The queen stood beside Ivar with a warm smile on her face and a crown on her head in the great  hall that was now filled with a great number of people. She looked so different to the people that watched her, still with a hint of fear, and with deep respect.

The laughter of the children playing outside could be heard and Brynhildr enjoyed, impatiently awaiting for the day when her child will do the same. Kattegat was alive once again, the sun was shining brightly, and the people welcomed it into their hearts.

Even Ivar the Boneless, one of the most ruthless King, Kattegat have ever known, even him, seemed different.

Son of Ragnar, descendant of Odin, and perhaps the God himself was on the throne, like it should be.

"People of Kattegat, the era of the winter is finally over!" Ivar yelled raising a horn filled with beer and people cheered.

"But Brynhildr will remain your queen, and queen of Norway, she will be my wife, and I want you to remain loyal to her as well because no matter what, she will be under my protection." Ivar said taking the hand of his wife in his.

"What about the endless winter our country was put trough? People suffered because of her selfish ambitions." The bitter man who used to be a king before Brynhildr took away that tile from him spoken, Harald.

Ivar took a step towards him, as he flashed with anger because someone dared to speak against his Queen.

" It is alright Ivar. "Brynhildr said.

" I accept that what I done was wrong, I hurt many of people, and caused a lot of suffering, unaware of what I was doing. And I know that every sin comes with a price. Forgiveness must be earned with a hard work. Even after the two years of ruling I must still be a stranger to you. So I will retreat and leave Ivar the Boneless, the son of Ragnar to make a decision that are important for your country. Perhaps I am not as strong as I used to be, but I will do everything to protect my people. Also we will make the alliance with Kiev, which will make us unstoppable no matter what we do. "Brynhildr said knowing that Igor, the right heir for the throne was now ruling, even if he was just a child, the people she trusted in Kiev, were helping him.

People remained silent for a moment, some of them still trusted King Harald and every word he said.

Ivar knew he will have to get rid of him, in order for his family to be safe.

"For the Queen." Ivar said and raised the horn filled with beer. People cheered as well drinking from theur horns.

Harald thrown his horn on the ground walking away from the great hall.

Ivar had ordered the guards to be careful and watch over him in case he tries anything.

"What about your brothers, Bjorn and Hvitserk? I know you helped Bjorn escape from the dungeon, but fortunately I decided to let that slip." Brynhildr answerd.

"Of course you know. I didn't expect anything less from you. Bjorn wouldn't be able to do that himself after all. What about them?" Ivar asked.

"Shouldn't they be here?"

"Bjorn tried killing you or you forgotten about that? You kept your promise to Ragnar, why would anything else matter?" Ivar asked.

"I want to bring one last decision as a only queen of Norway, and I hope that you will not defy me." Brynhildr said.

"Whatever is that the Queen wants." Ivar said.

"I want to to give part of our lands to Bjorn and Hvitserk to rule." Brynhildr said.

Ivar sighed and shook his head. He knew that it was a smart decision because like that sons of Ragnar will spread along the Norway, be able to have alliance and remain strong. But he was too proud to do that.

"Are you sure about that?" Ivar asked.

"I am absolutely sure. Norway is their home, and we will need them here. And it will make the people happy. " Brynhildr said.

"Then I will support your decision. But the number of their army will be controlled by me. Because I don't want to risk being under attack of Bjorn once again." Ivar said.

"Then maybe they will be able to come to our wedding as well." Brynhildr laughed.

"If that is what Queen desires." Ivar said holding her hand in his.

"Then we shall send the people for them." Brynhildr said.

"Leave everything to me. You need to rest." Ivar answered moving his hand to her belly. Brynhildr had two miscarriages with Oleg, a long time ago, maybe it was just not meant to be with him. She prayed to Freya to allow her to have this child.

"Promise me something." Brynhildr said.

"Yes?"

"Even if the baby is born like you, you will love our baby, and we will raise our child to know that he is special, and loved despite everything." Brynhildr said.

"He?"

"I have a feeling it could be a boy." Brynhildr smiled.

"I promise you that. I will love our child as much as I love you. And I will protect both of you with my life. I swear to you by the Gods." Ivar answered.

"Did the Gods ever have child with humans? Now when we mention your very godlike nature?" Brynhildr teased him.

"Of course they did. Odin had a son Vali with princess Rinda. His purpose was avenging Baldr." Ivar answered.

"Really? Tell me more." Brynhildr answered, remembering the countless nights they remained awake until the morning, as Ivar was telling Brynhildr the stories about the Gods.

The preparations for the big day soon started. Everyone were  gathering for the wedding.

Brynhildr was dressed into a plane but yet beautiful whitw dress that complimented her figure, and the baby bump was only slightly visible. Her hair was decorated with the most beautiful flowers the children could find. She didn't need anything else, she needed no crown today to prove that she is a queen. Her long, now dark blonde hair was braided by the woman that were preparing her for the wedding.

The noise of the singing, and happy voice of the people echoed trough the sunny day.

Ivar stood by the sea surrounded by cheerful people and the moment he saw his bride, he couldn't take the smile off his face.

"I am really happy for you brother." Hvitserk said to him. But Bjorn was nowhere to be seen.

Ivar almost didn't notice that his brother wasn't there, he focused on the gorgeous woman that was about to become his wife.

Brynhildr walked among the Vikings with her head held high for a moment, but soon her walking turned into the running to the arms of the man she loved. She couldn't wait to be able to finally kiss his lips.

"Take this swords." The priest said to them as she handed them the swords.

"They represent the protection, and do you swear that until the end of your lives you will protect each other?" Priest asked them.

"I swear." They both said in unison.

"Then Brynhildr give your sword to Ivar. And he will give you yours." Priest said.

Brynhildr smiled giving him the sword and taking the one he was holding in his hand as the people cheered loudly.

"Now the rings." Priest said placing the rings on the tip of the swords.

"Do you Ivar the Boneless swear in front of the Gods swear that you want to take this woman for your wife?" Priest asked.

"I swear. The Gods are my witnesses." Ivar said looking into Brynhildr's eyes.

"And do you Brynhildr swear in front of the Gods that you want to take this man as your husband?" Priest asked.

"I swear." Brynhildr answered.

They gave the rings to each other.

And they became a husband and a wife.

The day was spent in song and happiness, because they should enjoy while they could...

"Ivar. I need to speak to you about Bjorn.." Hvitserk said to Ivar when he was able to have him alone. He didn't want to worry Brynhildr because he knew that she was with child.