A Saint To A Sinner

5.11

That night, Finan set out alone to return to Rumcofa to take the children to Hild, while his wife stayed back with Sihtric to watch Father Pyrlig.
"Father, am I a terrible mother, am I a terrible wife." Y/N sat beside Pyrligs bed.
"God knows in your heart you love your children. You fight to protect them. To give them a safe home. You are nothing but a good mother. As are you Sihtric. I am sure your God knows that as much as mine." Pyrlig breathed out as he held Y/Ns hand.
"Thank you, Pyrlig." Sihtric whispered.
"I can also say you are not a terrible wife. I have never heard any complaints, only admiration." Pyrlig stated. Sihtric walked over and wrapped his arms around her shoulders, kissing her on the shoulder, "my wife is perfect."
"Sihtric, Y/N. The King requires an audience. Where is Finan?" Uhtred called.
"Rumcofa." Y/N stated.

King Edward required an audience for the Baptism of Stiorra and the men of Eoferwic. Uhtred believed Stiorra would accept but something told Y/N that would not be the case. Y/N watched Stiorra approach with a nervous look on her face.
"Kneel before your King." Lord Aldhelm said, but Stiorra did not move.
"I know that it is wise for me to kneel. But my heart will not allow it." Y/N looked at Sihtric as the crowd started to stir.
"I was told you were agreed." King Edward stated.
"I am sorry. I was trying to honour my father's wish. But to honour him is to dishonour my husband. And it is a destruction of everything we have built here in Eoferwic. I do not believe you will let Danes live here in peace." Stiorra spoke with determination and strength.
"If you will not show loyalty to the King, then you will face the consequences." Lord Aldhelm advised.
"You have done this too humiliate me. I return to you with dignity. You would have loved in comfort." Edward stated. She could hear the anger rising in his voice.
"No. I do not want to be protected. I want to be free. And if that freedom is only to face the executioner's blade, then so be it. I shall join my husband." Stiorra answered back.
"You and all who follow you are to be exiled from Eoferwic. Those who wish to stay live at my behest! But if you are not gone by sunset I will not be so generous." Edward said, before yelling, "bring Rognvaldr to me! Have him kneel! Put a sword to his throat if he does not." Y/N looked back at Sihtric nervously before walking out.
"He is threatened by the Danes. All Danes." Sihtric stated, placing his hands on his hips.
"Lord. Lady. We have been asked to relay a message to Lord Uhtred." A knight said.

The knight had returned from Loidis with his dead friend to relay a message back to Uhtred, to meet Brida at Loidis. The place Ragnar was buried.
"Lord, do not do this, it is a trap." Sihtric advised.
"Our paths are intertwined. Either she kills me or I kill her." Uhtred stated, before getting onto his horse. Y/N approached Sihtric, grabbing his hand nervously. They both knew Uhtred would not kill her. They prayed the Gods would give him strength to kill her once and for all.
"He will not." Sihtric said.
"The Gods will give him strength. We must be rid of her. She will only cause more destruction." Y/N stated, wrapping her self around his arm, pulling him towards her. Praying for better days.