This chapter is dedicated to kyliEisMC2 who beta-ed this for me and helped me get my head straight. I cannot thank her enough for patiently reading through my mess and guiding me to where I want this story to go. I was struggling before I asked for her help.
Also my cover image was done by Nexadi, it is a beautiful stretch of Dahlia she did a few months back but I am only now getting my hands on a laptop to upload it. I also posted it to my tumblr: ritual-unions-gotme if you want to see it in better quality.
Ubbe stood with Sigurd close at his shoulder on the crest of a hill. It was late in the afternoon, the sun's rays were blasting a bright light onto their backs, making sweat collecting on their necks. Sigurd was blatantly pointing to a blonde haired man down in the training pit that lingered near Dahlia, a little too close. It was a low sloping hill but it gave the brothers the advantage they needed to overlook the band of shieldmaidens who practiced below and of Tyr.
The blacksmith's apprentice was not the only one at the princess' side, in fact many women vied for her attention. She had the grace to patiently attend to each person's words. A small smile tugged at Ubbe's lips, ignoring the blacksmith's rapt attention to his wife, he instead found himself enamored with her ability to handle being the center of attention.
She had the refinements of a good queen, Ubbe thought to himself, his arms crossed over his chest, as he watched from afar. Her hand fluttered out, tenderly touching a woman nearby who was vividly describing a story with wild gestures. The woman softened under her touch, laughter escaping her lips as she leaned into the princess's touch. Dahlia shared her joyous laughter, the sound filtering up to Ubbe's ears and his smile grew.
Sigurd watched his brother carefully, reading his facial expressions, waiting for him to react to the blacksmith but was not surprised to find him unaffected. He had half hoped that his oldest brother would throw a fit but that was more befitting of Ivar. Sigurd should have known better than to think so little of Ubbe's level headedness.
Ubbe watched Tyr who was taking small decisive steps closer and closer in towards Dahlia, gently tugging at her elbow when she did not instantly return his attention.
Ubbe clicked his tongue in discontent. Sigurd had a playful smile on his lips and then raised his brows in a taunting gesture. There it was, Sigurd thought smugly, the reaction he had hoped for. They were sons of Ragnar after all, and honor was everything. He would have thought less of his older brother if he did not stand up for himself. This was a matter of honor.
Ubbe's eyes narrowed, glaring at his younger brother, waving him off with a flick of his wrist.
'Go home Sigurd.' He advised, already headed down the hill, not waiting for a reply. 'I have to see my wife.'
When Tyr initially approached Dahlia that afternoon he had feigned that he was there to see his sister-in-law, conveniently forgetting that Eda was doing laundry that day. Dahlia knew better than to fall for his weak excuses. He had ulterior motives. He was not so daft to have forgotten yesterday's conversation.
Tyr's sudden interest reminded her of her mother instructing her at a young age to be mindful of the men that entered her life. They had been speaking about a man from the village who vied for Dahlia's hand in marriage even though he had never had a full conversation with the princess. It did not make sense to a young Dahlia who's only worries at the time were training in swordplay, riding unruly horses, and swimming until her fingertips were wrinkled.
'You are the flame daughter and men will always be drawn to you like moths seeking warmth.'
A gentle reminder in the back of her mind as suitors continued to offer themselves for marriage. She was deadly as a flame was to a moth.
Tyr greeted Dahlia as if they were old friends, throwing his arm over her shoulder pulling her in for a half hug. She rolled her eyes dramatically as she took a deep gulp from a skin filled with water. Her chest still heaved from her last spar and sweat dripped down her forehead as her eyes dragged up Tyr's tall frame.
She shrugged off his arm, stepping away she waved her short sword out in front of her towards Tyr's belt, where his own weapons rested. 'Do you ever fight or do you just collect the pretty swords you make?'
Tyr laughed, his dark eyes darting down to his belt, his hand resting on the shoulder of the ax, the blade glimmered as it caught in the sun. Dahlia wondered if it had ever been soaked with blood. He had avoided raiding this year, who was to say he had ever taken another's life.
'I fight, when it is necessary, for things that matter, for good.' Tyr replied defensively. 'I would fight for you.'
Bold words from a man she had just met. Her mother's words rang loud in her ears. She turned sharply on her heel to look Tyr in the eyes to see if he was gesting or not. He was not. His face was somber, dark eyes lit with...longing? Dahlia could not tell. She scowled, she did not want to lead him into the flame. She opened her mouth, her lips poised to tell him that it would never happen between them.
Tyr interrupted before she could speak, rambling on quickly. 'I would never betray you princess or dishonor you in any way, like others have. My eyes would never stray. How could they? You are Freya's daughter, there is no doubt in my mind, you are the most beautiful woman I have ever laid eyes on.'
Dahlia blushed, her eyes darting to the ground, suddenly too embarrassed to try to interrupt Tyr's declaration of love.
Tyr stepped in closer to Dahlia, grasping her tight by her upper arms. He leaned in, his lips hovering near her ear, whispering. 'I would never do anything to break your trust.'
Tyr pulled away searching her confused expression. Was he referring to Ubbe and the rumors of his affair with the slave girl, Margrethe? Dahlia wondered. She scowled further, wishing people would mind their own business.
Tyr leaned in, placing a soft kiss on her cheek. He smiled at her, gaze unwavering and she replied with a forced chuckle, not knowing what to say. She was not going to disclose with Tyr the fact that if she was leaving Ubbe, she would be headed straight into Ozur's waiting arms, not his.
She opened her mouth to politely inform Tyr he had no chance with her, that he should instead find himself a more available bride. Her eyes moved to Tyr's but he was distractedly gazing beyond her. She turned to see what had caught his attention.
Ubbe.
He approached steadily, his long gait quickly covering the distance, unabashed by the attention he was receiving. A few shieldmaidens whispered to each other, giggling with hands covering their mouth, playful grins, and nudges while the young prince strode by. He ignored them all, his lips a tight line. His eyes held a hint of mischief in them and Dahlia found herself stepping towards him, curious to know the secret hidden in his blue orbs.
She suddenly felt as if she was the unfortunate moth and her husband the flame. It made her bristle at the thought. It was a feeling she was not used to.
He stepped in to her, his hand encircling around her waist and pulling her flush against his lean frame. The other curled around the side of her face rushing to bury deep within her wild hair, his lips crashing on hers. He sighed through his nose, content as Dahlia kissed him back, her body molding into his, becoming one in a swift move.
She was the first to pull away, her eyes sparkling with humor and curious delight as she peered up at him, her lips poised to ask him what he was doing but a clashing commotion sounded behind her before she could start.
'Shieldwall!' A woman screamed, startling them out of their reverence.
Lagertha had apparently approached and only at the last moment did her guards realize Ubbe was nearby and within striking distance.
It was a slow clattering of shields. Some of the shieldmaidens closest to Dahlia hesitated to move in to protect the queen. Their eyes darted and their feet shifted with uncertainty as they considered where their loyalties lie. Lagertha was only one part of their training, an extension of Dahlia's hospitality. She was the one who had extended out the offer to each person. She had created the community, not Lagertha. It was not said aloud but it was common knowledge who had spearheaded the group. Dahlia.
Lagertha, as new queen, did not have the time nor the energy to attend to each woman, not like Dahlia did. Her commitment to each shieldmaiden was obvious in that moment, in the seconds wasted to take up arms against Ubbe. It spoke a thousand silent words.
Tongue in cheek Ubbe watched, blue eyes darting, a smile tugging at his lips, as the shieldmaidens slowly moved to make a protective wall around their queen. He tried to share his quiet mirth with Dahlia but her face had transformed to cold stone before him.
He took a half step back, extending out an arm, the side of his cloak lifting open, showing that he had no weapons on his person. He was not there to kill Lagertha but to see Dahlia and the man Sigurd insisted was a threat.
His eyes flicked beyond her shoulder to the blacksmith's apprentice, who was taking small decisive steps backwards, dark eyes briefly meeting cristline blue before turning on his heel headed back to town. Ubbe shook his head dismissively, the man had no honor to stand his ground and for that he gave him not a second thought.
He turned his attention to the model of power that was his wife. It was radiating off her, natural and unwavering, he felt a gentle tug to it, to her.
Killing Lagertha could wait another day, and her demise would come, he was certain of that. He was more intrigued at that moment on the effect Dahlia had on the shieldmaidens surrounding them in a semicircle, fingers tight around their weapons but limbs heavy with doubt. There was a muddy trench being dug, deep and ragged, the lines unclear where one loyalty lay and the other began. Lagertha would be a fool to ignore it. Ubbe raised a cocky brow in her direction, mocking her as he pulled Dahlia in closer by grasping at the leather belt clasped around her loose fitting tunic. Lagertha's face remained impassive, stoic as ever. This caused a taunting grin to pull on Ubbe's face, his tongue darting out to run over his lower lip.
Lagertha stepped around her shieldmaidens bluntly pretending to be unaware of the danger Ubbe possessed as the oldest son of Aslaug. Astrid had a tense grimace on her face as she followed behind her queen.
Lagertha smiled lovingly at Dahlia, reaching out to grab a hold of her arm tenderly squeezing, like a loving mother would proud of their daughter.
'You have become such a force on the battlefield princess Dahlia, you will surpass even your husband, who may not remember, but as a young boy trained with Bjorn and I in Hedeby not long after he first picked up a sword.' Lagertha stated to Dahlia reminiscing about the past.
Dahlia shot Ubbe a questioning glance. He had never mentioned training with Lagertha. Ubbe rolled his eyes with a shake of his head. His lips scowling, he rocked back on his heels, his arms crossed over his chest, pulling into himself. Lagertha was trying to arrogantly shame him. He remembered, though it had been tucked away in a dusty corner of his mind, one that he hadn't needed to retrieve for some time. And maybe if he was honest with himself, he had forgotten a part of his past that was so fluid to who he was, that it need not be spoken out loud as a reminder. Lagertha in his life, and his brothers', had been so natural. He had never given it much thought, not until she killed his mother. Maybe that was why the betrayal hurt so badly, because he had trusted Lagertha.
'Dahlia, you will come join us for dinner tonight in my great hall.' Lagertha stated as she turned to leave, headed back into town.
Dahlia swallowed the lump stuck in her throat before she bobbed her head. 'Thank you, yes, I will, Queen Lagertha.'
Lagertha gave her a curt nod, and one last look at Ubbe who was still scowling before carrying on, Astrid close at her side.
Night was falling on the band of shieldmaidens and slowly they dispersed for the evening. Some came to wish Dahlia a goodnight and offer thanks for her support in their advancement of training, others walked by in pairs waving their goodbyes silently.
Ubbe distractedly watched Lagertha's retreating form until she was out of sight and only then did he turn his attention back on Dahlia, he side eyed her trying to gauge her attendance to Lagertha's request. She was unfaltered by his look and she stood steadfast and firm, her hands on her hips as he moved in to prowl around her, in a tight predatory circle, their shoulders brushing, at each turn.
'You,' Ubbe stopped to whisper in her ear. 'Are not what I imagined for a wife.'
'Your mistake was trying to put me in a box. Thinking that you could mold me into what you expected me to be.' Dahlia stated as she continued to follow his movements with her eyes. 'I am more than a wife or just a vessel for your heirs.'
'I see that now.' He nodded his head in agreement. He thrust his hand out, a hovering offer for her to take a hold of. Dahlia contemplated the hand, fingers long and strong, palms calloused, knuckles rough and busted. Hers were not much different. She took hold of his hand and together they turned back to Kattegat.
The fading sun sparkled against the lapping oceanfront, like a collection of finely polished jewels. Red, yellow and orange reflected on the water, matching the sun's every move as it sank steadily down. The colors took Dahlia's breath away and she faltered taking in the sight as she exited the lush forest opening up to the shoreline. The salty smell of the ocean rushed over her senses, reminding her of home, of her tiny island. It was a secluded beach where the fjord rushed into the ocean on the east, surrounded by a dense assembly of trees and shrubs.
X
'Will you take me to the water, Ubbe? I want to dive into the sea and let the salt soak deep into my bones.' She had whispered as they slowly picked their way back to Kattegat, arm in arm. She sounded tired. Wasted away by the struggle of trying to satisfy two opposing forces. He wanted to help ease her load.
He agreed, pulling her in closer, leading the way to the sandy shoreline. He knew of a quiet cove where they would not be disturbed.
X
Ubbe gently nudged past her, smiling at her gaping stare, proud that he had picked a spot that left her without words. He loved coming here, to think and just have a moment alone. He did not mind sharing it with her. Dahlia started stripping off her clothing moments later, eyes sealed on the lapping oceanfront. Her toes sank into the sand once her boots were peeled away. Ubbe watched with curiosity as Dahlia dashed into the water. She reminded him of a little fish that was desperate to return to water, where it truly belonged. He took his time removing his cloak and boots, watching her swim back and forth, never coming up for air for too long. He turned up the ends of his trousers till they folded to his knees and waded into the water, letting his feet soak, curious to see his little fish move.
She glided over in the low tide, grabbing him by the back of his ankle, coming up for air with a loud gasping breath. Ubbe chuckled crouching down on his heels, his hand running over the top of her head, hair plastered to the back of her neck, curling in a wet curtain around her ribs as she sat up.
He leaned in, his lips brushing against hers, whispering a hot breath on her cold wet skin. 'I think you are something from my dreams.'
Dahlia's lips curled into a taunting grin pulling away to better study his face. 'What do you mean?'
'You may be a selkie and not Freya's daughter, as the stories say.' Ubbe husked.
'Then do not get too close, I will pull you under to never return.' She teased, her fingers snaking around his wrist, giving it a playful tug.
'The more I look at you the more I am certain you are the most beautiful thing I have ever laid eyes on, and then how could you not be related to our goddess? The gods have truly blessed me.' He murmured. He nudged her with his nose before leaning further in for a soft tantalizing slow kiss. He took one last long look at her face. Satisfied, he nodded his head and stood up to his full height, making his way back to land, his feet caking in sand. Dahlia followed, wringing her hair between her fingers as she walked, naked and sun had faded, stealing the last of the warmth, leaving a pale light reflecting off the water. Ubbe settled, sitting on the shore with bent knees drawn in, his cloak stretched out in offering. Dahlia happily nestled between his legs, thankful for the warmth, pulling the cloak in tight. She closed her eyes and leaned her head back till it rested on the curve of his shoulder. She exhaled a contented sigh, thankful to have the chance to be back in the water, her first home. The place where she always found solace.
Opening her eyes she peered over at the small cabin tucked away in the shrubs. It was old but well maintained, old boards had been replaced by new ones as they had rotted and decayed. A holding pen for domestic animals surrounded the cabin and a few fishing poles and nets rested on the fence, waiting to be used. Relics dangled off the thatched roof, shifting with the wind.
'What is this place?' Dahlia inquired.
Ubbe kept his gaze fixed on the lapping waves as he spoke. 'This is my father's fishing cabin.'
Dahlia hummed in understanding. She settled deeper into Ubbe's hold, drawing her knees into her chest and wrapping her arms around her naked belly, she thought about the baby growing inside of her. She still needed to tell Ubbe the news.
'Father is dead.' Ubbe bluntly stated. Dahlia's eyes snapped open, jolted by Ubbe's words. She stiffened under him.
'What? You cannot possibly know this. Ivar, he is-'
Ubbe cut her off, his tone clipped. 'I know.'
Dahlia leaned back against the arms that encircled her, her neck craning to look Ubbe in the eyes.
'Odin came to me-' He faltered, he still could not believe what he had seen. 'Ragnar is dead.' He declared, sighing quietly through his nose, his eyelids fluttering closed for a moment, as he processed the truth.
'Ubbe,' She whispered, his name catching in her throat, she rarely referred to him so intimately but she suddenly had a deep sense of empathy erupt inside of her. 'I know the pain of losing a father, it is not easy. I am very sorry.'
Her fingers darted out catching the wrist that moved to rest on his knee, pulling it back around her shoulder. She twisted at his golden arm band distractedly, feeling the heavy weight of his loss in the pit of her stomach.
Ubbe praddled on, whispering into her hair. 'He was not a good father. He was gone so long. I do not think I should mourn him but I do.'
'The dead deserved to be remembered. Regardless of their legacy.' Dahlia whispered in understanding.
'With mother and father both dead I have no support besides my younger brothers. Not a thing to my name. I have nothing to offer you.' Ubbe surmised, unable to pull his eyes from the lapping waves. Dahlia's lips turned down into a frown still toying with his arm band.
'Nor I you.' She mumbled. 'But at least we have each other.' It left her lips as a question. She nervously peered up at him, waiting, hoping that she wasn't alone.
'Yes, we have each other.' He agreed, his heart warming at the thought. Ubbe nuzzled his nose in her dark hair, inhaling the saltiness of her wet strands. He felt a sense of relief knowing that they were fighting the same battle. He pulled her in closer, finding comfort in her touch. They both knew loss but they could fight together to get it all back.
'Lagertha can keep Kattegat, for now, but when we return from England, she will know my fury.' Ubbe fumed and Dahlia watched as the cords of muscles in his arm tightened when he clenched his hand into a tight fist.
'England?' Dahlia asked coyly, her ears perked in curiosity as she clutched at his taut forearm.
'Yes, England. My brothers and I are raising a great army to exact revenge on King Ælla and King Ecbert.' Ubbe disclosed. He tipped his head down at her, noticing the subtle spark in her eyes, the way her voice squeaked as she asked about traveling. He had not forgotten his promise to raid with her when the time came. He could not deny her again. Not without knowing her wrath.
'I see.' Dahlia replied in a noncommittal tone, she dropped her gaze back to his arm band, her fingers curling around the cold metal. 'And I am to…'
'To come with me.' Ubbe confirmed with a chuckle as Dahlia gushed before him, her smile brightly illuminating her face. He could not help but share it with her, a proud grin spread across his lips, happy that he could bring her such joy.
Ubbe continued on to explain his strategy for invading England. 'We will need all the support we can get, and with the help of your shieldmaidens-'
'My shieldmaidens?' Dahlia exclaimed, shaking her head, wet strands of hair flapping against skin. 'Not mine, Lagertha's maybe, but not me. I am just some foreigner to them.'
'Yours, Dahlia.' Ubbe declared sternly. He felt his lip twitch in agitation. She was quick to declare herself the rightful queen of her homeland but the moment he offered her the tools to achieve her destiny she hid away. 'They looked to you for direction. I saw it.'
Dahlia fevertantly shook her head, pushing herself up to sit on her knees, trying to escape Ubbe's words. He caught her by the arm twisting her body around till she faced him. She grimaced as the sand dug roughly into her bare knees, scraping the soft skin.
Ubbe's eyes widened with anger at the timid girl withering before him. Where was the woman he had watched from afar command a crowd of shieldmaidens?
'Listen to me.' He growled, fingers curling into the delicate skin of her arms. 'Those women have husbands, and fathers and brothers, and sons. We will need their support if we are to successfully overthrow Lagertha.'
He pointed a finger into the distance, motioning to the men and women he theoretically referenced to. Dahlia took the chance to shimmy out of his one handed grip on her arm, haphazardly tumbling on to her back as she did so. He lunged forward catching her by her ankle before she could get to her feet to run. He tugged her weight out from under and she flopped back to the sand, her belly dragged against the soft sand as she grasped uselessly trying to find leverage but Ubbe was on his feet hovering over. He pointed a long finger in her face.
'Why do you not believe in yourself? What are you afraid of?' He demanded. She snapped her teeth almost gnashing down on the slender bone before he retracted it back into his palm forming a fist.
'You are having a hard time seeing your own potential, and I'm not sure why when all you do is whine about that damned crown on your head, so let me help you.' Ubbe tugged her effortlessly up by her elbows lifting her to her feet. Her eyes were alive with the fiery visage he had come to admire. He dragged his eyes up and down her tight form, he sniffed in disgust, nostrils twitching. He did not appreciate her show of weakness because that was what it was, an act, and he knew that she had more potential than that.
'Now is your time to rise. Rise up and be the leader those women need. Do it now and it will be the catalyst to get what you desire down the road. Do you understand?'
She growled in response, not waiting to admit to him that he was right. She ignored him for a time, arms crossed tight over her chest until the sky was dark and then she softened, asking him quietly to take her home.
That evening the cottage was quiet for once, leaving Dahlia with her own thoughts as Ragni twisted her thick dark hair into tight braids, humming to herself as she worked. She tried to not grimace as Ragni tugged on her hair, pinching her scalp. She had long ago learned not to speak her mind when it came to matters of hair. The old maid preferred the sharp lines of a tight braid while Dahlia would rather have loose flowing trundles delicately intertwined. She had argued with her on the matter many times but had never gotten her way, so she kept her mouth in a scowling grimace as the woman worked.
This time however she hardly noticed the pull of her scalp as her mind wandered to her impending dinner with Lagertha. She rested her chin on her fist as she ventured to alternate realities other than her own.
She chewed slowly on the words Ubbe spoke at their cove, letting them soak deep within her heart till they absorbed into her skin, becoming a part of who she was. Of who she knew she'd always been but had not had the courage to begin on her own. She had her legacy all perfectly planned out by the time Ragni was finished braiding her hair.
Immediately after returning to the cottage from their afternoon at the water, Sigurd pulled Ubbe into the corner room to vehemently share hushed whispers and hooded glances. She was so busy daydreaming about her future, the power, the fame and glory that she paid no mind to their nonsense letting herself be whisked away by Ragni, who would help her get ready for a night with the new queen.
Dahlia had not even noticed when the boys disappeared, slipping silently out of the door without a word, until Ubbe returned. Slightly out of breath, a twinkling smile twisting on his lips as he approached, his reflection catching in the vanity mirror.
He caught her gaze momentarily and she shared his smile, unable to help herself, he looked proud of himself, standing tall with his chest inflated with importance.
He reached out fingers intertwined with Ragni, who watched the couple silently, a coyish look etched on her aging face. He whispered a quiet succession of words that left the maid madly grinning, the corner of her eyes wrinkling in happiness as she opened her clasped hands, revealing a sparkling diadem, thin and delicate. She gasped dramatically at the sight of it.
Ragni quickly rearranged Dahlia's hair so that the diadem nestled upon the crown of her head. It was not boisterous or loud but soft and subtle, exactly as the young princess preferred. She smiled shyly at Ubbe through the mirror.
'It is beautiful.' She whispered craning around in her seat to face her husband. 'I do not deserve such a gift.'
Ubbe stepped in closer, clasping her chin between his forefinger and thumb, lifting her gaze till it met his. The diamonds encrusted in the delicate iron caught in the fading light.
'It belongs on you.' Ubbe finally replied, after admiring its beauty. Dahlia's smile grew, her fingers brushing against the jewels. He offered out his hand to Dahlia and she stood smoothing the wrinkles out of her skirts.
Ubbe helped gently clasp her cloak about her throat, long fingers tracing the dip of her dress along her neckline. He then wrapped a white wolf's pelt around her shoulders smoothing the fur as his eyes searched hers, wide and expressive.
'Go, have your fun before Ivar sees and kills us both. You for being with Lagertha and me for allowing it.' Ubbe stated, humor in his eyes but his face was otherwise somber. Dahlia offered him half of a grin, one side of her mouth turning upward. She thought of Aslaug's knife tucked away, strapped to her calf rubbing at the soft skin. Would tonight be her chance to kill the famous shieldmaiden? If she was so brave to take up arms and kill Lagertha then maybe the tension between the brothers might be abated and she might receive Ubbe's full attention to finally help her overthrow her traitorous uncle.
'You will come back to me.' Ubbe stated. His words held a hint of pleading. Many had betrayed them, ones that they considered close friends, it hurt more than Dahlia was willing to admit. If he was to commit to her cause then she too had to help him. She would be his rock. She would not let him down. Ubbe was patiently awaiting her answer, his eyes desperately searching her face.
She stepped forward, her hand reaching out resting on his broad chest, fingers curling around the buckles of his tunic. She watched her own movements, searching for a sign from the gods in the threads of his top. Fate was undeniable, there was nothing either of them could say or do to stop its momentum. Whatever the future held was already written in the tree of life.
'I am with you Ubbe, always.' She promised, her lips brushing against his tenderly. His hand travelled to intertwine in her neatly bound hair, behind her ear, thumb running along the raised skin of the stave he had carved in hopes of protecting her from the evil of their world, but there was nothing to stop fate.
Silence. That was the only sound in the private room of the great hall. Astrid and Torvi had stood huddled together near the central hearth, heads tipped in, as they talked over the security of Kattegat. Lagertha had greeted Dahlia with a smile when the young princess entered through the lattice partition. The smile quickly dropped from her face upon getting a full look at Dahlia, golden diadem sparkling in the fire. Her lips twisted into a tight grimace, she sighed through her nose.
The diadem had belonged to her long ago, after Ragnar's first raid to England. It was Roman made, old but well kept, different from the typical bounty found west of the Baltic Sea. Lagertha had left the beautiful crown along with many other jewels Ragnar had used to try to persuade her to stay when Aslaug had appeared pregnant on her doorstep. Ragnar had offered it to Aslaug as a present one day after catching her admiring the tiny jewels. Aslaug had worn it once during a large feast until the whispers had reached her ears of its origins. Never again did it grace her head but she kept it close, nestled on her vanity to be admired from time to time.
Disappointment dripped from Lagertha's expression as she took in the crown resting so delicately atop Dahlia's dark hair. The young princess' green eyes were bright with concern, taking in each subtle movement of Lagertha's face.
Astrid and Torvi's piercing stares could be felt on Lagertha's back, feeding off of her obvious tension. They looked to her, wondering if they too should be upset but they saw no obvious signs of a threat so they waited. Dahlia was rigid before her, also waiting, scared like a deer that sees it's death as an arrow is pointed in its direction.
Lagertha clasped Dahlia by her hand bringing her to the hearth that Astrid and Torvi surrounded offering her a full cup of wine. Still there was silence.
Dahlia's wide eyes darted to each woman hoping that someone would say something, clue her into the problem.
'That is a lovely diadem princess Dahlia.' Astrid bluntly confessed. Lagertha shot her a quick glance but Astrid only shrugged, she had never been one for patience, she would not have been able to sit in the awkward silence any longer.
Dahlia smiled shyly, touching the delicate wrought iron. 'Thank you, it was a gift from Ubbe.'
A feeling of relief ran through Lagertha, she nodded her head in understanding, smiling widely at Dahlia, who visibly relaxed at the sight of it. The young girl had no idea the implications the diadem held, it had all been a part of Ubbe's plan, to try to wedge an ax in their growing relationship. It was a vain attempt. Lagertha held a growing fondness in her heart for the girl. She would be the piece that could soften the discontent that flowed from the sons of Aslaug, if only she could get her to swear an oath.
Oaths brought order.
And order was what Lagertha desired.
The wine flowed heavily that night, the women chatting endlessly about the state of Kattegat.
Ragnar was dead.
Kattegat was kingless.
Lagertha was ready to pick up the burden, she informed the women. Astrid wore a proud smile on her face, watching as Lagertha spoke out her dreams of a future Kattegat, one that was strong, defensible, and unbreakable. Torvi nodded her head in agreement, softly rocking a tiny Asa back and forth in her arms.
Dahlia sat, cup of wine tight between fingers, her eyes glued to the tiny babe in Torvi's arms, half listening to Lagertha's speech. She rested a delicate hand on her own stomach, still flat, not showing any sign of the baby that grew within. She shifted restlessly in her seat when Asa whined, tiny fingers reaching out grasping at her mother's chin. Torvi smiled softly at the sound, cooing quietly till the babe nestled back into sleep.
Dahlia leaned into Torvi, shoulders pressed against one another, peering down at the sleeping baby together. Lifting her gaze she shared a smile with Torvi.
'She's beautiful.' Dahlia whispered, trying to not disturb Lagertha's winded train of thought, tirelessly explaining her plans for fortification. Torvi's grin grew at the compliment, proud of the tiny human she and Bjorn had created.
'Soon you will have one of your own. I am sure Ubbe was elated to hear the news.' Torvi whispered back, her head tilted into Dahlia's, eyes held on Lagertha. Dahlia hummed in feigned agreement. Anxiety clenched at her stomach as she was reminded that she still had not informed Ubbe that she was pregnant. He would be excited she had no doubt but she wasn't sure if she held the same feelings.
'And for you, princess Dahlia, I want you to oversee the production of the palisade wall.' Lagertha proposed, unaware of Dahlia's wandering mind. A look of confusion rushed over her features, her head cocking to one side, like a dog who hears a strange sound.
'What?' Dahlia gaped. She was certain she had heard Lagertha correctly but could not understand why she was appointing her such a high position. This would put her in daily correspondence with the queen, and she did not understand why she would take the risk. She was Ubbe's wife after all. Why would she trust her?
'Why?' Dahlia hastily inquired.
'It is a tremendous undertaking, I know.' Lagertha acknowledged, though not fully understanding Dahlia's hesitation. 'You are pregnant with your first child. I am sure you are nervous to oversee so many people but I believe you will find strength in your new position.'
Dahlia struggled to smile back at Lagertha, knowing the queen wanted her to be thankful for the high status but she wanted nothing to do with her grand plans for a better Kattegat. Each day she spent in Lagertha's presence made her commitment to kill her that much more difficult.
She is not a friend, Dahlia argued, forcing herself to nod her head obediently a fake smile plastered on her lips.
The large oak doors into the great hall gave a loud crash, startling all of the women out of their dreamy talk. Lagertha's brows furrowed, turning to the main room. The great hall was a public place for any of Kattegat's residents to find shelter or to voice their grievances but it was late and the rude manner in which the guests entered left Lagertha irritated.
Astrid hurriedly followed after her, short sword drawn, ready to protect her queen if there was a threat. She returned a few moments later, an exasperated look on her face, sword back at her belt.
'What is it?' Torvi asked, curious to know who the visitors were.
Astrid turned her attention to Dahlia. 'It is your husband and Sigurd. They bring a jarl and his warriors from Sweden.' Astrid sneered.
'Why here?' Torvi inquired. Dahlia was on her feet brushing past an annoyed Astrid.
Astrid sighed heavily through her nose this time addressing Torvi. Dahlia could hear her fading voice as she sifted around the partition into the main hall.
'They say they require a proper meeting place to discuss plans to raid England…'
Dahlia's slippered feet swept across the floor, keeping herself hidden in the shadows. She watched as Ubbe motioned to a bewildered thrall to bring ale. Sigurd pulled out a bench offering a seat to the young jarl. Lagertha stood amongst the chaos of young men who teetered around her passing cups of ale, that sloshed over the brim. The men seemed oblivious to the queen and neither Ubbe or Sigurd tried to introduce her to the jarl.
The fumbling thrall bustled past Dahlia, empty flagon in hand, headed for the kitchen. Dahlia stopped her, ordering her to also bring back food, bread most importantly. Even from afar Dahlia knew that the men crowded around a table in the middle of the dimly lit hall were deep in their cups.
Ubbe rocked back on his heels unsteadily, raising his goblet in the air to toast the jarl for agreeing to join their great army. He took a deep gulp and as he lowered the rim his eyes caught sight of Dahlia still hidden in the shadows.
'Wife!' He called out, raising his cup in greeting. 'Come!'
Dahlia moved to join Ubbe, a smile twisting on her lips at her drunk husband. She was unsure if she had seen him in this state and it made her giggle. Her hand covered her mouth at the sound, realising that she too might have had too much wine to drink.
Lagertha caught her by her elbow as she passed, leaning in to whisper in her ear. 'I am not done with you yet.'
Dahlia withdrew, surprised to find Lagertha heated, she was typically unmoved by chaos. She frowned at her hero, suddenly disappointed to find that she was not perfect like she had originally imagined.
'I will be back Lagertha. I have a duty to my husband first.' Dahlia asserted, twisting her arm out of the queen's grasp. She could feel the holes Lagertha's gaze bore into her back as Ubbe embraced her.
'There you are. I was looking for you.' His hand ran along her lower back, pulling her in flush he kissed her sloppily on her cheek. 'Come, meet Jarl Einar. He and his warriors have agreed to join our great army.'
Jarl Einar's long red hair was neatly braided away from his face, with silver jewels that gently chimed as he moved. His beard was cropped short and his face was youthful, he was no older than Ubbe or Sigurd. The men surrounding him were young and lean, gulping down the ale as if it was water, looks of boredom etched on their faces at the lack of festivities. Moving about as if they were ready to leave their liege lord in search of a better party if one did not appear soon.
She bobbed her head in greeting. He hopped to his feet, extending out his arm for her. She shook it and as she tried to release her grip he bent forward kissing the top of her hand.
'You are more beautiful than the rumors that spread like a fire before you.' Jarl Einar divulged, a cocky smile on his lips as he spoke. 'I have heard about you long before arriving in Kattegat and I knew-'
'Say no more, Jarl Einar.' Sigurd interrupted, throwing a careless arm around Dahlia's shoulder, bringing her for a half hug. 'You will make my sweet sister's head even bigger than it already is. We won't be able to fit her through doors soon.'
'Ah I don't see any harm in that. You should tell this woman how beautiful she is every day till Ragnarok. It is true.' Jarl Einar's hand extended cupping her jawline. Dahlia swayed avoiding his touch. She was not a pretty artifact to be inspected. Her gaze darted to Ubbe who was quietly smirking into his cup at her rising aggression. She scowled at him, realizing she would have to fight her own battles tonight.
Shrugging out from under Sigurd's arm she turned gesturing at Lagertha who now stood on the dais near her throne, Astrid close at her side, Torvi peeking out from the private room.
'Have you met the queen of Kattegat?' Dahlia implored. Jarl Einar's eyes lit up when he was introduced to three more beautiful women. He bowed and kissed hands gushing over each one. It made Dahlia chuckle quietly, glad she had gotten him off her hands. She slowly tried to back away from their conversation.
She noticed that the few occupants of the hall who had been lingering about during dinner, who had been keeping warm near the central hearth had filtered out when the jarl and his men arrived but had quickly returned, this time with friends or family members. Word spread fast that there was a celebration to be had. Their princes' had added more warriors to their great army. It was news to revel in.
Dahlia peered back at Ubbe who was laughing with one of Jarl Einar's warriors. The hall was quickly filling but he caught her gaze, side eyeing her as he took a sip of his ale, his once bright blue eyes growing dark. She knew that look. It was familiar to her. Like the scorcers who cast rune sticks, reading the signs in each tilt of the carved branches, she saw the signs that her husband did not agree with her actions, acknowledging Lagertha as queen. Sigurd stood near his older brother, arms crossed, visibly shaking his head in disapproval.
Dahlia scowled at her brother-in-law, her eyes rolling dramatically back and then she proceeded to stick her tongue out.
Sigurd looked as if he was about to crack a smile but it quickly vanished. Lagertha had untangled herself from the young jarl's slick words, she stepped in front of Dahlia, blocking her view of her husband and brother-in-law.
'I want you to accept my offer to oversee the palisade wall.' Lagertha ordered. Dahlia scoffed, she opened her mouth to argue but Lagertha continued in trying to reason with her.
'It will give you freedom. It will connect you with many people.' Lagertha nagged. Dahlia suddenly felt as if she was back at home with her mother, telling her what was best. She caught sight of Ubbe, across the now crowded hall, he prowled around, nodding his head at friends. His hand falling on a shoulder in greeting.
'This position will get you out of the clutches of your husband. He cannot control you if you have your own power.' Lagertha's lecture brought Dahlia suddenly back. She scowled at the queen, lips pulling into a snarl.
'Do not assume to know what I desire.' She warned. She had lost sight of Ubbe, he had disappeared in the crowds.
'I can help you.' Lagertha stressed, placing a delicate hand on her shoulder. Her small movement exposed Ubbe to Dahlia. He was leaning in, nose brushing against the round cheek of Margrethe. The servant's eyelids fluttered close as she molded into his touch. The crowds shifted and she lost sight of them but it was enough that a ball of jealousy erupted harshly in the pit of her stomach.
Dahlia frowned, wishing her body did not react so violently to the sight. She had heard the rumors but she had ignored them. They were just words used to entertain others. And why should she care? Ozur was patiently waiting for her back at home on her tiny island. Shouldn't that be enough for her? That was where her heart truly lay, not with Ubbe who so openly disrespected her.
She pulled her attention back to Lagertha. She could see the queen's lips moving but the sound of her voice was far off and distance.
'Think about it Dahlia. You do not have to make any decisions now but know that I only want what is best for you.' Lagertha confessed, her fingers gently squeezing her arm. 'Us women we have to support one another.'
Dahlia numbly nodded her head in agreement. She felt herself gently floating away, past a concerned Sigurd who reached out, trying to grab her attention but she moved on, her feet mindlessly leading the way. She was far away, her head battling against her heart in a fight where she was unsure who would win.
'You should take her as a hostage.' Astrid stated, perched on the large bed, watching as her lover changed into her night clothes. Ivar had openly promised to kill Lagertha. Ubbe and Sigurd had been mostly complacent under Lagertha's new rule but after tonight's complications she had a different feeling toward their threat. She did not trust the sons of Aslaug.
Lagertha sighed as she pulled a blue night shift over her head. She sat down on the edge of the bed, thinking over Astrid's plan.
'It will not stop fate.' Lagertha turned to look Astrid in the eyes. Astrid crawled across the bed to Lagertha to cradle her face tenderly in her hands.
'But maybe it will delay it.' Astrid kissed Lagertha briefly. 'Dahlia, she is with Ubbe's child, he would not dare harm you if he knew you held the fate of his child in your hands.'
Lagertha pulled away from Astrid, tucking herself under the bed covers, sinking down into the plush pillows.
'I do not even know if Ubbe is the one fated to kill me.' Lagertha admitted looking above to the thatched roof, to the gods as she spoke. Astrid too made herself comfortable under the covers before turning on her side, hands tucked under her cheek as she watched Lagertha.
'Yes, but at least it is one less son of Aslaug you have to worry about.' Astrid replied, concern laced thick in her voice. Lagertha turned her head and smiled at Astrid. She was only trying to protect her, to the best of her ability and Lagertha could not fault her for that.
'I will sleep on it and decide what to do in the morning.'
Let me know what you think. This chapter got up to 13k words so I decided to break it up into two chapters. I wanted to show Dahlia and Ubbe developing a fondness for one another and I hope I expressed it some here. If you loved it or kind of hate it leave a comment or private message me.