It had been written that the daughter of Ragnar Lothbrok was taken to Valhalla as a young girl.
But what if the gods didn't take her? What if the gods spared her?
Gyda Ironside, the only daughter of Ragnar and Lagertha rejoins her family as a train...
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Her eyes halted me as I entered the place I once called home. I did not get to know her well when I was a girl but if I ever thought of her I could always recall her eyes.
"Is it truly you, sweet girl?"
I look to Bjorn, I wasn't sure why. He nods for me to step forward, his hand nudging me forward. In the corner of my eye I notice Nels and Eira step back to the corner. My hand fidgets discreetly with the hem of my cape as I step before her as she stands by her and father's thrones.
I did not think I would be this nervous. But I suppose it had to do with how little I knew her and how bad our last meeting ended all those years ago. Her words she has just spoken were the most I had heard her say to me. When she first arrived in Kattegat, she did not only come with my father's child in her belly, she also came with the intent of marriage to him. I could not blame my mother for keeping us away from her.
I bow my head to her in acknowledgment.
"Princess."
She surprises me by taking me into her arms. My hands hesitantly embrace her back after a short while. Pulling apart, she keeps her hands tenderly on my shoulders as she looks me up and down.
"How you've changed Gyda! No longer the little girl I use to see running around the woods but a woman grown." Her face was bright. It filled me with warmth.
"I am happy to see you again. As I am also grateful to be back and welcomed into your home."
She offers a look of concern as she cuffs fallen parts of my hair around my ear. Her fingers gently remain upon the bruised flesh of my cheek. I am thankful that she doesn't fret as Bjorn did. Instead she offers me a comforting smile.
"It is your home too Gyda. It always will be and you will always be welcomed."
I thank her and that is when I notice the bulge in her green dress. How did I not see it before? I give her an astonished look.
"Aslaug...you are with child?"
She grins widely as her hands move to caress her swollen belly.
"I am. I carry my fourth son."
"Fourth?" I didn't mean to say it aloud.
The words of my step father invade into my mind immediately. 'I would guess that he's replaced you and Bjorn by now with more of his and that princess's children.'
