He felt the lips on his neck and let out a breathy moan and the arms around him tightened from behind. Uhtred leaned back against the Irishman, his eyes refusing to open. "Fin!" There was a giggle above him and Finan tightened his grip again.
"Hmm?" Finan hummed and rubbed his chin against Uhtred's shoulder, still half asleep.
Uhtred heard the man's voice and he opened his eyes slowly. He blinked and his mind struggled to focus for a moment. And then he felt the tongue on his collarbone and the weight on his waist. He blinked again as Sihtric smiled down at him, straddling him. "Oh fuck…" The Lord practically moaned, tilting his head back.
Sihtric giggled again and nodded his head. "Yes!" He breathed out against Uhtred's skin and scraped his teeth against him again. "Please, Lord!"
Finan yawned widely as he lifted his head from Uhtred's shoulder. He opened his eyes and rolled over a bit, peering up at the smirking younger man and blinking. "Boy! What are ye…" Sihtric didn't give the older man a chance to finish his thought or his words. He grabbed Finan's collar and pulled the man into a kiss. Sleep still clung to the Irishman's mind and he didn't react right away. It took a few moments for him to wake up enough to realize exactly what the boy was doing. Finan wrapped his fingers around Sihtric's neck and held him tighter. The boy let out a moan and Finan quickly pulled away, panted for a moment, and promptly pushed Sihtric off Uhtred.
"Hey!" Uhtred snapped, sitting up and pushing Finan just as harshly. "I was enjoying that!"
"Yeah, I know." Finan grumbled as he rolled over and sat up. He yawned again and rubbed the sleep from his eyes. "Too much." He mumbled under his breath.
Sihtric giggled as he flailed around for a moment. He caught himself before falling off the bed and smirked at Uhtred as he sat up. "Lord..." He said the title softly and slowly and started crawling closer.
"Boy!" Finan snapped as he slid off the bed. He turned and stalked around the bed towards his side. He grabbed Sihtric's arm and hauled the younger man off the bed. Sihtric let out a squeak and fumbled for a moment until Finan pulled him up. "Ye know the rules!" Finan snapped, still keeping his hand on the boy's arm. "Do I 'ave t' put ye in the corner, too?"
The boy huffed and dropped his gaze to the floor. "No." He mumbled under his breath. "I'll stop."
"Noooo!" Uhtred whined loudly and sat up. He knelt on the bed and crawled closer to the edge where they stood. "Don't stop!" He begged.
"Yes!" Finan snapped, turning his glare on the whining Lord.
Uhtred smirked and tilted his head slowly. His eyes darkened and seemed to sparkle as he glanced sideways at Sihtric. "I bet we could break him."
"Don't ye even dare try!" Finan growled.
Uhtred stuck out his bottom lip and pouted more as he looked at Sihtric. "Sitty? What do you think?"
Sihtric sucked in a sharp breath and shook his head. "No." He breathed out. He didn't want to get in trouble. Or in more trouble, as the case may be.
Finan let go of the boy's arm and raised his hand to the back of Sihtric's neck. He curled his fingers around the boy and pulled him closer. He touched his lips to the younger man's ear. "Good boy." He whispered. Sihtric sucked in a sharp breath and leaned against Finan for a moment.
"Hey!" Uhtred crossed his arms and slouched on the bed, pouting. "Not fair!"
Finan pulled away from Sihtric and leaned closer to Uhtred. He pushed the pouting man before turning. "C'mon."
Sihtric slipped into the woods lining half of the small settlement, hurriedly and unseen. Gisela and the others had arrived a few hours ago and the whole town was bustling, getting those who were staying settled in and those who were just visiting rooms at the inn. Benwick and his whole family were at the center, giving tours and introducing everyone again. He had glimpsed the King among them and then Hild and Thyra were there. He swallowed as Thyra's gaze locked on him. And he promptly fled. It was just too many people, too many voices for the moment. He just wanted a few moments to himself.
A deep sigh was emitted from his chest as he weaved through the trees absently, paying no attention to anything around him. He wished he had gone to the stable and snuck out Kráka. A ride might have helped him clear his head faster. Or help him run away easier. For a moment, he considered sneaking back. He could be halfway to Winchester by now if he did sneak her out. But there was also a greater chance of being discovered and wrangled into helping in some fashion. And he should. He knew he should. He should return and offer to help in whatever way was needed. It was what was proper and expected of him. He was the new Ealdorman's oathman. He should be doing everything to help his Lord. He should return right then and stop hiding.
But he didn't. His feet felt rooted in the ground and he couldn't move. He probably wasn't needed anyways, he thought as he kicked at the ground. Gisela had Ealhswith. Thyra had Hild. Uhtred had Finan and Clapa and everyone else. Sihtric wasn't needed.
He sighed again and shook his head. He was being stupid. He knew he was. At least he hoped he was. He knew the effect he had on both Uhtred and Finan and for a moment, he smiled, thinking of Uhtred's words that morning. He wondered if the two of them could break Finan. If they could tease and taunt the man enough to break his composure. Sihtric sucked in a sharp breath as he thought about that, because he really wanted to. He watched to grab Uhtred and Finan equally and pull them down on the bed with him and forget all this talking shit. Their Irishman seemed to be the most adamant about this talking thing that Sihtric just wanted to forget. He didn't want to talk. He was terrified about what they needed to talk about so much. He just didn't have any real idea. Well… he did, he thought as he slowed his steps. He had one idea. He had seen their faces that morning in Dunholm. And the only thing he could come up with was they knew exactly what he'd been in Dunholm, whether the life was forced on him or not. He was nothing more than a whore like his mother and Uhtred and Finan both deserved better than him.
He stopped and leaned his forehead against a thin tree. He closed his eyes and tried to focus for a moment on the brittle bark beneath his skin, old and weathered and flaking off. He was just letting his mind wander and freaking out wasn't doing him any good. His father was dead and gone. His brother, too. He just needed to forget everything they ever did to him and move on. He needed to push it away and ignore it and stop letting the darkness cloud his mind. He needed to focus on his Lord and his Irishman and show them exactly what he was capable of doing.
Sihtric was so lost in thought, he wasn't paying attention to anything around him. He didn't have any idea that he'd been followed, that he was followed still and being watched closely. The hooded figure moved through the trees with far more grace and silence than he was normally capable of. When Sihtric stopped, he stopped as well and ducked behind a rather large tree. He pressed himself hard against the tree before he turned and peeked out. A few more silent moments slipped by as he watched. He couldn't quite tell what Uhtred's slave was doing, alone and so far from the town. Other than being lazy and skirting his duties.
The shadow pushed away from the tree and opened his cloak. He pulled out a bow and an arrow and quickly knocked the arrow. Then he lifted it and held it up. But the hood was in his way and he scowled. He quickly lowered his hood and brought the bow eye level again. He aimed it at Sihtric's back and held his breath as he pulled back on the bowstring. He would rid himself of Uhtred's stupid slave before the young man let his lips loose about what he heard.
"Aethelwold!"
The young man fumbled and let the arrow loose. It sailed through the air and he quickly turned. "Steapa!" He gasped, seeing the large man there. "I was just… hunting…" He mumbled quickly. He swallowed and pulled the hood up over his head. Then he ran, not waiting to find out if his mark hit.
Steapa stumbled back as Aethelwold pushed past him. He wasn't completely sure what he'd just walked into. He hadn't seen what or who Aethelwold was aiming at but he knew something was amiss by the younger man's demeanor. He had gotten a weird feeling when he saw Aethewold's cloaked self slipping into the woods. He would question him and figure out just what was going on. He hurried to catch up with the King's nephew before he lost sight of the young man.
Sihtric jumped back as the arrow sent to kill him embedded itself into the tree. He barely felt the blood on his arm as he spun around. His eyes widened and he stopped breathing as his gaze searched the trees. He heard footsteps and maybe saw a flash of something. But whoever it was had too much of a head start. They didn't stick around to see if their arrow found its mark. Sihtric grabbed the arrow and yanked it from the tree. He stared down at it for a moment, clenching his fist around the shaft. It was a simple arrow, nothing to distinguish it from anything. He shook his head before he turned and attempted to run the way his attacker had.
He weaved through the trees until he burst from them. He slid to a stop, breathing deeply, and turned. His eyes continued searching but he saw nothing. At least no one that looked suspicious. The town was bustling, everyone running around with the excitement of the King's visit and the new Ealdorman. There was no way to figure out if one of them had tried to kill him or if it was a weird hunting accident. But then, if it was an accident...
"Sihtric..."
He turned as he heard Clapa's voice. "Hey, Clapa." He said absently as he continued looking around, his mind reeling as it tried to recall seeing any signs of anything foul at hand. "I hope your trip was good…"
The large Dane moved closer and his eyes widened. He grabbed Sihtric's wrist and held him. "You're bleeding." He said softly, keeping his voice low.
Sihtric frowned and looked down as Clapa held up his arm. There was a line ripped through a couple layers of skin on his upper arm. Blood dripped slowly down his skin and he opened his mouth slowly. "I... I didn't feel it..." He said softly. He could feel it then and he flinched when Clapa probed the cut.
"That's deep." The Dane commented, tilting his head to the side. "More than just snagging yourself on a branch if I believed you that clumsy. Which I do not." He added with a quick smirk. "What happened?"
Sihtric sighed and shook his head. He lifted his other hand, holding the arrow out for Clapa to see. He unfurled his fingers and let it rest flat against his palm as he held it up for the Dane's inspection. "I'm not sure... I was in the woods... I didn't see anyone." He answered softly.
Clapa's eyes widened more as his eyes settled on the arrow. "Someone shot you?" He gasped.
Sihtric breathed out and shrugged. Then he flinched against the pain and sighed. "I guess... or it was a hunting accident."
"A hunting accident." Clapa repeated. "But you didn't see anyone."
Sihtric shook his head. "Not exactly. I thought I saw someone running but they were too far away.
Clapa shook his head. "Then it was no hunting accident, Little Bug. If it were, then why run? If there was nothing foul at play, then why not make sure you were okay?"
Sihtric wrenched his arm away and hid the arrow behind his back. There were too many people around and a few were looking their way. He cleared his throat and shook his head. "I don't know." He said softly. "But keep your voice down. We don't know what's going on and we can't go around accusing anyone."
Clapa nodded stiffly and glanced around. "I'll find Uhtred."
Sihtric shook his head quickly, his eyes wide. He didn't want Uhtred to know. "Clapa, nothing happened!" He insisted. "Don't bother him. He has a lot going on right now. He doesn't need this nonsense."
Clapa turned back to him and stepped closer. "Something did happen, Little Bug." He insisted, reaching out to touch Sihtric's shoulder. He squeezed him softly and stared at him as if challenging him to contradict his words.
Sihtric scowled and shook his head again. He pushed Clapa's hand away and glared at him. "And he'll just overreact!" He snapped. "You know he will! I am perfectly fine!"
"And if the Lord finds out and we don't tell him, he'll react worse." Clapa pointed out and Sihtric bit his lip and looked away, not saying anything. Clapa sighed and glanced around quickly. "You can't stand here, bleeding and holding that arrow. Someone will notice and start asking questions."
"Fine." Sihtric breathed out and glanced down at his arm. "I'll clean myself up in the Ealdorman's house."
Clapa turned back to him again and smirked. "I assume you slept there last night. No one will question you being there, of course. Because why wouldn't you be sleeping in the Lord's bed?"
Sihtric rolled his eyes and pushed him. "Stop it!" He snapped, glancing around. "It was late! We just slept!"
Clapa smirked again and let out a laugh. "Sure you did, Little Bug. Come on. Stay close behind me."
Sihtric scoffed as he fell in step behind Clapa. The giant moved swiftly and Sihtric kept pace with him, letting the man's greater bulk keep him from prying eyes. When they reached the house, Clapa stepped back, letting Sihtric slip inside. Then before the younger man could stop him, the man was gone. Sihtric sighed and dropped the arrow on the table. He most likely only had a few moments before Uhtred and Finan alike barreled through the door. He found an old piece of cloth and ripped it in half. He set one piece on the table and the other he took with him towards the hearth. There was still water left from the night before and it was cold but it was enough to help wash the blood away. He flinched again as he ran the rag over it, cleaning away all the blood and inspecting it. It was deeper than he thought but it looked like a clean, straight cut. It would heal fine by itself, he was certain.
The front door was thrown open and Uhtred stomped inside, Finan and Clapa close on his heels. "What the fuck happened?" His eyes settled on Sihtric and he hurried over. The boy held up his hands and shook his head but Uhtred ignored the placating movements and didn't slow until he was at his puppy's side. He reached out and wrapped his hands around the boy's wrist. He was careful as he moved closer, peering at the angry looking tear in the pale skin that he wanted to mark up himself. He ignored their game as he crowded closer and touched as much of the boy as he could before he was pushed away.
Sihtric scowled for a moment and stepped back. Then he sucked in a breath and opened his mouth. He licked his lips and sighed when Uhtred's intense eyes bore into his. "I am fine, Lord." He said softly.
Finan shook his head as he picked up the arrow and strode closer. He held it up and growled as he eyed Sihtric's shoulder. "Ye don't look fine!" He snapped. "That's twice now someone's tried t' kill 'im. Three times if we count him bein' hit o'er the head."
Sihtric sighed and shook his head. "No one tried to kill me. It was just... a hunting accident." He mumbled.
Finan raised an eyebrow. "A huntin' accident? Ye canne really believe that, boy?"
"No, he doesn't." Uhtred answered, pulling Sihtric closer again.
Sihtric scowled and pulled his arm away. He pushed between them and grabbed the other piece of ripped cloth from the table, glaring at Clapa as he moved. "I told you not to bother them!" Sihtric hissed at him. "I told you they would overreact!"
"We are not overreacting!" Uhtred grabbed the arrow from Finan and turned. Both men followed and Uhtred waved the arrow around. "Sitty, someone aimed a bow at you!"
"Or at what they thought was a deer or something!" The boy snapped, moving closer to Clapa. "The clouds are out and it's rather dark amongst the trees. I shouldn't have been out there in all black." He thrust the cloth at Clapa and turned, angling his injured arm at the giant. "Wrap it and tie it."
Clapa nodded and lifted the strip of cloth. "Whatever you say, Little Bug." He was able to wrap it twice around Sihtric's arm before he tied it.
"Thanks." Sihtric muttered under his breath and crossed his arms. He hunched in a bit on himself and glared at the floor. He didn't want them to know precisely for this reason. It might be something, but it also might be nothing. They have no way of knowing for sure unless they run around the town, accusing everyone. And they couldn't do that. There was no proof of anything besides an arrow that looked like every other arrow. And with his father and brother gone, Sihtric couldn't think of anyone who wanted to do him harm.
"Sihtric." Uhtred said his puppy's name softer as he moved closer. He dropped the arrow on the table and held up his hands. "We're just worried..."
"It was an accident!" Sihtric insisted. He felt Uhtred and Finan both moving closer to him but he refused to look at them. He kept his eyes on the floor and continued slouching. "I shouldn't have been wandering around in the woods! I wasn't..." He sucked in a breath and bit his lip.
"Ye weren't what?" Finan prompted, moving closer. He stood beside Uhtred, brushing his shoulder against the Lord. Both were standing less than a step from their boy. They could reach out and touch him but they didn't, sensing the young man didn't want to be touched at the moment.
"I wasn't paying attention." Sihtric admitted, his voice barely a whisper. "I was... distracted..." He said softly, turning away from them.
"Distracted." Uhtred repeated curiously, glancing sideways at Finan. It wasn't many who could surprise Sihtric. His puppy was always on alert, always watching. Uhtred wasn't sure he liked knowing the boy had been so distracted that he didn't realize he had been followed. Because Uhtred did not in the least believe that this was an accident. Someone was after Sihtric. And Uhtred would drive a sword through whoever it was, the second he found out. No one was touching his puppy! Finan shifted even closer again and Uhtred realized he was growling. He stopped and cleared his throat. He sighed and leaned against Finan and crossed his arms. "Distracted… how?" He asked.
Sihtric sighed again and shook his head dismissively. "It doesn't matter. I just was." He mumbled under his breath.
Clapa shifted back a step, moving towards the door. "I can leave…"
Sihtric's eyes widened and he looked up, shaking his head. "No!" He said quickly and reached out to touch Clapa's arm. He blinked and quickly withdrew it and let it fall to his side. He didn't want to be left alone with Uhtred and Finan, not right at the moment at least. He knew they would just press him about the distraction. And he would have to admit he was distracted because of their incessant instance that they talk. Because he didn't want to fucking talk! He hated talking. He sighed and shook his head. "I mean… you don't have to leave. We're done talking about this."
Uhtred's eyes widened and he shook his head. "Oh the fuck we are!" He snapped and stepped closer. Finan clenched his jaw and said nothing, clearly fighting with himself. He wanted to respect Sihtric's wishes but he also wanted to get to the bottom of everything. He wanted to know what and who had put their boy's life in danger. Again.
Sihtric turned a glare on the Lord but before he could say anything, Clapa touched his shoulder. The giant stepped around him and blocked Uhtred's path. He crossed his arms and towered over Uhtred. The Lord stopped and looked up at him, surprised. But before Uhtred could open his mouth, there was a knock at the door. Sihtric sighed deeply again as he turned. He ducked out from behind Clapa's bulk to reach for the door. He pulled it open and gasped, seeing the King standing on the porch. The boy fumbled as he pulled the door open wider and stumbled back. "Lord King!" He quickly bowed his head and stepped back more.
Alfred stood with his hands clasped in front of him and an amused smile on his face. "Sihtric." He nodded, looking at the younger man. "I didn't see you when we arrived."
The boy nodded his head. "Yes… I was… uh… elsewhere." He mumbled and looked away.
Alfred smiled at him and looked even more amused. "I see you've made it in one piece. I trust your trip was smooth."
Sihtric looked back at him and nodded his head quickly. "Yes, Lord."
Alfred tilted his head. "May I come in?"
Sihtric's eyes widened and he nodded his head. "Yes! Of course!" He nearly tripped over himself to get out of the way.
Finan stepped closer and touched Sihtric's shoulder. The younger man leaned back and sighed. He let go of the door and slipped behind Finan, glad for the chance to get out of the King's way. Finan smiled and dipped his head to Alfred. "Yes, Lord. Yer welcome t' come inside. Excuse the new Ealdorman, he seems t' 'ave forgotten all 'is manners."
Alfred smiled as he stepped inside. "Forgetting them would require him knowing them in the first place."
Finan chuckled and nodded, holding the door opened as Steapa followed Alfred in. Finan nodded at him as well before closing the door behind him. The guard nodded at Finan and clenched his jaw as he turned to nod stiffly at Sihtric. The boy blinked at him and forced a smile before the guard turned. Finan glanced at Sihtric and the boy shrugged.
"I have manners." Uhtred mumbled under his breath as he folded his arms across his chest.
Finan huffed out a sharp laugh and Uhtred glared at him. Finan laughed even louder and lifted his hands. "I'm sorry, Lord. But he speaks the truth. Ye don't 'ave any manners."
Sihtric smiled and tried to suppress a giggle but Uhtred's glare directed at him made him duck away. He quickly turned and his eyes settled on the table. In the center sat a basket ladened with a few various pieces of fruit and bread, brought over earlier that morning. He grabbed the basket and turned. "Lord?"
Finan smiled and crossed his arms, watching. "The boy 'as manners."
Sihtric's eyes widened for a moment and faltered. He cleared his throat and averted his gaze. "They were brought over by Benwick's family…" He mumbled.
Alfred nodded stiffly and reached for a pear. "Thank you."
Uhtred smiled as he stepped closer. He grabbed the basket from Sihtric and pulled out an apple. He tossed it in the air and caught it before setting the basket back on the table. "Do you know him, Lord?"
Alfred cleared his throat and nodded his head. "I do. Benwick's family… is… very well known… here…"
"He is insufferable." Uhtred said as he took a bit of his apple. He sunk down on the bench and leaned against the table.
Alfred stared at Uhtred for a moment and tilted his head. He opened his mouth, fully intent on arguing. But the King didn't. Instead, he sighed deeply and nodded his head. He stepped closer to the table and sat down opposite of Uhtred. He leaned against the table and rolled the pear around in his hands. "The man does… like to talk…"
Uhtred smiled and nodded as he took another bite. "He does. We spent most of the day with him yesterday and this morning. I think I know the entire history of the town and everyone who's ever lived here."
Finan laughed. "Lord, ye weren't payin' attention to anythin' 'e said."
Uhtred glared at the Irishman. "No one asked for your commentary, Fin."
Clapa glanced around the room before clearing his throat. When the King stepped inside, he stepped back, fading into the background. But the room was a bit too crowded for him and the giant Dane wasn't needed. "Lords, if you'll excuse me."
Uhtred glanced at him as he walked by and nodded. "Thank you for your assistance, Clapa."
Clapa nodded at him and bumped into Sihtric as he walked past. "Good luck." He whispered before he slipped out the door. Sihtric sighed and for a moment, he thought about following him. But he didn't and instead slunk back to the corner.
Finan watched Clapa leave and Sihtric hide. He rolled his eyes and shook his head and turned to Steapa. The King's guard was standing beside the door, his arms crossed and looking intimidating. Finan rolled his eyes and shook his head at him too. Sometimes, everyone around him just exhausted him. He stepped closer and leaned against the wall beside him. "Ye can take that stick out a' yer ass now." The Irishman said softly.
Steapa glanced sideways at him, his eyes wide, but the guard said nothing. Something flashed across his face but just as quickly, it was gone.
"Jus' sayin'." Finan continued, tilting his head. "King's perfectly safe in 'ere. Ain't no one t' git 'im." Steapa just continued to stare at him blankly and Finan shrugged. "Or not. Suit yerself."
Uhtred leaned on the table and turned his attention back to Alfred. "How was the trip, Lord? You… seem to have made good time. I hope you didn't rush and tire yourself out."
Alfred lifted his hand and shook his head. "We did not. It was rather enjoyable and the fresh air has improved my health for the moment. I am glad to have made the trip."
Uhtred nodded a bit more stiffly than he meant to. He cleared his throat and leaned back. He stretched his arms out across the table and tried not to sound disappointed. Because maybe he was secretly hoping the journey would take them an extra day or two. Or a week. "I am glad to hear it."
Alfred tilted his head and smiled. "I see you've settled in rather well. Tell me… what…"
There was a knock at the door and Clapa did not wait for an answer before he pulled the door open. Uhtred frowned at the interruption and steadied the giant with a glare. Clapa held up his hands. "Sorry to disrupt… but Lord… there seems to be a… ruckus at the alehouse."
"Take care of it, Clapa." Uhtred said tiredly, shaking his head. "We are in the middle of something here. With the King."
"It's Aethelwold, Lord." Clapa continued.
Steapa pushed away from the wall and stepped closer to the Dane. "Aethelwold?" He repeated, speaking for the first time since he stepped inside.
Clapa turned towards him and nodded his head. "It appears he arrived a half hour ago, demanding drink because of his status and he hasn't stopped. He will not listen to anyone."
Uhtred sighed deeply and ran a hand over his face. He did not want to deal with the King's blathering idiot of a nephew. He certainly wasn't looking forward to the young man being left in Coccham with him. "Then pick him up and throw him out, Clapa."
Clapa glanced at Alfred. "Lord?"
Alfred nodded his head. "Aethelwold is here as a citizen, not as my nephew. Do whatever you need to do. Within reason, Uhtred." The King said, turning to point a finger at him. "Proper punishments and trials." He warned.
Uhtred nodded quickly. "Of course, Lord King. Clapa." He turned his attention back to the large Dane. "Remove Aethelwold and apologize to the barkeep."
Clapa nodded and stepped through the door. "Yes, Lord."
Steapa was quick to follow. "I will assist." Clapa shrugged and the two left.
Uhtred eyed the door for a moment longer after they left. He exchanged a quick glance with Finan and Sihtric both before he shook his head and sighed. He leaned against the table again and reached for the basket. He pulled out a piece of bread and tore off a small piece. He chewed on it absently for a moment, wondering exactly what he got himself into.
"Lord…" Finan pushed away from the wall and stepped closer. "Do ye… want me t' go wit' 'em?"
Uhtred shook his head quickly. "I think they can handle it, Fin." He was certain Clapa could have handled it himself. He wondered why Steapa was so quick to follow, why the guard was so interested in Aethelwold. Although Uhtred didn't care what the twit does. If Steapa wanted to chase after him, that was perfectly fine. He sighed again and shook his head and leaned back again. He turned his attention back to Alfred and the King looked just as curious and maybe a little amused too. "What were we discussing?" Uhtred asked, hoping in vain to get this conversation done with so he could chase Alfred away. Politely, of course. If he could politely chase a King off. He wasn't sure if that was exactly proper but he was going to try. He wanted to check on Sihtric and make sure his puppy was indeed okay. And if the boy continued to insist they drop it, he would grudgingly do that. He didn't want to, of course. But he also didn't want to upset Sihtric. He still felt like something was off with the boy.
Finan shrugged and turned. He retreated towards where Sihtric stood in the corner, obscured by the dark. The boy had remained quiet and Finan smirked as he stepped closer. He glanced over at the table before he grabbed Sihtric's hand. Sihtric tilted his head, curiosity and confusion lacing his features. He let Finan pull him from the corner and when he opened his mouth, Finan shook his head and pressed a finger to his own lips, signalling for Sihtric to be quiet. The Dane nodded his head quickly and continued to follow. Finan silently tugged on him until they were right behind Alfred. They were still quite a few feet away but the King wouldn't be able to see them unless he turned completely around in his seat.
"How you've settled in." Alfred answered, smiling at Uhtred and completely oblivious to the two men standing rather close to each other behind him.
Uhtred's eyes flitted to Finan and Sihtric and he wondered what the Irishman was doing. But he didn't ask and returned his attention to the King. He nodded his head quickly. "Yes, Lord. We… I have..." He corrected quickly. "Settled in nicely. Benwick has given me a very thorough tour and… the house… is nice…" He paused as his eyes flitted to Finan and Sihtric again.
Finan had turned and pulled the shocked Sihtric closer. He wrapped his arms around the younger man's waist and pulled him flush against him. Sihtric's eyes widened and he glanced at the table. Alfred's back was still to them and the boy bit his lip as Finan leaned closer and attached his lips to Sihtric's neck. Uhtred watched, transfixed, as Finan traced the ink on Sihtric's neck up to his ear. The Lord sucked in a breath, watching them.
"Uhtred…" Alfred leaned more heavily on the table and tilted his head. "Are you alright?"
Uhtred nodded his head quickly. "Yes, of course, Lord King. I am quite fine and settled in very well and uh… and anticipating… what's to come."
Alfred tilted his head and a slow smile spread across his face. "I am pleased to hear that, Uhtred. I knew given the opportunity, you would succeed."
Uhtred clenched his jaw as his eyes flitted to his men and he watched as Finan's hands slid down to Sihtric's ass. Uhtred had to give them credit. He knew if he was involved, he would not have been able to keep himself as quiet as his puppy was at the moment. Uhtred longed to get the boy between them and find out exactly how loud they could make him get. But then he noticed Alfred was looking at him again. He cleared his throat and stood up quickly. "Lord… have you been inside the house before? Would you care for a tour?"
Alfred's eyes widened a bit and he smiled. He nodded his head as he stood up. "Yes, Uhtred, I think that would be lovely. I have before but it was years ago, when my brother was King."
Uhtred rounded the table quickly and grabbed Alfred's shoulder. The King gave him a curious look but didn't object as Uhtred steered him out of the room. "Straight back through here…" He turned and glared at Finan and Sihtric before he slipped from the room behind Alfred.
Sihtric let out a breathy exhale after Uhtred and Alfred were gone. He threaded his fingers in Finan's hair and yanked him back. He narrowed his eyes and glared at Finan. "That was mean." Finan smirked and opened his mouth but he didn't get a chance to answer. Sihtric yanked him closer and growled as he captured the Irishman's lips in a crushing kiss.
