Always Be By My Side - Sequel to Always Return to Me (The Last Kingdom Fan Fic)

Chapter 37

Nadia

Brida skulked about Dunholm the entire week we prepared to march on Grimsby. Sigtryggr's men returned without her to their lord and I did not miss Brida whisperer something to one of them. My heart clenched as I silently noted where her loyalties may lay.

Scouts were riding in and out of Dunholm. Ragnar and Rorik planned late into the nights. I hardly saw him. When he wasn't training with me, Little Ragnar was permitted to join them. For the most part, I stayed busy with Hilda who was beginning to show an interest in punching and kicking people. Our household and the land was peaceful as we awaited the final war council.

The night came, and Ragnar sat at the head of the hall with Rorik on one side, and me on the other. My dagger concealed away despite Ragnar demanding everyone left their weapons at the door with the exception of Rorik. Ragnar himself joined his men in being unarmed. Little Ragnar sat nearby with the crowd of his father's men, eager to avenge their loved ones. The hall was rowdy as ale flowed freely. I spotted Cellach near the back taking it all in. Ragnar gave Rorik a nod and the large Dane stood, banging on the table, silencing the room. Satisfied, he sat and turned to Ragnar who took his turn to rise.

"I have learned that it was Aksel Kjratanson who orchestrated the attack on our people." He paused, letting the name soak into the minds of his men. "A cowardly bastard son who has decided to reopen the blood feud between our families." Ragnar waited while men hissed and booed. "His disrespect will not go unpunished." Men cheered. Ragnar took a swig of ale and stepped away from the safety of the table. "He cowers in the lawless town, Grimsby."

"Burn the town!" A man shouts, receiving cheers.

Ragnar lifts his hand, silencing them. "We will give them a chance to hand him over. But, if they do not, Grimsby will burn!" Cheers. "Aksel Kjartanson will die!" The room roared in excitement. I raised my own cup in unison with the others.

"That easy?" I raised my brow at my husband who had turned to wink at me.

"That easy," he replied, gulping down ale before turning back to the room. "Who will march with me?" The entire hall erupted into "me's" and "I will's". Rorik half smiled as he shouted along. My eyes darted to Little Ragnar who had been given his own cup of ale. His arm was raised in the air with the others. "We march in two days time, but tonight..." Ragnar paused. I refrained from rolling my eyes at his love for the dramatics. "We feast! We play," the light in the hall seemed to shine off of him. My heart beat wildly. I wiggled my toes in an attempt to bring my mind back from where it was wandering. Men were enthralled. That night Ragnar held everyone in his power.

The tables were loaded with food and men set upon it like wild beasts. Ragnar returned to his seat and let Rorik go join the others. His brow furrowed as he studied my face. "Wife?" He asked.

"Husband?" I replied.

"You're quiet, for you," he chuckled.

My smile slipped and I playfully swatted at him. I felt him pull my chair closer to his. "You stink of ale," I teased.

"And you don't," he raised his brow.

"I prefer to keep a clear mind... Or at least as clear of one as I can when you're around." I replied, gently placing my hand on his cheek. I felt his hand rush to clasp it, holding it there.

"Are you asking for something my dear?" His eyes were aflame with desire as he nuzzled his cheek into my hand.

I watched him slowly unraveling. A smile broke out on my face "Don't you have some games to play?"

Ragnar's eyes did not leave mine. "It seems you have your own game in mind?"

I tried to bite back my smile. "Perhaps." I removed my hand from his grasp and watched him, daring him to make the next move.