Standing up by the prow, cold saltwater was striking my face as my ship rocked from the current. Someone was belching, turning to see Fletcher hanging over the edge of the ship's planks, releasing his sickness. I chuckled lightly at the scene, for nothing brought me greater joy than to see the little shit suffer.

We'd been sailing south along the coast of Britain towards Wessex for two days. The waves had been rough, and the water was freezing, but I was enjoying every moment out at sea. Enjoying being away from Yorvik, away from all the responsibilities, and mostly being away from Hvitserk and Freydís. I was in a great mood today I had the slightest urge to never return to Yorvik. Maybe I could find this Ireland. That urge faded when I saw the banners of the white dragon.

An army of about 300 men in red cloaks and chain mail had gathered at the shore. Just as I had agreed during the truce, I'd attend this Christmas ceremony with Prince Alfred. My father's red striped sails displayed alerting the army that I was on the ship approaching them.

'Lord, I don't think this is a good idea,' said Leif coming to stand behind me.

'It's a stupid idea actually,' I said, smirking, patting Leif on the shoulder as I walked past him. I reached over, ruffling my servant's hair, who looked like shit.

'Lord, I'll be fine,' said Fletcher wiping the back of his hand over his mouth.

'Will make a Viking out of you yet,' I said, walking onward to White Hair, who was holding onto the steering oar.

'I don't like this. You can't trust a Saxon,' said White Hair.

I smirked, strapping my chain mail on and putting my black leather jerkin over it.

'It'll be fine. Just keep a lookout for the crew, and I'll be back in a couple of days. All you need to do is drink ale and watch the ship,' I said, grinning as I smacked him lightly on the arm.

White Hair grunted to my response as he brought my ship ashore. I could see a few horsemen approaching the docked ship as Leif and Egil helped me get out. They were probably surprised to see how little protection I brought with me.

'Heathen,' said Bishop Heahmund.

I snapped my head towards the voice, grinning and wasting little time walking as quickly as I could to him. Bishop Heahmund dropped from his horse, meeting me. We grasped hands as I leaned in, hugging my friend.

'Christian,' I said happily.

Bishop Heahmund placed his hands on my shoulders, gripping onto me as he looked me up and down smiling.

'Truly a miracle has happened here,' said Bishop Heahmund.

I grinned, shaking my head.

'Shut up, I was never dead,' I said, looking back at my housecarls who were anchoring my ship. 'Prince Alfred gave his word I'd have safe passage. I trust my men won't be bothered until I return.'

'You and your men are under our prince's protection during your stay here. I should let you know King Æthelred has ordered you to surrender all weapons before entering Wimborne.

I rolled my eyes, not at his demand, but at the fact that the king was still alive.

'I left everything except my seax on the ship. I came here to meet with Prince Alfred, not that sack of shit.'

One of Bishop Heahmund's men approached us, guiding a riderless saddled mare. Eying the horse cautiously, I surely hoped they weren't expecting me to get on it.

'I'll be escorting you to Wimborne, here is your horse,' said Bishop Heahmund.

I smiled, looking at the ground shaking my head.

'You do remember that I'm a crippled, right.'

'You'll be fine. We should reach Wimborne within an hour. I'll be holding onto your reins,' said Bishop Heahmund.

I didn't have time to argue about the idea, for the Christian grabbed my arm, putting it over his shoulder and gripping onto my pant leg by the thigh. The man who brought the horse did the same thing on my right side. Picking me up off the ground, they shoved me on top of the horse. I'm sure my housecarls were entertained by the image of me being manhandled onto a horse. A painful process I wish never to repeat again. True to his word Bishop Heahmund himself held onto my reins as we rode. Arriving at the village, the guards opened the wooden gates for us. The villagers were staring at me, some pointing even as we rode past them. Smirking at their reactions, this was probably their first time seeing a Northman up close. Everyone here seemed to be cloaked in fur to wool where I drastically stood out wearing black leather and chain mail. I wasn't fazed by the cold air here. I had been on a ship getting drenched for the past couple of days. The weather here was nothing compared to Kattegat's harsh winters.

Bishop Heahmund and a couple of his men helped me get down from the horse. Getting down was far easier than getting up. The Christian and I walked through the streets towards King Æthelred's royal villa, a huge, stoned building that looked like a castle. I was surprised I hadn't been greeted by Prince Alfred yet. If the scenario had been flipped and he was to arrive in Yorvik, I would've met him at the gates with a feast prepared. The West Saxons acted as if they had never seen a cripple before because they were gathering in the streets staring at me as I passed them.

To my greatest annoyance, the villa, like all the other Roman buildings, had stoned steps all in the most unnecessary locations.

'His weapons were supposed to have been stripped!' shouts a woman's voice.

I looked up the stairs to see the prince's mother glaring at me. Grinning, I gave her a wave only to enrage her further.

'Lady Judith, it would be unseemly to request your enemy.'

'That's right, our enemy,' said Judith cutting Bishop Heahmund off walking towards me.

The lady stopped in front of me, staring venomously into my eyes. The royal guards inside the villa gathered around us, unsheathing their swords.

What were they expecting, me to attack this woman?

Being distracted by the guards, I had no time to stop the hand that struck my left cheek. Letting the sting of the slap ease, I was sure the slap's sound had to have echoed throughout these hallways. Bringing my hand to my cheek, I looked up at her, grinning sinisterly.

Here I thought my family was hotheaded. This family is nuts.

'That's enough, Lady Judith,' said Bishop Heahmund in an authoritative voice, positioning himself between us. 'Ivar Ragnarsson is Prince Alfred's guest. We must keep the peace. Ivar, I apologize for that. Please let me escort you to Prince Alfred.'

I followed Bishop Heahmund in silence as we walked through the long-vacant stoned hallways. He led me through a door wincing silently from a temporary pain that shot up my leg as I lost my footing on the stone slab step walking in. The room was spacious with two beds and a table with parchments scattered over it. Prince Alfred was seated at the table, quill, and ink in hand, scribbling his secret language over the parchments. He had cut his hair short now like how most Saxons chose. This new style complimented him better than his previous look did. He was wearing robes dressed like a monk instead of a prince.

'Prince Alfred, Ivar the Boneless, son of Ragnar Lothbrok,' said Bishop Heahmund leaving my side and standing off near the entrance.

'Ivar Ragnarsson, welcome. I'm pleased with your arrival,' said Prince Alfred setting his feather down and standing up, smiling at me. 'Please settle in. I'll be sharing my room with you throughout your stay.'

Great.

'Prince Alfred, are you sure you can trust to be alone with me? I'm armed, heavily,' I said, annoyed over the arrangements.

'Ivar, it is my hope we can establish a trust in one another. Though I'll admit I'm playing with fire on this choice, I must believe and put my trust in God.'

I rolled my eyes at his Christian love speech. Walking to the room walls, I observed all the strange arts that were painted on the loincloth. Some had scriptures I couldn't understand.

'I was always curious to know, tell me Ivar, do your people write?'

'No.'

I gasped, nearly falling backward in shock as I stood in front of this large silver metal polished so well that I could see my reflection. I've never seen myself so clear before.

Is this what I look like?

Alfred was talking about the importance of writing and its advantages, but I was more curious about this discovery. Walking up to the metal, I placed my fingertips against it shifting my face around inspecting myself.

I look good. I can't believe this is what I look like. My eyes have a slight blue tint over the whites. I wonder if it's always like that. Besides the flaw with my eyes for the gods crippling me, they gave me good looks.

I heard a chuckle snapping me out of my thoughts, turning to see Alfred giving me an amused look.

'It is called a mirror. They make them in Frankia. Bishop Heahmund has told me many stories of his time with you as your prisoner.'

'He wasn't a prisoner,' I said nonchalantly, walking to the table where the prince stood. I glanced down at the parchments that littered the surface. There was a map that had the land of Britain displayed. I had one too, but this one was vaster. There was another mass of land directly to the left of it, curious I pointed at it. 'What is this land called?'

Alfred walked over to stand beside me. Too close to me, his body was brushing against mine as he peered at where I was pointing.

'That is Ireland, you see Ivar if you were to learn how to read,' said Prince Alfred placing his hand on my shoulder.

'Who rules Ireland?' I asked, cutting Alfred off and ignoring his hand lightly kneading into my shoulder.

'There are many different kingdoms within Ireland,' said Prince Alfred, who turned to see who entered the room while removing his hand from my shoulder. 'Ivar, please allow me to introduce to you my beautiful wife, Elsewith.'

I groaned out of irritation that the prince stopped talking about Ireland. I looked over at the woman. She looked to be about my age with long dark hair, but I didn't care about her. I cared more about this map.

'My lady,' I said, turning back to the map, I heard a chuckle from Alfred, but I was too enticed over Ireland studying the rivers, the kingdoms, the lands.

'Husband, the bath has been prepared,' said Elsewith.

'Thank you, Ivar, would you care to join me in my bathhouse,' said Prince Alfred.

'What?' I said. I heard Bishop Heahmund laughing as I looked up at Alfred, unsure if I heard him correctly.

Was Alfred asking if I wanted to watch him bathe?

'The water is warm and very relaxing,' said Elsewith looking at me with a smile.

Did they want to bathe me?

'I already washed for the entire two days sailing to your kingdom,' I said with a smirk.

'I did warn you, Prince Alfred, Ivar wasn't going to respond well to that invitation,' said Bishop Heahmund, smiling at the scene. I knew full well he was referring to that day at Mercia where I had to kick both him and Egil out of my room.

'Ivar, I insist you'll enjoy it. This way, will both be equals and will be able to talk equally to one another. Elsewith make sure the wine is available for Ivar.'

What. What kind of logic was that? Equals my ass I'm a crippled don't give me that spill about being equals. I have the sense to call this agreement off now and walk back to my ship. Bishop Heahmund excused himself, leaving me in the hands of Alfred.

I followed the couple to their bathhouse, feeling awkward about this. The building was all stone, probably built by the Romans. I had never seen a bath that huge it was good to know I wouldn't be in a tight space with Alfred. Seeing the wine, I snatched the cup draining it instantly, and pouring another cup. I turned and quickly regretted it as my face heated up. Both Alfred and Elsewith had stripped off their robes and dress and were getting into the tub.

I should have made Hvitserk come to this instead. He has no issues getting naked. I hate being undressed in front of people where they can see my bare legs.

Groaning quietly, I drained the second cup refilling it and walking to the opposite side of the bath. I was trying to put as much distance between us. Bringing myself down to the stoned floor, resting my crutch down, I began unstrapping my leg braces. I glanced over at the couple Elsewith was applying some oil on her arms while Alfred was staring at me with his calculative gaze.

Way to make things awkward, prince.

Stripping my clothes off slowly, I knew my face was probably red from embarrassment as my legs were on display in front of them. Scooting my body to the edge, I eased myself into the water, sitting down on a step where the hot water came up to my chest.

I'll admit the hot water felt great on my legs and on the abdomen wound that I received from his brother. It had slowly healed, but the scar was still sensitive. I was starting to feel the alcohol calm my nerves, probably thanks to the hot water.

'There you see how we are truly equals, Ivar,' said Prince Alfred smiling at me. 'Just think your father and mine, along with my grandfather, all sat in this very room discussing possible futures for our people.'

I gave the prince a fake smile. Yeah, my father also had no reason to be ashamed of himself, though.

'Yes, and your grandfather slaughtered those settlers and went back on his word. He also handed my father off to his death by your other grandfather,' I said snidely as I drank more of the wine, feeling it take its effect.

'Yes, Ivar, there was a fallout, and now we have your army here to reprimand us for those sins. Do you know why I asked you to come to join me for Christmas?'

'I figured you love spending time with me,' I said, grinning and then quickly frowning at the jest, seeing as all the evidence was starting to point in that direction.

Shit.

'When Northman arrive in Britain, they typically follow their earls, correct?' said Prince Alfred cutting off my suspicions. 'But somehow, you can take command over all of them. In a sense, you are king like to all pagans here, just like your father was in his time. I believe if I were able to teach you the ways of God there would be an end to this tyranny.'

I rolled my eyes at his speech. Alfred doesn't know how many times my army has rebelled against me. Even my brother has. The Danes will only remain loyal to me while I bring them wealth, land, and victory.

'You want to make me a Christian and think all the other Danes will follow,' I said, trying to figure his motive out.

'That would be a miracle, but I've been told you've recently experienced one, isn't that right, Ivar. I wish for you to be baptized tomorrow during our Christmas ceremony.'

'No.'

Sneering at Alfred, I'd have to be careful around him. He was clever. I quickly dunked my hands into the water, concealing my lower portion as Alfred started swimming over in my direction. The prince stopped an arm's length in front of me as he watched me.

'What?' I asked, feeling sluggish from the alcohol.

I glanced over at Elsewith, but she was grinning. Were they playing a jest on me? I looked back at Alfred, who had positioned himself in front of me, now leaning in towards me, which left me to back into the stone wall. I could feel my heart beating outside my chest, and my face was heated staring at Alfred.

'You are an enigma, Ivar. I find your very existence fascinating. A leader and a crippled,' said Prince Alfred as he reached toward my chained cross necklace. 'I'm happy to see you are still wearing this. Yet you choose to ignore its faith.'

I leaned up against the stoned tub keeping my hands under my lower portion. I gave him a nervous smirk as I felt his well-toned legs were touching mine.

If his legs are resting over mine, that meant. I need to get out of here and not look down.

'I refuse to be baptized. I believe in my gods. I need to go. Take a piss,' I said, stumbling over my words. A sensation and a desire were creeping in me that I never felt before, a feeling that was bringing me to a vulnerable panic.

Alfred halted me, clinging onto my elbow that caused shivers throughout my body.

What in the gods was going on?

He started massaging my elbow with his thumb that gave me another uncontrolled sensation. I wanted to lean into his touch. I had to bite my tongue as a sound wanted to escape my lips. I need to snap out of this. I'm blaming everything on the wine. What did they put in this wine that's making me react in such a way? A desire was overcoming me I never experienced.

'Thank you for coming, Ivar. Your company is very well appreciated. I hope you find your time here informative,' said Prince Alfred.

I squirmed beneath his hold, sending another shiver down me while I tried to create as much distance from him. Though all I wanted to do was lean into the prince. I tried to control my breathing as my lower portion did something it never did before. Something I thought it was never capable of doing. Alfred released my elbow, resting his hands on either side of my body. I didn't dare move my hands from over myself. All I could do was just sit there looking back into his calculative gaze.

'Ye.. Yes, prince?' I asked, leering at him, hoping he'd swim back to his wife and quit torturing me.

'I'm looking into the eyes of the most dangerous man on this planet. Tell me, Ivar, when are you planning on attacking Wessex?'

And here it was, everything made sense. All the wine, the hot water, everything was made to make me vulnerable and exposed to reveal my plans. Being attracted to Alfred was just a bonus that pissed me off and made me sober instantly.

'I need to take that piss now,' I said, pushing my elbows up onto the stoned pavement and pulling myself out of the water, rolling over towards my clothes and rapidly getting dressed, and ignoring what my lower portion was demanding.

Dismissing myself from Alfred's company, I went to find Bishop Heahmund. Wherever the damn Christian was, I couldn't find him. I searched this whole forsaken village. While I was here, I always needed to be escorted by three warriors. I felt like I was an exotic animal on display for these Saxons as I walked past them.

I cannot believe I agreed to come here.

Walking back into the castle, I saw King Æthelred and Judith talking in hushed voices at the stairwell. I grinned, waving at them. They returned it with a glare. King Æthelred walked down the stairs, and I knew I must've just cursed myself. I was blaming the alcohol for deciding to goad the hot-tempered king. He stood close in front of me just like he did before our duel.

'Escort the crippled to Alfred's room where he'll remain unless he's in the company of my brother,' said King Æthelred while staring murderously at me. 'I pray we meet in battle once again. Ivar the Boneless, for I have no intentions of peace.'

'Lord king,' I said formally and chuckling because he used my words against me that I had spoken to him back at Mercia. His warriors dragged me away from their king, shoving me inside Alfred's room.

Feeling my head getting heavy from all the wine, I decided to sleep early. Tomorrow would be their Christmas. Afterward, I'd be free from this crazy family.

Undressing to only my cloth pants, I looked at the bed that was Alfred's. This will be awkward if Alfred and his wife decide to make love with me in here. I rolled my eyes where fate has brought me while I got in bed.

I woke up to movement and moaning next to me. Startled and confused, I sprung up. Freydís was naked, lying beside me. Growing more confused as Hvitserk was also here above her naked and riding her.

'What are you two doing!' I shouted, disgusted at their chosen location.

'Shh, go back to sleep, Ivar,' said Freydís smiling at me and then screaming out in pleasure.

'Sorry, Ivar didn't mean to wake you. If you want, you can join in. I'm sure Freydís doesn't mind.'

I felt my heart shatter. Were they doing this next to me? Freydís knew I couldn't do such things. She giggled reaching towards me brushing my hair out of my face.

'Ivar can't make love to a woman, remember he's boneless,' said Freydís.

I tried swatting her hand off me and getting out of the bed, but I was being tied down.

'Please stop,' I said.

'It won't take much longer, boneless,' said Hvitserk laughing.

'I said stop, get away from me! Stop!' I shouted as I cried out of anger and shame.

I shot up awake in a confused, enraged state. I pulled the seax out from under my pillow, holding the blade against the throat of who stood above me.

'Ivar,' said Prince Alfred calmingly.

I was holding the blade against Alfred's throat. I could kill him right now. I stared into Alfred's blue eyes. He wasn't panicked at this situation. A man appeared beside Alfred. He had long black hair that went to his shoulders and blue eyes. He looked almost identical to Alfred except older.

'Please, Ivar, my friend, my kin, mercy,' said the man's voice faintly as he smiled at me, walking through Alfred standing in front of me. He reached up with a hand and performed his Christian cross sign over me. I was filled with a calming warmth blinking. I dropped my seax to the ground. The mysterious man had vanished.

'What!' I shouted, embarrassed at my pitiful sight and confused over what I just witnessed.

Alfred smiled at me, bending over to pick up my discarded seax and sitting down on the edge of the bed.

'Bishop Heahmund had warned me that you often suffer the infliction of night terrors,' said Prince Alfred placing a hand on my shoulder, massaging it softly. 'Dreams, I believe, is our conscious trying to reach out to us. For everything, there is a season, and a time for every matter under the sun, a time to kill. And a time, to heal.'

I wanted to shove Alfred off the bed. I also wanted to chuck something at the bishop's big mouth. I settled for pushing his hand off my shoulder and snatching my seax out of his hold, sticking it back under the pillow.

'It is time, Ivar,' said Prince Alfred calmly, not even phased at my rude reaction. 'Christmas has begun. I'd like for you to accompany me to our church it is in this very villa.'

I rolled my eyes, ready to get this over. Alfred dressed in robes, still looking like a monk and not a prince. I wore my black leather attire leaving the chain mail behind, for this ceremony seemed like it was going to be very long and tedious. Strapping my leg braces on, I let out a small grunt feeling a cramp forming in my right leg.

I walked with Alfred to their church. Not many people were here, but that was most likely because of how damn early it was. The church was an enormous space. There were benches on either side. A table was at the front where it looked like people were placing offerings. There was a choir inside singing nowhere near as retched as the choir I came across last year. This music I couldn't understand what they were saying, but I'd tolerate it. As we walked in the aisle, passing the benches, I could see the Saxons doing their crosses over themselves. Bishop Heahmund stood in the front wearing ridiculous white robes that I quietly laughed upon seeing.

'Do you know what Christmas is and why we celebrate it, Ivar?' asked Prince Alfred.

'Yes, a mother who was a virgin conceived a child. It was a miracle,' I said, proud of myself for knowing that.

Alfred didn't look happy about my response, probably picking up my hinted sarcasm. I'll have to remember never to insult his god around him.

'The birth of our savior Jesus Christ, Ivar,' said Prince Alfred.

Alfred kneeled in his prayer posture. I stood there for a moment, unsure what I was supposed to do and knowing everyone was watching me. Shaking my head, I stared up at the god that was nailed to a cross and groaned as I put most of my strength onto my crutch, lowering my body to the stoned ground. I scooted my body next to Alfred's, setting my crutch beside me and adjusting my legs. I looked around, still unsure what I was supposed to do.

'Ivar, would you like for me to teach you a prayer?' asked Prince Alfred keeping his eyes shut.

'Sure.'

Alfred opened his eyes, positioning his body to face me. He had his hands clasped together and nodded his head at it wanting me to copy. I felt stupid doing this.

I hope Odin doesn't hate me for this.

'Our Father who art in heaven,' said Prince Alfred. Nodding his head towards me, I began repeating the words he spoke. 'Hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.'

I frowned after being tricked into saying that last part knowing full well it was intended for me.

'And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.'

I stopped briefly because I could have sworn I heard my father's voice saying those exact words with that man I saw earlier.

'For thine is the kingdom and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen,' I said, finishing the prayer alongside my father's voice.

Alfred smiled back at me. I wasn't sure what on the nine realms just happened.

There were some long sermons preached, and I'd never been more bored than I was today. Finding it a struggle to stay awake, I dozed off within that hour. Being shaken, I looked up groggily, seeing Alfred was standing up smiling at me.

'Thank you for joining me today, Ivar.'

I took that as our time to leave, and I was overly thrilled. Getting up, I realized the church was filled with Saxons now all-in prayers. What a strange religion.

'Will you consider getting baptized?'

'No,' I said wryly.

I had gone against King Æthelred's orders and excused myself from Alfred's company. I was grumpy, and I was starving, so my patience was low. I sat at the tavern alone, eating a decent meal more than what I would've received at the villa. I had to pay the owner with hacksilver, but afterward, he was happy to serve me. I'd been gazing at the map I snatched from Alfred's room observing Ireland when I heard the door open and footsteps coming from behind me. Turning around, I smiled, seeing the bishop still wearing his ridiculous robes.

'Heathen, there you are, what are you looking at?'

'Have you ever been to Ireland?'

Bishop Heahmund sat down next to me, looking at the map.

'I have on a pilgrimage. It is a land filled with lush fields and cliffs that will be difficult for you to sail nearby. There is a stone located in the village of Tara that is told that it sings when a true king stands next to it.'

I grinned at the information looking at the bishop.

'Then we must see it,' I said, folding the map up.

'I'm afraid I won't be traveling with you back to Northumbria.'

'What. Why?'

'My savior came to me in my dreams a couple of weeks ago. He has confirmed that this is where I need to be. I follow my lord whenever and wherever he needs me to go. I do believe in my heart that our paths will cross again.'

I stared at the ground, unable to accept his response. I had thought without a doubt he'd be returning with me. Heahmund is leaving me just like my father and Floki had.

'What. You're leaving me because of your god. I don't want you to leave me. I need you,' I said desperately. I love you.

'Ivar Ragnarsson, if I may consult you this one last time, please heed these words,' said Bishop Heahmund placing his hands on my shoulders. 'You're guided by the choices and decisions you alone make, not by fate. Your decision will decide the outcome of how you choose to live your life.'

I just nodded my head, not wanting to get into another argument of how fate works with Heahmund. I got up, smiling at my Christian friend as I grasped onto his arm.

'I'll be taking my fleet to Ireland come summer. There will always be a bench for you on my ship,' I said, walking out the door.

I had spent my last night with Alfred playing a chess match. Except instead of playing over the chessboard, we played over Britain's map. With my black pieces placed on Northumbria and his white pieces displayed on top of Wessex. Elsewith had chosen not to stay in the room tonight, probably not wanting to interrupt the tension that went on between us. The game had transpired into a heated rage of dominance, for we were both clever men.

The morning came too early, staying up most of the night with Alfred. I gave King Æthelred and Judith another mocking wave and grinned, knowing I was departing their home with my heathen sins.

Bishop Heahmund escorted me back to my ship. Giving my friend a tight embrace, I boarded my boat.

I was in a good mood this morning as we set sailed up north back to Northumbria. The breeze was decent, and I heard my servant emptying his seasickness off the ledge of my ship.

Yes, today would be a great day, I grinned out towards the sea.

'Hopefully, the current is nothing like it was on the way out here. How was your time with the Saxons lord,' said Egil standing beside me.

'It was. Informative,' I said, holding onto Alfred's map I stole from his room. 'I believe we should be fine. Prince Alfred of Wessex said he prayed for us last night for a safe return.'

I grinned as the wind shifted my hair.

I was curious to know precisely when Alfred had prayed. Was it before coming into bed with me or afterward?

I'll never forget the events that took place, nor will I ever talk of what exactly happened. Fate works in mysterious ways. One day I knew I'd be seeing Alfred of Wessex again.