Thank you again to the reviews! This chapter was a bit different to write, but I enjoyed it!
To the reviewers:
Melissa Ragnarson - Am glad you liked the kiss! Hope you like this chapter too? Let me know :)
BlueEyedPisces - Hopfeully to like the interaction between Margarethe and Kadlin in this chapter. Thank you for your review and feedback ;)
Shadow Spears - So the first kiss is out the way now, I have a feeling you may like this chapter! (woof woof)
Guest - Thank you for saying you like the fic, I will try to update as much as I can. I am aiming for once a week, but this week has been twice. Am on a roll this week lol, I understand if you stop now and catch up later. If only I could type faster!
Thank you again, now to the chapter ;) xx
Kadlin made it back to the house in a daze. She couldn't keep her mind from remembering how it had felt to have Ivar's hand on her and then his lips on her mouth. It was more enjoyable than she wanted to admit.
Opening the door to the house, she was surprised to see Margarethe still there.
"Oh Hi Kadlin, I didn't know you would be back so soon"
"Hello, yes I am finished for the morning, are you staying all day?" Kadlin tried to be more friendly than she had been earlier. Her spirits had lifted immensely since she had last seen the girl.
"I am. Did Ubbe not tell you?"
"Tell me what?"
Margarethe smiled, "We are to be wed. Today in fact!"
Kadlin was pleased for her and Ubbe. "How wonderful, do you need help with anything?"
The girls got talking, and Kadlin was annoyed at herself for being so cold towards Margarethe earlier. She had no reason to be, Margarethe meant well.
Later that afternoon the boys returned home. Kadlin hoped to get the chance to speak with Ivar before the wedding but she couldn't seem to get him by himself. Before she knew it they were leaving and heading out to where Ubbe and Margarethe would be married.
Upon entering the woods, Kadlin pointed out over to Ivar.
"Look, King Harald and his brother are here".
Ivar shook his head, "That can only bring bad news, we know he wants the throne. And to be rid of the Lothbrook line"
"He must be here to help for the time being though. Use him, and his men when you leave for England."
Ivar nodded in response. "Yes, we must keep an eye on them though"
"Ivar, I wanted to talk to you about earlier today" Kadlin said nervously.
"Yes, you did well at training. You will come tomorrow too, and practise with the bow again."
"That's not what I meant. Although I hope you will help me with the bow again?" Trying to sound not as hopeful as she felt.
"You don't need my help. You will do fine on your own" Ivar said to her dismissively.
Before Kadlin could speak on the matter further, they had arrived. Ivar brought the chariot to a halt, and climbed down to the seat that was for him.
Kadlin stood next to Ivar, she looked over to the bride and noticed how pretty Margarethe looked. The flowers in her hair looked beautiful. Her dress was simple and with her hair down around her she looked lovely. Glancing down on her own clothes, she decided it was time for a new dress, this one had started to fray. Her own hair tied up in a braid, but soft tendrils had fallen around her face. She wasn't an ugly girl by anymeans, she hoped one day she would be married. When that day came though, she hoped it would be a proper crown upon her head. Not one made from flowers. She had yet to see a wedding of any sort in her visions, but still held out hope. Perhaps the gods wanted to keep some things a surprise for her, she hoped.
"Who gives this woman away to this man" the celebrant called.
Kadlin was surprised to see Hvisterk step forward to claim the honour. She didn't realise the Margarethe didn't have any family. She supposed she didn't actually know much about this girl at all. She noticed a small smile between Hvisterk and Margarethe. The ceremony continued, and all went well.
When the bridal race began, she quite enjoyed it! She had never seen anything like this before. No one in the small village she had lived in before had gotten married so this was her first time witnessing such customs. Looking over to Ivar she noticed he didn't look as happy as everyone else. She bent down to speak with him.
"Are you ok Ivar?" she asked quietly. Bjorn and Torvi were close and she didn't want them to hear.
"Fine. I'm fine"
"I thought we promised not to lie to one another" she prompted him.
"If you must know. Its hard watching the bridal race. Knowing I will never do it"
"Oh, Ivar you may get married one day" she said softly, placing her hand on his arm.
The look he gave her, actually frightened her. It was cold and angry.
"Its a race. I can't run. For someone who can see the future your not very bright sometimes" he coldly sneered to her.
Kadlin was taken aback. How could they have gotten along so well and now he was speaking like this to her. It was an honest mistake on her behalf. Ivar did things so well even though he was crippled that sometimes it did slip her mind that he couldn't walk. Rather than apologizing she walked off and stood near some of the other guests. She did not deserve to be spoken to the way she had, but Ivar had everyright to say what he did. It was careless of her to forget.
Hvisterk lost the bridal race. Therefore it was him who served the feast. Kadlin couldn't help but notice the looks Hvisterk and Margarethe gave one another. Ubbe didn't seem to mind, and not that it bothered Kadlin she was merely curious.
Leaning in to her side she asked Ivar "Does Ubbe know that Hvisterk likes Margarethe?"
"Yes, and he does not mind. I heard him talking about them sharing her"
Kadlin was shocked. "Really? Even though they are wed?"
"Yes really. Some men don't mind sharing their wives."
"Oh, I see. I don't think I would like that"
"Me either."
She smiled to Ivar. The earlier comments seeming to be forgotten between them. The drinks flowed and the food kept coming out. Kadlin didn't think she had ever felt this full. The best part being she didn't need to cook any of it. It was quite nice not having to do much for the evening. It made a welcome change to looking after the four boys.
"Ivar, now that Ubbe and Margarethe are wed, does that mean they will leave the house?"
"I don't know. They may have, but since we are leaving soon for England she will most likely stay. Then look after the house whilst we raid"
Kadlin looked away and hoped Ivar didn't notice her joy. So that meant they were still to share a room, for the time being anyway.
The bridal couple soon left and the party continued on without them. Kadlin drank more than she had before, and when the dancing started she was one of the first ones up to show off some moves. She twirled and danced, bumping into others along the way. Nobody minded, as they having as much fun as she was. She looked over and saw Ivar smiling at her, she beamed back as she continued her dance.
Her feet starting to hurt, she head back over to where Ivar was seated talking to one of the men who were to come raiding with them. He was a very attractive young man. With brown eyes and long blonde hair. A braid half way down his back, and broad shoulders.
"Ah Kadlin, meet Erland. He is here to come raiding with us!"
Kadlin stumbled slightly, and lost her footing. Erland stood and caught her. "Oh, thank you"
"It is nice to meet you Kadlin. One as beautiful as you should not have been dancing alone" he commented to her.
Blushing as she let go of his hand, she sat next to Ivar. "I do not mind dancing alone" her leg touching his.
The three of them sat there and continued to drink. "Skoll!" they called. Kadlin had no idea how much she had drank, the room was blurry and she felt her eyes start to droop.
She felt herself lull into a sleep, and was grateful for Ivar sitting so close. Resting her head, upon his shoulder she closed her eyes.
Kadlin wasn't sure how long she sat there with her head rested on Ivar, but she woke groggily when she was moved.
"Shh, Kadlin. Its just me, Sigurd. I'm carrying you to bed"
"I don't want to go to your bed, I want Ivar's" she replied sleepily
Laughing at her he replied "I know you do. I am carrying you there. Ivar can't carry you and crawl there himself"
"Thank you gurd"
Laughing again, "Maybe not so much wine next time?" as he pulled the covers up over her and she closed her eyes once more.
Ivar climbed into bed after the wedding had ended. Sigurd to Ivar's surprise had offered to carry Kadlin home. He had been grateful for the offer, not that he told Sigurd that. It was going to present a challenge to get her into the chariot. He lifted himself into bed, and was surprised when he laid down that Kadlin rolled into closer to him.
What was he going to do about her, he thought to himself. She was beautiful and it seemed like she wanted him. He couldn't give her everything she needed though, perhaps it would be best for them to not go down the route of feelings and affection towards each other. With his arm behind his head, he gave out a sigh. Why did women need to complicate things so? Only a few weeks ago, all he had to worry about was when they would get to England to avenge his father, now he had these feelings arising in him and he wasn't sure what to do with them. His mother had never taught him how to love. She had taught him to be cruel, but looking over at Kadlin sleeping peacefully beside him he wished he knew more than cruelty.
Kadlin had drank much more than Ivar had thought she would at the feast, but it was one of the first time's he had seen her truly happy. He had never seen her smile so much. He traced his finger along her cheek and she stirred slightly. The covers had slipped down on her, and he could see that her dress was in a tangle and had risen up and her naked thigh was bare.
"Do you like what you see Ivar?" she said quietly.
Ivar looked down at her guiltly. "Sorry, for waking you"
"I asked if you like what you see?" she said again to him.
Before Ivar had a chance to reply, Kadlin had sat up and lifted her dress over her head. Exposing her naked body. She sat before him with a soft look on her face. Pulling himself so that he was sat upright too, He swallowed and his lips parted slightly. Closing his eyes, he felt her hands reach up and cup his chin. Kissing him as they had done earlier in the clearing.
He ran his hands through her hair, and felt her shudder at his touch.
"Sorry" he told her and pulled his hands away.
Kadlin took his hands in hers, and placed one on her bare hip and the other on her breast. "Why are you sorry?"
Looking at her in disbelief "I disgust you, you shudder at my touch. I should not be touching you" as he tried to pull his hands away. She grasped them tighter to hold them in place.
"Ivar, that was not a shudder of disgust. I like your touch, it is soft and sent shivers down my spine. Touch me" she encouraged him.
Ivar softly cupped her breast whilst staring at her. He nervously and gently traced his finger along the edge of her hip. His other hand still on her breast, he felt her nipple stiffen under his touch. Leaning forward he kissed her again, this time her tongue slid in and around his mouth. Pulling himself closer to her, he massaged her tongue with his own. Suddenly he felt her hands on him, they were warm and soft on his bare skin. She pushed him back slightly and he thought that she may have had enough, but was surprised when she sat down on top of him. The blankets still covering his legs, but she sat naked upon him.
Feeling more adventurous and confident, Ivar played with her nipple and was sure he heard her moan slightly. He cupped both of her breasts with his hands and pulled his lips away from hers. Tilting his chin down, he placed his lips gently over her nipple and began to suck. Softly at first, but hearing her softly moan he continued on getting stronger, lightly grazing them with his teeth.
"Ivar" she gasped to him.
He stopped suddenly, "What is it? Did I do something wrong?"
"No, it feels amazing"
Smiling he set his lips back upon her. Moments later, he felt her hands on his chin, lifting his lips back up to meet her's. Their lips crushed against one another. Feeling her moving on top of him, he let her get off. She lay down next to him, and he couldn't help but to look her up and down.
She lie there breathing heavily, and he couldn't help but feel proud of himself. She had seemed to enjoy herself.
"Are you ok Kadlin?" he asked her.
"Say it again."
"What? Are you ok?"
"No, my name. I like hearing you say my name" she replied sleepily to him
He laid down next to her and propped himself up on one arm. "Kadlin"
Smiling back at him, "I am very ok thankyou"
"I didn't hurt you?" he didn't think he had, but he wanted to make sure. Besides he hadn't done anything like this before. Except for Margarethe and that was something he wanted to forget.
"I'm fine, actually I do feel a little light headed and dizzy, I think that had something to do with the wine though!" Kadlin rolled in closer to him, gently pushing his arm down so she could rest her head on his chest. Ivar someone who was rarely taken by surprise had been surprised quite a lot this evening. He certainly didn't think when he woke up this morning that today would have turned out this way. Although he was glad it had.