Chapter 2
She followed close behind him as he guided her down to the docks. She cast the occasional glance at the men that carried her chests behind them. Despite agreeing to follow Halfdan, she did not let her guard down around him and these men.
"No need to be so tense," he said, as he took in her form with a smirk. "These are your people after all."
She shot him a cold look in response and continued to cast glances at the men that surrounded them. She was not one to allow herself to be taken off guard.
"Brother," a tall man with a long, dark braid trailing down his back exclaimed, pulling Halfdan into an embrace. "Where did you get off to," he began before his eyes widened in surprise as he caught sight of you. "Kari?"
She met his eyes briefly before Halfdan stepped between their gazes, "Not quite," he began, "this is her daughter."
Halfdan's brother sucked in a small breath in surprise, before extending his hand past his brother towards her, "King Harald Finehair," he introduced himself.
"Ylva," she responded shortly.
The brothers exchanged a look before Halfdan beckoned her forward. She slowly stepped forward, closer towards the brothers, "Well, Ylva, let's introduce you to the others." The brothers shared another look before guiding her closer to the boats.
Her eyes scanned the crowd as she took in all the faces. Faces of men and women with blood still spattered on their faces, they went about their work loading the boats, readying to leave, while many cast curious glances at her with the brothers. Many of the looks are not just filled with curiosity, they are full of desire and lust. She is a fine woman. She has long, raven-black hair that fell about her waist in soft, loose curls. Her body was tall and slender, her full curves easily defined. Her most striking feature, her eyes. Her eyes are large, with thick, dark lashes framing her bright green eyes with their golden flecks that peppered her irises. She is a striking vision, for both men and women to behold.
The brothers stopped before a tall, broad-chested man with a long blond braid and a full unkempt beard. "Where have you two been? We are preparing to leave," he frowned at them before his eyes settled on her. "And who have you brought with you," he asked with a raised eyebrow as his eyes traced her form.
Halfdan slid an arm around her waist, tugging her towards his side, "this is the daughter of Kari, old King Afi's lost child." His forward actions with her earned him a cold glare as she separated herself from his embrace.
"I am Ylva," she introduced herself, stepping forward towards the man.
He remained silent, still taking her in, "I am Bjorn, son of Ragnar Lothbrok." His eyes kept tracing her form, taking in the long daggers resting at her thighs and the sword strapped across her back, "I see you are ready for a fight, perhaps you will be joining us on our raids?"
She narrowed her eyes and gave him a small smile, "I'd love to."