Askeladd - Thorfinn x reader -

56.

Chapter 56
Pawn

"I have seen your gifts Ketil, they are very fine. I accept them." 

Kneeled in the presence of the king was Ketil and his two sons, Ketil bowing his head to give his full respects in hopes of making a good first impression.  

Y/n took in the mans appearance, burning his image into her mind. Then her eyes quickly scanned over his sons, she was familiar with Thorgil of course, in fact she couldn't stand the sexist bastard. 

The first time they'd met he made sure to voice his opinion on her title, saying a woman wasn't fit for such a job. She'd heard the inappropriate comments he'd made about her body behind her back. As much as she hated the man, she couldn't doubt the fact that he was a great asset on the battlefield; a wannabe Thorkell.

Knowing Ketil was the father of such a ma---thing, she couldn't help but make assumptions about his character. She wondered how he treated his slaves, how Thorfinn was being treated. 

But when she saw the sweet and genuine grin he gave Canute her worries flushed themselves away. 

"Yes your majesty! Y-your approval is an honour of which I am most unworthy, but I am nonetheless grateful!!" 

'This is Thorgils father? Was Thorgil dropped on his head as a baby or something??' 

Y/n could've swore the man looked like he was ready to spill tears of joy. 

"These were all produced by your farmland?" Canute further questioned, Ketil nodding enthusiastically. 

"Yes! This year was a bountiful one," He began, "The late king Harald was very pleased with our offerings as well, I'm happy to say." 

Canute nodded as he then continued to sweet talk Ketil, telling him all the things he wanted to hear. How he wasn't going to renege the deals made by his father and brother to protect his farm. 

Boulder lifted from his shoulder, Ketil bowed his head once again as he repeated his thanks to the king; relief washing over his entire being. 

His moment of peace was sadly short lived, as his son made sure to do his job at forever disrupting his peace. Standing up tall, Olmar disrespecting the king as he got up from his knees. 

Thorgil curiously glanced up at his brother, already knowing he was up to no good-- much like his father. 

"You there. Kneel in the presence of your King." The conehead Gunnar was quick to bark out orders, the boys actions was enough to pull Y/n out of her thoughts. 

Olmar gulped as his eyes wondered off the king for a moment to land on Y/n, his cheeks immediately flushing when he noticed her look him up and down. Clenching his fist by his side his nerves grew inside of him but so did his ambition. 

Thorgil knowing the source of Olmar's tinted face couldn't help but scoff as he rolled his eyes. 

"What are you--!?Pardon him for his rudeness.." Ketil tried to excuse Olmars lack of manners, not wanting to potentially ruin the seemingly good start he had with Canute. 

"King Canute, I have a favour to ask!!!" The young man spoke loudly to imitate confidence but their was still a tremble in his voice, "Please put me in your royal army!! One of your thegns, just like my big bro if you can!!!" 

Wulf crossed his arms over his chest at the mention of the royal army. 

As Olmar's hand began to near his waist where he sword rested, Ketil damn near had a heart attack. Even Thorgil began to stand up slightly as he raised a brow, clearly taken aback, I mean, surely his brother wasn't dumb enough to--