"It is an unfortunate fact that we can only secure peace by preparing for war."
~John F. Kennedy
Lagertha had truly outdone herself.
Red, black and white decorations elegantly transformed the manor into something out of a bridal magazine. Red and black floral arrangements lined the circle drive so people could see them as they drove up. A valet was there to take the cars around to the side of the house, out of sight of the ceremony and the following reception.
At the end of the stairs, in front of both the left and right banister, was a pillar of roses. Red rose petals scattered the entryway across the black carpet that lead guests down towards the backyard where chairs had been set up in curved rows on either side of the aisle. Each chair had white upholstery and red bows around the back. A tall white archway stood in front of the assembled chairs with sheer white fabric draped over the back. Lagertha had elected to have a judge preside over the ceremony.
Aaline peered out the door of her designated changing room. She had a good view of the lounge that had been turned into a reception area. Lagertha had opened up the sliding doors that separated the outdoor patio from the inside, opening up space and allowing for more tables and chairs. Several round tables were placed throughout the room with white table cloths and block chairs draped in red sashes. Red and black rose petals were scattered across the tables and the floor. White roses served as the centerpieces.
Aaline closed the door and turned back to the room. Lagertha was adjusting Sibylle's straps while Torvi stood at the back window, watching people being seated. Margrethe and Thora sat on the sofa along the back wall. Thora was trying to engage Margrethe in conversation while Margrethe tried, and failed, to hide the flask she had hidden in her garter. Aaline had watched her take multiple sips throughout the day and she was well on her way to tipsy.
Aaline took a deep breath and turned to the full-length mirror on the back of the door.
Her hair had been styled in loose waves that had been teased and gathered at the back of her head in a full bun with wisps of hair hanging in specifically placed strands around her neck and face. A necklace of diamonds and pearls had been pinned around her hair, draping over the style in a graceful circle. A classic set of teardrop diamond earrings decorated her ears and her mother's freshwater pearl hung from her neck.
Her makeup was simple but sophisticated. Sibylle had put on a light layer of foundation with a powder on top. There was just enough blush on the apples of her cheeks to give her pale complexion some color and bronzer was strategically placed to narrow her face and give her a glow. A fine dusting of highlight focused the light on the prominent features of her face.
Aaline had insisted they take pictures before the ceremony. She didn't want to spend any more time on them then they needed to and she wanted to spend as little time between the ceremony and the reception pretending. She wanted to spend most of her time pretending before the ceremony so that she could enjoy herself at the reception. It was a party after all.
She blinked and gave Sibylle a tight smile when she came up behind her. Sibylle smiled back and began to clip the veil into place underneath her bun.
"Are you nervous?" She asked. Her voice was quiet enough that only Aaline could hear her. Aaline glanced in the mirror and found Sibylle's eyes locked on her hair. Torvi and Lagertha were trying to coax Margrethe to her feet and Thora was picking at the flowers in her bouquet.
Aaline pressed her lips together, making sure her lipstick was even and there were no smudged. "I'm marrying a complete stranger. Why would I be nervous?" She said. Sibylle glanced up and met her eyes in the mirror. "You and Ivar seem to be getting along well enough." She quipped. Aaline scoffed quietly and watched with rising anxiety as Margrethe tried and failed to stand up a third time.
"We understand each other. That's all." She could tell Sibylle didn't believe her when all she did was hum.
She turned when Sibylle placed gentle hands on her shoulders and turned her around. "Ivar's the one who suggested Ragnar walk you down the aisle."
Aaline tried to ignore the warmth that settled in her stomach when Sibylle said that. She felt her skin crawl but not in a bad way. It made her uncomfortable but the kind that came with feelings of happiness and contentment. She tried to shake them off. She wasn't ready for happiness. She didn't want it.
She broke away from Sibylle when Lagertha clapped her hands.
Margrethe, though unsteady, was on her feet with Thora behind her for support. They were processing in the order of the brother's birth. Sibylle would go first, walking with Sigurd. Thora would follow with Hvitserk and Margrethe and Ubbe would come up behind them. Torvi and Björn would serve as the Best Man and Matron of Honor.
Ivar hadn't complained when Aaline suggested they just process in age order but Sibylle told her later that Björn was not Ivar's favorite brother. Aaline had taken it into consideration but stuck with her decision.
Aaline looked over when she felt someone come up beside her.
Ragnar was dressed smartly in an all-black tuxedo with a blood red tie and a gold tie clip. He had a red pocket square and coattails. His hair was pulled back in a long braid down his back and he looked freshly shaved. On the sides of his head at least. He still sported a full beard although it did look trimmed and cleaned. His eyes were bright and his smile almost childlike in its mischievousness.
Aaline pressed her lips together painfully to keep herself from smiling but it didn't work. She broke out into a wide grin and Ragnar glanced down at her. "You look beautiful, daughter." He said.
The breath left her lungs and felt tears suddenly rush to her eyes. Ragnar tutted and gestured with grace down the aisle where Ivar waited. "Don't cry yet. We don't want to ruin that beautiful make-up that Sibylle spent hours perfecting. Save your tears for my son when he moves you with his vows."
Aaline produced a watery laugh and sniffed. The music started and Sigurd and Sibylle began to walk. Aaline straightened and kept her eyes focused on the people in front of her. She counted in her head as the brother's and their wives made their way down the aisle.
Ragnar hummed and she hooked her hand in his elbow. He settled his right hand on top of hers and squeezed her fingers when it was their turn to start walking.
He kept his pace even and his soft humming helped settle Aaline's nerves. She saw her father sitting in the front row on the left side, the bride's side, but she didn't meet his eyes. She could see his shoulders shaking from the aisle and refused to acknowledge him.
Ragnar stopped just a few feet away from Ivar and the judge. Aaline kept her eyes forward, afraid of what she'd see when she looked at him. "Who gives the bride away in marriage to this man?" The judge said. Aaline took a deep breath, her shoulders tense.
"I do," Ragnar said. She could hear the underlying glee in his voice. She suppressed a smile. This was, after all, the only time he would be able to "give away" anyone at a wedding.
She ignored the hitched sob behind her and turned to face Ragnar. He winked at her and gave her a conspiratory smile before squeezing her hands and retreating to the seat beside Lagertha on Ivar's side of the seating.
She met Torvi's eyes next and handed her bouquet to her Matron of Honor. Torvi nodded once and double fisted the flowers.
Aaline could hold it off no longer and turned to face Ivar.
He was beautiful.
His eyes were a clearer blue then she'd ever seen them and his hair had been styled back and away from his face, exposing the clean lines and strong bones of his face. His lips looked as if he'd been biting them recently and he was cleanly shaven.
He had on a black tuxedo with a dark red vest and tie. His pocket square matched the red of his tie and he had a gold tie clip to accent.
His eyes were fixed on her face and he couldn't seem to look away.
Aaline blinked and forced herself to look at the judge as he spoke.
She tuned him in an out as he went on about love and happy relationships. He spoke a little about successful marriages having a strong foundation and how she and Ivar represented that foundation. She almost rolled her eyes.
She blinked when she felt a hand grasp hers. She looked over at Ivar and he nodded towards the judge. She jerked around and blushed to the roots of her hair when she realized he'd prompted her to speak her vows and she missed it.
He gave her a patient nod and she cleared her throat. She gave him an expectant look and he went on.
"Repeat after me…" She listened.
She turned bright eyes to Ivar and took a deep breath, her hands shaking and her heart pounding. "You cannot possess me for I belong to myself. But while we both wish it, I give you that which is mine to give. You cannot command me, for I am a free person. But I shall serve you in those ways you require and the honeycomb will taste sweeter coming from my hand."
Ivar's eyes were alight with some emotion that Aaline couldn't quite place. It almost looked like affection but she wasn't sure. A small smile graced his face and his shoulders rose and fell too quickly for him to be breathing normally but too slow for his breathing to be labored.
Aaline blinked away the sudden rush of tears and pressed on. "I pledge to you that yours will be the name I cry aloud in the night. And the eyes into which I smile in the morning. I pledge to you the first bite from my meat and the first drink from my cup. I pledge to you my living and dying, equally in your care, and tell no strangers our grievances. This is my wedding vow to you. This is a marriage of equals."
She felt the heat slowly drain from her face when Ivar took his turn.
She felt she understood his sudden emotion when she felt a well of pressure deep in her chest. His voice carried over her and she felt a sense of calm that hadn't been there before. She couldn't take her eyes off him as he recited the same words she'd just finished.
She felt as if the rest of the world had disappeared and everything was centered on the words dripping from Ivar's lips.
The Lothbrok didn't make promises lightly and she felt, deep in her bones, that Ivar would be true to his words, no matter how rehearsed they may have been.
They exchanged rings in what felt like a blur, Torvi handing Ivar's ring to her in a flurry of motion and Ivar slipping her ring on her hand in rapid fire.
"By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride."
A breathless gasp left her lips and she looked up at Ivar with apprehension.
The vows seemed like a far off dream compared to this moment. Now, she wasn't sure what Ivar was feeling.
He didn't give her time process before he slipped an arm around her waist and pulled her towards him. She had a second's notice before his lips were on hers.
He kept it classy, keeping his tongue in his mouth, but his lips were gentle and relaxed against her own. She took a breath and got a lungful of something that was truly Ivar. She felt dizzy and a soft sign fell against his lips. He groaned and brushed his nose against her cheek before pulling away.
She met his eyes and there was a storm of emotion brewing behind them. She shivered and goosebumps rose on her arms.
"It is with great honor and privilege to present to you Mr. and Mrs. Ivar Lothbrok."
Ivar collected himself first and stepped out towards the crowd, keeping her hand in his. He smiled towards their guests and began to tug her down the aisle. She had to lengthen her strides to catch up to him but was fast and they walked into the house as a unit.
.
Ragnar heaved a deep sigh as he settled his frame into the plush chair in his office. He stared, with glittering eyes, at the men seated across from him.
Aelle and Ecbert had been invited for two purposes. One was to show power. He needed them to know that he was not afraid of them and that he felt they posed no threat to him. The second was to broker a deal regarding Aethelwulf and the millions of dollars that Ragnar "lost". He would rather have waited until well into the reception to begin the discussion but Aelle had pulled him aside twice before the ceremony and once just as the reception was getting started. Ragnar did not have the patience for Aelle's desperation.
Björn stood behind him on his left and Ubbe and Sigurd stood on either side of the door. Hvitserk was at the reception with Ivar and the women to keep them updated and placated at the same time.
Ragnar cleared his throat. "Let's get this moving. It's my son's wedding and I'd like to see the first dance." He waved his fingers dismissively and delighted in the color that rose to Aelle's face.
The large man shifted in his seat and Ragnar eyed his chair with concern. "What do you want for the safe return of my brother?" Ecbert coughed and Ragnar snapped his eyes to the other man. When he didn't make a move to speak Ragnar addressed Aelle.
"You cost me a great deal of money." He said. He sucked on his teeth to prevent the smile from crossed his features. Aelle's face had turned a dangerous shade a purple and Ragnar was almost worried. He saw Ecbert lean over and whisper something that only Aelle could hear. The larger man shifted again and jerked his head to the side. He cleared his throat and Ragnar smirked.
"You have my brother." The words sounded almost forced from Aelle's mouth. Ragnar chuckled. "You didn't leave me much choice, Aelle, attacking my docks as you did." The big man chewed on his lip and kept his beady black eyes trained on Ragnar. He didn't appear to want to respond to Ragnar's statement so Ragnar gave him an answer to his earlier question.
"Twenty-five percent of your annual income. Cash." Aelle spluttered. "I do not think I heard you, Ragnar Lothbrok."
Ragnar grinned shark-like and leaned forward. "Twenty-five percent. That is the price." Aelle blew out his breath like he'd been deflated and moved to stand but Ecbert leaned over again and Aelle was quick to sit.
Ragnar narrowed his eyes at the fairer man. He didn't like that Ecbert seemed to be controlling the meeting. Twice now Ecbert had intervened when Aelle nearly lost control. Twice now Ecbert had been a voice of reason and Ragnar did not like his amount of control.
Aelle tugged on the sleeves of his jacket and cracked his neck. "I agree to the terms but first, you must return my brother." Ragnar cocked an eyebrow at Aelle's forwardness.
"When we receive payment, you shall have your brother." Aelle seemed to forget that Ragnar was the one who had control. Ragnar didn't need twenty-five percent of Aelle's income. Yes, the millions of dollars he'd lost at Kattegat was disappointing but he made double that at half his other docks in a week so it was tragic that the money had been destroyed. Aelle was the one who wanted something from Ragnar so this was going to work in Ragnar's favor.
Aelle heaved a great sigh and his chair creaked ominously. Ubbe and Sigurd shared a glance. "You must give me time to collect everything." Aelle held his hands out in a placating manner and Ragnar dipped his head forward.
"And you shall have it. Ten days."
.
Aaline had never been more nervous in her life.
The soft melody of the piano washed over her and drowned out the din of the party but it did little in the way of calming her nerves. She could feel Ivar's breath on her neck and shoulder and the heat from his hands was near to scorching. His chest was pressed against hers in a way that allowed her to feel his heartbeat against her breast. She felt him sigh and he reared back to look at her.
"Don't look so afraid, Aaline." She looked up and met his eyes. They were filled with a wicked gleam that she recognized as delight and she scoffed, smiling. "I'm not afraid." She said.
He snorted and shook his head, swaying her around in a circle. For a man with chronic joint pains, he was light on his feet. Though, that shouldn't have surprised her with his boxing career.
"Then why do you look as if the cavalry is coming to escort you to your doom?" She looked up at him with wide eyes. A slow smile began to overtake his face and she rolled her eyes. He laughed and she couldn't help the grin that crossed her own face.
She turned her head to gaze at the face on the outskirts of the dance floor. So many people that she knew and so many that she didn't.
There were multiple photographers there. One that Lagertha had hired to photograph the wedding, two from local newspapers, and one from a national magazine. The name Lothbrok was synonymous with several nationally recognized chains and organizations so it went without saying that some national outlet was going to request to be at the wedding. Aaline wasn't sure which magazine had been granted the privilege but she was sure that whoever it was had been heavily vetted by Lagertha and Ragnar.
"I'm not sure what to expect from here." She was addressing Ivar's inquiry about her fear. Again, though, she wasn't afraid. More like...apprehensive. She wasn't sure what to expect from now on both in the Lothbrok family and in their relationship.
Ivar took a deep breath. She watched his Adam's apple bob and his jaw clench. His eyes trailed over the room much like hers had just done. He took another deep breath and looked down at her.
"You just take it one day at a time, Aaline." She wasn't sure she was satisfied with his answer but before she could press him the DJ announced that it was almost time for speeches.
She stepped back from Ivar and gestured towards the bar. He nodded once and turned to Hvitserk when he slapped his shoulder, grinning like a fool.
Aaline floated between the guests, making a beeline for the bar. She needed a dose, or two, of liquid courage before she continued on with this night.
She rested her forearms on the bar and waited for the bartender to return from God knows where. She needed a whiskey or a bourbon or maybe even tequila. She would probably need it. Where was the fucking bartender?
"Those Lothbrok men are fickle creatures." Aaline turned to the voice beside her and tensed. Ecbert was leaning casually against the bar with a wine glass clutched in his hand and his elbows braced against the bar. His eyes danced over the crowd and his lips were turned up in a smirk.
Aaline glanced around to see where her new in-laws were and found none of them within waving distance. She turned back to face Ecbert. He turned his head to look at her and smiled fully. Aaline didn't trust it.
"When I heard that Ivar was getting married I just knew I had to be there. It would have to be a truly remarkable woman who would marry the youngest Lothbrok." His gaze traveled over her, much like Ivar's did at their first meeting. Ecbert's stare was far more unsettling than Ivar's. Aaline looked around again for anyone to flag down but still, there was no one.
"I came here on good terms, darling." She jerked around when Ecbert's fingers closed over her arm just above her elbow. He released her slowly and gestured out towards the dance floor. "Ragnar has proposed a deal with Aelle but I'm sure you already knew that." Aaline narrowed her eyes. The way the words rolled off his tongue implied that he knew that she didn't know and was patronizing her.
"They met right after the ceremony, to discuss terms." He brought his wine glass up to his lips and took a measured sip. He set it down on the bar behind him and turned to face her. "We haven't been formally introduced." He held his hand out for her to shake. "I'm Ecbert. King of the Mercia Chapter of The Saxons."
She took another look out towards the dance floor before placing her palm against Ecbert's. He surprised her when he turned it over and pressed his lips to her knuckles. "It is lovely to finally meet you Mrs. Aaline Lothbrok."
Aaline snatched her hand back from Ecbert, her eyes wide. He smiled at her as he straightened, acting as if there was no tension between them.
He picked his wine back up and turned back to the crowd. "I've many things about you, Mrs. Lothbrok. Mostly good. A few missteps in your youth but," He turned glittering eyes to her. "Who doesn't have a slip up here and there?" He tilted his glass towards her before taking a drink.
Her heart was racing and she could hear her blood pumping in her ears. She had been hoping to avoid Ecbert and had been doing her best to do so but she had stepped away for a moment to get herself a new drink and hadn't been paying attention. She had missed his presence against the bar and discovered him too late.
"I do admire Ragnar Lothbrok. He has ambition and he doesn't let anything get in the way of that." He turned back to face the bar, placing his empty wine glass on the bar top. He smiled at her. "Ragnar and I are a lot alike." He turned bodily to face her, taking a step closer. She had half a mind to step back but knew that would be a sign of weakness. She stood her ground and Ecbert grinned.
"Nothing gets in the way of what I want." He stepped around her. She turned and watched him disappear out the back door and into the crowd. She felt a shudder make its way from the crown of her head to the soles of her feet. She tried to push the encounter out of her mind. She didn't want to tell Ivar but she knew she needed to tell someone. She just didn't know who.