A Viking's Rage

Chapter 20

Aiya’s Ascendancy

The Great Hall of Hafrafell erupted in murmurs, though no one dared interrupt the scene unfolding before them. Aiya stood breathless as Ragda kissed her, his strong arms enveloping her, grounding her in a moment that felt surreal. Her fingers curled into his fur-lined tunic as she clung to him, not out of need but of want—a want she no longer wished to suppress.

When Ragda pulled back, his forehead rested against hers, their breaths mingling. "You’ve done more than anyone ever could, Aiya. You’ve given us all a chance to start anew."

Her cheeks flushed, and she opened her mouth to speak, but the sound of someone clearing their throat broke the moment.

Falco stood with his arms crossed, a smirk playing on his lips. "If you two are done displaying your affections, perhaps we should discuss the matters of a kingdom?"

The Hall filled with laughter and a few cheers of approval. Ragda stepped back, his hand trailing down Aiya’s arm before releasing her entirely. He looked at Falco with a half-smile, unbothered by the jest.

Adia stepped forward, her axes now hanging loosely at her sides. "The girl’s right—Indride deserved to suffer, not die. A clean death would’ve been mercy."

"Then we’ll ensure he’s reminded of his treachery every day," Falco added, glancing at Aiya. "You’ve proven yourself as much a queen as a warrior, cousin."

The room fell silent as Falco dropped to one knee, his head bowed. Slowly, the others in the Hall followed, their voices echoing in unison.

"Dronning Aiya! Queen Aiya of Denmark!"

Aiya blinked, the weight of the moment crashing down on her. For years, she had known only struggle, chains, and servitude. And yet, here she stood, a woman reborn, hailed as a queen by the people who had once seen her as nothing.

Ragda reached for her hand, squeezing it gently. "This is your moment, Aiya. Stand tall and claim it."

---

A Celebration of Victory

The night fell, but the fires in Hafrafell burned bright. The village was alive with festivity. Great pyres lit the sky, and the scent of roasted meat filled the air. Drums pounded in steady rhythm as men and women danced in circles, their voices raised in songs of triumph. The darkness of the past weeks seemed to lift, replaced with hope for a brighter future.

Aiya stood by one of the long tables, her cup of ale untouched. The warmth of the fur-lined cloak Adia had draped over her shoulders did little to quiet the storm of emotions brewing inside her. She watched as Ragda moved through the crowd, his presence commanding yet approachable. The people trusted him, and now, they were learning to trust her.

Adia approached, her sharp features softening as she placed a hand on Aiya’s shoulder. "You’ve done well today."

"Have I?" Aiya asked, her voice tinged with doubt. "I feel as though I’ve brought chaos to Ragda’s family."

Adia laughed lightly. "Chaos is often the herald of change, my dear. The world needed shaking, and you were the one to do it. Don’t let guilt poison your victory."

Aiya nodded, though her heart still felt heavy. "What now? I’m not ready for this—this crown, this responsibility."

"You’re more ready than you think," Adia said, squeezing her shoulder. "And you’re not alone. You have me, Ragda, and the people who now kneel to you."

Her aunt’s words offered comfort, but Aiya knew her path wouldn’t be easy. She had taken the first steps, but many challenges lay ahead.

---

A New Beginning

As the night waned, Aiya found herself walking along the edge of the fjord, the crisp wind biting at her cheeks. The reflections of the fires danced on the water’s surface, creating a tapestry of light and shadow. She thought of her parents, of Roel, and of Noah. Their sacrifices had led her here, to this moment.

Behind her, she heard the crunch of boots on the frost-covered ground. She turned to find Ragda approaching, his cloak billowing behind him.

"Couldn’t sleep?" he asked, his voice gentle.

She shook her head. "Too much to think about."

He stepped closer, his presence steady and grounding. "The weight of leadership is heavy. I’ve felt it too, especially after my father’s death. But you’re not carrying it alone."

Her eyes met his, the flickering firelight reflecting in his dark gaze. "What if I fail?" she whispered.

"You won’t," he said without hesitation. "You’ve already proven your strength, Aiya. You’re not just the heir of Einar and Aiyowind. You’re you—fierce, brave, and unyielding. That’s why I..." He paused, his voice faltering.

She tilted her head. "Why you what?"

He exhaled, his breath visible in the cold air. "Why I love you."

The words hung between them, and for the first time, Aiya felt her walls crumble completely. She stepped closer, her hand finding his.

"I love you too," she said, her voice steady and true.

Ragda smiled, his relief palpable. He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close. They stood there, overlooking the fjord, two warriors united by love and purpose.

As the first light of dawn crept over the horizon, Aiya knew her journey was far from over. But with Ragda by her side and her family’s legacy burning brightly within her, she felt ready to face whatever lay ahead.

The heir of Einar The Red had risen, and Denmark’s future had never seemed brighter.