agreed.

"I just hope Ragnar will join us."

"Why wouldn't he?"

Cnut chortled. "He seems to feel he has everything he needs. And he's not wrong."

"He will join you."

"You know this lady?"

"I know Ragnar. Nothing would keep him from a fight. He's a warrior at heart."

"Aye, no denying that, but even warriors grow battle-tired."

"Not Ragnar. He has a vengeance and a fight to make up for."

"Well, I am glad you are confident he will join us."

"He will."

"And will you be lady?"

I smiled at him. "I wish I could, but I am a mother first these days."

"I understand," he nodded at me.

I decided to test my luck and continued, "in some ways, being a mother is warrior enough for me. I watch and wait for those who would wish to bring harm to my family. And when I find them, I make them suffer unbelievable pain before dispatching them to the otherworld." Cnut's smile vanished and he looked lost for words. "Unlucky for me that Ragnar won't let me honor the turd in such a way...yet."

"I understand lady. You are a wife and mother, one of the most vicious and dangerous warriors to face if scorned," Cnut attempted to smile.

"Aye," I smiled sweetly. His reaction was interesting to me. Was that fear behind his eyes? Or was he truly taken aback by my devotion to protecting my family. Whether he took my words as a threat, or simple comment about how I would kill to protect my family, my message had gotten across to him loud and clear.