𝑨𝒓𝒅𝒊𝒕𝒉 | ✔️

16 | Here's the Plan

Summer, 30th June 864AD – Midday

"So what is it you wish to tell us?" Dawn asked.
The others arrived at the secluded beach, finding me sitting on a slice of log, staring out into the endless sea.
While I waited for them, I rehearsed in my head what I needed to say. As every moment passed, I could not help but let doubt sink into my thoughts.

What would they think of me?

Would they see me as a traitor for associating with a Dane?

If the king were to find out, my punishment would either be exile or possibly death. Yet, would this...crime be excused if it means protecting my people of the danger that is soon to come?

"This is an incredible place." Aidan's voice broke me out of my thoughts.

I whirled around, finding the young prince sitting beside me. His olive-green gaze danced around the beach, sparkling with curiosity. I like that about him; his child-like innocence.

"Huh. I wonder why I've never seen this place before."

I gazed at the secluded beach before me – a bleak land stretching for miles where the murky blue waters met with the white sand.
Bones scattered on the sand; remnants of deceased creatures who unfortunately washed up on shore.

In the distance, beyond the vast ocean, perched rock formations with jagged points clouded with a thick layer of fog.

Travellers mistaken these rocks as floating islands; home to mythical beings beyond our imagination. It's no wonder after being stranded at sea for months their minds would conjure up such things.

I stared beyond the rock formations. My mind suddenly returned to the Danes. Only I did not feel fear, but curiosity about these Northmen.

The wind picked its speed; its invisible hands running through my tangled dark hair.

What were their homes like? Why would they keep invading our village when they already possessed their own land?
Why come here to pillage and steal our valuables and loved ones?

I felt a weight beside. I looked up to see Cwenhild admiring the scenery. Her wild auburn hair billowing in the wind. She pulled up her knees, her arms hugging them tighter to her chest.

"His Highness is right," Cwenhild murmured. She picked up a shell. Brow furrowed, she examined the beautiful artefact, her finger tracing along the lines and dents.
"This is a beautiful place. But is this not our purpose for being here? To marvel at this secluded area?"

Edwyn, distracted by the rolling waves, removed his boots and waddled to the waters. He bent over, rolling up his trousers. Standing tall, he stretched his arms out like a bird unfurling its wings. The sunlight shone on his skin as he enjoyed the water trickling against his bare feet.

"I'd come here for a vacation." Edwyn crouched down, scooped a handful of water then splashed it over his face. "It is a perfect hideaway. And if this is the only reason you took us here, thank you, dear sister. Now I can finally go skinny dipping."

We scrunched our faces in disgust. I shuddered at my brother's idea to unwind.

"Edwyn, we do not need that information," Cwenhild groaned.

Amused by our expressions, Edwyn tipped his head back, laughing.
"Oh, Cwenhild, Cwenhild. You poor innocent girl. What, you have never seen anyone unclothe themselves before?" He wriggled his brows suggestively. "I know you, Cwenhild. I know what you really want."

Cwenhild raised a puzzled brow. "No I do not."

"The village knows you will be married off to a man you do not wish to wed." Edwyn chuckled softly. "And I know you must be curious to know what it must be like to be in your marriage bed, watching your lover unclothe themselves."