2 book of the series
Irvina was always a religious woman. So far North, people believed more than down South. Every one of her decisions was first at least twice consulted with her Seeress. So when the lost raven-haired woman sailed to her shores, i...
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The travel to Trondheim was long. In freezing cold swaying on the sea. As soon as they landed on the shore, people celebrated. They dragged his brother among them, people booing and throwing things. He did his best to ignore it exactly like Irvina.
And now, as he stared at his brother, guilt eaten at him. The day of his execution. A thought of escape flashed through his head. But that was soon replaced with Irvina's face. His brother may have a chance to fight for his life, but in the condition he was in, the win wasn't in sight.
"I am surprised that you convinced her." He was surprised himself. "Some advice?" His brows furrowed. He knew for sure that his brother was going to die no matter what advice he was going to give.
He closed his eyes, "I saw Gorm fight the bald man is like an unstoppable force. That's why Irvina wants you to fight him." His brother laughed, wincing in pain.
"Gods must be laughing at us. I always wanted to be a king, and now, you will be one so effortlessly." Halfdan closed his eyes. His brother was right, he was going to be a King. Well, maybe if Irvina didn't find a more suitable man.
His hand held his palm, Harald patted his hand. "I love you, brother. And I do not hate you for choosing that woman." His forehead came in contact with his. He breathed through his nose. Before he could beg for further forgiveness, the door opened. The bald man they were talking about before stepped inside. His expression was emotionless. Now that he watched him, he could hardly believe that this male liked men. He was too cold to even like someone.
"It's time," the buff male said. He gripped his brother's arm dragging him to his feet. Halfdan followed after them. He bit his lip in worry. Once they stepped into the circle, Halfdan was pushed into the front lines. His eyes connected with Irvinas over the crowd. She held his eyes, her gaze unsure. The people around him disagreed with her choice. Not only that but she also disagreed to put his death on such a display.
His eyes moved to the man standing beside her. Ubbe, one of the sons of Ragnar. In three months, he was going to lead Irvina's army, across the sea, to conquer England. He stood by her side as a protector. What surprised Halfdan was that he agreed. His lungs filled with air as Gorm pulled out two long swords. Of course, they needed to make a show of this death. His brother barely picked up the shield and axe. This was going to be over sooner than it began.
Gorm startled everyone by charging first. His sword met his brother's shield with a bang. He winced, looking away. The only thing defining the fight to him were the yells around him. Once he heard the echoing cheer, his head snapped to the fight. Gorm's sword cut through his brother's hand. His wrist was hanging by a small thread of skin. Some sounds of disgust surrounded the group. He could see as Irvina's nose crinkled in disgust.
Small gasps resonated around him, and he looked back into the circle. The cheers around him made him shiver. His brother was a few feet from the ground. His body hanging from the swords pushed through his chest. His brother's lips parted with a final gurgle, and Gorm lowered him onto the ground pulling his swords out. Feeling disgusted, he looked at his woman. Irvina was looking down, her hands gripping her arm seat.
As people looked expectantly towards Irvina, she smirked. His brows furrowed at the forced expression. It almost looked as if with a heavy heart, she nodded her head and beckoned with her hand. More people cheered, and suddenly his brother's limp body was being picked up. He couldn't look as they carried him to the shore. Halfdan knew what was coming. His brother's body wasn't even going to get a proper funeral. With a heavy heart, he looked towards Irvina. The woman was looking at him with a guilty expression, and he took a step towards her to reassure her.
Once he was just a foot away, he spoke, "Are you okay?" He did his best to lower his voice. Ubbe looked at him suspiciously. He returned Ubbe's look with a raised brow.
"I should be asking you that," she answered. A soft smile reached his lips. "Maybe, but you seem to not be enjoying this revenge."
"I don't enjoy the sight of blood." Halfdan laughed, "Said no Viking ever." Irvina rolled her eyes before she stood up. She was in a much warmer dress than the ones she was wearing before. The dress seemed to have many layers, the top one was brown with slight orange flowers. Over it she was wearing a fur coat, black but with other orange flowers. She looked beautiful.
"You can leave Ubbe, thank you." The tall male nodded, his braid swinging behind him as he walked. Irvina stepped closer to him, her hand locking onto his.
She linked their fingers, "Come with me." He raised a brow, letting himself be dragged to her throne room. The great hall was the same as usual the small flame was burning in the fire pit, and across him was a wooden large chair. He did a double-take once he saw a second chair. He turned to Irvina, who was gleefully smiling at him.
"I wanted to know how it looked." He smirked. His heart swelled at the thought of her giving him a proposition to become a King. He answered, "You know I have no desire for that." His woman gave him a soft smile before she stepped into his space.
She pecked his lips, "I know, but I want you to know that your space can always be beside me." He sighed, looking at the thrones again. Then he turned to her. Kissing her lips, he knew that there wasn't anything she wouldn't do for him.
