Clueless -Canute x reader-

7.

Chapter 7
Mercy 

MERCIA 

Sitting on her knees, Y/n clutched the beads between her palms which laid flat against each other. The tips of her index fingers pressing up against the tip her nose, eyes sealed shut. Her brows were relaxed, lips downturned in a natural frown. 

Breathing steadily, the words of Y/n's prayer echoed out her mind, leading directly to the source. Knees grounded in the soil, she didn't care for her dirtied garments, as their ruin was expected. 

The heavy cloaked entrance of her tent opened, allowing the natural sunlight to pour into her limited surroundings. Momentarily feeling the warmth of the sun on her cheeks, the moment was fleeting as the flap fell back closed. 

The man who entered knew not to interrupt Y/n's ceremonial morning prayers, though the messages he bore were of utmost importance, he fell into her routine. 

"Amen." 

Sighing through her nose, Y/n shoved the beads into her pocket. 

"Yes, Sten." Though her back was still turned to the intruder as she rose, her attentive ears had picked up the mans familiar walking pattern; his feet dragging with each step. Bending over she grabbed the sword that laid beside her makeshift bed.

Shink. 

Placing it inside the sheath that laid on her hip, she faced the man to acknowledge him with a court nod. Returning the gesture, Sten combed back the straight dark strands of hair that fell into his vision. 

"A letter from Wulf." Holding out the sealed paper, Y/n waived him off as she began putting on her thick boots. 

"Read it to me." 

Nodding, Sten broke open the rose seal, unfolding the paper to himself his eyes scanned over the contents before clearing his throat. 

"Ah, King Harald has passed. After the funeral they are returning to England. Canute has also received word from the local lord-- Earl Eadric of Mercia is pleading for a truce." Y/n's ears perked up, slight confusion crossing her features. 

"They're coming here? Mercia? Did he say?" Walking ahead of Sten, Y/n lifted the entrance to the tent, the familiar warmth kissing her cheeks once again as she stepped out into the suns embrace. 

Following tightly at her side, Sten made sure to keep his voice down as they walked through the sleeping camp. 

"No, they've entrusted that you'll conquer Mercia without delay." 

They'd resided in Mercia for just a little over a month, minimal blood was shed between the rebellion but Y/n could feel the noble power of Mercia reaching their breaking point. Now, with King Harald's death sweeping through the land, it was no surprise they were finally admitting defeat. 

"Well, we were able to keep our casualties to a minimum. Things have been tame so far." Y/n spoke aloud more to herself than her company, "Still, had this Earl decided not to be so prideful this all." She then grumbled.

"Is there anything important you'd like for me to report back? They've requested for progress reports." 

Clicking her tongue, Y/n shook her head. 

"No, no need." Placing a hand to her hip, her elbow brushed against the hilt of her sword. 

The paper audibly crunched as Sten folded it back up, slipping it into his pocket before folding his arms over his chest, remaining in step with the shorter woman.