The Game of Predators and Prey

Judgement

The fire blazed as the lifeless body of 'Ingrid', I had learned the woman's name. Smouldered into the dark black smoke. The setting of fear lingered with each pound of the drum, no one dared to question Ivar. He ran Kattegat with fear, not respect. He stood above the pyre, dressed in brilliant blackened armour but if only it wasn't this ugly souled man that wore it. He didn't even respect Ingrid enough to give her a proper burial. No he stripped her of all her jewels and lit her up. Among the people. Not even allowing her family time to grieve. Ivar spoke with intent that tonight we were casting aside the dark will. That the gods had placed before him. Eliminating the child of the damned. My stomach felt sick as I was forced to watch this savage ceremony. Two sacrifices lauded beside the pyre, one a large steed the other a goat. It was a sacrifice to appease the gods. So Ivar would be able to produce health sons. Everyone looked my way when he spoke of our future, the future of Kattegat that would be set by Ivar unfortunately. He was a monster.

I retreated from the ceremony as fast as I could. The crowd started to deplete and I took it as an excuse to retreat. My feet moved as fast as they could. I couldn't breathe, my blood felt thick like sap. The ordeals from the last two days have made me miss home more then I thought. Getting back to my humble house, I closed the door to the frigid outside and focused on the warm room full of the smell of tea leaves and milk thistle. I needed to calm myself and figure out a way to keep myself alive and not pregnant with Ivar's spawn. He was admit I was going to be his bride, I knew that now. He was plotting from the start, letting me think I was winning. But it wasn't because he was going to shower me with love after we wed. No, I was a piece to his cruel puzzle.

Stripping my heavy clothes from my body, I needed to come up with a way to protect myself. I didn't have Calder to lean on this time. My thoughts jumbled around in my brain when a knock came on my door. Selby went to answer it, taking a break from stocking the fire.
"Wait," I pleaded. My dress half lazily set upon my shoulders. I tied it up the best I could to seem presentable as she hesitated at the door. I nodded and Selby carefully cracked the door.
"Lady Melti is just changing can I give her a message?" She knew I was not ready for visitors tonight.
"I'm just here to check on her?" I realized it luckily was not Ivar but Hvitserk. I nodded at Selby who looked at me question if I was wanting to see him. I dropped my hair from the bun on my head and it draped into ringlets against my back, the ends tickling my exposed chest. Cleavage definitely prominent.

She opened the door hesitantly. He was the only protection chance I had. But would Ivar not just kill his brother to get to me anyways. Why couldn't he just pick another pray. I shook my head and tried to keep my mind on Hvitserk as his broad shoulders entered my temporary home.
"I'm fine, a little confused but fine," I assured him and he nodded, he eyed Selby and I dismissed her realizing he wanted to talk alone.
"I shall be alright Selby," she nodded, needing my confirmation before exiting through the door Hvitserk entered. He had a worrisome face, I was a little scared on the reason for his visit. He paced towards the table in my room that was still plated from the dinner I had earlier. I told Selby to leave it in case I felt hungry after the ceremony, since the plates were still full. I was still not hungry now. The gruesome image of that women haunted my thoughts, stealing any sort of appetite I had.

"Why do you grace me with your presence Hvitserk?" I asked, not beating around the bush. He was here for a reason and he knew I was on high alert.
"Ivar is out of control, Ubbe and I are aware but you need to be careful what you say around him." He was warning me,
"Trust me what I just seen him do to his pregnant wife was warning enough," I spoke, no emotion on my face.
"He is not a sane man, he never has been," Hvitserk spoke, "but he is strong and people fear him. For obvious reasons." I narrowed my eyes at him. I walked up to Hvitserk and my hair tickled the nap of my neck, I looked up at him with my storm grey eyes.
"I have no doubt he would kill me as well." I started and Hvitserk cut me off.
"Melti, he has killed his own blood. No one here can stop him." That was why he was here. He wanted an ally. Not of me but of my father.
But he did not know that my father would not care what I had to say. I stroked the leather upon Hvitserk's chest. The smooth surface and the fabric that lay beneath it. I wondered what he looked like under these clothes.
"My soul goal is to survive this winter. Then I shall be returned home with my family." I claimed and Hvitserk grabbed my hand that wandered his toned chest. My finger tips has just grazed his chest through his shirt. I looked down at the floor to avoid his intense gaze and could make out his growing member. I needed to make a friend out of Hvitserk, not to bed him. I took a step back, to collect myself. I knew Ivar would try to make me his wife, but I didn't know that for certain. Maybe that was too straight forward. He would know I wouldn't want anything to do with him. So why keep me here?
"You will no doubt get through the winter. But Ivar is clever. More so then any of us have given him credit for. You must watch out for yourself," I smiled at Hvitserk as I faced him yet again.
"Why do you worry so?" I asked him. He looked taken back by my words.
"Because I enjoy your company. And I know Ivar also has you in his sights." I smirked a little.
"So I am in your sights?" He smirked back at me.
"Well isn't it obvious?" I shrugged, toying with him. I couldn't bed with him, no matter how much my body wanted to.
"Thank you for the visit Hvitserk, but I must bathe and ready myself for the feast they postponed to tonight." He realized my attempt to avoid his comment.