Weaknesses Can Be Strengths (Ivar The Boneless Fanfiction)

Chapter Thirty-One

I was engulfed with thralls to help me. Hvitserk teasingly lend me a hand to climb into the boat as if I was a dainty lady. I humored him and grabbed his hand and made a face to mock the nobles with my nose in the air. Hvitserk chuckled as I stepped in. Ivar was already in the boat, ready to prepare for battle. His strong and evil demeanor changed when he saw me.

I gave him a polite smile and sat next to him on plush furs. I was definitely starting to gain weight thanks to the being growing in my stomach.

Ivar rubbed his hand over my bump. I gave him a soft kiss and he seemed to enjoy that by the sweet smile he flashed me.

The rowing of the boat started to pick up and it was all familiar to me, the rocking of the boat from the waves underneath, guiding us home. I never felt sick by the sea, but Ivar did. I made sure he had lots of ginger to help.

With a pale face, he thanked me. I tried my best to distract him which I knew he appreciated. He hated to look weak, but there were many who fell ill due to the sea.

I watched as men and women took turns rowing, I wanted to help but as a pregnant woman I was not allowed. You get special treatment while pregnant that I sometimes enjoyed and I also didn't have to do certain things just for using it as an excuse. Being pregnant is important and people treated you in the same regard.

We ate some bread and salted meat. I had some ale to wash down all that salt. I knew Ivar wouldn't be feeling like eating. I got him to eat some bread but that was all.

The sun set fast and it didnt take long to be bathed under the stars. I laid between Ivar's legs as we stared up at the sky. He wrapped a fur blanket around us both.

I felt his warm breath against the side of my face.

"Stars are so beautiful. I wonder where exactly they are. They cant just be a sheet of sparkles." I whispered to him as others tried to sleep.

"I think the stars are the gods ground. On the other side Odin is drinking beside father." Ivar replied.

We shared a smile.  I turned around to face him. "He'd be so proud of you Ivar." He seemed surprised. "Your mother too. You proved that you are strong. You don't suffer from a curse, you were given an obstacle to prove yourself to the gods." He gave me a stern look, but all the emotions was in his eyes. I placed his hand on my stomach. "Our daughter will know her father as a strong and capable man."

He pressed his lips against mine and I could tell his eyes were getting teary. I used my thumb to wipe them away.

"You are too good to me." He sighed with a shaky breath.

"No I'm not." I shook my head. "King or not, you are a true warrior, wear that with pride. Weaknesses can be strengths too, that's what my mother always said."

"What's your weakness?" He asked, already knowing the answer.

"Fearlessness. I cannot detect danger, that's why I love you." I teased. He chuckled lightly before kissing me.

"A wise woman would run." He smirked.

"But a brave one wouldn't." I rubbed his cheekbone with my thumb. "May I ask you a favor?"

"What?" He asked curiously.

"Spare my mother and brother. No harm must come their way." He tried to look away but I force his head in my direction firmly. "No harm must come to our child's grandmother or uncle."

The mention of our daughter made Ivar stiffly nod his head. He wasn't happy but agreed. He didn't want to seem weak to his army, but he must keep me happy. He has a serious dilemma.