Eyes of Fire

Heart of Hvitserk

  "Why don't you let Hvitserk have more responsibilities around here?" I questioned while pouring a drink as my back was to Ivar. I could feel his eyes on me as he remained seated in his throne, and there was a second of silence before he spoke.

  "How do you mean?"

  "He's your brother, and yet he still hardly has anything to do. And now that he's not crying and drowning himself in mead, I think he's ready to take a more active role."

  "Are you serious?" Ivar had a tone, and I turned around while holding my cup. Leaning back against the table, I somewhat crossed my arms.

  "I am very serious. Let him lead soldiers, be a diplomat, something."

  "You don't think he will screw it up?" Ivar's brows knit together as he looked at me.

  "He's a man, Ivar, not a child. Don't you trust him?" I raised my eyebrows while bringing my cup to my lips. Ivar went quiet as his gaze drifted. He had an expression that showed he was thinking it over before answering. I calmly waited for him to finally look back at me.

  "I do."

  "Then why not let him take on a more important role?"

  "He's a good fighter but a bad tactician." Ivar replied, then rubbed his chin while looking down. "However, he may be a good diplomat. He speaks well enough." He hummed while still thinking it over.

  "Ivar."

  "What? There are very important responsibilities that come with being a diplomat. Hvitserk would be representing us, our kingdom, and that's not to be taken lightly." Ivar gave me a look with raised brows, and I rolled my eyes.

  "It's Hvitserk we're talking about here. I think he would represent us well. It would also be a good sign to have your brother be in such a role given your reputation with your other brothers."

  "I'm not the one that made them leave. I gave them a chance. Many chances, in fact."

  "You must remember how things spread through word of mouth." I took another drink, and Ivar scoffed while resting his temple on his knuckles.

  "Ah, yes. The 'angel among heathens'."

  "Did you have to go with that example?"

  "What? It's funny." He chuckled as I gave him a look. "I can only imagine what the Christians whisper about you now."

  "Can we stay on topic?"

  "Why? Does it not amuse you how they mistake you for a creature of purity when you are really quite the 'sinner'?" Ivar smirked.

  "I think you like it too much." I replied before taking a drink. Ivar gave a small shrug, and I stood up all of the way before walking toward him. "Now, as we were saying. Hvitserk. Diplomat. Yes or no?"

  "I'll think about it."

  "Take too long, and I'll make the decision for you."

  "There's no need to rush, Hel."

  "There's also no need to be so indecisive." I replied while holding Ivar's chin to tilt his head up to look at me. "Don't be so afraid."

  "I'm not."

  "We'll see."

  "I'm simply being cautious."

  "Mm-hm." I hummed with disbelief, and Ivar made a face. "You trust me, don't you, Ivar?" There was a pause before he nodded. "Then trust my judgment here. He jumped out of that boat for you, has stuck with you through it all, and even stayed when he believed it had been you to have Margarethe killed. Does that not show you how much your brother cares for you? He wants to help. Let him." I said before giving him a kiss.