Thorfinn x Canute | Vinland Saga FanFic ✔️

2. Friends

Thorfinn POV:

"A falcon." Prince Canute said, absentmindedly staring up at the sky. "Catch it for me, Ragnar." Thorfinn realized that these were the first words Canute had spoken since he joined Askeladd. He said this while Askeladd and Ragnar were in the midst of an important conversation, (or rather argument) something about marching across Wales. Thorfinn could care less. He stood on the sidelines, but close enough to hear Askeladd and watch Canute stare pointlessly at the sky. Is this what he does in his free time? Pathetic. Thorfinn couldn't help but be annoyed at Canute. Why would a prince waste such a good opportunity to train amongst the greatest warriors that he has access to because of his royalty?

Thorfinn snapped back into reality when Askeladd suddenly shouted Thorfinn's name. "Ragnar, if you're still worried about marching through Wales, I'll assign Thorfinn to guard Prince Canute." Askeladd assured Ragnar. Ragnar nodded his head, trusting Thorfinn because he was the one who saved Canute from Thorkell's men to begin with.

"You don't tell me what to do." Thorfinn scowled at Askeladd.

"He's small of stature but skilled with the blade," Askeladd continued to Ragnar, ignoring Thorfinn. "And he's the same age as the prince. They'll get along well and become friends." Askeladd gestured towards Canute. "Introduce yourself, Thorfinn."

Thorfinn stepped forward, to face the prince head on. He gave the prince an intense glare and gritted his teeth at him. "I don't need any friends." Thorfinn said gruffly, his eyes bloodshot. Canute looked taken aback and gulped. He didn't say a word in response, instead Canute quivered behind Ragnar, his heart racing. Canute peeped over Ragnar's shoulder after a moment's hesitation, and Thorfinn was still glaring at him with daggers in his eyes. Canute let out a small yelp and hid behind Ragnar once again. Thorfinn couldn't help but blush slightly at the cute sight. A prince shouldn't be cute, he should be manly! Thorfinn told himself, gripping tightly at his the ends of his arm sleeves.

Bjorn laughed at the encounter while Askeladd sighed. "Idiot. Why are you staring holes through him?"

Soon after that, Askeladd's troops began marching, on their way to Wales. He watched as Ragnar helped Canute onto the wagon. "Come, Thorfinn. Sit next to Canute." Ragnar said, waving to Thorfinn. Thorfinn responded with a glare and jumped onto the wagon, tentatively sitting next to the prince.

While they were moving through the terrain, Thorfinn was seated next to the prince. Neither of them made any conversation, they both just sat quietly next to each other with Ragnar seated across from Canute. Thorfinn had never been this close to the prince, and was suddenly self conscious of how dirty he was. The boy seated next to him was clean from head to toe, and wore a rich red cape. Thorfinn couldn't help but enjoy the scent of Canute. It calmed his nerves and the angst he was feeling. 

Suddenly, Thorfinn sensed a presence surrounding them. "What is it, Thorfinn?" Ragnar asked, sensing the boy's sudden realization. Thorfinn jerked his head upward, and out of the corner of his eyes he noticed dozens of archers positioned at the top of the surrounding mountains, aiming their arrows at the troops below them. Thorfinn gripped his short sword with his right hand and picked up a shield with his left, preparing for an attack. Only one thought rang in his head. Protect Canute.

Canute POV:

Without a moments hesitation, his guards, Thorfinn and Ragnar stood up with shields in their hands, protecting the prince from the release of arrows aimed at them. Canute's heart skipped a beat, out of fear. He hoped Thorfinn would do a good job of protecting him. He noticed that underneath Thorfinn's leather sleeves, his biceps flexed as he gripped the shield. One arm was stretched out to stop anyone from going near Canute. Canute couldn't help but be intimidated by the boy. He wondered if Thorfinn hated him.