▃▃▃▃▃ ‧₊˚⊹ ‧₊˚⊹ ▃▃▃▃▃
THE LAST KINGDOM
𝐀𝐂𝐓 𝐓𝐇𝐑𝐄𝐄 ─── ❛ Dane slayer

SERPENTS TONGUE ₊˚.༄𖥸 ── 
𑁍₊𓄹 -- ❪ the last kingdom ❫. 𓄹
╭ ‧₊˚⊹    你好，欢迎光临           
╰ ✦ disowned╭ ᘒ ✦

Some of the Danes had left Dunholm in the morning, but some stayed. And that included Æthelwold, much to Athena's dismay.

But Athena had spent her morning with Ragnar's children. She was aware Brida wasn't their mother, due to the fact she could not have children. But she had met her brother's children, and they were a joy to be around.

She stood beside Ragnar when the bells went off, making Athena look up with a frown. "What is it?" Brida asked, walking towards the man.

"Traders, maybe." The man shrugged, not knowing whom the people were on the opposite side of the wall.

Brida moved to look over the ledge, turning back around and looking down to Ragnar. "One man, one woman."

"Unbar the gates." Ragnar told one of his men with a nod. Athena crossed her arms over her chest as she leaned against the wooden pillar, watching as the gates opened. "Let's take a look at them."

Athena's eyes widened as she looked over to the two. It was Thyra and Beocca. Ragnar stood up straight as he looked over to his other sister. "Thyra."

Athena followed Ragnar and walked towards the pair, a slight smile on her lips. "Thyra, what are you doing here?" Ragnar asked, a slight frown on his face.

"Are you not glad to see me?" Thyra asked with a smile, pulling her horse to a stop. Athena pursed her lips as she turned to Beocca, remembering the night in Winchester.

Ragnar helped Thyra off of her horse, pulling her into a hug. "Look at you, you're beautiful." Ragnar sighed, holding onto Thyra.

"I didn't get a compliment when I arrived." Athena playfully rolled her eyes, moving towards Thyra and pulling her into a hug once Ragnar moved away. "I am glad to see you, sister."

Thyra nodded her head with a smile, pulling out of the hug as she looked between her siblings.

Athena looked over to Beocca, who was standing to the side with a weary expression. Athena sigh left her lips as she moved towards the man, a gentle look on her face. "How are you?" She asked, pursing her lips. "How is Winchester?"

Beocca slowly nodded his head with a faint smile, hands clasped in front of him. "I am well, as is Winchester."

Athena nodded her head with a soft sigh, moving forwards to hug the priest. "I am glad." She responded, pulling away with a soft smile.

"You have done all this way." Ragnar continued to speak to Thyra, who's smile didn't drop.

"To see you and Athena." Athena grinned at that, squeezing Thyra's shoulder with a soft look.

"And who's the priest here to see?" Brida walked towards them, side-eyeing Beocca.

"Brida, my angel, I see you swallowed yet another wasp." Beocca sarcastically responded to the woman, making Athena roll her eyes.

Thyra moved towards Brida, pulling her into a hug. "Beocca insisted on accompanying me." Thyra reassured with a gentle look.

Beocca nodded his head at that. "That is true, in part." He looked between Ragnar and Athena. "I am also here to carry out the King's order and formally banish Uhtred from Wessex."

Athena raised her brow at that, wondering why she wasn't banished from Wessex like Uhtred. "Such an order is required by law." Beocca continued, spotting Uhtred moving towards them. "When Thyra had grown tired of her brothers' and sister's company, we shall be gone." He summed up to them.

"So you came all this way to tell Uhtred what he already knows?" Brida raised her brow, titling her head to the side with a frown.

Beocca nodded his head, pointing towards the man. "To see the boy one last time." He tilted his head to the side. "Kick his arse, perhaps."

"That would be a sight to see." Athena grinned over at Beocca, nodding her head with a slight chuckle as she watched Uhtred move towards Thyra, pulling her into a hug.

"My children, are they well?" Uhtred immediately asked, holding Thyra close. "Have you heard?"

Thyra nodded her head with a reassuring look. "They are well and they are being cared for." She reassured Uhtred.

"And my cat?" Athena asked with a grin, watching as Thyra turned to her and nodded her head with a smile. "Good." Athena nodded her head, making Ragnar nudge her side.

Uhtred squeezed Thyra's arm, glancing over to Beocca with pinched brows. "I will speak to the priest later." He simply said before walking away.

Athena sighed, clapping her hands in front of her stomach as she looked over to Beocca, sending him a sympathetic look.

Athena sat in the hall of Dunholm, happily eating away at the food Brida put in front of her. "This priest, he is your happiness?" Ragnar suddenly spoke, his eyes on Thyra as he pointed to Beocca.

"He is." Thyra softly nodded her head with a smile, looking over to her husband, who smiled back at her. "I could not be without him."

"Nor I, you." Beocca responded with a gentle look, making Athena smile. She was glad her sister found her happiness, and she was glad Beocca gave her that. "We did see the, uh, charming Earl Hæsten on the road. I know him from his visits to Winchester." Beocca then said, looking over to Ragnar. "Is he an ally to you, as well as to Alfred?"

"Hæsten is a Dane." Ragnar simply said, tilting his head to the side.

"Indeed."

"And is Uhtred and Athena." Ragnar added, making Athena look up from her food, slowly nodding her head as she sent a smile to Beocca.

"Father Beocca..." Athena groaned, lowering her head as she heard the voice of Æthelwold. "Welcome to Dunholm."

Athena looked over her shoulder at the man, whom held a smug look. "Comes to no surprise to see you here." Beocca pursed hips lips, his expression matching Athena's.

"Amongst friends." Æthelwold still held to smug look on his face, making Athena roll her eyes.

"None of these people are your friends, Æthelwold." Athena bitterly said, raising the fork in her hand. "Now leave, before I stab this into your eye." She threatened with a glare, watching as Æthelwold smug expression dropped, quickly walking away.

Athena grinned at that, dropping her fork down as she turned to the table. Ragnar rolled his eyes with a slight grin, making Athena shrug her shoulders. "What? I do not like him." She simply said, pointing towards Ragnar. "Do not trust him. He is a snake."

After her meal, Athena had reunited with a group, knowing Thyra would want to rest after her long travel.

Athena pulled her cloak around her shoulders, resting her head against Melusine's shoulders as the group spoke away to each other.

"How are you feeling?" Melusine quietly asked the Dane, raising her shoulder slightly as Athena lifted her head.

The blonde shrugged her shoulders, playing with the ends of her hair as she let out a dramatic sigh. "I miss ale."

Melusine chuckled at that, shaking her head with an amused look. Athena turned her head to the side with a sincere look. "What? You do not understand how hard it is to deny the offer of ale." Athena added with pursed lips.

"You will live, Thena." Melusine squeezed her arm, making Athena roll her eyes, placing her chin in her palm with a pout. "Have you told anyone?" Her words below a whisper as she leaned into Athena.

Athena shook her head with a troubled expression, pursing her lips. "Nope." Melusine sighed at that. "I was going to. Until Bloodhair and Hæsten rocked up." Athena quickly added as she bit her inner cheek.

Before Melusine could reply, she looked up to see Beocca walk towards the table. "Finan." Beocca called out to the Irishman, making everyone else turn.

"Father Beocca." Finan stood, nodding his head as he looked over to the priest. "It is good to see you."

Beocca nodded his head in agreement, moving towards the table as she looked at the group, then Uhtred. "Some privacy?" He politely asked.

"Sit yourself down, Father." Finan nodded his head as Osferth and Sihtric stood up. "We all need to piss."

"We will go see Thyra." Melusine then said with a polite smile, making Athena move to stand up.

"Athena, you can stay." Beocca reassured, making Athena frown. But she sat down, nodding at Melusine with a smile.

Once the rest of the group left, Beocca sat himself down beside Athena and infront of Uhtred. Athena shared a look with her brother, her eyes narrowing slightly as she sent him a warning look. "What is all this?" Beocca sighed, nodding around to the Danes. "You seem to be preparing for battle."

Athena watched as Uhtred paused his movements, raising his sword that he was cleaning. "It is not your concern." He simply said, making Athena sigh as she rested her head in her hands.

"I fear it may become my concern quite soon." Beocca quickly said, his words sharp as he stared at Uhtred.

Uhtred sighed, looking up at Beocca with a troubled expression. "Give your message and be on your way." Beocca looked down for a moment. "Please, say it."

"I am not here to chide you if to save you, and I'm not here for Alfred." Beocca admitted, making Athena sit up and turn her head to face him. "I am here for Æthelflæd. She's in hiding in a nunnery."

Athena's eyes winded at that, her lips slightly apart as she stared at the priest. "Is she well?" Athena quickly asked, making Beocca nod his head. "Hiding from whom?"

"Her husband." Beocca answered, making Athena brows pinch together in confusion. "He plans to have her killed." Beocca explained, making Athena's eyes narrow slightly.

"This is not our worry." Uhtred hesitantly said, making Athena turn to him with a scoff. "She had guards, she has the King, she had Steapa too."

"She's asked for Athena and Uhtred." Beocca gave him a pointed look, gazing over to Athena, whom was glaring at her brother. Athena would help Æthelflæd. She swore to protect the woman, and she wouldn't stop. "Did Æthelwold journey here alone?" Beocca then said, making Athena frown at the conversation change.

"He arrived with Hæsten and Bloodhair, Father." Athena answered with a slight glare, hating all three of the men.

"Having first paid a visit to Æthelred." Beocca then revealed, making Athena pause, turning to the priest once more. "Yes. That is what he did." Uhtred and Athena shared a look at that. "Am I to assume the plan is to make Æthelwold the next King of Wessex?"

Athena scoffed at that, shaking her head as she brought her hand to her mouth. She looked over to Uhtred, whom had the same expression as her. "If Hæsten is returning south, then soon he will know where Æthelflæd is hiding." He wearily stared between the two siblings.

"Beocca, me and my sister have given half of our lives to Wessex." Uhtred hesitantly shook his head as Athena bit her inner cheek. "I will give no more." He looked over to Athena, whom was in deep in thought.

"She says you are both sworn to her." Beocca continued to look between them both, trying to get across to them—mostly Uhtred.

Athena wouldn't hesitate to help Æthelflæd, but what about Ragnar? "That you promised to come to her aid should her husband threaten her." Beocca continued, his words firm.

"This is a trick." Uhtred shook his head, running a hand over his chin. "This is Alfred's doing."

"Æthelflæd hereby releases you both from that oath." Beocca leaned forwards, his eyes narrowed with a troubled look. "She asks for your help, not because you are her oathmen. But because you are the two people that she trusts most."

Athena fidgeted with her rings as she pursed her lips, looking over to Uhtred, whom held a troubled expression. "I will do whatever Æthelflæd needs me to do." Athena sucked in a heavy breath, looking over to Beocca as she ignored Uhtred's look. Athena would go help Æthelflæd on her own if she had to.

Beocca nodded his head at her words, knowing she would help Æthelflæd despite not being in Winchester.

Soon, Beocca left the two siblings on their own, both sitting in silence as they thought. Athena had been stressing more than usual, which Uhtred had caught on to. But he did not want to pester her, knowing she would tell him if she needed to.

"Are you really willing to risk everything and help Æthelflæd?" Uhtred leaned closer towards Athena from over the table.

Athena looked up, a heavy sigh leaving her lips as she scratched the side of her neck. "Yeah." She nodded her head, biting her bottom lip. "I care for Æthelflæd, Uhtred." She brought her other hand to grasp his own. "As do you. We cannot let her be slain by her own husband. She needs us—she only came to seek aid from us."

Uhtred took in her words, squeezing her hand as he let out a heavy sigh. "I know." He muttered, pursing his lips in through. "And Ragnar?"

She almost winced at the sound of her brother's name, pulling an awkward look. "I'll talk to him." She insisted, but she wouldn't betray her brother. She'd help Æthelflæd and then return. "And I'll also talk to Æthelwold." She gritted her teeth, tilting her head to the side. "Are you sure I can't kill him, brother?"

Uhtred couldn't help but chuckle at her words, squeezing her hand with a grin. Athena mimicked his grin, leaning back in her seat and watching as Osferth, Sihtric and Finan moved towards them once more.

The three sat back down, cups of ale in hand. Athena smiled at the three, making room for Finan to sit down beside her. She shook her head when Finan offered her a cup of ale, ignoring the look Sihtric sent her.

The three men all looked between the siblings, whom shared a look. Uhtred and Athena had to choose between sides once more.

Athena avoided the men's gazes, whilst Uhtred let out a sigh. "Say nothing." Uhtred shook his head, lowering his head.

"I won't so much as fart in your direction, lord." Finan jested, shaking his head as he leaned forwards on the table. "I'll simply say to Sihtric here that this great army we're supposedly gathering can never hold." 

"Agreed." Sihtric sighed, nodding his head at Finan's words.

"And I'll mention to Osferth that I did not come north only to turn and march south." Finan continued, directing his words towards the siblings.

Athena pursed her lips as she leaned her chin in her palm, staring down at the wooden table. "Nor me, Finan." Osferth piped up from in-front of Athena.

Finan sighed as he leaned towards Uhtred. "If the North is your home, your birthright. Then why are we not looking towards Bebbanburg?" He asked, making Uhtred look up. "Now that is a fight we can believe in." Uhtred looked up with a sigh, licking at lips as Finan continued.

Athena kept her gaze down, not wanting to be part of the conversation that revolved around betraying Ragnar. She just wanted to save Æthelflæd. "Uhtred," Finan leaned forwards once more, glancing between the siblings, whom both held troubled looks. "Athena...I am begging ya as your friend, do not do this." Athena pursed her lips at that, closing her eyes momentarily. "We should leave this place."

"And abandon our brother?" Athena immediately said, her brows pinching together as she sat up. "How can we do that?" She shook her head, not wanting to be in this conversation.

Finan turned his head to the side, watching her sudden shift in emotion. He bit his tongue for a moment, knowing Athena would not leave Ragnar for a second time. "You must."

Athena shook her head, running her hand over her face with a scoff, abruptly standing up and moving away from the table, not wanting to listen anymore.

She knew they didn't want to fight against Wessex, but she could not leave Ragnar again, not when she just got him back. She couldn't.

Finan couldn't help but watch helplessly as Athena walked away, clearly angered by what he had said. He ignored the glance Sihtric sent him as he ran his hand through his hair with a sigh.

Athena would not turn down the offer to yell at Æthelwold. So, when Uhtred came to her, telling her that they would confront Æthelwold, she didn't hesitate to agree.

The pair walked into the hall, seeing Æthelwold sat with a smug look, talking to the Danes around the table.

Athena moved to sit beside him, whilst Uhtred sat in front of him. The man shifted at the sudden presence of the siblings, looking at them both with a weary expression. "Uhtred. Athena." He nodded at the pair, clasping his hands in front of him as he rested his shoulders on the table.

Athena spun her dagger in her hand, turning to Æthelwold with a raised brow. "What did you say to Æthelred?" She asked with a sarcastic smile, watching as his grin dropped completely.

"What? What do you mean?" He instantly said, fidgeting with his hands as he stared at the pair, trying to ignore the dagger in Athena's hand.

Uhtred sat up, shrugging his shoulders. "You went to Æthelred. What did you speak of?" Uhtred asked, his sarcastic smile matching Athena's.

Æthelwold hesitated at first, completely put off guard as the two siblings questioned him. "I spoke of opportunity."

"To do what?"

"To declare himself King of Mercia, to enrage Alfred, to cause division." Æthelwold shrugged his shoulders, making Athena scoff. "To help our cause."

"Oh, so not to kill his wife?" Athena hummed, tilting her head to the side as she spun her dagger in her hands. Æthelwold's eyes widened once more, trying to defend himself.

But Athena gave him no opportunity to as she abruptly stabbed her dagger into the table, close to his hands. "I must warn you, Æthelwold..." She shook her head with a grin, keeping her grip on her dagger. "One day I will kill you. Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow..." She trailed off, watching as he swallowed thickly. "But I promise you—swear to the Gods, I will kill you."

She sent him a sarcastic smile, pulling her dagger back and looking over to Uhtred, nodding her head.

Both siblings stood and moved away from the table. Athena was glad she had scared Æthelwold. But, her words held sincerity. She would kill Æthelwold, when the time was right.

"Yes, I may have suggested to Æthelred that he should kill his wife, but why ever not?"

Athena and Uhtred stopped in their tracks as Æthelwold spoke loudly, the man standing from his spot as he spoke towards the siblings. "She is Alfred's daughter, it'd cause more chaos." Æthelwold continued, watching as Uhtred and Athena turned to face him. "What does it matter?"

Athena narrowed her eyes at him, ignoring the Danes staring at herself and Uhtred. "It matters." She hissed, instinctively reaching out to the hilt of her sword.

"Why?" Æthelwold scoffed, purposely speaking loud so every Dane could hear. "She is the enemy." He looked over his shoulder to the priest, whom was watching the scene. "Or is the real purpose of Father Beocca's journey north, is to ask you to go save her?" He asked, making Athena grit her teeth together, Uhtred reaching out to hold her arm. "After all, it is what you both do best. Rescue princesses." He smugly said, watching as he got a rise from Athena.

Athena pulled herself from Uhtred's grip, moving towards Æthelwold. "Are you asking me to kill you?" She threatened, watching as Æthelwold shifted backwards. "Brother, I beg you to make the square." She looked over to Ragnar, whom was watching the scene with a weary look. "I will not listen to another word that comes from his shit-eating mouth."

Brida immediately sat up at her words, shaking her head. "Athena, you cannot." She slightly warned, nobody knowing the reason she spoke up.

Ragnar shook his head at his sister, not wanting to watch his sister fight. He knew she was capable of doing so, but he wouldn't let her. "Then ignore him."

Athena turned to Ragnar, her brows pinching together with a slight frown. A scoff soon left her lips as she looked back over to Æthelwold. "I will not do such a thing." She shook her head with an insisting look. "I will kill the turd one way or another, he should be grateful ill letting him fight for his life."

"Why? Because the turd had found the truth?" Æthelwold confidently challenged, shrugging his shoulders with a smug expression.

"Athena, we are supposed to be one army, cousin." Athena turned her head at Cnut's voice, watching as he stood from the table.

"I predict that the Lady Athena and the Lord Uhtred are about to desert this army." Æthelwold spoke loudly, the smug look not dropping from his face.

Athena's hands scrunched up into a fist as she bit her tongue, her eyes narrowing at the man in front of her. "You know nothing."

"Æthelflæd has called and her hounds shall go running—"

Athena didn't let him finish his sentence, clenching her jaw as she abruptly leaned forwards and head-butted Æthelwold.

Æthelwold instantly hissed as he almost fell back, bringing his hands to his face. "Say it again, I dare you!" Athena hissed over at him, feeling Uhtred pull her back.

"Athena, he is not worth it." Ragnar was slightly impressed by his sister's attack, but he shook his head with a firm look.

But Æthelwold moved away from the furious Athena, holding his face in his hands as he laughed. "And there is the proof of—"

"Proof of what?" Uhtred yelled over to the man, defending Athena as she practically shook with anger.

"You are both torn between Saxon and Dane!"

Athena wanted to attack the man once more, but Uhtred held onto her arms, keeping her against his chest as he sent a warning look towards Æthelwold, who wiped at his bloody nose.

"Ragnar, your siblings seem to be conflicted." Bloodhair spoke from his seat, glaring over at the siblings. "Are they with us or not?"

"I am with Ragnar!" Athena hissed over to him, her eyes narrowed at the man whom tried to test her loyalty to Ragnar. "Always."

"And Uhtred?" Ragnar sat up from his seat, looking over to Uhtred, whom held a troubled expression. "How is your answer?" Ragnar asked as Uhtred stayed silent. "What do you say?"

Athena looked over her shoulder at her brother with an hopeful expression. She was willing to help Æthelflæd, but not turn her back on Ragnar. "I say this army can never hold." Uhtred spoke, pointing to the Danes around them. Athena let out a defeated sigh at that, squeezing her eyes shut. "Ragnar, look around you. We're enemies, bound only by greed." Uhtred shook his head. "There is no bond, no respect—"

"No bond, you say?" Ragnar's tone was slightly raised as he looked at Uhtred. He then stood up, walking towards Uhtred as Athena shifted to the side, crossing her arms over her chest. Brida also stood, moving to grasp a hold of Athena's arm, pulling her towards her. "Then who am I?"

"You're my brother." Uhtred sighed, looking over to Ragnar with a pleading look.

"Is that not bold enough?" Ragnar asked, frown on his face. "Or does it not compare to a princess?"

"It would appear not." Æthelwold added from the side.

Athena groaned, turning to him with a glare once more. "You utter one more word, bastard, I swear..." Athena threatened, not having Æthelwold mock her brother. Brida's hand on Athena's arm tightened, shaking her head.

Ragnar then turned to Beocca, his eyes narrowed. "And you, why are you here?" He pointed to the priest. "What is your message?"

"Ragnar!" Uhtred shook his head with a persistent look. "Your argument is with me alone."

Beocca stared at Uhtred, swallowing thickly. "Uhtred is a free man, Ragnar. His choices are his own."

Ragnar slowly nodded his head as he turned around to face Uhtred. "Then choose." He challenged. Athena fidgeted with her hands, her mouth suddenly going dry. "Do you stand with us, with each of us, or not?"

Uhtred's gaze turned to Athena for aid, his eyes pleading as he stared at his closest sibling. "You will give your answer, Dane-slayer." Bloodhair then spoke up. "Let us hear you."

Athena looked up at Uhtred, pursing her lips together as she slowly nodded her head. She would be with him to save Æthelflæd, but she would not return to Wessex. And Uhtred understood, glad to know she'd be there.

Both of them looked over to the door when Finan, Sihtric, Melusine and Osferth walked in, all of them suspecting the tense scene as they walked in.

Uhtred turned back around, his eyes on Ragnar as he breathed deeply. "I will be leaving." He said, making Athena bite her cheek. "I will be leaving, through I will not be returning to Wessex." He slowly nodded his head. "I am needed."

Uhtred looked over to Athena, whom fidgeted with her hands with an anxious look on her face. "As am I." She swallowed thickly, feeling Ragnar and Brida's stare on her as she moved towards Uhtred.

"By a princess." Brida scoffed, her arm dropping back to her side as Athena left her side. "Athena, you know you cannot—"

Athena sent her a pointed look, shaking her head with slight wide eyes. "Æthelflæd isn't the enemy here, Alfred is." She pointed out quickly, watching as Brida's face dropped.

Brida looked between Uhtred and Athena, her lips slightly agape. She had expected the betrayal from Uhtred, but not Athena.

Soon her sadness turned into anger, her eyes narrowing at the pair. "You're both no more a Dane than the priest here." Brida pointed towards Beocca. "You're a whore to the crown of Alfred."

Athena squeezed her eyes shut at her words, knowing she wasn't entirely wrong. But Athena wanted to stay in Dunholm, she'd make Uhtred stay after saving Æthelflæd. "You would do this to me?" Ragnar uttered to the pair, a look of disbelief on his face. "Again?" His voice broke slightly.

Athena's bottom lip trembled as she leaned into Uhtred's side for some sort of comfort. "Brother, I will fight this battle with you." Athena promised, nodding her head with a sigh. "But I have to do this." She could not let Æthelflæd suffer.

"Yes, of course you must." Ragnar bitterly responded to his sister's words, making her physically wince at the tone in his voice. "You both swore an oath." He shook his head at his siblings. "But you gave your word. And that is about reputation and honour."

Athena casted her eyes down, blinking away any tears as Uhtred moved to hold her hand. "What my father gave to you, I now take it back." Ragnar directed his words to Uhtred. "You are no longer Uhtred Ragnarson."

Athena's head snapped up at that, her eyes wide as she looked up at Ragnar. "Ragnar, no." She uttered, her eyes pleading.

"You are no longer my brother!" Ragnar yelled over to Uhtred, making Uhtred step back, pursing his lips. Ragnar sucked in a breath as he looked over to Athena.

"And you are no longer my sister."

Athena's lips parted at that, her heart breaking at his words as she felt Uhtred squeeze her hand. "Ragnar..." Athena uttered, her tone pleading as her voice broke.

Ragnar looked away from his broken sister, turning his attention back on Uhtred. "This was a game to you." Ragnar continued, his words harsh.

"Never." Uhtred immediately responded, shaking his head with a teary expression.

Athena swallowed thickly, her hands shaking as she casted her eyes down to the ground, feeling guilty. "Go." He muttered, his eyes narrowing. "Before I kill you."

Athena bit her bottom lip to silence her quiet cries as she squeezed her shaking hand into a fist. "He does not leave with Skåde." Bloodhair suddenly said as he stood. "Ragnar, she belongs to me."

"Yes, Bloodhair." Ragnar sighed, slowly nodding his head. "We shall make the square." Athena's eyes widened at that, looking up to Ragnar with pinched brows.

"No, Ragnar." Athena shook her head, squeezing Uhtred's hand with an insisting look. "Uhtred..." Athena turned to her brother with a softer look. She only had him now. Ragnar practically disowned her.

"And you can fight for the witch." Ragnar continued, ignoring Athena's pleading words. "To the death."

"Agreed."

Athena looked over at Bloodhair as he spoke, her eyes narrowing as she saw the smug look Æthelwold hold. "Lord, say nothing." Finan warned from behind them.

Athena felt Uhtred's hand drop from hers as he turned, glaring over at Bloodhair. Athena shook her head with a pleading look. "Uhtred—"

"Agreed." Athena ran her hands over her face at Uhtred's word, shaking her head with teary eyes. "We fight."

Athena shook her head, her mouth growing dry once more as she swallowed thickly. She felt sick, literally.

She abruptly moved from her place beside Uhtred, turning around as she made her way towards the exit as she placed a hand on her stomach.

Melusine carefully watched her, her eyes widening in realisation as she quickly followed Athena out of the hall, Sihtric following with an alarmed expression.

Both Finan and Osferth frowned as the three practically ran out, but they both believed it was due to the argument.

Athena panted heavily as she moved away from the hall, bringing her hand to her mouth as she dropped to her knees.

She placed one hand on the ground as she leaned forwards, trying to fight back the nausea she felt.

Athena jumped at the hand against her back, but relaxed as she realised it was Melusine. The brunette woman rubbed her back in a comforting manner, nodding her head. "You're okay." She looked over her shoulder at Sihtric. "Get water and a cloth." She softly asked her husband, whom didn't hesitate to hurry off to find those things.

Athena, her face drained of color, clutched her stomach as waves of nausea washed over her. A bitter taste rose in her throat. Gasping for breath, she doubled over, retching uncontrollably as her body convulsed with each heave. Melusine tried to comfort her, pulling her hair back.

Athena closed her eyes, willing the sickness to pass, her forehead damp with cold sweat, her body trembling with each violent expulsion.

"Are you okay?" Melusine wearily asked, looking over her shoulder as Sihtric moved towards them, cup of water and a close in his hands.

Athena sucked in a breath, watching as Melusine took the things from Sihtric's hands and handed them to Athena. The Dane's hand shook as she reached for the cloth, wiping her lips with a slight grimace, tasting the unpleasantness. "Drink." Melusine instructed, carefully raising the cup to her lips.

Athena drunk the water, bringing her shaking hand to hold the cup. Her body still trembled, her tear stained cheeks glistening in the moonlight. "It is normal, do not worry." Melusine promised, running her hand up and down Athena's back.

"Ragnar hates me."

— madeleines notes

Depressing chapter I guess 🥺

Athena's literary going through 3636 different emotions. Her thoughts are a mess.

She doesn't want to betray Ragnar, but she wants to help Æthelflæd.

She doesn't want to wage a war on Winchester, but she wanted to stay with the Danes.

It's a hard life, real.

I feel so bad for her 🥺

But in the midst of this chapter, I was ranting to Jordan about Æthelwold.

The scene where he thinks he's all smug made me scream and almost punch my laptop. Like why did he think he was so smug?

But Athena ended that flop, period.

Athena when she got to headbutt Aethelwold, finally

BAHAH

sorry.

But Damn, Athena going through it.

I'm glad she has Mel, and even sihtric tbh. They both kept her secret and helped her. UGH.

It's okay Athena, Sihtric is your new brother 🥺🎀

But Athena's gonna be so broken knowing what's gonna happen, and how it ended with Ragnar.

But Athena is just a girl, leave her be 🥺🥺

But parents had their first fight guys 🥺. She was like "betray your brother" and Athena was like "girl, bye." And stormed away like the girl boss she is. Valid.

And bro said "friend", smh.

My reaction:

baAHAHAWHW

OOPSIES. Am I wrong? 🙌 heh

NOPE.

But Athena just anxious, plus knocked up. Yeah, she's going through it.

Okay it's time to sleep seen as though it's 6 am 🥰

29th August 2024
5510 words