Millie's lips pressed together into a thin line as she closed her eyes. She shook her head lightly with disappointment coursing steadily through her veins.
"Are you alright?"
She looked to her father quickly to come face to face with the sight of small worry yet a hint of relief. He was relieved to have his daughter back with him but her mind was elsewhere. She sat silent by his side with her head shaking occasionally as she thought on.
"No," she wanted to say. She was not alright but Millie swallowed it down and forced a small smile. "Yes."
Before he could say anything in response she turned her head to look away. She couldn't bring herself to look at him. Not after knowing he'd not eaten and knowing he wouldn't for what could be days to come. And all because of her and her pride.
She stopped herself from sighing knowing she'd drawn enough of her father's attention and did not want to worry him further. Her eyes skimmed over the bit she could see from the camp. It wasn't much from where she sat. Both her and Aethelwulf were back on the log with their men before them with bellies as empty as can be.
She couldn't hear him let alone see him. She wasn't sure if he would come visit them again. It had been two days since she last saw him and Millie felt nothing but dread loom over her. She took in a deep breath and held it thinking back on their exchange. The last image of Ragnar burned into her memories like a searing blade across a fresh wound. A wound she exposed herself. Millie could not exactly say that what she'd seen had been accurate. If the small look akin to the very disappointment she felt had crossed his face at all. It changed so quickly then. A mask of apathy before he did what she'd told him to do.
"Tie me up."
Her body grew rigid as she forced herself to stop shaking her head.
Those words were so clear in her head. She wanted to say them. She knew it was right for her to say them yet when she spoke it felt anything but right. The hell she'd further pushed her and the others into had already taken into effect. They were all to starve and suffer whatever else she knew Ragnar and his men to be fully capable of. And whatever it may be, Millie was unwilling to find out but her lips were sealed as she damned herself in silence.
But what else was she supposed to say? Yes? Yes, she would stay with him?
She closed her eyes again.
Yes. She was supposed to say yes.
"You're not alright." Aethelwulf chided. Millie could not help the sad smile she displayed. "Are you feeling ill again?"
"No."
"Then tell me, child."
Millie leaned over to lie her head on his shoulder. His armor felt warm against her after the sun had taken to shining down upon it. It was better than feeling the cold bite into her and so she reveled in the oddness.
Aethelwulf looked upward with his eyes squinting from the sunlight. Despite the clear skies and the warmth of the sun, there was a small breeze he knew would turn harsh come night. While the days were cool the nights were cold and he praised God for the layers he wore. He knew it would not be able to stave off every chill but it was enough for him to last a few more nights.
He looked back down to his daughter. He knew something was wrong with her but she wouldn't tell him a thing. So much had happened since the morning she fainted 'til now but neither of the two said a word about it. Aethelwulf was only glad to have her back by his side and she looked fine before now. And clearly something was affecting her. Something he knew he couldn't allow her to fester in alone.
She opened her eyes slowly and stared into nothing. There was a feeling inside of her that left her with her heart beating painfully against her breast. She swallowed deeply and released a shaky breath that left her laughing at her own stupidity.
Her choosing not to answer him left him with worry roiling deep in his stomach. Aethelwulf glanced over to the camp, his jaw set and his eyes into slits as he glared at nothing in particular.
"Did-" He stopped himself. His next choice of words sent tremors of fear and anger over his body. "Did they do anything to you?"
Millie could hear the strain in his voice and trembled slightly. She knew what he was asking and couldn't even bring herself to imagine such terrors happening. Instead, they helped her. Because of Ragnar, of course she knew, but nonetheless she was left unharmed.
"I will not harm you nor will I let any of my men have their way with you if that is what you fear."
His words came back to her then and she hated to hear them echo so clearly, so like him in her mind. And though neither of them hurt her beyond what had already been done prior to now, he swore neither of his men would ever touch her. But only if she stayed with him.
"No." She shook her head before looking up at her father. "No. None of them." Her chin rested uncomfortably on his shoulder but she wanted him to see the truth in her eyes.
They stayed staring at one another before he nodded once, twice and leaned over to place a kiss onto her forehead. He lingered there for a moment with his eyes screwing shut and a shuddering breath of relief flowing free from him and across his daughter's face. If he could hug her he would. Bless her always, he thought before looking to the sky again.
There were many things he should have asked when she was brought back to him but he drowned his fears with other, more positive thoughts. It was selfish of him, he knew, and there was a small feeling of hate he felt towards himself. He failed as a leader and as a father so far and he let her small smiles as she came to him ease him into believing nothing was wrong. Though he was glad to know nothing did happen, it did not stop his self-loathing.
Millie looked over to the Christians who sat in silence. Some looked to be asleep while others looked on in misery. That particular feeling from before nipped away at her again and again. Too poignant for her to handle and she'd felt it once before when she was back at home. She was 16 at the time and was playing a dangerous game of hide and seek with her sister, Wilburh, as the sun was beginning to set. They were by the riverbank and needless to say it ended with the youngest of the two with a twisted ankle after she slipped on a rock and into the water. The two were scolded but Millie received the brunt end of the stick. She was responsible for her sister and instead of protecting her she allowed her to run off and get hurt. Millie felt guilty about it then and it was what she felt now. Guilt in all its harrowing glory.
A round of cheers sounded from the camp drawing her attention. It became a usual to hear as the Pagans took to entertaining themselves while all waited on King Aelle's move. She'd strain her ears time to time picking up each voice and placing a face onto them. Very few she knew and often times she would become confused as they switched between common tongue and the language of their own.
Despite their lack of appearance as they were no longer given food, once or twice Björg would come to her. Knowing how modest she was when it came to relieving herself, the Pagan woman would take Millie into the forest to go. That was one privilege she was thankful Ragnar had not taken away though she was sure she was mocked about it behind her back. The woman had not come today but Millie did not have the urge to go. With the lack of water she was finding it difficult. It did not help that she felt entirely weak and could only imagine how her father and the other men felt.
Another round of cheers and Millie sighed aloud. She felt her temper flaring but knew it would do her no good to act out. She needed to conserve as much energy as possible. Enough until she and others would finally be set free. Whenever that was.
How much longer before her uncle came for them? Gold and silver was what Ragnar asked for and it was something she knew Aelle could provide. Had he asked for an amount beyond what her uncle could give? Unlikely... maybe, she thought. Though the possibility of there being another plan taking place was probable. But she knew better and she was learning a lot in the few days since she and the others had been captured.
Since their first night as prisoners, some of the men had already shown their lack of faith and as the days passed their trust in King Aelle, in her father and, possibly, God was beginning to wane. Aethelwulf no longer tried in keeping their spirits high and Millie wondered if he too was beginning to lose faith. Not in God but maybe in his brother.
Millie pursed her lips as she veered her mind onto something else. She found no benefit in wallowing over adverse thoughts and wanted nothing more than to hear her father's voice again but in the way it was before all this had come to play.
He was quiet half of the time. Only asking if she were well when she too grew too quiet. His eyes were heavy with the proper rest he'd yet to have and an increasing look akin to boredom was ever present on his face. Millie mulled over what to say to engage him in the talks they used to have. Something-anything to relieve her mind from her constant berating as well.
She looked over the men, a particular thought coming to her. At one point it was something she loathed to think about but now it seemed to be the farthest of problems for her to concern herself over.
"You told me, before all of this, you and mother were planning on marrying me."
Aethelwulf rolled his eyes before looking down at her. "We're not arguing about this now, Millie."
"I'm not arguing about it." She shook her head as she sat up straight. "I just have one question."
He seemed to think on whether he should indulge her or not but she showed no interest in starting a squabble over a dream he'd put on hold.
He looked straight forward with a sigh. "What is it?"
She leant forward a bit as she took to looking at the men again. It couldn't be either of them, she thought. Millie was sure her parents would have made a better effort in finding someone for her.
"Who did you plan on marrying me off to?"
Raising a brow, Aethewulf watched her from the corner of his eye. It was unlike her to care especially after the way she stormed off when he brought it to her attention. But he knew she was simply speaking in hopes of ending the brooding silence that loomed over them.
"Your mother and I had separate men in mind."
"Like who?"
His mouth opened and closed as he shook his head in small disbelief. He couldn't bring himself to understand how they were having such a conversation while being in the position they were in.
"At first I thought of Godric."
Millie's face twisted into an unfavorable look. "Godric as in-"
"Yes, Godric as in the son of Glædwine."
Her lips puckered in distaste. Godric was a fighter just as she and Millie could see why her father would think of it as a good match. But she knew the man well enough to know he preferred a "proper" lady. A woman whose hands were left unmarred by a sword. She would have to give up everything she loved for the preference of a man she lacked interest in.
Aethelwulf took note of her face and released a scoff. "Better than your mother's first choice." He sat up straight and spoke in mock honor. "Leofric."
To this her eyes widened slightly as she bared her teeth in disgust. "Leofric? That swine."
"Millie."
"I'm not apologizing for what he is. You don't see it but everyone else does."
He sighed. "I see it, Millie. It's your mother who doesn't. She thinks him an honorable young man with a caring heart. He's blinded her and now she tries in blinding me." He paused for a moment before mumbling, "Or tried at least."
"Mm," she hummed.
Her mother could be quite the fool at times and Millie was thankful her father was not one to take advantage of her faults. Only helping her to try and see but plenty of times her foolishness was accompanied by a stubbornness that surpassed that of a mule. Very much like her mother, Millie knew if she were given the choice to choose between the two men she knew she would have neither. If she were forced, she was sure she would do something grim and runaway. She too was too stubborn to back away and let her parents take charge of her life. She'd rather die than be with someone she knew she could never love.
She stopped her train of thought and looked back at the camp. It seemed her choice in death over marriage was coming close to a completion.
"There was another I had in mind," Aethelwulf started. "Someone your mother wasn't entirely set on overlooking."
Millie looked back at her father, curiosity swimming in her eyes. "Who?"
"Eadberht son of Aethelred."
There was a pause as she tried in remembering who exactly the man was. She heard the name before but could not put a face to him. Neither he nor the father though she too heard his name. Her mouth opened to ask who he was before a voice stopped her short.
"My brother."
Millie and Aethelwulf looked to one of the men who sat tied to another. He was angled slightly away from them as he faced another man whose snores were soft as he fell asleep some time ago. His head rose at the mention of the name but he did not try to look back at the Lord and his daughter-merely staring off into nothing.
"Yes." Aethelwulf agreed. "You are-"
"Cyneweard. Also son of Aethelred."
Neither of the two could find anything to say in response. In the back of his mind, Aethelwulf wanted to speak on the man's bravery, of his brother's strength and of their father. But his tongue swelled with all the weight placed onto him at the mere mention of a name.
Before going into battle, he did not take the time to know the men who would be fighting by his side. They were his brother's-his King's soldiers and he saw them nothing more than that. Men who would lay down their lives for the greater good, but they were men all the same. To hear his name and to truly see a man and not one hidden beneath the gleam of armor caused him nothing but grief.
Millie looked away with a sadness creeping over her. The Christians had family as well and though how tragic it may seem, she had her father by her side. Someone she loved and someone she could say goodbye to if her time would come to an end. The others had no one. They would die an unfair death without a proper farewell.
She blinked quickly before clearing her throat as she fought the tears that wanted to flow free. Her jaw clenched to try and fight the quivering of her bottom lip and the blame she placed over herself grew on a detrimental level.
"You would have made a fine wife for him."
She closed her eyes in her affliction with a long and deep sigh. There was an impassivity about him and she knew then, Cyneweard had given up hope.
The soft sounds of feet treading over dirt and grass created an air of asperity as someone came their way. Millie's eyes opened as she was the only one who dared to look as the others knew whoever it may be, it had nothing to do with them.
Callous as ever in demeanor, Björg appeared before them. Her hair for once had been let down and softened her sharp features. The wound on her arm was healing properly and she no longer wrapped a bandage around it. Millie could see the skin bright in color with a tinge of purple just around the edges. It looked painful to touch but it seemed Björg was handling it well.
There was a silent exchange between the women, one Millie was growing too familiar with. She nodded after a moment and waited for the routine to take place. She was not to move until Björg was by her side. For precautionary reasons, she understood, but it was fast becoming another reason instead. The Pagan woman reached down for her, grasping her upper arm well before hauling her up. It was a fast jerk upward and Millie saw the world spin before her eyes as she grew faint. Her strength waned considerably since they last saw one another and the other woman was forced to wait until she was able to recollect herself. She inhaled deeply and released a shaky breath. A sound audible to the ears of Björg. She took one step forward and then another before she had enough hold over herself to walk on in small confidence.
Millie couldn't remember when she'd ever felt this weak. She'd gotten terribly sick once when she was a child but remembered well she was able to hold her own. Now, her body felt fragile. She could not tell if what she felt was right or if it were simply a part of her imagination but her trousers felt a size a little too big. She felt self-conscious at the thought and fought to clear her mind of it.
They walked around the ditch she'd been in and Millie was able to have the one quick view she'd have coming and going of the camp. She would see someone new each time and a familiar face or two but the one she'd been searching for was never there. She knew he was somewhere in the crowd and she knew he left occasionally with a small group of men to gather food. Was he purposely avoiding her? Millie did not know but she knew the absence of his presence was not entirely coincidental.
Björg led her off to the same spot around the edge of the forest. The same tree Millie was expected to hang on to and away from prying eyes. She stood there only staring at first. She made no move to remove the other woman's trousers having crossed her arms instead as she continued to stare on. Millie stared back with her nerves a wreck and the hairs on the back of her neck slowly standing on end. She balled her hands into fists as tension filled the air between them.
"Well?" she asked. She was beginning to grow unnerved.
She could not tell if the woman shook her head before she approached her and helped her continue their little routine.
She closed her eyes as she leant back against the tree then, relieving herself and cringing slightly as a sharp pain shot through her. Millie hadn't noticed she'd been holding in her pee and felt only a small bit of relief as she continued on. Her legs shook a little and she pressed herself harder against the tree, afraid her knees would give in and she'd fall into her mess.
"You're a stupid girl."
Millie opened her eyes at the foreign voice. Had she really heard it? The lilt ringing in her ears now like a lost memory she was trying to recall.
"What?"
Björg's head rose slightly as she looked down her nose. Her glacial eyes critical of the woman before her. "You're a stupid girl," she said again and Millie could hear the derision in each word.
She finished then and pushed off the tree with a poor bit of force she criticized herself over. Millie nearly fell back before she pushed forward again, her ego taking a hit she'd not been expecting.
"Excuse me?"
The Pagan woman came over and pulled her trousers up roughly. She tied the strings tight around her before bringing her head to Millie's level. "Man can never have a more reliable guide than great common sense."*
The Lord's daughter frowned in confusion. "I don't understand." She shook her head as her mind grew blank leaving her with nothing else to say.
Björg sighed before drawing away. She stood a small distance from Millie and crossed her arms.
"I don't know what he wants with you but if it were me, I would have taken the offer."
Her mind was hazy and suddenly the rope around her felt tighter than before. Millie's face contorted into a look of disgust. She could feel the way her upper lip curled venomously before glaring grievously at the woman before her.
Though they were surrounded by his men, Ragnar's words were low. Only for her to hear. It hadn't occurred to Millie anyone would overhear them and she felt her blood boil. She was not an act to be observed and especially not in times of crisis.
"You were listening." Her tone was laced with accusation.
"And you risk the lives of your people." Björg countered. "And for what?"
"Don't you dare." She shook her head slow and spoke through clenched teeth. "If you were me you wouldn't have done the same."
"Maybe you are right. But it does not change the fact that your people are suffering."
Millie's eyes burned as the familiar feel of tears threatened to spill forth. She blinked furiously trying to keep them at bay. The guilt from before came to her again before she drowned it in anger.
"And why do you care? Are we not your prisoners?"
"Yes, you are." She shrugged. "And I do not. Many of us don't. But despite being our prisoners you are our ransom and if you are harmed beyond what your King would expect, who is to say he will uphold his bargain?"
"How would he know?"
Björg raised a brow in question.
"How would he know if we've been harmed?"
"Because he sends his people to watch over you."
She was a little stunned but Millie knew better. That early morning before the attack as she, her father and the men sat watching the Vikings ready their camp-Millie knew they knew they were there. They were attuned to the wild. They knew what belonged and what didn't. Easily spotting the Christians from a distance. Surely they would have known of the very thing Millie hoped for. That they were being watched.
She shook her head with a sigh. Tension forced its way from the base of her neck and up to her head.
"I do not know what game your leader plays, then," she huffed.
Ragnar would not risk so much and not over a woman who refused to play by his nonsensical rules.
"Neither do I, but I would not take any chances."
There was no concern in her tone and Millie knew if the woman had any it would be over the benefits she and her people would receive. Or the lack thereof if Ragnar's act would not come to pass.
Her body ached and she was reminded of how weak she'd become. She wanted to close her eyes but thought against it.
What was she supposed to do now? She found herself questioning all that she had said and done again. It seemed obvious before when she sat by her father but now her emotions conflicted with her thoughts. Her heart conflicted with her brain.
"I will return for you when the sun comes to set." Millie looked up as Björg approached her. "You have until then to make a final decision."
They took the way they came back and Millie felt nothing more than a terrible weight on her chest. Her heart ached with a responsibility she hadn't wished to take. She looked down at her feet as she took on a look of frustration.
"Did your leader send you to convince me?"
Though she knew the girl did not look her way, Björg shook her head. "No."
Millie was silent then as she was unable to muster up a response. Her answer was not what she expected, but then again what was she really expecting to hear? If Ragnar had sent Björg to persuade her would she be able to make a final decision right then and there? In a moment of her anger rush she would tell the Pagan "no, never." But would she come to regret it after watching day after day her father and the Christians wither away?
She shook her head softly not wishing to think anymore on the subject but she knew she couldn't ignore it forever.
She was returned to her place by her father who found solace in his daughter's well-being. He would not ask her but Millie could see from the corner of her eye the way his eyes would roam over her as he checked for any new injuries. Each time he found none but he would never stop his worry over her.
With a pointed look, Björg left them and with her she took the last bit of courage Millie had.
There was something inside of her she knew she could no longer control. She felt like a small child. Powerless, meager, and feeble. It was daunting for her and Millie knew there was so much to lose and she could no longer stay quiet. But she continued to be so and she was beginning to hate herself for it.
Her hands were clasped together. She stared at the lines that crossed each digit and the areas that had grown white and dry from the weather. Dirt lined the underside of her nails and she began to pick away it. The tips of her nails snapped loudly against each other as she dug deep and pulled away harshly. She paid no mind to her father who sighed loudly knowing well how much he despised the sound.
Aethelwulf looked over at her hands before grinding his teeth. "Stop that."
"I'm cleaning my nails," she mumbled.
"No, you're not. You're just picking away them to make that incessant noise." The sounds seemed to grow louder as she flicked each nail against each other simultaneously. "A bad habit I thought you stopped a long time go."
She stopped altogether and stretched her fingers long. The skin beneath her nails throbbed and she looked away with a deep and long sigh.
What now, then? She knew but there was a naivety about her that all would come to pass sooner than she would need to make a decision. Björg said she would come for her once the sun began to set. That was roughly three to four hours from now. Plenty of time for her uncle to send someone for them. As he had plenty of time the day before and the day before that.
No, she wouldn't think like that. She needed to have faith in him. Even if the others didn't Millie knew he wouldn't let them down. He couldn't.
She chewed the inside of her cheek in silent thought. If she were to stay with Ragnar, what would the deal between them really entail? He didn't tell her as he expected for her to find out on her own. A chill fell over her but she tried in comforting herself with the words that came to her from earlier: "I will not harm you nor will I let any of my men have their way with you if that is what you fear." She shook her head with a pained expression. No. The words no longer sounded like him. It was her voice that repeated them back to her and she felt unsure all over again.
Stop it, she told herself. She needed to concentrate and her doubts only deterred her from the choice she needed to make.
And if she was to be left unharmed as he said, what then? Would he allow her to see for herself that yes, her father and the Christians will be fed and given water like she would be? He said he would give her a change of clothes. Would he really? Would her father and the men as well? For being their prisoners, Ragnar sounded as if he would be treating them as guests. Her more so than the others and she felt uneasy as to why he would do such a thing.
Björg said they were being watched. The poorer their condition, the less the Pagans will receive? Would they receive anything at all if she and the others were left to starve to death? That was the woman's concern and it was why she wanted Millie to make a decision and soon.
She nodded to herself. It could be the only reason why.
Now then. If she stayed with Ragnar, who would she be staying with? He wouldn't honestly leave her alone with any of the men. She wanted to be sure of that-no. She was sure of that. Would he leave her with one of the women? Björg perhaps as the two had so far spent the most time with each other? Though it wasn't enjoyable for either of them. But she had fast become Millie's caretaker. It seemed like the most reasonable choice. But what if she were to stay with him? Is that what he meant when he told her to stay with him? To actually stay with Ragnar, in his tent, constantly within his presence? Where would she sleep? By his side or would he give her a corner of her own? Could she really take his word that he would not harm her? She didn't know what to think of it and felt she really didn't have much of a say in the matter if he were to or not.
That last thought stung her and she felt her eyes begin to water.
Would she be giving up more than what Ragnar let on? And for what?
For her father.
She'd give up everything for her father, that she knew. But why wouldn't she do so before when he mentioned the marriage? Because his life was not at risk.
She looked at his feet. There were scuff marks all along his boots and dirt smeared all along his legs. Her brows pulled together as she took note of the ground and could see marks all over the place as if someone had been dragged. It was faint but Millie knew what she saw and she felt her heart sink.
Did the heathens do something to her father? When? She was here by his side all this time except when she fainted. Had something happened to him in her absence. He didn't say a word and all she could remember that day when she was returned to him was his tear stained face.
If she were to go with Ragnar would they hurt her father? She kept repeating to herself what Björg told her. They couldn't hurt him if they wanted her uncle to keep his end of the bargain. But so far, Ragnar was proving to her that bargain or not he cared little for their well-being.
But why have me stay with you? She wanted to scream in frustration. It was obvious he was playing a game with her and so far she was losing.
Okay. She calmed herself down enough to think rationally. If she were to go with Ragnar-she bit her lip as she thought on. How would her father feel about it? Would he let her go? The answer to that seemed almost too obvious but she remembered one thing. The same way she'd give everything up for him she knew he'd do the same for her. He'd starve for her. Die for her. Risk the lives of the Christians just so she wouldn't go. She knew she wouldn't stay long with Ragnar. Hopefully, she thought. And whether the stay was long or not, would he let her go in the end? He had to. Millie knew that would be one of her father's main concerns. It was one of hers. But he couldn't keep her. That wasn't part of the deal between him and her uncle. He said gold and silver was the prize so there was no need for her stay to be a permanent one.
And so again, if she were to stay with Ragnar was she to tell her father or would her captor himself break the news to him? That she couldn't allow. She could only imagine all the hazardous things he would say just to get under his skin. To make her father believe she was everything but safe. She wanted to scoff at that last part but she wouldn't bring back her doubts. Not now.
She looked up at her father who stared dead ahead. He was completely oblivious to her raging thoughts and she was thankful for it. She brought herself closer to him to lean her head against him. Millie sought for comfort for whatever her choice was in the end, she was going to need it. Plenty of it.
Aethelwulf shifted beneath her as he turned to stare at her. He could not see her face as she looked down but he could feel it in his heart that she was in distress. He sat staring at her for some time before the kissing the top of her head. If he asked her what was wrong he knew she would only avoid answering his question again. He would wait instead. Let her come to him when she was ready. Whenever that may be.
There was no way she could come up with a decision now. She felt exhausted far beyond than how she felt earlier. There wasn't much time either. Though the three to four hours she believed were left until sunset-Millie wasn't stupid enough to believe there was enough time before she could come up with her choice. And she wasn't stupid enough to believe her uncle would come for them today either. Sometimes she wished she was as unaware and as naive as she put out to be in her earlier thoughts but that wasn't her. It never was her.
She closed her eyes and found difficulty in opening them again. Her body sagged slightly and she could feel the need to rest ever so prominent now. Millie would sleep. For some time at least.
AN: *The quote Björg says is from the poem Hávamál (Poetic Edda).
No Ragnar in this chapter but he will be in the next.
How many of you thought Millie was going to say yes in the last chapter? I thought about it but then it wouldn't be her if she would have accepted off the back. And can you believe it's been two days since they last saw each other?!
Here we see she's feeling conflicted. We actually see her as a sensitive human being. She feels other emotions other than anger which she will get back to later. This will continue a bit in the next chapter but then she and Ragnar will meet again. It was nice to do another father/daughter moment seeing as that will soon come to an end.
I've been trying so hard to get this chapter up but for some reason FF was giving me problems. A couple of minutes ago as I was typing this up and I was sent back a page and had to do everything all over again. So far so good though. (fingers cross nothing changes after I publish this)
I'll never get tired of saying how great you all are. I can't believe this story has 105 follows. It's a wonderful thing for me to see. Really warms my heart! On top of that, all the favs and reviews that are pouring in are just as great. It keeps me going no matter what.
Reviews:
Lady Ravanna: Haha! Well I hope this update had you jumping out of your bed as well.
Silently Tearful: I can't wait to get to that as well. It's going to be a lot of fun to type!
NightlyRowenTree: Hope you liked it!
Dalonega Noquisi: Thank you so much! I'm so glad you feel that way because starting from the next chapter on I will be focusing quite a bit on Ragnar's feelings and it's going to be fun, crazy, and a whole bunch of other things. And thank you! Happy belated birthday to you too :)
AmalieNico: Thank you! Let's see how long it takes him to say anything about that ;)
HermioneandMarcus: Thanks! I hope you enjoyed this one as well.
wabi-sabi1090: Haha. I never heard the song before until you mentioned it. Now every time I turn on the radio and it's on I think about Ragnar! I seriously can't wait to upload more Ragnar/Millie moments. I really think you're going to like it. And poor Floki indeed! Thank you again for your kind words. It really pushes me to continue on despite certain circumstances.
NiNa5: Thank you! I hope you enjoyed this chapter.
ckiely: Thanks so much! Sorry for the late update but I promise the next will be very soon! Again, thank you.
Werewolfe22: Thank you and yes! I know some other readers were wondering about whether the two are together or not as well and so yes, in this story they are :) Which is going to be quite interesting once Lagertha finds out about Millie.
ANewLight: Haha yes! It was such a small part in the chapter but I was really excited to get that out because I had a feeling you all were going to like that. I'm glad you feel that way. Thanks for the love! I really do feel that what happened between him and Aslaug was really fast. I mean, I guess I know why he did it but it's still no excuse! She didn't say yes in this chapter sadly but it doesn't mean she won't change her mind later on. We will get to see how some of the Vikings feel when she starts becoming a more prominent figure in their lives. Some reactions will be okay and others not so much. And thank you so much for that! Floki is one of my favorites and I wanted to make sure I got him right. That's why I try to get every character as right as possible because we all have favs and we'd like to have them portrayed as they should be. Ooo I can't wait until she meets Athelstan. I won't say much about what will happen between the two but man it's going to be great! Thank you again and I hope you enjoyed this chapter as well.
Guest: That's so sweet. Thank you! I hope you liked this chapter and the many more to come.
Littledot: Thank you!
jamielynn25: Thank you! I hope you liked this update.
I am currently editing and revising chapter 9 so expect the update for that very soon. I can't wait until you guys read it. I think you all are going to enjoy it!
Thank you again for everything. Your words mean a lot to me so keep the reviews coming! Until next time guys!