A Viking To Love || Ivar Fanfic

Part 2 || Marriage

The cool breeze of fall wakes me up. My headache from last night still stings at my temples.

I rub the tiredness from my eyes and make my way outside. Helga and Floki are arguing by the water. It's better if I don't disturb them.

Whenever I have to get away from home, I always go into Kattegat. The walk isn't too long and the fresh air is nice.

Once at Kattegat, I go straight for the guys house. They are eating breakfast with their mother when I come in.

Not wanting to intrude, I try to leave quietly. "Thora. Why don't you come join us." Queen Aslaug orders right before I leave.

After she speaks all of them stare at me. "I can come back later, I didn't mean to impose-"

"No. Come sit, you can sit right here." Queen Aslaug points out the chair next to her.

I think about trying to leave again, but I decide it's best not to say no to a queen.

I've only ever eaten with their whole family once. They get into fights, not the usual fights that end in axe throwing, but the kind that ends in hurt egos.

Usually the fights involve Sigurd and Ivar. If I'm being honest, I don't know how they haven't killed each other yet.

"So Thora, I was just telling my boys that it was time for them to be more responsible." I nod and steal food from Hvitserk's plate.

"She thinks it's time we get wives." Ivar clarifies, rolling his eyes. I take a big gulp of the drink in front of me.

"Yes I do. And, I believe that you should marry one of my boys." Her words shock me to the point that I have to cover my mouth so I don't spit out my drink.

My eyes widen and I just stare at her blankly. She's probably joking. Maybe Hvitserk put her up to it.

"Usually the eldest son would be married first. But since you are so close to all of them, I will let them choose who gets you."

My jaw drops as I continue to stare at her. "So... Is this a suggestion or an order?" I ask, still in shock by her words.

"Order. I've talked with Helga and she agrees that it is time you get married." Queen Aslaug hasn't looked at me once since I sat.

I can't help but feel betrayed by Helga. She was planning a marriage agreement and never mentioned it.

I wonder if Floki knows. He would hate the idea of me getting married, especially forced marriage.

"This has been a great meal. Thank you for having me, but I think it's time for me to go." I rush to the door when I get stopped by her words. "Wait."

"We have arranged a wedding for tomorrow. I expect to know which one of you plans to marry Thora by tonight." Queen Aslaug stands and comes over to me.

Tomorrow! My life is being signed away and the only warning I get is the day before.

Her hands grab my shoulders. "If you want a say in who will be the father of your children then I suggest you stay."

She releases me and walks out of the house. I just stand there, contemplating whether I should run or lay on the ground and cry.

"Thora?" Ubbe's voice is soft and comforting.

For the first time since Aslaug mentioned marriage, I turn to face the guys. Their eyes are all glued to me. Sigurd is trying to hide a smile.

"Well. Looks like I'm getting married tomorrow!" My voice cracks when I speak.

Of course I've thought about marriage, and I guess I've always imagined marrying one of them. Now that it's actually happening, it feels wrong.

"Who do you want to marry?" Hvitserk asks me. I wander back over to the table. "Your mother said that you guys choose."

"I love you like a sister Thora, but I plan to marry someone else." Ubbe glances at a slave girl he has liked for a couple months.

"I wouldn't mind marrying you. But I'm not gonna risk getting in the way of Sigurd and Ivar." Hvitserk says with a smile.

Ivar does like me! If his brothers think that he'll fight for me then that must mean that he has some feelings for me.

"We're gonna go, have fun." Ubbe says as he leaves, dragging Hvitserk with him.

There is a moment of silence. The three of us look back and forth at each other. Someone has to say something eventually.

"I want you." Sigurd stands and comes over to me. A scowl appears on Ivar's face.

Sigurd brushes some hair out of my face, biting his lip. "And you will be mine." He whispers but it's still loud enough for Ivar to hear.

"Not so fast, brother. I want her too." Those words coming out of Ivar's mouth make my heart pound out of my chest.

Sigurd's expression goes from cocky to angry. "Then what should we do?"

A smile creeps across Ivar's face. "We could always fight for her."

Sigurd lets out a short, quiet laugh. "Deal." His arrogant smile returns.

All three of us go into the woods, so they can fight without distractions. They decide to do hand to hand combat and go until one quits.

We find a nice empty space where they can fight. Ivar sits on a stump and tightens the straps for his legs.

Sigurd stands by the tree I'm leaning against. Thoughts run through my mind. Whoever wins this fight will marry me tomorrow. They will be the father of my children.

I look at both of them, it's so hard to wrap my head around it. They are almost ready to fight.

Sigurd leans in so that his lips are touching my ear. "I can't wait to marry you."

His confidence bugs me. I look over to him, ready to remind him that he has to win first. Before I can say anything he kisses me.

I know he's just kissing me to make Ivar jealous. His cocky smile is proof that he believes he already won.

I shove Sigurd away and walk over to Ivar. Every inch of courage I have is used to do what I'm about to do.

Leaning down to Ivar's level and without hesitation I kiss him. I'm happily surprised when he kisses me back.

My heart races. I've been in love with Ivar for so long, I never thought anything would actually happen.

When I pull away, I place my forehead on his. "Sigurd underestimates you. He thinks that he's already won. Prove him wrong."

My lips curl into a small smile as I walk away. Sigurd is much angrier than before. I can tell that seeing me kiss Ivar made his blood boil.

Yes, I might have just made my future husband angry. And also confirmed my love for his brother.

But, I believe in Ivar. He will win.   

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Thanks for reading (hope it's good)! I'll try to update a couple times this weekend... Comment and vote (pretty please)!!

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