VIKINGS || GYDA

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝟒 *

Waking was of a harsher nature as I fought to open my eyes. Slowly I began to feel my body. My head was throbbing as it leaned for support upon my raised arms. My feet kick for the ground— I don't find it. Straining to open my eyes wider, I look down to see my feet hovering a foot from the ground.

With the confirmation of being suspended, I barely manage through the pain as I turn my head to look up. There I see ropes woven tight around a hook in the ceiling which twist down to knots tied around my wrists.

I was hung up. Peering around the hut, I see that I am alone. Was Eira like this? Where is she? Gods, I pray she is alive. This was my fault. I dragged her into this.

I hadn't realised just how sore I was until a huge gasp left my mouth as I tried to maneuver my weight around.

I curse myself as I hear the sound of movement outside the door. The door opens, there is still moonlight shining outside. First it was just a few unknown men who enter, probably guards, then Sigvard walks in.

"How tough you are stepdaughter. Not even these men here could take the beating you did and awaken not even a half hour later— aye boys?"

Their egos command them to not sound a word of agreement to Sigvards insult.

"Do not be disheartened men. She is the daughter of Ragnar. A man who claims to be descended by Odin himself. Even I am no match for such stoic."

They snicker with laughter at his mockery.

"What have you done with Eira." I huff out with exhaustion. The pain in my arms growing by the second.

He walks closer, looking up to me with a wide unbothered grin.

"Is that her name? Well Eira has not yet awakened. She hangs in another hut just the same as you."

He places his rough hand to cup my bruised cheek. As the seconds pass I feel him digging his fingers harder into the tender flesh. I winced louder by every second.

He enjoyed every moment of pain I was in. He wouldn't stop until he was satisfied. Just when I think his fingers will draw blood, the pressure from his hand stays with a voice from the corner of the room.

"My Earl, the cover of night is fading. Perhaps we deal with her fast before the townsfolk awaken."

He laughs as his hand drops back to his side.

"You are right Nels. I don't need gossips of my doings circulating. People just wouldn't understand you see. They think Lagertha and her children are precious jewels, but that is because they do not know them—not like I do."

"Eira has nothing to do with this Sigvard. Let her go free." I would never forgive myself if anything were to happen to her because of me.

For a few moments he just stands there staring—mockingly. His fingers lightly stroking the grey stubble of his chin.

"You know you are nothing without me. Your mother was without a husband, without a home and had nothing but two bastard children clutching to her leg. Any other man would have turned a tainted woman like her away. But I took you all in."

He is getting more riled as he shouts his words now. Spit spraying my face.

"And what do I get in return? Nothing but betrayal! How is it that I must compete with a man whom I have never met! How does he haunt my halls! How does he still have the heart of my wife! Why does the love you should have for me, only for him! The man who has discarded you!"

I'm rendered silent. I did not do it without difficultly. I held my tongue because I knew speaking back when he was like this was never a good idea but with my mother and fathers name being upon his tongue, I found myself swallowing my fear and exchanging it for fury.