Being a Christian Thrall hadn't been easy, but life was decent enough. Your master treated you fairly and you were fortunate enough to serve alongside your family. However, when Ivar the Boneless sets sights on you, everything changes forever.
In the morning, you were roused by the sound Dahlia babbling to herself in the cradle beside your bed. With Ivar's imminent trial and the various gossip going around, you felt it was best to keep your daughter close. Her wet-nurse was still on salary. However, you had informed the woman that you were considering making her the Caregiver instead.
After all, you had grown accustomed to caring for the baby yourself.
"Good morning, pretty one." You cooed sweetly as you looked down at Dahlia. "Why are you so happy this morning?"
For whatever reason, your daughter was exceedingly cheerful. Becoming livelier at the sight of your face, she squirmed excitedly and kicked her chubby legs. Picking her up, you peppered Dahlia's plump cheeks with kisses before snugging her over your shoulder. As you gently caressed her back, you went on the large veranda facing the courtyard.
Below, you spotted Ubbe and Bjorn speaking with Prince Sven. It appeared that the three men had just returned from somewhere because Thralls were leading their steeds away. You watched them chat a while before the Ragnarssons walked off in the direction of the Southern passageway.
As he was about to depart as well, Prince Sven suddenly looked up and spotted you. With an indistinct expression upon his face, he gave you a demure wave. Though you hated to admit it, you found the foreign Prince to be quite fascinating. Still you had to take care. After all, you had yet to meet anyone who was as they appeared. Not even Hvitserk was what you had assumed him to be.
After giving Sven a smile in return, you left the veranda and sat on the bed. Cradling Dahlia, you began to unlace the top of your dress in order to feed her. To your amusement, she knew exactly what you were preparing to do and thus began fussing. As was her habit lately.
"Stop being so short-tempered. Mother knows you are hungry." You said to her with a giggle.
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As soon as you had freed your breast, Dahlia hungrily latched on, while holding onto your flesh with her fat fingers. You could only laugh as you looked down at your daughter. With each passing day, she became more like Ivar. Both in appearance and personality.
As you were busily nursing your daughter peacefully, you heard a knock upon the door.
"Who is it?"
"Mistress, it is your mother. She insists on seeing you."
You couldn't help rolling your eyes. The morning had started off so well that you had nearly forgotten all about her and Elizabeth being under your roof. Running your hand over Dahlia's dark locks, you instructed the Thrall to allow her to enter.
"Good morning, Y/N."
"Mother."
As soon as she spotted her granddaughter in your arms, a smile crossed your mother's face.
