Chapter 1

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"I sail for Hafrafell in the morginn," Ragda said quietly, his gaze fixed on her. His expression was heavy with reluctance, as though leaving her would cost him a piece of himself.

Aiya reclined on the makeshift bed, her head propped lazily on her hand. The thin sheet draped over her form only barely concealed her figure, leaving her bare shoulders and collarbone exposed in the dim light of the tent. Outside, the waves lapped against the rocky Durham shore, a reminder of how close their next challenge lay.

"How long will it take to ready your armies and return?" she asked, watching him as he stood near the tent's opening, staring out at the dark expanse of beach.

"At least a month, maybe more," he replied, turning to look at her again.

"A month feels like forever," she sighed, sitting up and wrapping the sheet around herself. "How long do you think we can remain unnoticed by the English? Surely there’s a quicker way to get word back home."

Ragda crossed the room and sat beside her, taking her face gently in his hands. He leaned his forehead against hers. "If you hadn’t run off without letting me explain, we could have done this more strategically." His words were half a tease, but there was an edge of frustration in his voice.

Aiya pulled back and swatted his arm, her expression softening. "I know, Ragda. I wasn’t thinking," she admitted, standing to retrieve her discarded clothes.

"I will return to you in a month, with all the men you’ll need to take Jorvik. I swear it." Ragda fell back onto the bed, his eyes tracing the seams of the tent's fabric above them. "In the meantime, James and Jaril are here. They’ll keep you safe while I’m away."

"Wonderful," Aiya muttered dryly, pulling on her fitted trousers, the handiwork of Esma’s sewing skills. She tightened the belt around her waist and searched for her shirt.

Ragda’s crooked smile broke through his somber mood. "You’re a sight to behold," he teased. "Bare-breasted and in men’s trousers—what a scandal!" His laugh rumbled low as he stood and moved toward her. Placing his hands around her waist, he pulled her close. "I crave you," he murmured, his voice low and intoxicating as he lowered his lips to hers.

Aiya barely had time to react before she was back on the bed, his strong hands peeling the trousers from her body. He was rough and commanding, yet every movement carried the tenderness of a man who adored her. She surrendered herself to him, giving in to the fire that always burned between them.

---

The moments after their passion lingered like the calm after a storm. As they lay side by side, Ragda told her the tale of Loki’s monstrous children—Fenrir, Jormungandr, and Hel—and how Odin had bound them to await Ragnarök. His voice was steady and reverent as he spoke of the gods, and Aiya couldn’t help but draw inspiration from the tale.

"I want to defeat my enemies as Odin did," she said, her tone resolute.

"And so, you shall," Ragda replied, running a hand over her cheek.

"This is my burden, my love, but there’s no one else I’d rather face it with." She leaned in to kiss him softly, sealing her resolve.

---

The morning arrived too soon. Aiya stood on the shore as Ragda and his men prepared the small boat that would take him back to his dragon ship. She clutched the fur cloak around her shoulders, trying to ignore the ache of his impending absence.

James sauntered up beside Ragda, his usual smirk in place. "Don’t worry, mate. I’ll keep her company while you’re gone."

Ragda stopped mid-task, turning a glare on James. "If you touch her, I’ll kill you," he said, his voice deadly calm.

James raised his hands in mock innocence. "I would never! Honestly, what kind of man do you think I am?" He chuckled to himself as he walked over to Aiya, his playful grin still firmly in place. "He’s so serious, isn’t he? You two are perfect for each other—serious and boring. Me? I’m charming. Thank you very much."

Aiya rolled her eyes, unimpressed. She turned her attention back to Ragda, who approached her and took her arm, leading her down the beach away from prying eyes.

"I’ll return as soon as I can," he promised, pulling her into his arms. She pressed her face against his chest, inhaling his familiar scent of earth and sea.

"I’d come with you, but it’s best I stay here," she said quietly.

"You’re right. While I’m gone, learn everything you can about this land—its rivers, roads, and forests. We’ll need every advantage."

"I will," she promised. Rising onto her toes, she kissed him, her heart heavy with the thought of his departure. He kissed her back with an intensity that left her breathless before releasing her and turning away. She watched him climb into the boat and row out to his ship, her chest tight as she silently prayed for his safe return.

---

Aiya sat alone on the rocky beach long after Ragda’s ship disappeared from view. The sun dipped lower in the sky, casting a golden glow over the water. Memories of her old life crept into her mind—of Noah, who had once been her anchor, and of the quiet moments they’d shared on the cliffs.

"Aiya," Esma’s voice called, breaking through her reverie.

Aiya turned to see her friend approaching, her blue dress fluttering in the wind. Esma’s hair had grown longer than hers, and in the fading light, she looked strikingly beautiful.

"You act as if he’s died," Esma said, standing beside her. "He’ll return, and with an army. Thrain will be with him too."

Aiya placed a comforting hand on Esma’s shoulder. "Thrain would be a fool to hate you, Esma. He loves you."

Esma smiled faintly but said nothing. Instead, her expression turned serious. "I came to warn you. James is readying his men to leave."

"What?" Aiya’s blood boiled as she pushed past Esma, racing up the beach. She slipped on the uneven stones but regained her balance, her pace quickening. Sure enough, she spotted James barking orders to his crew as they packed their supplies.

"You coward!" she shouted, planting herself in front of him.

James turned, his emerald eyes glinting with amusement. "Relax, love. You don’t need me. You’re a great and powerful queen, after all."

"Don’t do this," she said, desperation creeping into her voice. "You gave me your word."

He sighed, the smirk slipping from his face for a brief moment. Without warning, he grabbed her and kissed her. Aiya shoved him away, furious, and wiped her mouth.

"You’re a snake," she spat.

James grinned. "Perhaps. But you’ll remember me." With that, he turned back to his men, leaving Aiya fuming on the beach.

Jaril stepped up beside her, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Let him go. We don’t need his kind."

Esma nodded. "Ragda will return soon."

Aiya watched as James’s boats disappeared into the horizon, determination hardening her resolve. She would find a way to win—without him.

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