Askeladd - Thorfinn x reader -

47.

Chapter 47
Forgetting 

MERCIA 

Laying alone in her tent, Y/n stirred finding herself restless. 

Unfortunately, nights like these weren't uncommon. While Y/n couldn't wait to leave Mercia soil, her mind refused to let go of consciousness-- making tomorrows early morning departure feel like it'd take years to come. 

Accepting that she'd be spending another night void of sleep, she sat up from her resting position. Seemingly on cue, the curtain of her tent was slightly pulled back. Her brows furrowed as her hand instinctively grabbed the small dagger from her boot. 

Nobody came into her tent so late at night, no, to be more precise no one ever came into her tent. 

The soft material of the opening of her tent was peeled back just enough for a tall figure to slip inside. Once her eyes met those belonged to the intruder she felt her shoulders relax. 

"Canute?" 

"Sorry, I didn't mean to wake you." The prince wore a small smile along with his night attire.

'Then why would you come in here? To watch me sleep?' Y/n repressed the urge to speak her thoughts aloud, instead choosing to keep things short and simple. 

"I wasn't sleeping." 

From the angle Y/n was sitting at, she could make out the prince's face clearly, as some of the light from the bonfire leaked into the tent as it was held open. However, she was sure he couldn't clearly see the confused expression on her face as he extended a hand toward her. 

"Then you wouldn't mind sitting out by the fire with me? You must be cold in here anyway," Canute asked, hoping she'd accept to give him some company. 

Much like Y/n, the prince was restless-- but for different reasons. 

Simply knowing Y/n was so close for the first time in what felt like forever he couldn't sleep. 

At least not without her nearby. 

Without hesitation Y/n let go of her dagger, her small rough hands grabbing onto the hand the prince lent her. A hand she remembered to be soft now feeling the same as her own. Canute pulled her up to her feet, Y/n letting go of his hand as she passed him to leave the small tent. 

The logs by the bonfire were empty, the only sounds filling the night being the crickets and the sound of wood burning in the fire. 

Canute's men sleeping soundly in their tents, they were eager for the morning to come. To finally return home from the battlefield-- well.. All expect Thorkell. 

Still, despite wanting to do nothing but remain in Mercia and fight the giant himself was deep asleep much like everyone else. 

The pair sat side by side near the fire, the warmth instantly comforting the two. 

Y/n wouldn't mind just sitting like this in silence, but the prince was yearning to catch up with the girl he'd longed to see. 

Being in her presence was still unreal. 

He shamelessly stared at her side profile, the glow from the fire illuminating her attractive features. Of course, Y/n could feel his eyes burning into her. It was almost as if he was trying to take in and memorize every detail, down to how long her lashes were and how the scar on her face was slightly raised.