Beamfleot
Kingdom of East Anglia

Lynette was overcome with guilt -regret- for having snapped at Everard when he was only being amiable. Much time had passed since then and she had now thought it would be best to go and apologise for her unseemly behaviour toward his kindness.

The night had swept in hiding the amber hued clouds behind their veil of darkness, the stars had taken the place of the mist that once covered the azure- they bloomed in a beautiful configuration that had entirely enraptured her. The wind swirled, colder than usual and yet Lynette felt warmer than she would have expected to when she stepped outside. Her feet rushed toward the stables and her hands fidgeted anxiously- she will apologise and hope all else falls back into place, she did not mean to be rude the moment had just overwhelmed her and she did not like such a feeling.

Her head turned and she peeked inside the quietened stable she did not see Everard, he would usually be in here Lynette could not think of which other place he would be and so she opened the door and walked inside her eyes roamed around, it was deathly calm.

The light from the fire glinted across the floor of the stable casting shadows with each step she took forth. From her peripheral vision she caught a slight movement, her head turned quick and her feet shuffled back just as fast. A man- rather large in height and width groaned as he stood up from his previous position of rest and opened his eyes, he seemed to have been sleeping among the hay of the stables. Lynette shook her head and twisted around to leave until an irritated voice called after her.

"Stop." His voice was completely coated with fatigue yet it still unnerved Lynette.

With a sigh of annoyance she turned but cautiously, hopefully unseeing to his eyes, she stepped back closer to the exit of the stables.

"Tell me girl, any word from them?" He snapped.

Lynette was confused, word from who? She shook her head.

The man scoffed as he used his hand to rub away the last remaining crumbs of exhaustion.

He did not seem to pay attention to her, she turned to leave but his voice called again this time less rough but still exasperated.

"I did not say you could leave."

Lynette turned back around yet again.

"You are new here..." He stepped forward, only somewhat, "..I don't recognise you and I tend to know all faces especially those of beautiful young girls."

Her silence had agitated the man, he was not used to such defiance but that was because he would force it out of innocents- just expecting obedience without anything said.

"I am not sure if you are mute or simply have decided to be defiant, which is not so smart on your part, but this is where you tell me your name." He stared at her with impatience.

He raised his eyebrows frustratedly.

"Lynette." She answered idly.

He laughed, "A name worthy of the beauty it has been given to."

Her head turned to the side and she silently begged for a way out of this unnecessarily bothersome conversation she did not wish to be apart off.

"Oh." He sighed, "..do not do that, hide away from me- come let me see, beauty is made to be admired, is it not?" He implored.

Lynette felt the hairs on the back of her neck slowly rise as she turned her head back around, her eyes locked with those of the man before her and where his held a look of pure hunger hers were the opposite they were filled wholly with disgust.

Sudden shouts of excitement bellowed through the doors of the stable as the cheers intensified, the man looked behind him and then without a word being said he left- his feet rushing faster than he could carry himself. Lynette breathed out and slouched against the wall of the stable, she reached down and grabbed the dagger she had tied around her leg and held it by her side.

"Now where did you find that?" A familiar voice inquired.

Lynette looked up and smiled, "I took it."

"You mean stole it, how improper of you." Everard jested.

"No, I mean exactly that, I took it- I am just borrowing it for a while." Lynette exhaled as she walked toward where he was stood, brushing the fur of a horse.

"If I am correct, which I am, you are probably not going to give that back which means you're not borrowing it and you stole it."

Lynette rolled her eyes, "What does it matter to you anyway?"

Everard shook his head, "It does not." He turned to look at her, "If any one of them find out you stole it they will not congratulate you, if that is what you think will happen."

Lynette scoffed, "I am not daft of course I know what will happen."

Everard tilted his head with his brows raised, Lynette nudged him and then stepped back she looked at him as she twirled the tiny dagger in her hand. "I came to...apologise."

"Finally." Everard sighed, "I was wondering how long it would take you."

"I am now beginning to regret that decision."

"Do not, this is a once in a lifetime phenomenon, don't take that away from me." Everard humoured, a laugh followed after.

"You are making it seem like I am some kind of fiend." Lynette rolled her eyes.

"You said it not I."

"Where were you, I came in a while back and you were not in here?" Lynette asked.

"I was taking care of the horses outside, they have come back you know- the brothers and..." Everard placed down the brush, "..they have brought a girl with them, the daughter of Alfred."

Lynette's eyes widened, "King of Wessex, that Alfred?"

"Yes, that is why the men were cheering so loud."

"That is terrible Everard." Lynette smacked his upper arm, "You should have told me sooner."

He scowled and stepped back from the horse to look at her entirely, "Oh my apologies and what exactly do you think you are going to do?"

Lynette sighed, she placed the dagger away safely covering it with her dress and as she stood back up she caught sight of the men outside through the crack of the stable door. They were celebrating, with ale on top of more ale- bright and boisterous cheers of victory. Her heart clenched for her, the daughter- Aethelflaed is her name she heard it being whispered in the air that consumed them. This is what it had meant to be a woman, men snatch you and take you as a prize or use you as a bargaining piece, even as a woman of nobility- a daughter of a king, it mattered nothing- she was still taken. Lynette had learned a thing or two from being among them, these vipers- appear fragile but when the moment is needed she will be anything but, not a second too early nor late that is.

Perhaps it was fated for them to pass through the lands like this, a mere piece on a board never appearing more than what is ingrained into the histories.

Lynette had always wanted more, desired something greater and dreamt of it often- maybe she could be a warrior wielding a sword taking vengeance for all the years of mistreatment.

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A day had passed since the brothers had captured Aethelflaed of Mercia.

The happiness of the men continued to grow in force the longer she was trapped behind the doors in the stables, caged like an animal as they stood before it guarding their pass to what they assume would be glory and power- fools Lynette thought them to be. Since she had arrived back to the land she called home, her days were spent in a blur of what seemed as nothing, she would be in the kitchens, then with Dahlia and at most would find herself conversing with Everard as he tended to the horses.

She did not have much time to think anymore and she liked it that way.

"How is the Lady doing?" One of the girls whispered.

Lynette turned her head around, a dish held in her hand as she watched attentively.

"She is well or at least as well as one can be in such a situation." Another softly replied, "I do not know much else."

"How could they?" She seethed, "...God will see his mercy prevail soon, they have tormented us enough."

Lynette bit her lip and continued at her task, her fingers had began to ache yet she continued rubbing the cloth against the wet dish ridding it of the droplets of water that clung to it.

Her hand reached forth and she grabbed a dry dish, her hands worked quick- she grabbed two apples and thick loaf of bread "I shall take these to the Princess." Lynette murmured before she rushed to leave the room not giving a chance to the frustrated girls in the room with her to question her- Lynette had no desire to be prodded at.

With her head turned downward and a firm grip on the dish she hurried toward the stable, all through the air shouts of excitement reigned as men cheered and hollered and laughed, it was aggravating. The longer the princess was in their captivity the unrulier they became, loud and wild- she feared for her. Lynette did not know why, perhaps it was the fact that she too is a woman- they had come to share pain.

The candle light in the stables flickered less yet the shadows casted appeared larger.

"Who do we have here?" Haesten teased.

Lynette glanced at him momentarily before she looked to behind him, the doors were securely shut with two large pieces of wood- she truly was trapped.

"I have food." Lynette answered, "...for the lady."

"How generous of you." He laughed, "Would you like to pass?"

Lynette gave no response.

"Are you going to offer something, a payment of sort?" Haesten looked to Dagfinn "I think she should, it is only fair." His stare found its way back to Lynette, he raised his brows.

"I was told to bring the food to her." Lynette sighed, it is only a small lie and it was for a good cause.

Haesten rolled his eyes and turned around to open the door, he did so ever so slowly as if he were mocking Lynette. He looked back to her, "Be quick!"

Lynette rushed passed him conveying no answer she entered inside and turned to shut the door with her one free hand. As she gazed around the small stable room, her stare fell upon the lady Aethelflaed sat in the corner- her hair was in two messy braids and her dress covered in dust and dirt, the lady looked up and let out a breath of relief.

"I have food for you...lady." Lynette timidly walked to the table and placed the dish upon there.

Aethelflaed in turn did not move, she did not even look at the food let alone rush toward it and Lynette simply stepped back, awkwardly stood as she observed the room.

"What is your name?" The voice piqued up and Lynette looked back at her, she did not expect her voice to sound so soft and gentle after all she had been through of late.

"Lynette." She responded "...Lady." she quickly added on at the end.

"There is no need for that, you were kind enough to bring me food." Aethelflaed smiled, it was small- all that she could muster for she had no wish to smile not even now. "You are not one of my ladies...were you here before Beamfleot was taken?"

Lynette shook her head, "No..."

"Then?"

"I was..." Lynette blinked, what exactly was she? "...I suppose I was sold."

"Suppose?" Aethelflaed tilted her head from her confusion, "How can you suppose such a thing, you were either sold or not?"

Lynette looked down to mask the smile that had emerged on her lips, "Then I was sold." She corrected herself as she looked back up.

Aethelflaed leaned back, "It is a sinful act- selling of women of anyone, I am sorry."

"You have nothing to apologise for." Lynette whispered.

Aethelflaed nodded her head. A sharing of emotions and a knowing of pains- both girls shrouded by silence yet understood each other as much as they could or even as little. Made up of the strongest of skins yet viewed as delicate, eyes that hold passion and dreams, and hands that reached for it- all tied into a cloud of consideration shared between the two, its reminiscence a gentle wisp in the air.

Lynette thought Aethelflaed to be very beautiful.

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Another two days had passed, this had made it three days since the Lady Aethelflaed was taken as a captive and to be used for their apparent forthcoming magnificence. Kings of Wessex or Mercia or perhaps by some astounding chance the whole of the lands- a senseless image they had conjured up among themselves, it amused Lynette.

She had heard from whispers that the Lady Aethelflaed was taken to be bathed by the river yesterday, the one that surrounded most of Beamfleot- she was escorted by one of the brothers, Erik, and Haesten with a few other men. Many ladies had also left with her for any assistance she may have required.

It was thoroughly perplexing to Lynette, they had heard nothing from the King- Aethelflaed's father. No word or demand or promise of battle, nothing except exhaustive silence. She could not comprehend how alone the lady must be feeling surrounded by brutes that saw one thing in her only, her worth in gold, silver or land.

Her hand worked the clothing precisely, the sewing needle moved in and then out and did so with each flick of her wrist.

"The dress appears to be coming together well." Dahlia's voice called out as she entered the room.

Lynette looked up with a soft smile and mellow nod of her head, "It is- I decided to embroider something onto it.."

"Let me see then."

Lynette shook her head, "It is to be a surprise."

"I see.." Dahlia smiled affectionately.

"I have realised, in all the years I have known you I have never once asked where you learnt to do such a thing, embroidering and with such precision?" Dahlia asked, she tilted her head to watch Lynette sew the dress together perfectly.

Lynette blinked, it was silent and she blinked again. The silence continued she did not answer, she had no answer to give- not any she wished to speak of nor any she could think of. This was the one question she wished no one would ever ask, she did not want speak of where she learnt to do this or who taught her- more or less did not teach her but rather forced it upon her, the only other thing her mother had found important enough than the most essential things- affection, love, tender hands no those were nothing.

"I taught myself." Lynette rushed out.

Dahlia laughed, impressed- "That is remarkable." She muttered.

The dappled light shone through the opened window bringing with it a sweet smell of the morning, it fell freely onto the ground the heat warmed Lynette as she bit her lip in concentration. The blossoming of flower buds arched the silence that now fell upon the two, inside the cooled chamber.

"I want you to stay inside Lynette." Dahlia kindly demanded.

Lynette raised her head up, her hair falling out of place which she quickly pushed back, "I cannot do that, I have much to do- remember?"

"Well you must, at least for today and the coming days." Dahlia stressed, she placed her hand atop Lynette's to stop them from weaving through the cloth, "...for me, please- you should listen."

Lynette sighed as she nodded her head, "I will."

The sun had taken rest and the moon found its place in the night sky mercifully offering its radiant shine to the lands below. Lynette watched the glow illuminate the blades of grass as she made her way to the stables a dish of food firmly grasped in her hand- in the back of her mind she could see the disappointed frown upon Dahlia's face but she could not leave the Lady without food, since the other girls in the fortress claimed they were too frightened to stray too close.

Lynette did not scorn them it, too, was frightening for her.

She entered in quietly, the Lady Aethelflaed was laid down on the bed but upon hearing the sound of the dish hitting the table she sat up- her chest heaved in fright.

"I apologise, I must have startled you." Lynette whispered.

The lady shook her head, "I am glad it is you and not anyone else."

"I brought some meat today." Lynette pushed the dish forward, toward the edge of the table as Aethelflaed sat up- she leaned over and grabbed it, taking a bite out of the bread.

"Thank you, truly." She muttered.

Lynette felt her heart swell in a sting for the girl before her, she appeared a few years younger than Lynette- she sort of reminded her of Fria and that is why her heartache and sorrow for the lady of Mercia was so fierce -a fire blazing perpetually- no end was seen so assured, nor anticipated from the silence that continued.

The door rattled aggressively and both girls turned their head towards it as Lynette caught sight of dirty blonde hair, she stood up and hurried toward Aethelflaed, with a last final hostile thrust the door to the stable opened up and Haesten walked in, his smile dropped when he saw the brunette curly hair of Lynette beside the princess.

"What are you doing in here?" Haesten inquired, his tone low and rather terrifying- he spoke so slowly it unnerved Lynette.

Aethelflaed sat up from her position on the bed, "What do you want?"

His stare moved from Lynette to the lady and he smirked, "What do I want?" He stepped forward, "I am here to remind you that you're a woman...and a hostage, and-" He looked back to Lynette his smile enlarged, "..it appears I have been blessed."

Lynette blinked, "Haesten, you should leave here."

"I see it like that- a blessing, I was expecting just Aethelflaed but you are here too Lynette." He smiled as he stepped forward.

Lynette glanced around the room for something, absolutely anything- and then she remembered the dagger against her leg.

He advanced forward ever so steadily as if he sought to create fear in them, his gaze locked on Aethelflaed -wickedness overlaid his irises, a want so evil it canvased his entire being. He chuckled, "I like the paleness of your skin...show me...take of your clothes." He demanded.

Lynette grabbed Aethelflaed and pushed her behind herself, shielding her from the brute before them. Dread seeped into her blood yet she did not show it, she cannot and she will not- she sucked in a harsh breath and her heart drummed against her chest, she could feel the thumping of it in her ear go on and on unrelentingly, she did not let it distract her.

Aethelflaed grasped Lynette's wrist as she looked toward the man and she swallowed- it appeared as if this was a difficult task for her to do so, for her throat was tightening it seemed hard for her to breathe her breaths released sharp and quick, "Does- does the..Lord Erik know that you're here?" She stuttered out.

Haesten scoffed utterly amused, "It was the Lord Erik that sent me here." The sneer upon his lips was repulsive, entirely sickening and Lynette felt her stomach fill with disquietude.

The Lord Erik would not do this, she knew it. Lynette was not ignorant she could see that Erik had taken a liking toward the Princess and Lady of Mercia. He was gentle when he spoke to her and his eyes held a glimmer of tenderness to them one which a captor would not hold toward his captive. Many a time she had caught him wandering to the stables and at first she thought he was going to torment her but she had fallen upon them, a day ago- after the lady's bathe in the river Lynette was to bring Aethelflaed her food and he was there she saw him tuck a strand of the lady's hair behind her ear, she said nothing -not a word- and just left the food outside.

Haesten is lying.

Do something Lynette- She repeated over and over in her head.

"Now remove your clothes or I will rip them from you!" He impatiently seethed as he took large steps forward.

Suddenly from the corner of her eye Lynette caught Aethelflaed lean down and grab a bucket and within half of a second she had thrown it at Haesten- the water splashed onto his face and he let out a grunt. Lynette pushed the lady back and grabbed a nearby chair smashing it over the head of Haesten with such force she was sure it would cause him immense pain. Her hands reached for her dagger and she rushed forward as the Dane tried to compose himself. His eyes radiated anger and his hands clenched beside him as he tried to grab her but she lunged forward with the dagger- she almost got a chance to stab him but was abruptly stopped when two arms wrapped themselves around her waist pulling her back.

"Dagfinn hold her!" Erik ordered as the other Dane grabbed her, he forced the dagger from out of Lynette's grasp and dragged her back.

Lynette's chest heaved, her breaths were biting and her hands shook with a violent need.

As Haesten tried to stand back up Erik fisted his hand, pulled back and punched the Dane across his cheek with severity. Lynette calmed down in Dagfinn's grasp and her eyes watched the scene unfold before her- the room was suddenly absorbed in fumes of vicious wrath and displeasure, it emitted so clearly from Erik as he shouted "Get up!"

Using her elbow she nudged herself out of Dagfinn's hold, he reluctantly let her go and she rushed toward Aethelflaed with her arms she wrapped the lady in her hold as they both stared ahead.

"Get up!" He shouted much louder, the veins in his forehead protruded out as he leaned in- he glared at Haesten with animosity matching that of the one in Lynette's stare.

Haesten cupped his cheek the ache from the punch had began to seep into his flesh, he turned and stood up with anger enough to rival Erik, "Lord- she is a hostage!"

Erik punched the man once again and Aethelflaed leaned into Lynette's hold- her eyes closed when she heard the crack of Haesten's cheek. Lynette watched the scene with satisfaction she almost found herself smiling, Haesten deserved far worse than he is suffering now but she can be content with this.

"Get up onto your feet!" Erik bellowed.

"She is a hostage!" Haesten stood tall onto his feet, he seethed and he leaned forward with his fists clenched.

"She is precious!" Erik thundered, his enraged glare locked with Haesten. Lynette furrowed her brows, precious. Haesten panted and looked to Erik with bewilderment and Erik had then noticed his mistake, "She is of value!" He added on.

Erik turned and looked around the room before he stared back at Haesten, "Leave us." He demanded. "All of you."

Haesten suspiciously observed the situation his stare wandered from Aethelflaed to Erik and back again as he slowly walked toward the exit- his gaze fixed itself upon Lynette with anger and when Dagfinn patted his shoulder he shoved the touch off before he left- Dagfinn followed after him.

Aethelflaed was still in Lynette's grasp.

Erik looked to the brunette, "Thank you, Lynette."

Lynette nodded her head and stepped back, she let go of Aethelflaed and the girl looked to her with teary eyes- "I cannot thank you enough Lynette all my gratitude is for you." The lady rushed out, her voice still shook slightly.

"I am just glad the Lord Erik got here." Lynette responded quietly.

Erick gently laughed, "Or you may have killed Haesten."

Lynette smiled lightly and then squeezed Aethelflaed's hand before she turned and left the room, being met with a worried Everard at the exit of the stable.

"I heard the disturbance, are you okay?" He rushed out his hand grabbed her face gently and he delicately -hoping to not hurt her- turned it side to side his gaze examined her cheeks.

"I am fine." She sighed as she nudged back his hand, "I am well."

Everard rolled his eyes, "I was worried..." He whispered, "...which I am allowed to be, am I not?"

Lynette felt her guilt return as her past words mockingly taunted her -I do not need your worry- she tilted her head, her face held a solemn look upon it- "Of course you can be, you big oaf."

He scoffed, "I am oaf- really?"

Her feet pushed passed him and she walked out of the stables, Everard followed beside her "If I am oaf then what am I to call you?" He snapped jestingly.

She ignored him for she felt suddenly odd as if something lingered around her that she could not quite place. Something floated in the air- a sensation, a feeling, an essence of somebody Lynette could not quite shake it off herself, it had bound itself to her skin. She felt mystified, an uncanny yet familiar aroma filtered through the breeze as a separate entity. A thread that was tied to the universe yet was entirely unknown to the fates and the stars that roamed the darkness. A seductive whisper of taunting- as if the breeze held a secret concealed to the cerulean eyes of Lynette- a secret that the skies had put forth for her to uncover.

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"Sihtric, take Rypere there and go to Beamfleot, that is where Erik and Sigefrid's fleet lie, that is where they will be. You are to confirm the Lady Aethelflaed is alive and how they are treating her, send Rypere back to me at Coccham. You will remain there and yes you are to spy, Sihtric I will need to know every part of Beamfleot."

He sat at the back.

Sihtric kept himself emerged at the farthest end of the fortress and observed each and every person in it with an intense yet masked gaze. He had been here for a day, in this day he had come to learn he despised being here and would rather prefer the comfort of Coccham where he was among friends, or perhaps beside Valaena so they could both continue what they had began doing the past two years -the search- but he had promised Uhtred he would do this, assist him yet again as he had pledged.

His stare wandered the grounds, it locked itself onto the large building at the other end. The stables, he knew she would be in there- The lady Aethelflaed.

He had heard nothing alarming, at least for now and so he had sent Rypere back with information of the fortress. They had, together, examined it from both ends- front and back, memorised each blade of grass that covered the land and every single way to enter and exit the fortress.

Sihtric remained ever attentive to his surroundings.

A man nudged Sihtric, he passed him a cup filled to the brim with ale to which Sihtric grabbed and just passed onto the man sat on his other side-  he took it happily and gulped the entire content of it down in a few seconds, he did so too quick for some of the drink travelled down the skin of his neck and stained his tunic.

"Sigefrid which woman is mine?" Haestan's foul voice inquired as he stepped forward.

Sihtric's stare followed after.

The doors to the fortress opened up and Sigefrid alongside some other men rode in atop horses, before them a small crowd of women tied together at the wrist by ropes walked in, with scars coated in blood covered their faces and wrists bruised they kept their eyes fixed to the gravelled ground beneath their bare feet.

Sihtric clenched his jaw in disgust -at the men- as he watched.

"The ugly one." Sigefrid replied in amusement.

With an exhale bathed in frustration Sihtric turned his head and glanced elsewhere.

He was suddenly absorbed in a strange sensation it trickled through the breeze and loitered around him as if it were trying to attach itself to him. He breathed out and a cloud of warm air formed and flew alongside the winds- the cool winds as they rushed through his hair and unwantedly seeped through the thickness of his clothing he could feel the shivers arise but it seemed the piercing air is not only to blame.

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They had finally arrived and Sihtric breathed out a breath of relief, he walked forward his eyes landed on the doors opening and fell upon Uhtred who entered- with him came Finan, Osferth, Valaena, Aethelred, Aldhelm, Steapa, Pyrlig and Clapa. The crowds of Danes that had formed would have overwhelmed even the strongest of men but Uhtred is not just any man- he stood before them fierce and rather humoured by the performance, trying to elicit fear in him.

"You will kneel." Sigefrid demanded.

Valaena scoffed with shock- she rolled her eyes and then watched as Osferth almost began to do so, "We will not." Uhtred replied.

Valaena grabbed Osferth and stood him up she then leaned into his side and whispered, "They want to make us out to be fools, embarrass us, do not oblige."

"We have come here in peace and as equals, you have made us walk a good distance to meet you. That is respect enough." Uhtred responded with his brows raised in a challenging manner.

Sihtric watched as Sigefrid silently advanced a few steps forward until he was closer to Uhtred, "You should have joined me, Uhtred." He taunted the malicious of his intent masked by his supposed agreeability.

"If you wished for me to join you, why have a dead man tell a prophecy?" Uhtred grinned slightly from amusement, "Why didn't you simply ask?"

"Well, me, you would refuse but..." Sigefrid tilted his head upward towards the sky a similar grin upon his lips.

Uhtred seemed impressed almost, "The King of Wessex sends his greeting...he hopes you have enjoyed the company of his daughter." His stare wandered the crowd of men, Danes, with swords latched to their sides or ale cups stitched to their palms.

Sigefried chuckled he, too, turned and roamed the crowd, "Enjoyed her?" He beguiled he looked to his brother Erik with a nod of amusement.

Uhtred scoffed, "Oh- she is not his favourite, why else would he have allowed her to marry the pig's arse standing behind me?"

Valaned chuckled, she tilted her head and her irises swarmed the crowds as she searched for the familiar pair of grey eyes among the masses of people.

Aethelred clenched his jaw and stepped forward with frustration, "Before any negotiations take place, the pig's arse wishes to be certain his wife is well." He glared at Uhtred before turning to look back at the brothers with just as much of an intense gaze.

Erik scowled and walked forward, "And if she is not well, what then?" He raised his brows- he looked around at the Danes and then back to the Mercian man before him. "What will the pig's arse do, fart?" Erik seethed down at Aethelred with furious detestation, it fanned of him and strayed through the men.

Uhtred noticed his behaviour and he looked back to Valaena who watched with bewilderment and suspicion. Sigefried, unknown to his brothers unseemly behaviour, chuckled yet again thoroughly humoured by the situation.

"Will you fight me?" Erik inquired, slowly he enunciated the words and leaned closer his breath was fanning Aethelred's face. He turned to look at Sigefrid, "Will you fight my brother?"

"I would like that." Sigefrid quipped in.

Erik glared at the Merican one last time before he turned around with a disgusted scoff, he glanced outward then proceeded to circle Aethelred as he demanded "You alone will kneel."

Aethelred shook his head "I will not."

Erik suddenly and with fury grabbed Aethelred's shoulder, his fingers dug into the skin and he pushed the man down to him knees- harshly so that the skin of them would graze the rubble of the ground painfully, "Kneel!" He shouted as he did so.

Aethelred grunted and gasped, he felt his knees hit the ground and the sting of pain shocked him. The men around him laughed and cheered. "I have come to negotiate! I demand respect!" Aethelred bellowed in irritation, a mix of embarrassment and indignation. "If you do not wish to hear my price then I will leave happily." He continued as he stood up, his legs shook slightly as the ache only intensified he could still feel Erik's brutal grip on his shoulders.

Across from the commotion in one of the buildings the window was open and Lynette stood as a veiled shadow gazing out as she watched the scene unravel- the shouts of laughter and cheer had piqued her interest even when Dahlia had told her not to go outside nor to look out the window she had found herself doing the latter.

Her stare wandered and then she stood taller and leaned in closer when she saw her, Aetheflaed be dragged out and pushed toward the man who only moments prior was on the ground- she had assumed that was Lord Aethelred of Mercia and it appears she was right.

"Lynette, step away from the window." She heard Dahlia's tired voice demand.

Lynette jumped from the sudden break in noise and turned around she brushed back her hair and then walked from the window to sit down beside her on the chaise- it had began to rip at the edge and she had meant to sew it back together but she just could not find the time to.

"The Lord Aethelred is not as handsome as talk had made him out to be." Lynette whispered to Dahlia.

Dahlia looked to her with a laugh, "Is that so? tell me then, how does he appear?"

"Well, fine I would say he is marginally handsome but I do not quite know myself, he seems rather insincere." Lynette answered.

"I meant appear, as in his appearance what- is he beastly?"

"Oh, I see..." Lynette chuckled, she shook her head "..no not beastly but appearances can be deceiving."

Dahlia nodded her head in agreement, "I know that... you, yourself, are quite deceiving."

"How so?"

"I heard you almost killed Haesten." She grinned- Dahlia nudged Lynette.

"Now he is a beast." Lynette snickered.

.𖥔 ݁ ˖☾𖤓.𖥔 ݁ ˖

The night had come and passed. Uhtred and the men had settled on a price to be paid for the release of Aethelflaed and now they had left after Uhtred had spoken with the lady in private- she had unveiled something that the man would have never expected and so he turned away from the fortress to go back to Wessex with a heavy heart and worry that controlled his every thought.

Sihtric had spoken with Valaena before she left- she wished to know about his well being and if he was keeping his identify covered, the fact that he is one of the enemies men, a spy- the conversation was brief barely even a minute long before she had left him to himself.

He remained behind for a while longer- Uhtred had also revealed something to him about Aethelflaed and Erik and for that specific reason he was told to stay behind until further notice.

Sihtric found himself, the longer he stayed here, growing impatient and detached from what was around him- he often found himself wholly immersed in his thoughts. A greater yearning which only escalated the further he strayed into the depths of his mind, his soul incited him- riled him and reminded him of his purpose, the promise he had made three years ago which refused to relinquish a hold of his heart.

The early morning had emerged and the daylight unsealed the hues of the earth, the lands being covered in the amber and aureate glares of the arising sun. The dappled clouds had began to appear as they floated through the blue-grey backdrop that is the sky, so effortlessly in a prance as if it were designed to do as such.

His stare watched as an aggravated Sigefrid pushed past his brother and angrily ventured inside a building which Sihtric had not even realised stood for it was too far from where he had kept himself.

Sigefrid slammed open the door to Dahlia's chamber and she in turn stood from her seat she dropped the chalice that was in her hold and then when she realised who had entered with such disrespect she scowled.

"You are the most impudent person I know." She snapped as she kicked passed the chalice, "You have never come here, it must be important for the Lord Sigefrid to make an appointment here." She ridiculed his name.

Sigefrid clenched his jaw, "He will ruin everything."

Dahlia blinked in confusion, "Who?"

"My fucking brother, the fool- he has fallen in love with her, the prisoner." He turned around his features covered in refined rage of frustration, "...or something of the sort- he has attached himself to her, it is not good."

"That is...concerning."

"It is more than that, she is worth weights and more in silver and he will ruin that for us." Sigefrid snapped exasperatedly.

"He will come out of it in time..." Dahlia began, she stepped forward and her voice was sharp "...it is most likely just an infatuation, I have heard she is quite beautiful."

Sigefrid stepped forward, his eyes widened in realisation and a glimmer of devilry glared through his dark irises, "If it is a beautiful woman he desires then he shall have one."

Dahlia's eyebrows creased and she tilted her head, "I am not quite sure what you-"

"Tell your maid- servant girl whoever she is, that she is to be wed soon and a grand spectacle it will be." Sigefrid laughed as if he had thought of the perfect solution, for him perhaps but the dread that now coated Dahlia was extreme she felt her heart almost drop and her eyes widen.

Lynette stood latched to the wall outside the room, her hand against her chest to try and calm her beating heart- it was thundering out of control the longer Sigefrid spoke. His words echoed in her mind unceasingly and with each cycle the tone become deeper and more demanding as if it had risen from the depths of the fiery pits of hell.

"No." Dahlia had snapped out.

Lynette heard Sigefrid scoff in laughter, "I do not recall ever asking- it is a demand, an order and you will carry it out wife."

"I will do no such thing, there are plenty of women here- she is to be left alone." Dahlia sneered.

"Yes you are right, there is a sea of women." He sarcastically responded, "...but I have seen her grow closer to the princess- this will break their attachment and in turn I get to show you that it is- I that control you not the other way around, it will be best for you understand that." He snarled the last part with frustration.

Lynette could hear his footsteps and she hastily turned and entered into the room. Sigefrid's head turned and a large grin announced itself upon his lips as he cheered, "The exact lady I was hoping to see."

Dahlia stood behind him and a few steps to his right, she shook her head and urged for her to leave.

"I- Lord, I beseech you to think again I do not wish to wed your brother." Lynette revealed, she tried to speak with force but her voice came out as a timid flutter.

Sigefried walked up to her, his steps sluggish and creeping as he came to stop before her- so close she felt as if she could feel the patter of his heart alongside her own, his was slower more intimidating as opposed to her frantic one.

"You will be a good girl and obey, you are, are you not?" Sigefrid spoke gently yet Lynette could not help but feel trapped, she could sense her nerves unravelling as if they were scorched by burning water.

No, this is enough- when will it end?

She breathed in, her hands shook and she clenched her jaw but it still trembled, "No."

Sigefrid blinked, he scowled and narrowed his eyes into slits. The silence that reigned -formidably and with unsettling cruelty- it pierced itself through her skin and roamed her body with freedom all the while she stood before him in unease. Dahlia stepped forward but she was not quick enough, Sigefrid's hand had risen and the callous palm of it hit Lynette's cheek as her head turned to the side- the echo of the slap resounded through the room and Lynette could feel the sting of it almost instantly emerge. The skin of her cheek red and a small cut had appeared from the hefty ring he was wearing she could feel the blood trickle down the skin.

Her head remained to the side, too shocked to even move.

"What the fuck are you doing? this- Sigefrid." Lynette heard Dahlia shout out in anger.

With a gasp Lynette felt Sigefrid's hand wrap itself around the back of her neck with a deathly grip- his fingers biting into her neck and she heaved out in pain, he leaned into her "Never speak to me in such a way again, do you understand?" He snarled.

Lynette kept quiet- so quiet and still yet she could feel her rage growing, it was subtle but it boiled.

"You will do what I have asked and it will be on the morrow as soon as the sun has risen." He pushed her back by her neck and Lynette tripped over her feet and harshly fell to the ground. Sigefrid rushed passed her and out the door. Dahlia hurried toward her and wrapped her arms around Lynette she lifted her up and placed her onto the wooden bed while Lynette kept her stare locked onto the ground, her hair covered her face.

Stillness surrounded them, it was not a serene one -not one you may find at the edge of a beach watching the ocean roll in and then back out as the waves crashed upon each other- it was completely doused in pain, the rage of both women melting together like sea foam. Lynette stayed taciturn, she wished not to speak as long as her anger raged and her heart broke, it remained as such and Dahlia decided to say nothing she just kept her arm wrapped around the girl in a tender embrace.

"I will not marry him." Lynette whispered brokenly yet with such fierce intent- her head remained downward. Dahlia saw tiny droplets of blood on the girls lap and she grabbed her head gently and lifted it up to be met with the cut on her cheek.

Once she had grabbed all that was to be needed she sat down before Lynette again and dabbed the wet cloth delicately against the cut, "You will not have to."

"No! I mean it, I will not- Dahlia please I cannot." Lynette urged, her chest heaved too fast she felt as if it was caging in on itself squeezing the life out of her. "You have to help me."

Dahlia embraced Lynette into a hug, she could feel the girl shake in her grasp and then she felt droplets of wet on the back of her neck, Lynette was crying.

"Oh my sweet girl..." Dahlia pulled back, she wiped away Lynette's tears- "...my Lynette."

Her heart raced rapidly with each shallow breath she took, "I cannot marry him Sihtric would hate it." Lynette whispered out in a stutter.

Dahlia gazed at her with saddened eyes which only deepened when she heard what the girl had said.

A cataclysmic sense of trepidation pricked at her, her heart, her mind, her skin and even the air that lingered around her so suffocatingly she felt like she had began to drown. Lynette shook her head, "We must leave." She looked to Dahlia with wide eyes.

"Lynette-"

"No, now come on you must get up, we have to go." Lynette stood up and she rushed to the drawer and began to open it when Dahlia approached her and grabbed her hand gently.

"Lynette listen to me." Dahlia turned her around "...we cannot at least not now, not until I see that man perish."

"He will not die on the morrow, that is when I am to be wed we cannot please, we will take only the essentials." Lynette stressed she seemed desperate, it broke Dahlia to see her like that.

Dahlia wrapped her hand around the girl's wrist and rubbed her thumb against the skin in a manner to soothe her as she walked her back to the bed, she grabbed the cloth and placed it back against the cheek. A tear rolled down her cheek, "Dahlia we should leave." Lynette whispered.

"We will Lynette." She replied just as quietly.

"Sihtric would be so hurt." Lynette muttered, she appeared to be speaking of him as if he were here and Dahlia felt her heart clench at that.

A mirror of reminiscence so distant. Lynette felt as if she was burning in flames that sought to engulf her whole, sharp thorns ventured upon her skin engraved paths of heartache, the piercing sting summoned to remind her of him of how it was always and will always only ever be him.

It was midday and Lynette had finally controlled herself or at least a version of that, she remained in Dahlia's chamber beside her enshrouded in the fear of what is to come the next day. With each fall of a leaf the morning of the morrow only grew closer and Lynette's trepidation only doubled- a twofold of immense apprehension plagued her mind.

Through her worry she had recalled a name, Aethelflaed and so she had rushed out of the room her mind set on talking to the Lady of Mercia, the princess- the daughter of the King of Wessex.

She pushed back the pieces of wood and entered inside, astoundingly there was no man outside guarding her door. Aethelflaed turned when she heard the door open and her chest defleated from its alarm when she saw the slightly curled hair of Lynette.

"Oh thank goodness, it is good to see that it is you." Aethelflaed sighed, Lynette turned and the lady gasped she approached Lynette "...your cheek, the cut." She gasped in worry.

Lynette ignored that, "Do you know?"

"Know what?"

"That I am to wed Erik." Lynette snapped frustaredly.

Aethelflaed's mouth opened, agape, and she blinked while she nodded her head slowly, "Yes I do, please Lynette he only agreed because he had no choice Sigefrid was becoming suspicious and for the plan to-"

"Suspicious." Lynette sneered, "...and what now? I am put in the middle of this, I did not ask for it so why?"

Aethelflaed reached forth and grabbed Lynette's hand, "Please listen you-"

"I will not marry him nor will I appear in such a way." Lynette revealed.

Aethelflaed squeezed Lynette's hand, "You must- Lynette I implore you." She sighed, "...please."

Lynette remained silent, she was truly adamant on her answer.

The sense of realisation dripped through Aethelflaed as she pulled back "You love another?" She whispered.

"No." Lynette wisped out so quick the word barely had time to be heard, "...Is it wrong of me to not desire a match especially one I am forced into?" She pressed.

Aethelflaed shook her head, "You do love another...Lynette I see it in the way you speak and how you are looking at me now- in this moment." The lady hushed kindly, "...do not worry you will not marry Erik just keep up a façade."

Lynette blinked in confusion, "A façade?"

"Yes, I have a plan- I spoke with one of my father's men he will help us, Erik and I, to escape before that even occurs." Aethelflaed rushed out.

Lynette sighed she glanced downwards letting herself bask in the feeling of relief before she looked to Aethelflaed once again, "And you are sure of this?"

"I am."

She felt a tear roll down her cheek, it was one of happiness of solace and ease and freedom- she will not have to wed him, she felt as if she could crumble to the ground in a mess of tears.

"Perhaps we may get the chance for a double wedding..." Aethelflaed jested.

Lynette looked to her, her chin trembled and her eyes slightly welled up with tears in response she simply nodded her head yet Aethelflaed, ever preceptive, noticed her strange behaviour.

"I have said something, I apologise- I, who is this man?" Aethelflaed whispered.

Lynette blinked away her tears and she turned her head away for a moments time to try and capture herself again- her stability, the strength she had built up, "I do not love another truly I am just...relieved."

"Is he...did he leave you?" Aethelflaed inquired, she had not given up and Lynette wondered why? Just let it go.

"It is nothing of the sort- I must go but...please I hope your plan comes to fruition and quick." Lynette squeezed Aethelflaed's hand and then not allowing for the lady to respond she hurriedly left the room, she had then felt the dam of tears explode coating her whole face in the salty precipitation.

Sihtric had returned back, after delivering the letter written by Aethelflaed -earlier that day- to Uhtred. He was told by the man to remain at Beamfleot for when they attack. He had returned later that day, the sun had dipped behind the horizon the hues rolled together in a soft verse casting orange shadows along the ground. Night was forthcoming soon, the dimness of the horizon and its shadows was just call for it. Sihtric had arrived back to a mess, a crowd of men inside the hall- it was so packed that the hall had no more spare space left to fit another person so bodies had began to emerge out the doors.

He, with furrowed brows and dread percolating his limbs, pushed through the men and arrived inside, there- a cage hung from the ceiling of the hall and behind the bars was the lady Aethelflaed as men shouted and cheered, some even walked the stairs and reached over the balcony to rock the cage as she gripped on as tears streamed down the cold skin of her pink cheeks.

Only mere steps away stood Lynette between a group of other men tall enough to almost veil her but not enough for exactly that, she looked up at the cage with distress and vexation- her fingers, unknowingly to herself, began to pick at the skin around her nails as she thickly gulped.

Night had canvased the sky, the stars shyly peeked though and the moon had shone among the monochrome conceptions of the desolate dim sky- the air was shrouded in a suffocating clasp. Fire from the candlelight in the room shone across the floor, a hallowed glow attached itself to the walls of the hall.

Sihtric, too, in his disbelief hurriedly glanced around the room perhaps he was searching for Erik but instead- his body froze entirely- he could not even feel the beat of his own heart nor the twitch of his fingers neither the brushes of other men as they pushed passed him. He shook his head and then glanced back and still- she was there, the candlelight flowed over her as her head was tilted back staring at the cage. He did not know if what he was seeing was just another taunt from his mind, he had dreamt of her much too often that the dreams would sometimes pour into the waking hours- what if this is one of those moments?

He gasped out a breath of air and slouched back, his feet would not move- why are they not moving?

He had began to feel his heart again, it was fast too quick- he feared that he may fall to the ground. In his desperation he looked to a man beside him, tall and dirty blonde hair with piercing blue eyes he breathed out and asked, "Do you see that girl over there?" He pointed straight at Lynette.

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A/N: Chapter Fifteen! A longer chapter and Sihtric has seen Lynette Yay!!!!! I really hoped you enjoyed this chapter as much as I did writing it.

Don't forget to comment and vote, thank you so much for reading 🫶