And here is part 2. I decided to go ahead and post it, so you can see more events from the show woven into the story.
We'll meet both Jarl Borg and King Horik in this chapter, so you can get my take on them and how they react to Lilith and Athelstan, and also their reactions to these two men who are essentially strangers to them.
I'll admit they were rocky to write, but I really like the end result.
Read and enjoy!
It is You, Part II
For the first time in a long while, Athelstan slept dreamlessly, only seeing flashes and waking to find himself alone in the back room. Though the candles were lit next to the bed, it was light outside the windows, and he got up to change and go find the boys. He noticed a slip of paper sticking out of his journal, and he sat down to pull his boots on, pulling the paper out and unfolding it to find Lilith's writing inside.
It is something we will always have together no matter where we are. What is it?
I am Yours.
You are Mine.
Athelstan smiled almost immediately. It was a riddle. Their first night sleeping in the same room after nearly two weeks, and she had left him a riddle to solve. It wasn't a very difficult riddle to solve. He knew the answer as soon as he read the words, closing his journal and rising with his tunic in his hand so he could leave the back room.
He expected to see Aslaug sitting with the boys and breakfast, but he didn't expect to see Lilith at all. Hvitserk saw Athelstan first, rising from the table and running to him. He jumped into Athelstan's arms, laughing just as he was caught and wrapping his arms and legs around Athelstan securely.
"Eat breakfast with us," he commanded as only a two-year-old could.
Athelstan laughed with him. "I will happily eat breakfast with you all, Hvitserk," he declared, sitting at the table beside Lilith and Ubbe and leaning over to kiss her cheek. "And the answer to your riddle is You and Me," he whispered close to her ear. "As it will always be. For all Eternity."
She smiled slightly, leaning her cheek against his lips before she looked at him and allowed him to kiss her fully on the lips. Gently, he slipped his tongue inside her mouth, and she almost moaned before Ubbe spoke up.
"That's gross!" he cried. "Not at the breakfast table. Please."
Lilith laughed softly before Athelstan did, and he sat Hvitserk between them so he could pull his tunic on. He realized once it was on that it tied in the front, like the ones he'd worn when his wrist was broken, but it was too late to get another one, so he just tied the top string and reached out to get his own breakfast.
"So what are you doing today?" Athelstan asked Lilith when he noticed her heavy white dress that was clearly not meant for training of any kind.
She glanced at Aslaug who not had not spoken up at all. After a minute, she looked at Athelstan. "I asked Aslaug if you and I could spend the days together until Jarl Borg arrives, and she agreed. So if you don't mind leaving behind lessons for Gyda, I'm going to make us some food that should keep us fed while we're away. If you wish it, of course."
Athelstan sighed softly, knowing this had to do with how he'd reacted the before. He reached for Lilith's cheek, caressing her skin as he spoke gently. "I would love to spend all my days with you, my love. You only have to lay the path before us, and we will take it together."
Her little smile returned as she lifted her hand to his.
That the last thing that was said before they both turned to get breakfast.
Gyda returned just as the food disappeared, already breathless from a short training session with Torstein, but she still smiled when she saw Athelstan and Lilith sitting with Ubbe and Hvitserk. She sat down across from them, eating what was left over even as she spoke.
"So what do you two have planned for today?" she asked with a little grin on her face.
Lilith blushed this time, glancing at Athelstan and then her little brothers before she spoke. "Whatever it is, we'll do it together until we feel like coming back to town. As long as you teach the boys this morning and then take them down to the beach to Torstein and Father. Can you do that, Sister?"
Gyda laughed softly. "Don't worry," she assented. "It would be impossible at this point for Ubbe and Hvitserk to suffer from one bad lesson. You two go on. I've got this."
She reached for her brothers, waiting until they were sitting on both her sides to look up at Lilith and nod toward the doors. Without hesitating, Lilith took Athelstan's hand and pulled him from the table. He followed her easily, as he always had and always would. It didn't matter where they went; they would do it together.
They left the long house together, entering the Great Hall where there was much more noise around the fire even though Ragnar's chair was empty. Lilith stopped at the fire and turned to Athelstan.
"Stay here," she requested. "I will be right back."
He smiled as she hurried away, looking around the Hall and then down at his tunic. He tied it together quickly, obviously not wanting anyone to get the wrong idea about where he and Lilith were going. He knew it wouldn't matter here, but with the wedding just a week away, he didn't want anyone teasing Lilith if he could take most of it himself.
"I hope you enjoy yourself today," Ragnar said from behind him.
Athelstan jumped around, gasping as his heart leapt into his throat. Ragnar laughed softly, reaching out to steady him.
"Relax, my friend," he chuckled.
"I will never get used to that," Athelstan exhaled, standing up straight and nudging Ragnar's hand away.
"Good," he said. "Then I will always be able to surprise you. And I mean what I said. Enjoy your time with my daughter today. It may be the last time you get to before Jarl Borg arrives. And then when King Horik arrives, we will both have to worker harder to protect our family. Hmm?"
Athelstan nodded. "I will always help protect our family, Ragnar. We've been through too much together for me not to."
Ragnar nodded, glancing over Athelstan's shoulder and smiling as Lilith stepped up beside them.
"Father," she said. "I hope you haven't said something to embarrass my husband-to-be."
Ragnar feigned ignorance. "I do not know what you accuse me of," he shot back. "Now the two of you best get on. We will all be just fine without you here today."
Lilith smiled and laughed softly, taking Athelstan's hand again and pulling him back toward the door. "Good bye, Father."
He just rolled his head, moving around the fire and then toward the back of the Hall. Athelstan remembered the last time Ragnar had said that to him, about them needing to be cautious while Jarl Borg and King Horik were in Kattegat. Now he knew how serious Ragnar had been even before anything with Lilith had begun.
"This is for you," Lilith said as soon as they were outside. She handed him his brown leather tunic she had made for him years earlier, keeping the basket in her hand and smiling when he pulled it on over his head. "We don't want you walking around like a maiden, now do we?"
He smirked at her, realizing how he had looked before and shaking his head as she took his hand again.
"Now, since we have already had breakfast," she said as she led them away from town, "I will decide what we do first. And then you will decide. How does that sound?"
Athelstan sighed as he squeezed her hand. "It sounds wonderful, Lili."
She pulled him up to her side then, linking her arm around his and laying her head over his shoulder as they walked in step with one another.
So when they began walking toward the waterfalls, Athelstan knew what Lilith wanted to do all morning. He didn't protest, taking the basket from her as she hurried ahead so she could change. He spread the blanket out in the shade and pulled off his leather tunic and his pants, hearing her behind him and laughing softly.
"There's no need to be secretive anymore," he said and turned to face her. "I'm sure we've already revealed to each other what we can at this p—"
She stood before him with her dress in her hand, the linens she had been wearing to cover her breasts nowhere on her body despite the linens between her legs securely in place.
Athelstan's mouth went dry as he stared up at her, and she smiled when she saw his reaction. She began unbraiding her hair, stepping closer to him as he rose to face her.
"I'm sure," she began, "there is much more left for us to reveal to each other. And I don't know about you, but I cannot wait to have you all to myself."
He swallowed noticeably, his fingers itching to touch her and his fists clenched so that he wouldn't do it until she wanted him to. Lilith reached for his hands, laying them on her waist and then wrapping her arms around his shoulders so there was very little space between them.
"Lili," he whispered. "You don't have to — "
She kissed him before he could finish his sentence. Soon, her tongue found his, and his hold on her tightened until he couldn't tell where her skin ended and his began.
"I want to," she breathed. "And I know you want to. I know we promised to wait until the wedding night, but that doesn't mean we can't start to learn what we can about each other's bodies before then. I want to know about all of your scars, just like you know about all of mine."
Athelstan heard every word she spoke, but he could think of nothing but the feel of her skin against his and how he'd never felt anything more perfect. Her skin was so smooth, even where her scars left their mark, and her skin was so soft, despite being in the sun for the last seven years of her life. A light breeze slid over her shoulders, and she shivered against him, sending chills through her body and then his. Her nipples peaked against his chest gently, and he almost lost all of his resolve.
"Lili," he pleaded. "I don't know if this is a good idea. I want you so badly. I have never wanted anyone like this in my life."
"Neither have I," she reminded him.
She let go of his lips, laying her forehead against his. "It's just us here, Athelstan," she whispered. "We can do whatever we want. We can swim. We can eat. We can — "
He held her tighter, but then he nudged her away to look at her. "We promised, Lili," he said as steadily as he could. "And I know I want you. But not like this. I just want to spend time with you. Can we do that? And have it not lead to anything else?"
Lilith smiled, holding his hand in hers as she stood before him bare from the waist up. "Of course we can. It's all I want for these few days."
Athelstan pushed out a heavy breath, smiling as well and only absently looking down before he glanced at her chest. Her skin wasn't the same pink like Lagertha's had been, but it wasn't tanned as much as Thyri's had been, falling somewhere in between even as her scars curved over her shoulders and down her arms. He had touched her shoulders so much that wanting to now felt like second nature to him, so when she gasped at his touch, he took pride in knowing he could still elicit that kind of reaction from her.
Her breasts weren't as big as Lagertha's, but Lilith had never had children, so it wasn't expected since she was so young. But she was stronger than Thyri had been, holding herself in a way that made him want to touch her even if he had promised he wouldn't until that night. His tongue twinged when he saw her peaked nipples, and he had to bite his tongue to push that thought away for just a little while longer. Then Lilith took his hand in hers and lay his palm over her heart that was currently racing as fast as his was.
"Do you feel that, Athelstan?" she whispered.
She stepped closer to him, and he took her waist in his hand before wrapping it around her back.
"I feel it, Lili," he exhaled.
"It has always been yours, Athelstan," she vowed. "It will always be yours."
He lifted his eyes then, looking at her as she watched him. He had done this the night he'd proposed to her. She had done it this morning in her note.
You are Mine.
I am Yours.
It took him no time to realize what they were doing, and it overwhelmed him to the point that he had to let go of her completely. She didn't cover herself while he took in this new information. She waited patiently for him to look at her and accept what he'd learned and what she'd said. His heart slowed down, and he reached for her hand, having already removed his undershirt and his pants. Slowly, he backed up to the water, and they stepped in together.
For half a minute, she went left while he went right, but then they came together in the middle. Lilith lay her arms over his shoulders, and he wrapped his arms around her, holding her as close as he ever had.
"Are you all right now?" she murmured.
He nodded as his lips brushed against her. "I'm all right," he affirmed. "I'll always be all right as long as I have you."
She smiled, and then he did, kissing her as she returned his kiss.
When they had finally both gotten enough of the water, they opened up the basket and then laid out on the blanket, drying by the sun as the wind pushed through the trees around them and the birds sang above them. Athelstan forgot about his clothes, feeling no shame for the first time in his life and being so close to happiness that he almost felt what Lilith had felt a few weeks earlier.
What if something was about to go wrong?
"I wonder if this is what was like," Lilith whispered as she laid next to him, her head next to his feet and her feet crossed next to his head.
"What was what like?" he asked, sighing softly, his fingers lightly caressing her palm.
"The Garden of Eden. Adam and Eve. They had no secrets from each other. They had no shame. In the beginning anyway. It must have been so blissful. Like we are now. Like we will be after we are married."
It had been years since they had talked about anything having to do with their time at the monastery, when he'd taught her all the stories of the old world before Christ. She had always enjoyed those stories most, and so he'd always remembered them the best. He had never told her of her namesake and how much she truly behaved like her. It had never scared him, even when he'd been learning of it himself. In all honestly, nothing having to do with Lilith had ever scared him, even when he realized how he felt about her. She always had a way of keeping him calm when he was uncertain about things, and he was sure she always would now.
So when she talked about it now, Athelstan knew she needed to know the truth. "It is true that there were no secrets in the Garden. There was no shame. But that was because there was no knowledge. You remember that was what had Adam and Eve expelled in the first place. And if there is one thing I never wanted you to be, it is ignorant." He sat up slowly, pulling his legs up as she sat up to face him and did the same as him. "You understand that, don't you? We have no secrets, Lili. And we have no shame. We never did, not really. But neither are we ignorant. Have our lives not been blissful?" he asked as she smiled and reached for his hand to hold it in hers.
"Yes," she answered and lifted his hand to her lips.
He laughed softly, watching her and leaning in to kiss her before he spoke again. "And while in some ways, I might be like Adam, you are nothing like Eve. God did not make you to stand behind me. He made you to stand beside me. Like Lilith. Father Cuthbert named you that when you were baby even when he couldn't know what would happen as you grew, like he wanted to curse you even when you were innocent. But do you want to know what it meant to me?"
"What did it mean to you?" she asked, setting her chin over his arm as she gazed up at him.
"It meant that of all the names he could give you, he gave you the one that would make you special. I never told you about Lilith, did I?" he asked, and she shook her head. With a deep breath, he began. "In the old stories, Lilith was the first wife of Adam. When God created Adam, he was alone, and that simply would not do. So from the same earth beside him, God made Lilith. Because she was made the same as Adam, she believed she was equal to him, and she was defiant all the time," he teased, watching her blush as she bit her lip. "Because Lilith did not want to obey Adam, she left the Garden to be on her own."
He paused purposefully, wanting her to understand what he said before he leaned closer. He set his chin on his arm so they were face to face. "I don't want to be like Adam, Lili," he whispered. "I don't want you to obey me. And listening to me when I need you to is not the same thing. If we're going to do this and do it right, then I want you to be beside me. We will be partners, and every decision we make, we will make it together. So I'm going to ask you now again, before we're married and before anyone else has a say in what we do. Do you want me to stay here with you, or do you still think I should go with Ragnar once Jarl Borg and King Horik arrive?"
For nearly a minute, she didn't answer him, her eyes drinking in his face that was so close to hers that she could kiss him, but she didn't. "If I said I wanted you to stay, that would be selfish," she admitted. "And while I would be inclined to be so in this instance, I see how hard you've worked, and I know you'll help in any way you can. It's who you are, Athelstan. And I don't want you to do something simply because I say so. But if I say I want you to go, then I am afraid. All the fears I've had will come true, and I don't know if I could bear something happening to you. I don't know what I am supposed to do."
He pulled her into his arms before she finished her last word, holding her against him and cradling her head when he felt her trembling. "It's all right," he whispered. "Either way, we will be all right. I would stay if you wanted me to, but I would also do it because it would give us time to be together the way we want. I would go if you said to go. I'm yours, Lili, for the rest of my life either way."
She held onto him tighter, pressing the side of her head against his and claiming the back of his neck. "And I am yours, Athelstan, until the day I die." She squeezed him gently before she leaned back to look at him again, tugging at his beard playfully. "We have quite a dilemma now, don't we?"
Athelstan laughed softly, kissing her and laying his forehead against hers.
It was dark when they made it back to town, and they entered the long house where everyone else sitting down to eat like they hadn't been gone all day. They sat down without saying anything, and the conversations that had been going on before simply kept going. Lilith beckoned Ubbe to her side, and he went without hesitating, sharing his plate with her even as Athelstan got them both something to eat and two cups of ale to drink. Hvitserk moved to sit beside Athelstan, and supper went on like it usually did.
For another two days, Athelstan and Lilith spent as much of their days together as they could, even with her still helping Aslaug with the clothes for the wedding. Athelstan still helped Gyda write lessons for the boys, and he spent time after supper before bed helping Torstein and Ragnar with the guard assignments to keep the town as safe as possible while they waited for their guests.
Then on the morning of the fourth day, which marked the beginning the last week in March, they were all awakened by the horns in the fjord that signaled boats coming toward town, and Athelstan knew the time he'd wanted with Lilith was over. He knew he would have to be vigilant now the way Ragnar had said, and he couldn't let his guard down.
By the time the ships in the fjord were in sight, everyone in town who needed to greet the guests were standing on the docks where they had been told. Ragnar was, of course, loathe to greet anyone who demanded this kind of tradition, but he stood with Torstein and Floki in the front while Athelstan stood with the boys and Gyda and Lilith just behind them.
Jarl Borg stood at the front of the lead ship, bringing with him three ships of men from his territory who would undoubtedly prove Ragnar's need for added security to be a wise decision. Athelstan could tell by the Jarl's face and his posture that he believed he was an important man, but it only made his presence more dangerous. Predicting how he would behave was nearly impossible, especially if what Ragnar had said about what Rollo had done was true. If it was true, then Jarl Borg was just as responsible as Rollo had been. That made him a tenuous ally at best.
Two men at the end of the docks helped tie off the boat, and Jarl Borg climbed onto the docks just a few steps from where Ragnar stood. He looked at them all before his eyes landed on Lilith and Gyda. Then he looked Ragnar straight on.
"Earl Ragnar Lothbrok," he greeted. "I've been waiting a long time for this. I look forward to this journey with you and many more to come."
Ragnar stepped forward, offering his arm to the Jarl and smiling when he returned the gesture before he took the Jarl's shoulder in his hand. "As do I," he agreed and glanced behind him. "Allow me to introduce you to my family." Gyda moved before Lilith did, carrying Hvitserk and prompting Lilith to follow as she held Ubbe. "My daughters Gyda and Lilith, and my sons Ubbe and Hvitserk. We have been preparing for your arrival, as well as King Horik's."
The mention of Horik's name did not bring a smile to Borg's face, but he greeted Gyda and Lilith with a gleam in his eye that made Athelstan uncomfortable.
"You certainly have two very beautiful daughters," he said and reached to take Gyda's hand. "Perhaps you plan to form an alliance by offering their hand in marriage."
Gyda only allowed him to take her hand before she pulled it away, and Borg tilted his head a little as he turned to face Lilith.
"You are Lilith?" he asked and reached for her hand.
She offered it even as she held Ubbe closer to her. "I am. You are most welcome here, Jarl Borg."
He held her hand longer than Gyda's, looking over her a little too closely. "It is a strange name," he said, and she pulled her hand away a little more tactfully than Gyda had.
Athelstan moved forward at the same time as Ragnar, nearly speaking before the older man beat him to it.
"That is because Lilith is my daughter by law," he explained. "She was brought here many years ago from England, and I adopted her into my household. And it is interesting that you mention marriages and alliances. It just so happens that Lilith is already engaged to be married, to this man here," Ragnar said and lay his hand over Athelstan's shoulder. "This is Athelstan. He is my most trusted advisor on all things to do with England."
Athelstan tried not to blush, bowing his head even as he grinned. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Floki sneering even if he didn't speak. Slowly, Athelstan lifted his chin to look at the Jarl again.
The recognition in Jarl Borg's eyes was obvious even if he and Athelstan had never met face to face. He stepped closer, standing taller so he could look down. "I had heard rumors that Earl Ragnar Lothbrok had taken a Christian slave and used them to bring many riches back from this new land. I see the rumors were true. How amazing that you would allow one to marry your daughter, even if she does come from that land."
"Athelstan is no longer a slave," Lilith said before Ragnar could. "And neither of us is any more Christian than you are, Jarl Borg. Would you like to attend the wedding, so you can see for yourself?"
The gleam in his eyes faded quickly as he stared at her, and for half a minute, Athelstan thought he would have to step in. Then slowly, a smile formed over Jarl Borg's face. He laughed and glanced at Ragnar, who was watching with an anxious look on his face.
"She definitely is your daughter, Earl Ragnar," he chuckled. "And I would be delighted to attend her wedding. It will be intriguing to see such a sight."
Ragnar laughed stilted, glancing at Athelstan and nodding for him to take the boys along with Gyda and Lilith somewhere safe. He turned to Jarl Borg and took him under his arm.
"It would be an honor to have you," Ragnar said and guided the Jarl away from the docks as his men disembarked from their ships. "And I know my daughter and her husband-to-be would enjoy seeing you there."
They walked off down the docks, and Athelstan took Lilith's hand to pull her away. Gyda followed them, and they were followed by Torstein to watch the rear as they walked.
"Ragnar won't be happy you did that," Athelstan chastised as he pulled Lilith along. "He's already worried enough, Lili."
"And I will not stand by while a man like that disrespects me and you and Ragnar by insinuating that you are not worthy of what you've earned," she countered. "He is not like you or Ragnar. He sees me and Gyda as things to trade to better himself, and I deserve more than that. So does my sister."
Athelstan stopped and turned to her. "I know that, Lili," he assured her. "Ragnar knows that. And so does everyone else who knows you. But sometimes, you have to deal with people who won't always see you that way. I've had to deal with it so many times, but I don't let those people get to me. And you must not let them get to you."
She sighed softly, holding Ubbe a little closer and pressing her cheek to his forehead. Athelstan cupped her other cheek and made her look at him.
"You wanted to defend me," he said graciously. "And I love you for that. But while these men are here, I need you to let me defend you. Please. As you said, these men are not like me or Ragnar, and they won't see your stubbornness or your outspoken mind as a strength. And I cannot allow anything to happen to you."
Lilith sighed again, leaning her cheek into his hand and closing her eyes. "I am sorry," she whispered. "I will do better."
He smiled and leaned in, kissing her forehead and then Ubbe's. "It's all right. We should get back though. Aslaug said she wanted to show us something at the long house."
He glanced back at Torstein and then Gyda, nodding for them to follow him so they could make it back to the long house before it filled up with people.
Only a few people paid them any attention as they made their way to Aslaug as she stood in front of the loom with two of her handmaidens. She smiled as soon as she saw them, nodding for her handmaidens to take the boys so it was only them in the back of the long house.
"Finally," she greeted. "Now that all of the formality is out of the way, I have some very important news for you both."
She reached for Athelstan and Lilith, and they went to her slowly, smiling at each other as she smiled and turned them to face two sets of clothes that were currently covered by linens.
"I hope you are pleased," she said and gestured for Gyda to uncover the clothes under the linens.
In front of Athelstan, he saw a cream white tunic stitched with red and blue threads that formed a small falcon on one sleeve. Beneath the tunic was a pair of brown pants there were also stitch with green and gold threads that formed the deep roots of a tree. Gyda found an overcoat behind it and held it up, showing Athelstan the solid black raven that covered the back. She looked up at him after seeing that, and he smiled immediately, moving forward to lift the overcoat up.
"This is magnificent," he exclaimed. "Princess Aslaug, I am overwhelmed. This is too much."
She smiled sadly, taking his arm in her hand. "Stop that kind of talk right now," she pressed. "I have told you many times that you are family. And it is no less than what I would do for family. I am thankful that you are pleased. Gyda, take Athelstan over there and help him change into the clothes so we can see if any alterations are needed. I will help Lilith with her dress."
Gyda took his arm quickly, grabbing the new clothes and walking across the long house to a small partition so he could change.
"Am I not allowed to see Lilith's dress?" he asked as he changed out of his old tunic and pulled the new one over his head. The material was so smooth against his skin, he almost forgot he was wearing it.
"Well, we are a superstitious people," Gyda answered as she took his old tunic and handed him the overcoat. "And Aslaug says if the groom sees the wedding dress before the wedding, then the marriage will be cursed. And not to mention the fact that Ragnar wanted it all to be as much of a secret as possible so even the townspeople will be astonished they see Lilith in her dress. If they are, then so will be her husband when he sees hers in it for the first time."
Athelstan sighed, sitting down to pull off his boots and then taking the pants from Gyda as she waited. When she didn't turn around, he quirked his eyebrow at her. "Can I have a little privacy?" he asked pointedly.
She smirked and then sighed, turning around with her arm outstretched for the old pants. "You know I've seen you naked, Athelstan," she reminded him. "And I've seen many men naked."
"Including Gunnar?" he teased, tossing his old pants at her.
She caught them and glanced back at him. "Perhaps. But if you say anything to my father, I will deny it completely."
Athelstan smirked back, pulling the new pants on and tying them together. They were a little big in the waist, and the inseam was not long enough. He tugged on the fabric gently, not wanting to rip any of the threads out. Gyda turned to face him.
"What is it?" she asked, now sounding concerned.
Embarrassed, he leaned closer to her and said, "It's a little tight in the . . ."
She looked down as he still tugged on the fabric, grinning slightly before she turned his back to her. "I'm going to ask you to trust me," she told him. "I have known you since I was eleven years old, Athelstan. Do you trust me?"
"Of course I trust you," he insisted. "But that doesn't mean that I want you to — "
She untied his pants before he could finish, pushing them down so he could step out of them. "Then sit down," she commanded. "And be quiet. While I fix this seam."
With his heart in his throat, Athelstan sat down so he was turned away from Gyda as she took the inseam from his pants to let it out quickly. He couldn't look up as Gyda worked, even if he knew she was grinning at him. Of all the things he thought he would have gotten over by now, this was definitely one of those things.
"After all this time, you are still so proper, Athelstan," Gyda teased, just as he had teased her about Gunnar. "Even though I am a woman in every sense of the word except that I don't have a husband, you still wish to protect my eyes from you. It is very endearing. I suppose it is why I love you so much."
He glanced back at her as she worked, and she sighed softly.
"I mean as a brother," she insisted. "In all honesty, there was a time when I was girl that I had a crush on you. Lilith and I used to stay up late talking about you. It wasn't until I saw the way you looked at her that I knew it would never happen between us. And I was all right with that. She is my sister, but she is also from England. It was almost like the gods had fated it before you even arrived here. I sometimes wonder if Bjorn felt like that about Lilith." She lifted her eyes to him, and she must have seen his stunned expression, sighing again. "Because we were all so young. I am sure it is not important now. She loves you. She has always loved you."
Athelstan huffed as he waited, finally feeling his heart slow down when she stood up and presented his new pants to him.
"Here," she said and gestured for him to stand up. "This should do it."
Slowly, he turned to face her, taking the pants and pulling them up the same way he had before. This time, it wasn't as snug, and Gyda could tell instantly that they fit better.
"You see," she said and took his waist to turn him around. "I've seen you naked. I know Lili will be pleased. Now, step back and let me see it all together."
He did as she said, feeling all the fabric almost caressing his skin and wondering about boots before he remembered that they would be having the ceremony on the beach. There would be no need for boots.
Aslaug appeared from behind the partition then, smiling as she looked in on them. "Well, how does it go?" she giggled.
Gyda looked back at Athelstan, and he smiled as well. "It's perfect," Athelstan gushed. "Honestly. I am completely overwhelmed. Thank you. For everything."
She bowed her head almost reverently. "You are most welcome," she said and smiled wider. "Wait until you see Lilith's dress. It is, in her words, breathtaking."
"Well, then I cannot wait to see it," Athelstan chuckled.
"All right, now that we have finished these, it will soon be time for the engagement feast," Aslaug revealed. "And now that Jarl Borg is here, we will be showing him all our hospitality until King Horik arrives. You and Lilith have a very important task until King Horik comes. Ragnar has decided that you will both be responsible for Ubbe and Hvitserk. Gyda is helping me with the arrangements for the wedding, so only the two of you will be available. Is that fair?"
Athelstan nodded. "It is very fair. I'm sure Lili wouldn't mind looking after her little brothers."
Aslaug bowed her head again. "Good. Now take those off so we can put them away. We don't want them to get dirty. Oh, Gyda, please give him the engagement clothes I set out over his bed. He and Lilith will be sitting in places of honor tonight. Thank you."
She left without a word, and Gyda gestured for Athelstan to disrobe. "Come, brother. We haven't got all day."
It took considerably less time to remove the wedding clothes than it had to put them on, and when Gyda handed him another white tunic along with white linen pants, Athelstan made a face at her.
"Seriously?" he begged.
"It's not me," she exclaimed. "It's tradition! Go on. Don't get me into trouble."
Though he did not change his expression, Athelstan took the tunic and pants from Gyda to change, and this time, she left him alone so she could take his wedding clothes to put them away. He remembered Ragnar and Torstein doing the same thing to him when they had announced the engagement, and now it seemed for the engagement feast, he would have to endure the same treatment. For the sake of traditions, Athelstan would wear these clothes, especially since he figured Lilith would have to wear the same ones she'd worn that day as well. At least he wouldn't stand out on his own.
Sure enough, when he left the small partition, he discovered Lilith on the other side of the long house by herself in the same white dress from that day. She saw him, sighing and grinning as she crossed the room to be in front of him.
"Well, it is fitting, I suppose," she said and cupped his face between her hands. "Seeing that we are both as pure as we're going to be in this moment."
Athelstan blushed helplessly, thinking of Lagertha for a split second and almost saying something when the sound of clamoring feet stopped him, followed by Ubbe's happy cry.
"Athelstan, Lili, look at my new clothes!"
Lilith turned before he did, smiling down at her little brother in his new blue tunic and green pants before she reached for him to lift him in her arms. "Well, don't you look handsome," she giggled. She kissed him over his jaw, tickling him, and he laughed louder. Then she looked back at Athelstan. "Doesn't he look handsome?"
He laughed with them, picking Hvitserk up in his arms. "He looks very handsome indeed," he chuckled. He looked at Hvitserk. "Doesn't you brother look handsome?"
Hvitserk snickered without saying anything, and Athelstan held him closer.
"So," Lilith said to her brothers. "It seems you will both be my and Athelstan's responsibility until the feast tonight. What would you like to do until then?"
"I want to play with the goats!" Hvitserk exclaimed.
"I want to go to beach with Torstein," Ubbe stated plainly as he folded his arms over his chest.
Lilith laughed softly, amused by his pout it appeared before she looked at Athelstan. "And what do you want to do today?" she asked him.
He tickled Hvitserk gently, holding him tighter as he squirmed and cradling his head when he laid it on his shoulder. "Oh, I don't see why we can't do both of those things. Do you?"
She shook her head as she smiled. "Of course not. Come. Since Hvitserk is not in special clothes, he can play with the goats for a little while."
She led the way out of the long house, reaching back for Athelstan's hand and pulling him with her. He thought again about telling her, even if he didn't know if she would understand. He didn't want to have anymore secrets from her, but he didn't know when they would have time to talk between now and the wedding. Somehow, he would have to make time.
The afternoon disappeared more quickly than Athelstan would have liked, and before he knew it, it was time for the feast. Somehow, Ragnar had managed to keep Jarl Borg and his men occupied all afternoon. The Jarl still looked as intrigued with Lilith as he had earlier, even if he did have to sit next to Athelstan while they ate. Despite being surrounded by their family and friends, Athelstan could pay attention to nothing except the man to his left who kept trying to glance around him at his bride to be.
When it become clear that his endeavor would not be fulfilled, Jarl Borg sat back and accepted it, speaking to Athelstan softly.
"I must beg your forgiveness," he pleaded. "I might be a little jealous of you in this moment."
Athelstan turned to him. "Jealous? Why would you be jealous of me?"
Jarl Borg sighed. "I was engaged to be married once before, to a beautiful young woman, much like you are now. I do not mean to be disrespectful to you or your bride."
"It's quite all right, Jarl," Athelstan said and nodded. "What happened to the woman you were going to marry, if you don't mind my asking?"
"She was poisoned at our wedding feast by my blood brother," Borg said bluntly. "I was voted Jarl, and I killed my brother that very day. Since then, I have not felt the love I did for my own bride. I pray to the gods that your union does not meet a familiar fate."
Athelstan was speechless, his mouth dry as it set agape from his own shock. The Jarl looked at him, taking in his expression and grinning slightly.
"Of course you will not befall the same tragedy," he declared. "For you have no brothers and no family here to oppose your union."
Barely a breath passed before Athelstan regained his ability to speak. "You are mistaken, Jarl Borg," he stated a little too loudly. "I do have family here. And I do have brothers. They might not be my blood, but they are mine all the same. And they would never oppose me being with Lili, because they know me and they know her. I am truly sorry for what happened to you, but you'll have to forgive me when I say that nothing like that will ever happen to me."
Jarl Borg's face morphed into the same expression from earlier, when Lilith had corrected him, and it lingered for longer than it had before. His grin faded completely as he stared down his nose at Athelstan as he had earlier, and it didn't look like he would overlook the apparent slap in the face he'd gotten from them both at this point.
He seemed to remember where he was after a minute, lifting his cup and taking a drink before he sat back and looked away. He didn't say anything else for the rest of the night, at least not to Athelstan, and when it came time for him to leave, Ragnar had to catch up with him so he wouldn't leave the Great Hall without an escort. As soon as he was gone, Athelstan breathed a sigh of relief, finishing his ale and pushing his plate away.
"What's wrong?" Lilith asked from his side.
"Nothing," he said and shook his head. "You were right, that's all. About him. Now I wish I hadn't stopped you from talking over him earlier today. Forgive me?"
He lifted his hand to her cheek, and after a few seconds, she lifted her hand to his. "Well, of course, I was right," she teased and turned her lips to kiss his palm. "But you have done nothing wrong to be forgiven for. When you do, I'll let you know when that time comes. Of that you can be certain."
Athelstan laughed softly, leaning in and kissing her just once before Ragnar came back to sit on Lilith's other side.
"You two are very lucky," he huffed, and they both looked at him. "Very lucky indeed that I love you both so much."
"And why is that, Father?" Lilith asked.
Ragnar sighed, shaking his head just a little. "Because if you were anyone else, I would not be so compelled to protect you from people who clearly are not accustomed to your stubbornness. But alas, I am. And I will thank the gods when this whole affair is over. Then you will both be responsible for each other."
Lilith glanced at Athelstan for just a second before she reached for Ragnar's hand and lifted it to her lips. "Thank you, Father," she said softly and then smiled.
With another sigh that was heavier, he reciprocated, kissing her hand as well and keeping it in his as he covered it with his other hand.
A day and a half later, the guards at the north side of town raised the signal again, this time for a large group of riders arriving by horse. Athelstan knew this was King Horik, since nearly no one came into Kattegat by land anymore unless they were local and didn't require an escort through town.
This time, Ragnar did not meet them away from the Great Hall, keeping his children close when the guards brought in King Horik and his men through town to greet Ragnar.
"Do you remember meeting the king?" Ragnar asked Athelstan as they waited.
"I do," Athelstan answered as he stood behind the boys. "I think he tried to insult me, but I can't be sure."
Ragnar barely grinned. "Oh, there was no trying to it. I wonder if he remembers you."
Athelstan bowed his head. "We will see," he conceded.
The guards arrived then, bringing King Horik with them along with two young boys who appeared to be his sons as well as guards of his own. Ragnar smiled when he saw the man, moving forward instantly. Athelstan saw that though nearly five years had passed since seeing the king, he had not changed in appearance at all. Perhaps that was a good thing.
"King Horik!"
The older man smiled and outstretched his arms to Ragnar. "Earl Ragnar, my friend. It is good to see you."
With a glance behind him, Ragnar got right to the point. "My guards tell me that you came by horse to Kattegat," he said. "Where are you ships?"
"They are being prepared as we speak," the king assured him as a servant brought him and his men ale to drink. "I have been waiting an eternity for this. I said to my sons, I have to set off. I cannot even wait for the ice to melt. I have a very good man who will bring my ships very soon."
Horik gestured to the young boys beside him, and Ragnar looked at both of them.
"I look forward to getting to know your sons," he nodded, smiling when the boys nodded back and adding, "as well as introducing them to my sons. And my daughters. You remember Gyda and Lilith?"
The smile on Horik's face changed, morphing into the same gleam that Jarl Borg had given Gyda and Lilith as he moved to greet them. "Of course I remember them. Who could forget Earl Ragnar Lothbrok's beautiful daughters? They have both grown into beautiful young women."
He was much more tactful than Jarl Borg had been, only lingering with Gyda and Lilith for a few seconds before he looked passed Ragnar in Athelstan's direction.
Ragnar glanced back, gesturing for Athelstan to come forward. "And you must remember Athelstan," he said and smiled. "Our journey back to England is all because of him."
Like Jarl Borg, King Horik looked down his nose at Athelstan, still regarding him as lowly as ever. "I remember him," he acknowledged. "I remember him very well. I suppose it is good that he is still a servant in your household so we may use his knowledge for our gain."
This time, there was no need for anyone else to correct Horik. "Oh, Athelstan is not a servant anymore, King Horik," Ragnar insisted. "He is a trusted friend now, and a free man. He is also the only man I trust to guide us on this journey. He is very important to me. We should treat him as such."
The expression on King Horik's face barely changed as he kept his eyes on Athelstan. He didn't acknowledge what Ragnar said, drinking his ale and being generally unimpressed with Athelstan. When Ragnar realized the king didn't acknowledge what he said, he changed the subject.
"There is also someone here who has been waiting anxiously for your arrival," he announced and gestured for Horik to follow him toward the back of the Great Hall.
Ragnar led them all into the back room as it set illuminated by the afternoon sun, revealing Jarl Borg there alone as he ate from a plate of food one of the other servants had brought him. Athelstan still hadn't gotten over what Borg had said at his engagement feast, and now that King Horik had also seen fit to insult Athelstan's presence, it was clear that neither of these men were accustomed to changes in the status quo. It was a little unnerving, considering how at odds they had been four years earlier.
Jarl Borg looked up as soon as their large band entered the room, turning to face them all expectantly. He glanced at Ragnar before lifting his eyes to the newest arrival of their alliance. "I see that you are not thrilled to see me, King Horik," he taunted. "But I hope you're not surprised. We had an agreement to raid together, and I have come to honor it. I have never been one to leave my promises unfulfilled."
Horik glanced around the room, first finding Ragnar and then Floki who had taken Ubbe to sit down. His eyes landed on Gyda and Lilith as they stood beside Aslaug. Then he finally turned to Borg. "The last time we met, Jarl Borg, I had the unpleasant task of burying my kinsman and my friends. And for the last four years, I have been paying you profits off my lands. But still, it is true. I am not surprised to see you here now. In fact, it pleases me."
Borg leaned forward even as he remained sat down. "Good," he agreed and smiled. But it wasn't a happy smile.
Jarl Borg never smiled happily. It was always a misleading expression. Athelstan had seen it the night of the feast.
Another group approached the back of the Great Hall, led by Torstein as he guided Rollo to the small gathering. Athelstan had not seen Rollo in nearly two months, since that day when he'd realized his feelings for Lilith. He remembered Ragnar being especially quiet that night. It must have been because of something he'd said to Rollo.
King Horik recognized Rollo immediately, stepping around to his side to be in front of Ragnar. "This is not Rollo," he said. "The brother who fought against us?"
Ragnar sighed loudly, his eyes never leaving his brother's. "It is," he confirmed.
Horik looked at Rollo. "And you spared his life?" he inquired, almost incredulously.
"The gods," Ragnar corrected, "spared his life."
Horik stepped away just a few steps, allowing Rollo to face Ragnar. "What is your decision?" Rollo asked as quietly as Athelstan had ever heard.
Ragnar didn't pause even a little. "I accept you back, Rollo," he announced loudly. "I acknowledge you as my brother, as it is what you have always been and will always be. But I forbid you to raid with us."
So that was what it had been about. Athelstan remembered all those years ago when Ragnar had come back from Götland talking about the battle and what Rollo had done, and he remembered how tired it had made Ragnar. After the Assembly where the lawgiver had spared Rollo on the word of the gods, Athelstan hadn't seen him after that. No on had mentioned him, not even Siggy, and Athelstan had honestly been busy with the girls before Ragnar had given him his arm ring and made him a free man.
Two months previous, when Athelstan had seen Rollo for the first time in four years, this must have been why. Rollo obviously wanted to go on the raid, since it looked like it would be the largest one they'd been on in a long time. Maybe he had even asked for Ragnar's forgiveness. Not that any of the wounds that had been inflicted had completely healed, but still it was something.
Athelstan glanced at Lilith as she stood with Gyda and Aslaug just as she looked at him, and he knew she was as confused by this as he was. She hadn't really gotten to know Rollo before he'd left for Götland, and she hadn't spent much time with him before she began spending time with Helga and Floki. It was possible she didn't even know what this meant. Not that Athelstan did in the slightest.
Rollo glanced at Floki and then Horik before he looked at Ragnar and nodded just once. "I accept your judgement, brother," he said again as softly as ever before he turned and left the back room.
Once he was gone, Ragnar sighed again, bringing his hands up to his hips before he turned to Horik to speak again. "King Horik, now that all the pleasantries have passed, I have another announcement to make, as well as a request to put before you." He reached for Lilith first, taking her protectively under his arm before he extended his other hand to Athelstan. "My daughter Lilith has chosen this man, Athelstan, to be her husband, and so they will be married in three days' time. I humbly ask you to attend the festivities and give many blessings to them both."
King Horik could not hide his astonishment, much like Jarl Borg had not been able to. He didn't grin at first, looking at Lilith's face and then the rest of her in a way that made her fold her arms over herself. Athelstan clenched his jaw without meaning to, and Ragnar squeezed his shoulder to keep him from reacting too visibly. Then Horik looked Athelstan, drinking the last of his ale and standing up straight to that he was much taller than Athelstan. In that moment, not even Ragnar's firm hand could prevent Athelstan from lifting his chin defiantly. Then finally, Horik smiled.
"I would be honored to attend your daughter's wedding to this man," he agreed. "After all, as you say, he is our guide on this journey, a free man as you have declared. I'm sure it will be a grand affair for them both."
In those few words, Athelstan heard no sincerity. He heard no humility or even happiness. They were just words. King Horik was clearly well-practiced in appearing joyous when he needed to, but his words gave him away easily. Well, at least they would know where he was during the wedding, if not afterward as well.
Ragnar acknowledged King Horik's agreement by lifting his cup and smiling when the man met him halfway with his own cup. "My men will show you where you will be staying until your ships arrive," Ragnar said and nodded to Torstein. "And we will have a feast tonight to welcome you properly, as it is the only fitting thing to do when a King visits us."
Horik bowed his head and nodded. "I look forward to it."
He turned then and followed Torstein out of the back room. Ragnar leaned over to Athelstan and whispered.
"Take my daughters and my sons to get ready for the feast," he requested. "Anywhere that man is not."
He leaned back to look at Athelstan, waiting for him to nod before nudging him on to do just that.
Athelstan didn't wait, reaching for Lilith and then Gyda so he could guide them away. Once they were on their way, he collected Ubbe and Hvitserk, enduring the glare he got from Floki as he turned to leave with them. Aslaug followed him quietly, only speaking once they were alone in the long house.
"You did well, Athelstan," she said and rubbed his arm.
He sighed heavily, glancing down at the boys before he looked back to where Lilith and Gyda had disappeared to change. "If I could not handle it, I suppose the gods would not place it before me," he surmised.
She smiled curiously. "That is very true," she nodded. "And very wise. As long as you remember that, before you know it, you will be married, and you and Lilith can begin your own life together."
Athelstan smiled with her, taking in a deep breath as Ubbe reached up for him. He lifted the little boy in his arms and held him close as Aslaug spoke less formally.
"If you will take the boys to change, I will help my step-daughters," she insisted. "And then we will prepare ourselves for another feast."
He bowed his head then, taking Hvitserk's hand and then taking them both to where their clothes were kept so they could all changed.
Athelstan knew it would be a few hours before the feast, and he knew he would be expected to help. Until then, he had one last request to make of Ragnar before the wedding day. He found Ragnar in the Great Hall talking to Torstein and Floki, and instead of avoiding the boat builder like he'd been doing the last few months, Athelstan moved around to where they were sitting with confidence.
"Ragnar," he called, and the man looked up. Athelstan gestured for him to come away from the fire so they could speak quietly.
"What is it, my friend? Is something the matter?"
"No," Athelstan said quickly. "I – I wanted to ask you a favor. For the wedding. For Lili."
Ragnar furrowed his brow. "Tell me," he pleaded.
"I wanted to ask you accompany her on the path . . . to me," he requested. "Apart from us exchanging swords and rings. It will mean a great deal to me if you would."
The smile on Ragnar's face fell a little. "You want me to walk my daughter to where you will be waiting for her?" he asked. "I have already given my blessing to you both. Are you sure this is really want you want?"
Athelstan nodded. "It is. And Lili will understand. She never had a father before she had you, and it will mean something to her as well."
Ragnar smiled again even if he didn't really understand. "It is a strange request," he commented. "But if this is what you wish, then it will be my pleasure to grant it for you both. Is there anything else?" he asked and smirked.
Hesitating just a little, Athelstan reached into his tunic and pulled out a bit of parchment he'd written on. "Can you give this to her that morning?" he pleaded. "For her to read before the wedding."
Ragnar took the parchment with a curious glint in his eyes. "I shall. And it appears I will have to get dressed up for the occasion as well."
Athelstan bowed his head then, thinking of the note Lilith had left him the morning after he'd proposed. It seemed to have become a thing they did now, and he couldn't say he didn't love that she did it. It was about time he started as well.
The feast that night was louder than the one they'd had for Jarl Borg, and it was bigger with more people sitting at the high table. Spirited conversations gave way to impassioned toasts and boastful compliments. No one was in a bad mood, and with the prospect of them all attending a wedding in three days, it seemed the wine and ale couldn't be poured in enough cups.
Athelstan was glad for the first time that he didn't have to sit next to King Horik or Jarl Borg, even if he watched them from the other end of the table while they sat with Ragnar and Aslaug. Maybe Ragnar had finally realized how unwise it was to have these men anywhere near Athelstan or Lilith, since she was sitting across from him with Torstein beside her.
At the end of the feast, when most of the Great Hall had been cleared, Torstein bid Athelstan to follow him so they could make a last patrol before it would be time for bed. Lilith followed them to the doors, even as Jarl Borg and King Horik both watched from where Ragnar was still sitting.
"I cannot believe in three days time that we will be married," she said as she walked beside him. She squeezed his hand in hers and lifted her other hand to his arm. "I almost cannot wait."
He squeezed her hand back, laying his other hand over hers. "I cannot believe it either," he whispered and kissed her forehead. "Just three more days, and I'm all yours." He leaned back and saw her smiling, smirking himself. "You know what I mean. I've always been yours, but now it will be official. Now the whole world will know."
She laughed softly, leaning up to kiss him and laying her forehead over his. "I have always been and will always be yours, Athelstan," she whispered. "I swear by all the gods. Every god there ever has been."
He held her closer, glancing back at Torstein who was just standing there waiting. "I have to go," he said and leaned back to look at her. "Once Torstein and I have taken our patrol, you should already be asleep. But I will see you in the morning, my love."
Lilith inhaled deeply, smiling like the most beautiful woman on the earth. He leaned in and kissed her cheek, turning back to Torstein then so they could start their patrol. He glanced back at her just once, seeing the same smile on her face and smiling himself, more content than he could ever remember being.
He just hoped his fears stayed away. They would have no place in his life after he began it with Lilith.
I also really liked showing Lilith and Athelstan spending time together as a couple. I wanted them to have as many cute and beautiful moments now as possible because it might not always be that way.
I'm trying not to spoil anything.
Also, I hope it isn't strange that Athelstan's would know the story about Lilith, because I had to read extensively to make sure he would at least know part of it. And he's abridging a good portion of it, since maybe parts he wouldn't know.
So the next chapter will also be in two parts and we will get both Lilith and Athelstan's perspectives, so I hope you like how I decided to do it.
Until next time!