Painted Blade || sihtric

79.

   "I said, you are not leaving!" Alerk growled, tightening his grip on Bemia's arm as she struggled to get free from him. "You are my wife, and I will not have you leaving to go anywhere! Fighting is not for women!"

"You have no right to stop me!" Bemia snarled, glaring up at him in pure hatred, holding back a wince when his grip tightened, pinching her skin. "Stop this, Alerk! There is no need for you to act like a bitch!"

Usually, when Alerk was angry, Bemia would stay quiet and cautious, scared to enrage him more and earn a beating. But now she was back with her true family, and she had no fear, not when the men around her showed respect for her name and reputation.

Alerk leaned down to her, his back blocking any prying eyes. "Do you wish to receive another scar, my dear?"

"Do you wish to earn a blade through your heart?"

The two stilled before Alerk looked over his shoulder as did Bemia, their eyes landing on Sihtric standing in place with his head tilted and Finan close to his side with his sword drawn. The sight of the two men made Bemia fill with relief but also dread.

Finan sucked on his teeth, his eyes glancing at Alerk's hold of Bemia. "I would suggest lettin' go of my sister before you lose your hand, King."

Alerk's teeth grinded as he let go of Bemia, taking a single step away from her and toward the two men. "I may do with my wife as I wish."

"You may, but you will not live to see another day," Sihtric sharply countered and gave no care as he reached past Alerk, gently taking Bemia's hand in his before pulling her over to him. A clear warning was in his eyes when he faced the fuming King. "The mother of our children deserves much more respect than you have shown her. Bemia made your reputation, so I suggest learning to keep your hands to yourself."

"Our children?" Alerk's eyes slightly widened as he looked between a hard-faced Sihtric and a shrugging Bemia. "You're Sihtric?" A small laugh. "Of course, she ran back to you."

"Oh, grow the hell up," Bemia scoffed, holding Sihtric's hand tighter as she turned around, starting to walk away. "Alerk, fuck off back to Sweden. Your Queen and children will remain here with our men who have decided they wish to serve under my command and King Edward's."

"You cannot—" Alerk was stopped in place when Finan's sword pressed lightly into his chest. "How dare you!"

"Do not test me," Finan lowly warned, pressing the sword harder. "I am not afraid to kill a king to protect my sister."

Bemia let go of Sihtric's hand, continuing to walk away when she caught sight of her brother and Edward walking past. "Someone get my sons ready to leave!" she threw over her shoulder.

Sihtric hesitated with a groan before listening and rushing away with Finan following after him, the two men sending Alerk a mocking smirk when they passed him.

"What is the plan?" Bemia questioned, catching up to her brother's side.

The two men spared her a glance in acknowledgment before looking away. "We will take word to the Danes," Uhtred informed her.

"We will find you there," Edward promised, his men preparing around them. "Aethelhelm shall be found and tried before Saxons and Danes. We can forge a new union with Daneland. For that, I am glad."

The three of them slowed down to a stop near the stables, looking at each other.

Edward tiredly sighed, focusing on Bemia. "I am sorry for Osferth, even though I did not know him well."

Bemia's heart ached as she sent him a thankful nod. "He was still your blood."

"You were his true blood, Queen Bemia as you were his true brother, Lord Uhtred."