#yes aethelflaed gets two

[muddleofnervouswords]

for @emilyhufflepufftlk's 300 follower challenge

17. "The One With All The Kissing"

words are from Leonard Cohen A Thousand Kisses Deep I have another version in my print copy, but chose this 1998 iteration for my edit

caps are mostly from kissthemgoodbye

[fan-fantasies]

Care For You

A/N: surprise! I’m avoiding my issues with real men by fantasizing about my fictional men so please enjoy the product of that! Slight enemies to lovers (which isn’t easy cuz Osferth is such a sweetheart) but it’s my favorite trope!

Warnings: swearing, insults, unprotected sex and slight choking, people walking in on them

Pairing: Osferth x fem!reader

The sun was slowly setting over Rumcofa when a watchman from the river yelled to Uhtred.

“Lord! We’ve spotted a ship we cannot identify!”

“Soldiers to the riverside!” Uhtred called to his men.

He and his merry misfits waited on the dock to see who it could be. As the ship came closer, a familiar face stood up.

“Is that Eadith?” Finan asked, standing taller.

“It is!”

“Lord, we are from Frankia looking for safe passage. We have coin to pay the toll!” She called out with a smile.

Uhtred and his men were thrilled to see her.

“Don’t let her fool you, lord. It is no more than tin,” you joked, popping up beside her.

Finan looked at Osferth who already had a scowl on his face. The Irishman elbowed him in the side and chuckled.

Uhtred helped the two of you off the ship and escorted you to the great hall along with his men.

“What are you doing here?” He asked.

“We have been studying healing in Frankia and we heard that Rumcofa has become riddled with diseases of all kinds,” Eadith answered.

“Well that would be Osferth’s fault,” Finan laughed.

“That wouldn’t surprise me in the slightest,” you smirked. “Or perhaps it would since I’m sure you’re still a virgin, baby monk.”

“Didn’t feel like staying in Frankia?” He snapped at you.

“And miss out on seeing my favorite warriors?” You asked, throwing your arm around Finan. “I think not.”

“Do not listen to him, y/n. We are glad to have you,” Sihtric smiled.

“Speak for yourself,” Osferth mumbled under his breath before leaving the hall.

You had to admit he had grown into quite the fine young man, but his attitude was as sour as ever and you loved to poke at him.

“Why such hostility?” Eadith asked Finan quietly.

“They want to hump each other but neither will admit it. So they do this instead,” he sighed. “Stubborn bastards.”

“We will celebrate properly later but we have much to do to prepare for the festival,” Uhtred said.

“Yes and we must get settled,” Eadith said, looking at you. You followed her to the small inn where they informed you that they only had one small room left.

“You take it! I’ll stay with someone else,” you insisted.

“But-“

“No buts! You’re here for important business and you’ll need a place to rest,” you reminded her, referring to a letter the Lady Aethelflaed had sent to you in Frankia.

“Fine, but go straight to Uhtred and tell him you need a place to sleep,” she said.

“Yes, lady,” you said while rolling your eyes playfully. You sought out the lord and found him at the ale house inspecting the latest brew for the festival.

“Uhtred! May I have a moment?” You asked.

“For you, you may have many moments,” he joked.

“It seems your inn is full and I gave Eadith the last room so I’ll be needing a place to sleep,” you informed him.

“Well I’m sure Sig and Sihtric wouldn’t mind you staying with them. I doubt they’d even notice another person,” he laughed.

“Any other options?”

“Finan and Ingrith already have guests and I would offer my own, but-“

“The princess is coming, say no more,” you gave him a soft smile. “So that leaves…”

“Osferth!” Uhtred said with a huge smile as the young man in question came through the door.

“I’d rather sleep with the pigs,” you grunted.

“I doubt even they would have you,” Osferth snapped.

“Kids, play nice,” Uhtred sighed. “You will stay with Osferth, end of discussion.”

“What? Lord!”

“End of discussion, Osferth,” he said in a serious tone.

“Well are you going to show me the way or do I have to guess which place is yours?” You asked. He said nothing but left while expecting you to follow.

His little house was nicer than you expected it to be. It was simple but it suited him. It didn’t seem like as much of a bachelor pad as you would’ve expected and it made you wonder if he had a woman in his life. You quickly rushed that thought from your mind because you didn’t like the jealousy bubbling up inside you.

“There’s a small makeshift bed over there for guests so…help yourself,” he mumbled.

“What a shame, I thought we’d be sharing,” you said with a wink and a laugh.

“Not if you begged me,” he scoffed. “Although I’m sure it would sound nice coming from you.”

“Like I’d ever beg you for anything.”

He crossed the room in only a few steps and bumped his shoulder against yours as he passed, stopping briefly at your side.

“I’m sure there are ways to get you to beg,” he whispered in your ear before walking out the door.

What a cocky asshole he had grown into; you couldn’t say you disliked it though. It lit a fire in your belly that you wanted to ignore.

Osferth left and went to find Finan and Sihtric who were searching for Aethelstan who was probably hiding from his chores.

“So, it must be weird seeing y/n after all this time,” Sihtric commented.

“Why would it be weird?” The younger man asked.

“We know you were upset when she left with Eadith so I’m sure there’s some unresolved feelings there,” Finan smirked.

“I was not upset and there are no feelings!”

“You don’t have to lie to us, baby monk,” the Irishman chuckled.

“Has she grown into a beautiful lady? Yes. Is she still the same annoying brat from all those years ago? It would appear so. So that’s all there is to it,” Osferth insisted.

“She just likes to play with you,” Sihtric sighed.

“Yes well I don’t enjoy it.”

“Perhaps you’d enjoy it if she played with you in a different way,” Finan said, jabbing him with his elbow. Osferth replied with a scowl but deep down he knew his friends were right- about everything.

Uhtred held a small feast to welcome the two of you back. You found that you actually enjoyed the townsfolk of Rumcofa. It was nice to be back with your friends, even if Osferth’s weird stares had been throwing you off all night.

“Lady, I am glad you have found your way to our humble town,” a man said, taking the empty seat next to you. “I am Ivar.”

“Hello, Ivar; it’s a pleasure to meet you,” you smiled. “I’m quite enjoying my time here so far.”

“You’ve come at the perfect time. Blood month festival is always a momentous occasion,” he said. He scooted closer to you and slid you another cup of ale.

He was attractive, you couldn’t deny that. You knew Uhtred would not allow any sleazy men in your company so you hoped he was decent. What harm could it do to entertain him?

“Perhaps we will be able to celebrate the festivities together,” you said, taking a sip of the ale he offered. His eyes lit up at your words and you laughed. The two of you were unaware of the eyes that were watching you with much scrutiny.

“I would enjoy that very much, lady-“ he leaned in closer so that no one but you could hear- “perhaps there are some other festivities that we could enjoy together as well.”

You were surprised by his words but you were more surprised by the knife that was stabbed into the table between the two of you. You jumped apart from one another quickly, looking up and realizing it was Osferth standing over you.

“To cut your meat, lady,” he sneered while pointing to the knife. He stormed off, leaving you angry and Ivar confused.

“He should probably be more careful next time,” he mumbled more to himself.

You wanted to chase after him and demand a reason for his behavior but you did not have the energy to deal with him.

You continued on with some small talk before you realized that as handsome and forward as Ivar was, he was actually incredibly boring. You finished your meal rather quickly and excused yourself from the table. He offered to walk you back but you politely declined, feigning exhaustion from your long journey.

The walk to Osferth’s was not long but it was enough time for your anger to creep back in. You slammed his door shut when you entered, causing him to look up from whatever book he was reading.

“You were a reckless idiot back there,” you snapped.

You began to take off your top layer of clothing to get ready for bed. You’d spent enough time around Uhtred and his men that being shy was no longer a thing.

“I was reckless? I’d consider you the reckless one if you’re going to sleep your way through Rumcofa,” he replied.

“Are you dense? It was one man and we were simply talking! It was not as if he was going to take me right there on the table in that moment!”

Osferth’s jaw tensed when that image flashed in his head.

“I saw how you were acting, like a bitch in heat.”

You stormed over to him and ripped the book from his hands, throwing it across the room. He stood up from his seat, fuming.

“I should cut your tongue out for saying such a thing,” you growled. “I’m so sick of your holier than thou attitude! You’re no better than anyone else.”

“I’m better than you,” he sneered.

“Is that so? I’m fairly certain it was I that saved your ass in our last battle. And it was I that convinced Uhtred to allow you to join us in the first place; what a mistake that was!”

“Is that why you’ve always been mean to me? You regret having me around?”

“I’m not mean! I simply tease you like Finan and Sihtric do!” You defended yourself. You truly never meant any malice toward him.

“It is different with them.”

“Why? Because they are men?” You asked.

“Yes!- well, no!”

“Are you sure about that?” You laughed. “You’re no better than me just because you’re a man.”

“Well at least I stuck around! I didn’t run off and come back years later pretending as if nothing happened after abandoning my friends!”

His words made you stop in your tracks. You left with Eadith to gain more knowledge and secure your own coin. Uhtred encouraged you to do so so you knew it was not him that was angry with you for leaving.

“I was not aware that you were so upset over my leaving,” you mumbled.

“I was not.”

“It sounds like you were,” you said with a small smirk. “Do you care for me, Osferth?”

“In your dreams,” he scoffed. His heart was racing and he was afraid he had been discovered.

“Oh in my dreams you do much more than care for me,” you joked.

His eyes widened at your admission and he was left speechless. You noticed the change in demeanor and decided to test his limits.

“Do you wish it were you?”

“What are you talking about?”

You moved closer to him so that you were nearly pressed against him.

“Do you wish it were you whispering dirty things in my ear? Do you wish you were the one taking me on a table at any given moment?” You asked seductively.

He gulped and refused to look at you. You could feel something against your leg so you looked down and noticed he had gotten hard beneath his robes.

“I knew you cared for me,” you chuckled, looking at him with a smirk. He finally looked at you and you could tell he was annoyed.

“Just because I wish to hump you doesn’t mean I care for you,” he scoffed.

“Do something about it then,” you said. “You may bed me if you wish.”

Once again, he found himself speechless. You were testing him but he couldn’t tell if you really wanted it. He allowed himself to stay in his head for too long before he heard you laugh. You turned away from him and went to the table where you had tossed your belongings.

“I thought just as much. Perhaps I should go back and find Ivar. I’m certain he would not hesitate if offered to-“

Before you could finish, his back was pressed against yours and he had a hand wrapped around your throat, forcing you to look at him.

“Do not say his name again,” he growled.

He slammed his lips to yours in a feverish kiss of passion. He turned your around and you slid onto the table, welcoming him between your legs. His hands were rough as they grabbed at your hips, sliding your slip around your waist.

“You are far too dressed,” you sighed as you pawed at his robes. He threw his robes aside and dropped his trousers.

“Your turn,” he chuckled as he pulled your underwear down your legs and threw them behind him.

You pulled the slip over your head and set it aside. You took a moment to admire his body just as he did with yours. He hooked his arms beneath your thighs as you braced your hands behind you. He slid his cock through your folds and chuckled.

“Already so wet, lady. Is fighting foreplay for you,” he asked.

“Only when it’s with you,” you admitted. His eyes snapped to yours and he could tell there was sincerity in your words.

He slid his cock into you slowly, allowing you time to adjust. He waited until you told he was good to move before sliding out and thrusting his hips back into yours.

You couldn’t contain your moans and whimpers as he began to fuck you relentlessly. He enjoyed watching you fall apart in front of him, knowing he was the one bringing you this pleasure.

“I should bring you back into the hall and let everyone see what a whiny little mess you are on my cock,” he growled. Your cunt clenched around him and he chuckled. “You like that, huh? Want everyone to see who you belong to?”

“Y-yes,” you managed to say as he hammered into you. He released one of your legs so he could circle your clit, bringing you closer to your release.

“Say it; say who you belong to,” he grunted.

“You, Osferth! I belong to you!” You cried as your climax washed over you. He kissed you once more to swallow your moans and his as he spilled his seed inside of you.

He broke the kiss only so the two of you could catch your breath. He rested his forehead on yours and you enjoyed the intimacy more than you cared to admit.

“I do care for you,” he whispered. “It pained me when you left so easily.”

“Uhtred encouraged me to leave and I believed there was no hope that you’d ever return my feelings so I fled from them,” you told him.

“Your feelings?” He looked into your eyes with hope.

“Why do you think I always teased you?” You asked with a laugh. “That’s my way of flirting I suppose.”

“Couldn’t have just stuck with ‘you’re handsome and I like you’?” He laughed.

“I suppose that may have been easier,” you agreed.

“No matter. Now we just have to make up for lost time,” he said, leaning in to kiss you again.

*bang!*

“Aye! We were told to make sure you didn’t kill each other yet!” Finan laughed as he burst through the door.

“Oh my god!” Eadith shrieked as she averted her eyes. Sihtric took in the room, clothes strewn about before turning around, laughing as he left.

“Told you they wanted to hump!” Finan laughed as Osferth did his best to shield you from their eyes.

“We’re alive! You may go now!” He yelled, very annoyed at the intrusion.

“Uhtred owes me 10 silver,” Finan said as he took his leave, closing the door behind him.

You let out a sigh of relief but you both jumped when you heard tapping on the window. You turned to see Finan’s stupid face in the window.

“And close your curtains!”

You covered yourself with your slip as Osferth went and pulled the curtains shut. He turned around to look at you and after a moment of silence, you both burst into a fit of laughter.

He came back over to you and helped you off the table, gently taking you in his arms.

“To bed, then?” He asked with a small smile.

“I’m not tired.”

“I didn’t say it was to sleep,” he smirked.

He did say that you had to make up for lost time, and that you did.

[mommytauriel]

+ · 。~ promised to another p3

pairing: sihtric x female! reader | genre: forbidden romance? Angst, fluff | warnings: none that I know of | wc: 6.3k |

synopsis: eight months since everything in your life has changed, and it seems like things won't stop changing.

request: yes

note: I’m so sorry this took so long for me to get out! I was just really struggling on writing this part! This is more like a filler part. I do still hope you guys enjoy it!

Part one Part two Part three

The first week being back in Winchester was hard, actually the first few months being back in Winchester was hard…in many different ways.  Mentally you were exhausted, staying up late at night and stressing yourself to sleep thinking about Uhtred, and what he's going through. You didn't even want to think about how emotionally hard it was for you. The guilt you felt, the pain you felt with Uhtred gone and you leaving sihtric. 

It was physically hard because you were exhausted. You spent your nights staying up late, crying and thinking about Uhtred and sihtric. And when you did finally fall asleep, you didn't get to sleep for long because Lady Aelswith would make sure you were up so you could join her for morning prayers and breakfast with Aethelflaed. 

The fourth month you were tired of being sad, so you forced yourself to leave your room more. It wasn't healthy to lock yourself up in your room and avoid everyone. Matthew was happy to see that you were starting to get better, he had missed you. Matthew was against it at first because he was worried you would get hurt, but the two of you would go on walks through the village of Winchester. He noticed that it was helping you so he kept his worries to himself and just stayed alert. 

By the six month you were feeling more like yourself. You still had your moments of sadness; you just now knew how to handle them better. You have started doing many things to distract yourself from your feelings, you did a lot of reading, most of them being books that King Alfred has suggested. You spent more time with Matthew and Aethelflaed, Aethelflaed even joining you and Matthew on your walks. It was nice. 

The seventh month is when things started to feel more real for you. King Alfred had been lenient with you for the prior months but now that you seemed more yourself, he wasn't going to hold back. Whenever he had time, the two of you would be in his study, reading and learning more about history. And you enjoyed it most of the time, but when he would bring up Arthur and your future with him…your enjoyment turned to dread. You didn't want to talk about Arthur and the doom of your future with him. Lady Aelswith would try to talk to you about Arthur too, telling you about her and the king's betrothal and how she didn't like it at first but it was her duty to become a good wife to him. She even offered to teach you some ways on becoming a good wife, and well you couldn't exactly decline. You didn't want to learn how to be a good wife, you didn't want to be a wife in general! 

The eighth month was no different. 

Throughout those eight months you barely saw Arthur. Then again, you were also actively avoiding the blue-eyed man. It also helped that Arthur was very busy, busy with the king or busy going back and forth from Mercia and Winchester. You weren't complaining. The two of you have talked a few times, well more like he talked, and you just ‘listened’. A small part of you felt a little bad for treating Arthur like that, a very small part. Arthur has been kind to you, and you hated it. 

The garden in the back of the castle had quickly become your place of solace and solitude. If you went early enough in the morning, you would be completely alone…besides the times Matthew would join you. It was a very peaceful place; you could walk around and look at the flowers or sit at the bench and read…or just sit there and think. Today you were reading. 

Before you met sihtric you enjoyed reading love stories, but now you couldn't bear to read one. Just like how you couldn't dare to see public affection, it all reminded you of sihtric. And how you couldn't be with him. It hurt seeing or reading someone being so happy and in love when you weren't. You would feel a tug at your heart and soon your eyes would water it really hurt. So now you stick to history books, they aren't as fun but now you don't have to worry about crying while reading it. 

“What book are you reading today My lady?” A deep and familiar voice breaks you out of your thoughts. You blink a few times and look up from the page you have been reading over and over again. You squint your eyes from the bright sun that shines, when you look up at Matthew's figure. He was standing in front of you, clad in his black leather armor with his hands behind his back, a small smile on his face as he looked down at you. 

“The same book I was reading yesterday Matthew” You retorted with a sigh, closing the book and playing with the leather corners of the book cover. Matthew hums in remembrance, his eyes looking over your figure. He was happy to see that you look way better than you did months ago, you looked well rested. But he could still see some sadness in your eyes. 

“Lady Aethelflaed requests you to join her for breakfast” Matthew tells you, watching as your eyes lighten up at the mention of your dear friend. You stand up from the bench and with your free hand that's not holding your book, you fix your dress. You offer Matthew a small smile “Let's go then, wouldn't want to keep the princess waiting.” 

Matthew nods and leads the way towards Lady Aethelflaed’s room, She had breakfast sent to her room for the two of you. The two of you enjoyed your mornings where you had breakfasts together, the safety of being alone in her room let the two of you gossip as much as you wanted without getting scolded by Lady Aelswith. 

The two of you stopped in front of Aethelflaeds’s room, you greeted the guard who stood out of her room with a small smile while Matthew greeted him with a nod. Matthew softly knocked on the lady's door for you before he stepped back. You heard the sound of feet rushing towards the door and not even a few seconds later the wood door was being opened quickly. A smiling Aethelflaed greeting you.  

“Y/n! I've missed you, come in” Lady Aethelflaed smiles as she grabs your arm and pulls you into her room, you laugh at her eagerness and let her drag you into her room. You glance behind you to see Matthew giving a smile before he closes the door, leaving the two of you alone. You look back at her and see a wide smile on her face and a giggle escape past your lips. “You saw me yesterday Aethelflaed.” 

“I know that but still, i missed you” She giggled herself as she let go of your arm and walked towards the table in her room, which the two of you have eaten at many times before. You set your book on her bed before you follow her across her room. The princess’s room had a bunch of vases of flowers that the two of you had handpicked, her room was so fresh and comfy. 

“This looks delicious” you tell her as you look over the spread of food and drinks on the table. Athelflaed smiles and sits down at the table, pouring herself a cup of water “I asked for some of your favorites.” 

“You truly do spoil me” You send her a teasing wink as you sit down in the chair across from her, popping a green grape in your mouth. Athelflaed blushes and starts eating some of the fruit on her plate. You smile at her shy antics before you start digging into your food. It wasn't long before the two of you jumped into a conversation. 

“I know I have said this hundreds of times, but I'm so glad that you're back. It's nice to have someone I can talk to without worrying, mother is going to find out about what we have talked about” Aethelflaed tells you with a genuine smile after the two of you stopped laughing from the conversation beforehand. (The conversation being about a cute stable hand boy that had caught Athelflaeds attention) It was adorable seeing her so flustered talking about him, it kinda reminded you about how if was for you and sihtric. 

Athelflaed’s words comforted you and made you sad at the same time. They were comforting because you truly did miss her too, but they were sad because if it was up to you…you wouldn't have come back. Sometimes at night while you lay alone in your dark room, you would think about what you would be doing now if you never left, if Uhtred was never sold. You would have nights filled with laughter at ale houses with Uhtred and there was no doubt that you and sihtric would become closer. Maybe I would have told him I loved him already…I’ll never know now. 

“Speaking of missing you, I may or may not have overheard Arthur talking with my dad last night” Aethelflaed’s sweet but mischievous voice breaks you out of your sad thoughts. You blink a few times and look up from your plate to her. You raise your eyebrow at her words, stopping yourself from rolling your eyes at the mention of Arthur. You grip your fork tighter and give her a faint smirk “Overheard? You mean you eavesdropped?” 

“Y/n” She said with an embarrassed whine, gently kicking you under the table before continuing with a mischievous grin on her face “Don't you want to know what they were talking about?” 

“I have a feeling you were going to tell me anyway” You recalled from past memories, you knew she was going to tell you anyway. Aethelflaed doesn't pick up on the sarcasm in your town and she leans forward, excitement in her tone “They were talking about you, well more like Arthur was talking about you…he seems quite smitten with you.” 

“I don't know how he could be, we've barely talked” You responded with a confused look and annoyance in your tone. How could he be smitten with me? You made sure that the two of you had barely any chance to talk. You don't want him to like you, no you want him to hate you…it would make it easier if he did. It didn't feel right knowing that someone was liking you like that, it felt as if you were betraying sihtric in a way. You didn't like this feeling. 

“Arthur is a really nice guy y/n! You should give him a chance, who knows you might even find yourself liking him” Aethelflaed says cheerfully, again not noticing your tone. Aethelflaed has always wanted to fall in love, to have someone by her side for everything. Her desire to have that kinda love, blinded her from the negative parts that came with it. She didn't see the negative parts of your betrothal to arthur. But how could she? She didn't know about me and sihtric. 

She didn't know about how you were feeling, the feeling of being trapped in a relationship you didn't want, the heartbreak you felt with sihtric. There was no chance that you could find yourself liking arthur. To you, Arthur was just the guy that's ruining the happy future you hoped you and sihtric would have together. Maybe it was ruined the moment you left eoferwic. 

“Not likely” 

It seems my luck has run out; you think with a bitter sigh when you see who's standing at the other end of the hall. You had just left Aethelflaed’s room a few minutes ago after spending a few hours laughing and talking, you then parted ways with Matthew who was called off to do something. You were in a happy mood but that quickly joined to a mood of annoyance when you see your betrothed standing across from you, a smile on his face. 

“Lady y/n, I've been meaning to talk to you” Arthur says with a sweet smile as he steps closer to you. Your grip on your book tightens and you hold it to your chest, you offer him a weak smile. 

“I apologize but I have to get going, maybe another time” You spoke quietly as you tried to walk past him, only to stop dead in your tracks when you felt Arthur softly grab your arm to stop you. You let out a sigh, you knew you couldn't avoid him this time. You turn to face him and see him giving you a pleading look. You sigh again and move your arm out of his grip and mutter “You only have a few minutes.” 

“That's all i need” He replied with a charming smile, he cleared his throat before continuing “I wanted to apologize, I've been busy these past months and i haven't spent much time with you, I haven't gotten to know you.” 

“There's not much to know” you say in a dismissive tone, making it your mission to look anywhere but his face. You settle on the flower painting on the wall behind him. Arthur notices the dismissiveness in your tone and your actions, but he still tries to keep the conversation going. So, he ignores it and keeps the smile on his lips. “I don't know about that; I have a feeling there's a lot to know about you.” 

“Feelings can be wrong” You snapped as you finally looked at him, the two of you locked eyes. Arthur could tell that there was more to your words, a lot more meaning. I want to find out, he thinks. “You don't like me, do you?” 

“Is it that obvious?” You ask him sarcastically with a bitter tone as you tilt your head. Arthur stills for a moment and all the confidence he had going into the conversation with you disappears, at the sound of the bitterness in your tone. King Arthur had told him you would not be happy about the betrothal, but he didn't think you would be this difficult, especially with him being so nice to you. Is it going to be like this every time we talk? he thinks with a disappointed sigh. 

“Anything else?” You snapped him out of his thoughts. 

“Your friend uhtred, I saw him walk into the king's study” Arthur spoke with little emotion in his tone, it was obvious you didn't want this…he wasn't going to try so hard for nothing. He was tired of making the first move, one day you were going to realize that whether the two of you like it or not, you will be wed. He will just have to wait until you're willing to try, or when you're in a better mood. 

“Uhtred? He’s here?” your stone-cold persona dropped as soon as his words came out. Chills of shock run through your body, and you find yourself dropping your arms to your side, your grip on your book loosening. Uhtred, the Uhtred who you thought of as a brother was here in Winchester, in the castle? I have to see him. 

“The King doesn't want anyone to know yet, but I thought you should know. I know you guys were close, you must have missed him” he tells you in a soft tone, offering you one smaller smile before leaving you. You stood there for a few moments as you watched him walk away, you watched as his strong posture faltered and his hand moved up to rub the back of his neck. 

There was no denying that you felt bad about how you treated him, he went out of his way to tell you that Uhtred was back. He told you when the king told him that no one must know. He did that for you and all you did was treat him unkindly. You don't let yourself stand there guilty for much longer. I have to see Uhtred. 

You rushed down the hall towards the king's study, holding onto your dress so you won't trip. Your footsteps echo through the hallway, you make an abrupt stop as you turn the corner to the hallway that leads to the king's study. Just as you turn the corner the door at the end of the hallway opens and out steps steapa and matthew, following them is Uhtred. 

You hold your breath and your eyes immediately water at the sight, you pay no attention to steapa and Matthew, you just look straight at uhtred. You couldn't believe it. You watch as he looks up from the ground, he has a look of anger on his face but when he notices you standing at the other end of the hallway, his face softens, and his eyes widen. 

Before you could think, your legs were already rushing towards him, and he met you halfway. You closed your eyes as you threw your arms around his shoulders. You let out a sigh of relief when you felt that he was truly there, he's really here. Uhtred wraps his arms around your waist and holds you close. The pain he felt when you jumped in his arms did not compare to the feeling of relief that he was feeling, you were okay, you were safe. Uhtred tightens his hold on you and just closes his eyes and relishes in the moment. you were really here. 

“Oh Uhtred” You sniffle out, a few tears slowly rolling down your cheeks, you had imagined this moment for months, but this was better than anything you could have imagined. To have him really back. One of his hands moves to cup the back of your head. His heart hurts when he hears you sniffles of sadness, he whispers soothingly “Shh, it's okay little flower, don't cry.” 

“I didn't think i would ever see you again” You cried quietly, your hold on him not loosening. You were afraid to let go, afraid that if you let go of him, he would disappear. Matthew and steapa watch from afar, both of their hearts warm at the heartfelt reunion. 

“It's okay y/n, i'm here now.” 

But for how long was the real question? 

Uhtred didn't stay long. You got the answer to your question.  You tried to be understanding, you knew that what he was going to do was important, important to the king and important to him. But you couldn't help but feel a little upset that he left you so soon. I didn't have enough time with him. After the two of you reunited, you spent the next few hours together talking. Well, more like you talked and he listened. You refrained from telling him about Arthur, you didn't want to ruin the moment. You were surprised when he told you that Lady Gisela was here with him, you would have to see her soon, you missed her. 

He then left you after he promised to see you soon, the next time you saw him was the next day when he was getting ready to leave. You found out two new things that morning, he was leaving, and he had gotten married. You were hurt by the new information. Hurt that he was leaving so soon and hurt that you weren't invited to his and lady Gisela's wedding. But like you said, you tried to be understanding. 

It's okay y/n, he’ll be back soon. You think to yourself as you stand by Lady Aethelflaed’s side, watching as Uhtred and his company leave Winchester. You glance at Gisela who's watching Uhtred leave, a look of sadness on her face. You truly felt for her, her husband just got back, and now he's leaving. You glance at Aethelflaed to see her watching Uhtred go, a look of adoration on her face. Your eyes widened, she looked lovestruck. How interesting. 

You glance back at Uhtred, and you can't help but feel a little emotional as you watch him ride out of sight. You let out a sigh before turning around and walking back into the castle, Matthew following behind you. Both of you were feeling quite down at the moment, you because of Uhtred and him because of Hild..he would never say it aloud, but you knew the truth. 

“Are you alright my lady?” Matthew asks behind you, his voice gentle and worried. You sigh and fold your arms in front of you as you walk towards the gardens in the back of the castle, in the need of some solace. 

“I’m just tired Matthew, I’m just tired.” 

The next day you spent your morning eating breakfast alone in your room, you didn't go out to the garden, instead you read in your quiet room. You didn't really want to see anyone; you also didn't want to run into Arthur. You knew you had to talk to Arthur soon, you had to apologize. But you just weren't ready for that. 

You were peacefully reading until Matthew knocked on your door and let you know that Lady Gisela would like to see you in the village. For a second you considered declining, you were in no mood to be around anyone. But it was Lady Gisela, she knew no one here, she probably felt so alone and out of place. So, you told Matthew yes and you got out of your bed and walked towards your door. 

Matthew greeted you with a small smile when you opened your door, and you greeted him back with a smile of your own, a weak smile. Matthew grew a little worried, he didn't want you to go back to how you were months ago. He wouldn't let that happen, not again. The two of you walked in silence through the castle and to the steps at the entrance of the castle. Standing there at the bottom of the steps was Lady Gisela, a smile forming on her lips when she sees you approaching her. She had missed you. 

“Y/n! thank you for joining me” Gisela beamed as she pulled you into her arms for a hug. You smile softly and hug her back, relaxing into her comforting embrace. After a few moments you pull away and link your arm in hers, the negative feelings you felt earlier were slowly leaving you. “Thank you for inviting me, it will be nice getting out of the castle.” 

“Do you not leave often?” Gisela asks you as the two of you start walking, Matthew walking a few steps behind you. Lady Gisela thought about you a lot through the eight months, like others she was worried about you and how you were taking this change. So, she was happy to see that you were okay, well at least seemed to be okay. 

“Me and Matthew go on walks out of the castle quite a lot, sometimes aethelflaed joins us. But I haven't really had a chance these past few days” you tell her, and she smiles at your words. 

“So, tell me, how has it been living back here in Winchester?” 

“It's definitely been different since the last time I was here, I lived carefree. But now it's…oh never mind” You let out an annoyed sigh when you couldn't put your feelings in words. Gisela frowns and squeezes your arm reassuringly and when you look at her, she gives you a comforting smile.

“It's okay y/n, just tell me what's on your mind” Gisela said softly as she looked at your side profile. What was bothering you so much? She wonders. 

“I am betrothed to Arthur of Mercia” you say quickly before you could stop yourself, you needed to get this off your chest. There was no one else you could talk to about this. You didn't look at Gisela when she gasped at your words, you just kept walking. Gisela’s eyes widen at your words “What? When did this happen?” 

“The king told me the day I came back” You frowned as you looked back on that day, so much sadness and heartbreak. Everything changed that day. 

“And how do you feel about this?” Gisela frowned as well, she had an idea on how you were feeling, and she knew it wasn't a good feeling. She continued to rub your arm reassuringly as the two you walked, she waited for your answer. 

You let out a heavy breath before responding. “I feel a lot of things, but it doesn't matter how I feel, the king has made it clear that it's my duty to marry, my duty to marry Arthur.” 

“Oh y/n, have you told Uhtred? If you are not happy with this you know Uhtred will find a way to stop this” Gisela halted her steps, causing you to stop as well. Matthew stopped a few steps behind the two of you and he looked around, making sure there was no danger to you. You look away from her when you see the look of pity she gives you. I don't want pity; I want a way out of this betrothal. 

“I didn't want him to worry” You shake your head no; you feared Uhtred might try to kill Arthur if he found out. I can't tell Uhtred, not yet. You move to continue walking but Lady Gisela stops you by gently holding onto your arms. You look at her and she gives you a look a look of sympathy and says “He will always worry about you y/n, you know that.” 

“If you ask him to get you out of the betrothal, he will do everything he can to get you out of it” Lady Gisela tells you, her tone serious. You nod and continue walking, Gisela walking by your side. You think about her words, Uhtred has made it clear that he would do anything for you. Would he hurt Arthur? Would he argue with the king? Would he take you away from the castle? You didn't know what he would do, but you knew that what he would do, no matter what it is, would only cause more problems. I didn't want that. I just want my life back to the way it used to be. 

“That's what I’m afraid of” You mumble to yourself as the two of you continue walking. Was there a way to save me from this situation, without things getting bad? There is no way King Alfred would give up on this betrothal, it meant so much for him…well it meant so much for England. You weren't stupid you knew why this was happening, it was for alliances, it was for resources. It wasn't for love. 

It would be love if it was sihtric…

“Who is it?” Her calming voice broke you out of your sad thoughts about your lost lover. You tilt your head and give her a confused look. “What do you mean?” 

“I can see it in your eyes, you're in love. So, who is it?” Lady Gisela repeats her question, watching your side profile for your reaction. So much has happened, she felt bad that she wasn't there to help you with it. Matthew, who overheard the question, stiffened. 

“It’s…it’s sihtric” You whisper to her with a flustered smile. This was the first time you said it aloud. You of course thought about it, you thought about it a lot. But saying it out loud, it made it more real. God, you missed him, every day you wished that you had more time with him. 

“Sihtric?” She repeats his name as she slows down her steps. She had a feeling there was something going on between the two of you, but still. She had hoped you didn't say his name when she asked you. 

“Yes, sihtric he’s- Gisela what's wrong?” You ask her when you noticed she stopped walking with you. She holds onto your forearm and looks at you with sympathy, she didn't know how to tell you this. “Oh y/n i…” 

“What is it?” You give her a confused look, but you start to worry when you notice the look on her face. Why is she looking at me like that? you think anxiously. Matthew took a step forward to the two ladies’, concerned as well. 

“I’m sorry y/n, before I left, I saw him with a woman…they were quite close” Gisela tells you in a soft tone, hoping that it would break the news to you easier. Matthews's grip tightens on the hilt of his sword and his jaw clenched in anger at her words. You felt your arms drop to your side and your heart stop at her words. No no no, sihtric he wouldn't do that, he wouldn't do that to me. You didn't think you knew words to describe how you were feeling at that moment, all that you could say was a quiet and emotionless “Oh.” 

“I could be wrong, sihtric is a good man, he wouldn't do that to you” Lady Gisela says quickly, feeling terrible when she sees the storm of sadness in your eyes, but the emotionless look on your face. She couldn't just not tell you; she couldn't do that to you. But like Gisela said, sihtric is a good man, he wouldn't do that to you, right? Did she see wrong? 

“Are you sure it was him?” You ask her in a weak tone, your eyes begging her to realize that she did see wrong. You don't think you could handle another heartbreak, not like this. You move your hand to your side, finding it hard to breathe with the tight dress and your panicky state. I’m not okay, everything is not okay, I can't do this anymore. 

“Yes…but like i said, i could be wrong” Gisela tells you, but you don't focus on her words, in fact you couldn't really focus on anything. It felt as if you were stuck and everything was moving past you, you were stuck…you were alone. You started to feel overwhelmed and started to breathe heavily as the sounds around you got too loud and the sound of your heartbeat was pounding through your ears. I need to get out of here.  

“I apologize Lady Gisela, I'm not feeling too well, I should retire to my room” You weakly voice out, your eyes averting to the dirt ground they were standing on. You couldn't look at her, you couldn't let her see how hurt you were. I don't want anyone to see me like this. 

“Oh, of course. I hope you feel better” Gisela tells you with a worried smile, she wanted to say more, to have you stay with her, but she just didn't know what to say. She knew you were feeling heartbroken, you needed some space. You don't wait for her to say anything else before you turn around and walk back to the castle, your dress ruffling against your legs as you walk quickly. You averted your eyes from Matthew when you passed him, Matthew was right, sihtric wasn't good for me. 

Every step you took your heart pounded harder in your ears and your heart broke even more. You bring your shaky hand to wipe off a tear that escaped from your watery eyes before anyone could see it. Like Lady Gisela said, she could be wrong about sihtric. 

But it was too late, the doubt had already sunk in. 

You didn't know what to do. You had become so dependent on the thought that sihtric cared for you too, that you were special to him. So, hearing Lady Gisela's words really hurt, in ways you weren't prepared for. Did I really spend these eight months being heartbroken for a guy that didn't even care about me? You think bitterly as you stare down at the bush of flowers. 

You have been in the garden for an hour or so. After you left Gisela you went to your room, and cried in your bed until your cheeks became sore, but you soon felt trapped in your room and with your thoughts. So, you decided to take a visit to the gardens. It was difficult to convince Matthew to let you go on your own, but he reluctantly agreed when he saw your watery eyes. You needed to be alone, in a place you felt comfortable. You had a lot to think about. 

There was a part of you that believed that Lady Gisela simply saw wrong and that he cared about you. But the other part of you knew that he was a man, and you have heard many stories about man and how unfaithful they are. Sihtric wasn't like that, he was different right? He had to be. You were so caught up in your depressing thoughts that you didn't hear the upcoming footsteps, you only noticed that someone joined you, when they sat by your side on the stone bench. 

You wipe your cheeks, making sure there was no evidence of you crying before you looked up at the person sitting next to you. You sniffle and tilt your head to see the side profile of Arthur. He was looking down at the bush of flowers, his hands folded in his lap, and he had an emotionless look on his face. But when he feels your stare, he turns his head to look at you, giving you a small smile. He had noticed your red eyes, but he didn't say anything about it. 

“I’ve been looking for you, Lady Aethelflaed said I would find you here. It's a nice spot” Arthur mused as he looked around the garden, he had seen this place many times, simply just walking past or walking through. He's never really spent any time there, he can see why you like it. He had seen you on the same bench the two of you were sitting on, many times before. He just never had the courage to talk to you, you always looked so content. He didn't want to ruin that. 

“It is very peaceful” You voiced out quietly, taking a deep breath, smelling the many scents of the flowers that surrounded the two of you. It truly was peaceful. You look towards the willow tree that gave the bench you were sitting on, shade. It was a hot evening, but the shade made the weather feel perfect. Arthur watched your side profile, watching as you close your eyes for a second to take another deep breath. You looked so peaceful, so beautiful. 

“I wanted to apologize” Arthur started as he broke the silence. You look away from the willow tree and to him, a confused look on your face. When you see the sincerity in his blue eyes you can't help but feel guilty. You cut him off quickly, before he can say anything else. “You have nothing to apologize for Arthur” 

“I should be the one apologizing, i have done nothing but treat you terribly when all you have done was treat me nicely” You continued, you tone soft and guilty. You couldn't look into his eyes anymore, you felt guilty for the way you treated him. You look down at your lap where your fidgeting hands rested. You clear your throat before you look back up, tilting your head and locking eyes with blue eyes. “I really am sorry Arthur.” 

“I forgive you y/n, and I understand why you did” He nodded, giving you a reassuring smile. You furrowed your eyebrows in confusion. How could he be so understanding? So sweet? I wouldn't be if i were him you thought. 

“A person with no sight could see that you aren't happy with this betrothal” Arthur began after he let out a tired sigh. You look down at your lap again, feeling bad. He was right. Arthur continues, his tone kind and promising. 

“I know I am not the person you want to marry, but I promise I will try to be someone you would actually like to be around.” 

“I don't hate you Arthur” You spoke softly, as you shook your head no. His words had comforted you in a way you didn't expect. But your words were true, you didn't hate him. He was kind, understanding, and handsome. You couldn't hate him, you tried to…but you just couldn't. Things would be easier if I did. 

“You just hate the thought of being with me” he says straightforwardly. Arthur watches as your lips part and your eyes soften, he knew he was right. And it hurts. He really wanted you to like him, because he liked you. He barely knew you, but the things he had heard about you, he liked. There was just something about you, your aura. 

“Arthur I-” 

“It's okay y/n, I understand. I really do” he tells you with a nod and fake smile, his tone a lot sadder than he wanted it to. He looked away from you and back to the bush of flowers, beautiful purple violets. He loved violets, he had a feeling you liked them to. 

“Can, can we start over?” You broke the silence with your hopeful tone. You knew that there wasn't a way to stop you and his betrothal, so there was no reason to keep up this stone-cold act anymore. The hope you had was gone, just like sihtric. It's time for me to move on. His eyes widen at your words, and his look of shock turns to a content smile. “I'd like that.” 

“Friends?” Arthur asks you with his charming smile, holding his hand out for you to shake, his eyes not leaving yours. A laugh escapes your lips, and you offer him a smile of your own, shaking his hand. I'd like that.

“Friends” 

note: sadly no sihtric in this part :( but that’s okay, he will be back in the next part! I’m sorry for all the angst but like it was needed 😫

This is definitely not my best writing, but I just wanted to get this out as fast as I could. like I said at the top note, I was really struggling with this part. I rewrote it like 2 times.

The next chapter will be the three year time skip, and just a warning! Reader will be different, it’s been three years a lot will have changed for her, and her relationship with sihtric will also be different. I hope you guys are excited cause I’m lowkey worried about writing the next part (I have no idea what’s going to happen, genuinely)

I really hope you guys enjoyed this part! Please let me know in the comments how you feel! And feel free to send in some asks about the series, I would love to answer them!

Comments, likes and reblogs are very much appreciated!

taglist: @clairacassidy @mads-weasley @haikyusfics @emilyhufflepufftlk @bubblyabs @kitkat1690 @brianochka @solinarimoon

Copyright ©️ 2023, all rights reserved. You can’t copy, translate, reproduce, repost my fic, use my plot or layout.

[itbmojojoejo]

A Good Man | Part 2

Pairing: Finan x Ealdorman's Daughter!Reader

Summary: y/n arrives in Coccham and enjoys an evening of ale with Finan, a fondness grows.

Warnings: SLOWBURN. No warnings at this time I believe, but if I've missed anything please let me know.

Wordcount: 2.1k

Part 1 | Part 3 | Other Works

Authors Notes: Seax is like a short sword before the name short sword arrived.

The sun shone brightly high up in the sky with barely a cloud in sight as you escorted Lady Aethelflaed to Coccham with a small number of men from the household guard, Lord Uhtred, Finan and Osferth. With the sound of horse hooves beating an easy tempo into the dry ground, the birds chirping in nearby trees and the smell of wildflowers in the surrounding countryside invading your senses you were filled with a mixture of nerves and excitement. This was a new beginning free from your father and brother trying to rule your life and you welcomed it.

You hadn’t travelled much outside of going from your childhood home to Aeglesburgh so were surprised to discover that Coccham wasn’t as far from Saltwic as you had imagined, the tall wooden walls enclosing the small town opposite a dock on the river thriving with townsfolk was pleasant. You were met at the gates by Sihtric, the missing member of Uhtred’s squad who looked cheerful to see his friends back at their home.

You had been given a small room in Uhtred’s fortress for your stay and unpacked the small sack you had bought with you before re-joining everyone in the pagan hall and marvelled at how different the building and its décor was. A large oak table was positioned in the centre with smaller tables placed around the perimeter of the room, the large doors were kept open to allow the natural light and warmth of the late afternoon in.

As food and ale was laid out conversation and laughter flowed amongst smaller groups in the large hall, Finan found himself stealing glances at you from his seat further up the table on the opposite side. He couldn’t be sure if the colour in your cheeks was caused by the sun kissing your skin on your recent travels or the cups of ale you’d been enjoying as you picked at the fruit on your plate, occasionally nodding your head feigning interest in the conversation two women on your left were having.

“You’re staring.” Osferth spoke quietly at him with a side glance

“I am not.” He defended taking a drink of ale

“Yes, you are.”

Rolling his eyes in response they landed back on you, you were leant back in your chair arms crossed over your chest fiddling with the small silver cross pendant that hung from your neck.

“I’m going over there.” He declared standing up

“Finan do not.” Osferth objected trying to take hold of his arm to sit him back down but it was too late

“Would you look at that, I’m walking away.”

He rounded the table making his way over to you paying no mind to the disapproving look that Osferth was giving him and smoothly slid into the chair next to you. Cocking his head to the side with a brilliant smile you returned it with a coy one, slowly turning your cup in circles on the table.

“You don’t look like you enjoy the company of other women much, Lady y/n”

“Mm I do, I just don’t have anything to contribute to talks of motherhood.”

“Ah, well that makes two of us” He jested getting a small laugh from you and that’s all he had wanted, to see you smile and hear your laughter.

You carried on talking with Finan as the sun began to set changing the sky from a brilliant blue to different hues of orange bathing the hall in a golden light, it revealed the warm brown flecks of colour in his eyes and you found them beautiful. He was admiring the way the light bleeding into the hall behind you made it look as though you had a halo when you poured yet another cup of ale.

“Lady, how many of those have you had?” He asked pointing to your now full cup and a his brows pulled lightly together

“Is that judgement I hear Finan?” You challenged with raised brows

“No no, just an innocent question” He shook his head holding his hands up

“I’m no stranger to ale, me and my sisters would sneak extra cups at feasts”

“Oh you are unruly” He laughed at your confession refilling his own tankard

As candles were lit and the sky darkened you began to feel the effects of the ale and noticed how you had felt more comfortable offering light touches to Finan’s arm and gesturing with your hands as you recounted silly tales with each other. You went to take another drink from your cup but regarded it for a moment before opting to put it back down and cleared your throat patting his muscular shoulder as you stood up.

“I believe it’s time for me to retire for the evening”

“I’ll walk you back.” He offered standing up and you caught the apprehensive look Osferth and Sihtric gave each other over hearing the exchange

“Thank you but I can manage, it’s not far” You responded with a smile walking backwards towards the door

“I’m sure you can but I won’t let a Lady walk alone in the dark” He countered and followed.

“I doubt any harm would come to me here” You motioned to the street as you exited the hall into the crisp night air, the odd torch here and there lighting the way

“Probably not but would you know how to defend yourself if it did?”

“Not exactly, but my brother did tell me once that jabbing a finger in someone’s eye is a good way to give yourself a chance to run.” A thunderous laugh escaped Finan as he held a hand to his stomach

“What? It is! You cannot give chase if you cannot see!” You laughed in response

“You can’t expect to save your own life by poking someone in the eye!” He laughed again “Here, look.” He stopped you in the middle of the street and unsheathed his seax holding it by the blade with the handle pointed towards you

“I wouldn’t know what to do with that Finan.”

“Take it, it’s not heavy. Just maybe don’t poke me in the eye with it?”

You laughed gently with a roll of your eyes and took the seax from him, it was lighter than you had expected. The only time you had held a sword was when you helped your father get ready to leave for battle but this weapon was shorter in length with less weight to it.

“Alright, now what do I do?” you asked holding it awkwardly

“Do you mind if I?” He gestured towards you with his hands out as if to touch you

“Uh no, I don’t mind” You shook your head and fought off a smile as Finan came to stand behind you

“So you’re going to hold this arm like this” He brought your arm up into a block position “Like a shield. Then with your blade you’re going to lunge” standing even closer to you with his chest pressed to your back he put his warm rough calloused hand over yours on the hilt of the seax and with a force you weren’t expecting lunged your arm forward causing a playful scream and laugh to escape you.

He leant his forehead onto your shoulder briefly with his own laugh, the now familiar scent of lavender filling his senses all over again and stepped back away taking the seax with him.

“I don’t think I’m going to be a great warrior any time soon.” You said continuing on with the walk, ignoring the heavy beat of your heart in your chest at the contact.

“Ah, never say never.”

Approaching the doors of your accommodation for the night with the moon casting a gentle glow the silence was now palpable. A rare sense of shyness came over you as your eyes met his, everything seemed to fade away around you for a moment. Your voice was barely above a whisper when you finally spoke again

“Thank you for your company this evening, Finan.”

“Pleasure was all mine, Lady.” His tone soft

“Well, goodnight.” You offered with a breathy laugh and small smile pushing the door open behind you, Finan returned it with a silent short bow and made his way back to the hall and chuckled to himself over the events of the walk, giving a final glance over his shoulder at the sound of the door closing.

“I trust the Lady y/n has made it to her bed safely?” Lady Aethelflaed asked as he sat back in his seat at the table

“I wouldn’t know about her making it to bed but I did see her to the main door.”

“And you kept your hands to yourself?” Uhtred questioned toying with his cup

“Lord I am a good christian boy, I wouldn’t dream of upsetting her father ... or her brother.”

“We shall see.” Osferth muttered under his breath, Finan chose to ignore the comment directing the conversation back to Aethelflaed.

“You might want to get her some sword training though Lady.”

“She won’t be following me into battle Finan.” Aethelflaed confirmed then put her gaze to Uhtred “Lord Aldhelm may be my eyes and ears at Aeglesburgh but women talk amongst themselves in spaces he can’t reach, men are also known to divulge information to impress and attract the ladies at court.”

“Can you trust her to be loyal to you and you alone?” Uhtred asked with a small look of concern

“I believe I can.”

Finan couldn’t fault her plans, it was smart to keep tabs on what was happening but he didn’t like the idea of you being put in a precarious situation. He knows the noblemen aren’t always so noble after a few too many ales when a woman is saying no to an advance and your inability to defend yourself properly made him feel anxious. He wasn’t sure why he felt so protective over you already having only known your for a matter of days but it was certainly clear to him that he was growing to be quite fond of you.

The following morning he had been told to ready the horses for a trip to Winchester, a witan was being called that required Uhtred to attend which was convenient timing to escort you and the lady Aethelflaed. Comment’s from the last few days went through his mind, “To be wed to a good man. Preferably one more age appropriate.” “help me to make a suitable betrothal when the time arises.”

He’d be taking you to the exact place these appropriate candidates will be gathered in one place, a union between the daughter of a Mercian Ealdorman and the son of a Wessex one would be advantageous and sought after. He didn’t like the unpleasant feeling these thoughts brought him at all, but then Osferth’s words hit him “She isn’t for the likes of us.” He didn’t want to admit it but the bastard monk was right, he shouldn’t of approached her yesterday.

“Good morning Finan” Your cheerful voice appearing out of nowhere snapped him back to reality.

“Good morning Lady” He offered with a smile reaching his eyes, internally cursing himself for the giddiness your presence causes.

“How’re yo-“ “Will you-” You both spoke at once and laughed, you looked to the floor and shook your head clearing your throat to start again.

“I’m sorry, you were saying?”

“I was just asking how you are is all.” He spoke nonchalantly rubbing a horse down with hay, trying to keep his cool

“I’m well thank you, um, will you be joining us in Winchester?” You asked hopeful to spend more time in his company

“Yep, you’re stuck with me it seems. Are you looking forward to meeting Wessex’s finest nobles?” He questioned with a playful tone keeping his eyes on the horse and the task at hand, it was foolish to ask but a bit of pain could kill off the admiration.

“Oh.” You fiddled with the cross at your neck and smoothed a hand down the front of your dress with a pause, you hadn’t given much thought to that part of the trip at all “I suppose I should be.”

“You don’t sound too enthusiastic Lady” He chuckled lightly risking a glance at you and it was obvious you weren’t, you stared blankly to the floor. Correcting your expression quickly you gave him a small smile

“Men in positions of power aren’t always my favourite.” You confessed quietly “I shall leave you to finish getting the horses ready, Finan.” And with that you walked away in the direction of the fortress.

Next

End Notes: I think they're adorable. Finan and Osferth bicker like an old married couple and you cant tell me otherwise.

Taglist: @arcielee @tssf-imagines

[illtakeyoutowonderland]

The One (Part 14)

The one with the wedding

Sihtric x Reader

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The journey was, once again, uneventful until they made it to the gates of Winchester. It took some convincing to Steapa to make him finally open the gates. But once he did no one wasted time to enter the walls

Finan, Sihtric and Y/N were the last ones and Steapa was already down the stairs and next to the big doors when the three crossed them "Lady Y/N" Steapa greeted her with a big smile "Nice to see you doing well"

"Nice to see you, too, Steapa" She returned his big smile with one of her own only to turn and find Sihtric and Finan giving her a confused look "What?" She said shrugging but the men said nothing

Once they got off their horses she stood close to both men, not really wanting to get lost in this unknown place

"Is that Aethelwold the sword-Dane I see?" Finan said to a man that sat on a table near by drinking "Looks like you've mislaid an eye" And Y/N took notice of the short blonde man

"I see you perfectly, Finan" The man replaied unamused "Though I do not see your master. Uhtred, where is he?"

"Standing at your blind side, perhaps" Finan said shrugging making Sihtric laugh

"Finan" Y/N slapped the man's arm scolding him but he just laughed and the group of three walked away, not without noticing how Aethelwold looked at Y/N

Osferth appeared out of nowhere scaring Finan a little as they all made it to a corner "So, we are inside the walls of Winchester. Where will he go? To Father Beocca?" The monk said once they were sure no one listened

"Yes. He'll find us. Be sure of it" Finan replied

"And he is free of his curse"

"She's dead?" Y/N asked in surprise and both her and Sihtric shared a look

"Very"

"Then we're all free of the curse, baby monk" Finan said and went off to talk with the Bishop, to say some excuse for them to stay so no one would find them suspicious

The three of them left went to find a table at an ale house so they could eat something and wait for Finan to figure out what to do next. This time Sihtric decided to sit next to Y/N and she suddenly felt very warm. Osferth sat across them once he made it with two jugs of ale and a few cups. They drank mostly in silence, Y/N looking around her as much as she could, taking in the new big city she was in and she saw Hild talking to some of the priests not far from them

"Apparently there is a wedding" Finan said as he sat next to Osferth and grabbed a cup for himself "Looks like you lost your chance with the princeling, Lady" Y/N rolled her eyes as he winked at her

"What do you mean?" Osferth asked

"Finan have this amazing imagination where he believes Edward was courting me somehow" Y/N explained

"It wasn't Finan's imagination, Lady" Sihtric said next to her looking at his cup and Finan gave her a I told you so look "We all saw it. Ask Lord Uhtred"

"You could've been queen" Osferth said with wide eyes

"You have all lost your minds" Y/N scoffed as she left the table to find Hild who welcomed her with a warm smile "Please let me stay with you at least for a while. I cannot stand those three any longer"

"You are more than welcome to make me company" Hild said laughing at Y/N's words "I know exactly how you feel" They both laughed in complicity "And I think someone would like to see you" She said and once inside the palace they were met with Aehelflaed and her husband who had come to the wedding

"Lord" She said to Aethelred not wanting to start a fight but he only gave her a exagerated smile and went on his way. She did not complain, on the contrary

"Oh, it is so nice to see you again" Aethelflaed said as they both hugged each other 

"We have some catch up to do" Y/N said to her hoping to have a moment alone with her friend

"We do" Aethelfaed nodded "But first we must find you a dress. For the wedding" She explained at the confuse look on Y/N's face

"Oh, I don't think I should come to the wedding..."

"Of course you should" Alfred's voice was strong, once again, on contrary to his looks. He walked with Edward at one side and a woman on the other "You would not reject the invitation from a king, would you?" He said with a warm smile on his face 

"I wouldn't dare" Y/N replied and he nodded satisfied

"Mother, this is Y/N" Aethelflaed introduced her to Lady Aelswith

"You must be the famous Y/N my husband and children keep talking about" Lady Aelswith said qith an emotionless tone

"I do not know about famous, Lady" She replied "But it is an honor to finally meet you"

"Is that so?" Lady Aelswith said with surprise 

"You are the mother of one of my dearest friends" Y/N explained as she pointed to Aethelflaed and she saw how a smile formed on the Lady's face

"She also fought bravely at Beamfleot" Edward said nodding at Y/N

"You were on the battlefield?" Aelswith asked with a disaproving tone and shock on her face "That is not place for a Lady"

"Unfortunately, yes" Y/N said to her "And trust me, Lady, I do not plan to find myself in that situation again any time soon"

"Now come, my love" Alfred said to Aelswith "We still have some preparations to make" And with that the pair were gone, followed by Hild

"It is nice to see you again, Lady" Edward said once they were gone

"And on a merrier scene as you wished" Y/N replied with honesty "I am happy for you Edward" 

"I am too, Y/N" He said and that was the first time both had said each others names, which warmed Y/N's heart to had found a new friend amongst them

"I'm sorry to interrupt, brother, but we must find Y/N a dress for tomorrow" Aethelflaed said 

"Do what you must" Edward said with a smile and the two woman were gone

After hours and hours of talking, catching up and trying dresses Aethelflaed was more than satisfied and let Y/N make her way back to the three men at the ale house 

"What's with the bag?" Finan asked as she joined them at the table

"Wouldn't you like to know" She replied as she sat next to him, only to have him reach for the bag but she slapped his hand away "Take your dirty hands of it!" She said at his smirking face "It's a dress"

"A dress?" Osferth asked "What for?"

"The king has invited me to the wedding" She simply said making them all surprised at her words "And also, I just met lady Aelswith" Y/N said with a sigh. She wouldn't rate the meeting too bad, she knew it could've gone so much worse, but there was something about that woman that frightened her a little

"Oh, you poor thing" Finan said as he handed her some ale and she could do nothing but laugh

The next day Osferth, Finan, Sihtric and Y/N made their way to Father Beocca's house so Y/N could get ready for the wedding. And also, to ask Uhtred their next steps

"Lady Y/N" Father Beocca greeted her in surprise "It is good to see you. I see you still wander with this trouble makers"

"I happen to have grown fond of them, unfortunately" Y/N replied making Beocca smile at her

"Oi! She is more troublemaker than all of us together, Father" Finan said as he sat in the kitchen table as Y/N gasped faking innocence. And once the door to his house was closed Uhtred came out from one of the rooms with a red haired woman

"Lady Y/N" Beocca said to her once again "This is my wife, Thyra. Uhtred's sister" 

"It is so nice to meet you" Thyra said and welcomed her in a big hug which Y/N happily returned "Uhtred has told me everythign about you"

"Seriously, you ask him to keep this one secret and he tells everyone" She mumbled scolding him but he only laugh

"You can trust Thyra. She is family"

"I know" Y/N gave him a look "I'm just starting to think maybe I should not trust you" She raised an eyebrow at him 

"Oh, he means well" Thyra said earning an See? I told you look from Uhtred to Y/N who just rolled her eyes at him. The arrongance of this man... "Now come, you have yet to change"

She pushed Y/N to a room and left her alone so she could change in peace. Which Y/N thanked as she put her bag on one of the tables. She sat on the bed trying to catch her breath. She didn't know why she was suddenly this nervous. 

Y/N heard Finan's voice followed by Sihtric's laugh and her heart melted a little. It wasn't very often Sihtric was loud, unlike the former Irishman. But everytime he showed this side of him made Y/N's heart grew bigger and for a second she wondered what it would be like to make him laugh that hard by herself. But, she pushed the thoughts aside as she reached for her bag and the new dress.

She walked out of the room and into Thyra and Beocca's kitchen, wearing the dress Aethelfaed had chose her not feeling entirely like herself "It is weird isn't it? I feel weird" She said and everyone went silence as they looked at her with wide eyes "I knew it!" She said as soon as she saw their reactions "It's too much, I'm changing" She started to made her way back to the room when she was suddenly stopped

"No!" Everyone said at the same time 

"You look beautiful" Sihtric suddenly said breathless and they all stared at him for a second before looking over to Y/N to see her reaction

"Thank you" Y/N said softly and she already knew she was blushing at his sincere words and intense gaze

Finan stood up and made his way to her "Let me see you" He said as he place both hands on her shoulders and looked at her to then look into her eyes again "They will be some lucky bastards" He smirked and she rolled her eyes at him "You look really nice, Lady"

"You really do, Y/N" Uhtred said to her and she saw Osferth nodding at his friend's words

"You have to let me do your hair" Thyra said with a big smile on her face and Y/n did not have the heart to tell her no

A few hours later, Y/N stood next to Thyra and Beocca watching the beautiful bride made her way down the aisle and towards Edward

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

@secretdreamlandmentality

@superawesomegeek

If you wanna be tag, let me know! 💜

[ladyinred2248]

The Offering (Finan x Luna) Part 2

Warnings: Mature themes, MINORS DNI

Word Count: Long :) Ha!

Summary: Finan can hardly contain how he feels as he travels with Luna and Uhtred's men to Saltwic. Setting is Season 3, Episode 5-6.

*******************************************************************************************

Dawn approached, giving light to the horizon as the men gathered belongings and supplies. Sihtric began readying the horses to ride to Saltwic. 

Luna heard stirring outside the tent and opened her eyes. She had slept through the whole night, not waking once. She turned and glanced toward the ground at her bedside to search for Finan, but he had already gone. Luna turned on her back and sighed as she rubbed her eyes. A moment passed as Luna breathed silently, looking up when Finan entered the tent, dressed in armor and seemingly prepared to get going to Aethelflaed’s estate, not seeming tired from yesterday’s battle.

“Good morning, little lady!” He rang out. “Come, let’s eat and get going. You are riding with me.”

Luna groaned as she rolled to her side and sat up at the edge of the bed. She brushed her hair back and looked at him standing near her, a smile on his face. She smiled back and began to put her boots on.

“Make haste, lady, and put on your clothing so that I am not tempted to delay our trip,” he commanded and winked at her.

“Yes lord,” she whispered, teasing him. Finan took a deep breath and walked out of the tent. Luna finished getting dressed and gathered her belongings. She had a quick breakfast with Sihtric by the ashes of what had been their firepit the night before. The men seemed relieved to be getting back onto the road, even if the journey ahead was long. “Will Aethelflaed except me?” She asked Sihtric. 

“Of course she will,” he answered. “She is tolerant and accepting of our differences. And I don’t think you have anything to worry about now with the Irishman guarding you.” He smirked. 

“Luna, let’s go lady!” Finan shouted as he prepared to mount his horse. He had prepared Osferth a cart to ride in for recovery and planned for Luna and him to ride behind to keep an eye on his baby monk.

Luna came over to him swiftly. “I’m ready, lord.”

Finan smiled at her as he looked into her eyes. “Up ya go, darling.” He said as he helped her onto the horse. He swiftly mounted up behind her, and firmly wrapped his arms around her waist as he scooted her back against his groin and chest with a yelp from her at the surprise. He grabbed the reins and nudged the horse forward. 

They had been on the road for a week, taking short stops for rest. Finan had kept his focus almost entirely on Luna, having late night conversations and always trying to find ways to make her laugh. God, she is so cute when she laughs, he thought every time she held her belly in unrelenting laughter after some stupid joke he made with the other men. Sihtric seemed most happy to have her around, and Uhtred caught the similarities between the two as he observed Luna’s temperament and personality. He began to enjoy having her around too, and took note of how happy Finan seemed to be as well. It was probably the most joy he had ever seen from Finan.

Finan held Luna tight as they journeyed toward Saltwic, not letting her go for a second. She eventually relaxed into his embrace after many days of travel, leaning her head back and against his chest. She could smell his musky, woodsy scent on his skin and it made her wish that he would drag his hand to her inner thighs, or stop for a rest and take her in the woods to relieve the ache that had been building for him in her core for what seemed like never ending days.

This man is a Saxon, an Irishman who worships the Christian God, she thought. It goes against everything I believe in. And here I am, submitting to his grasp and claim on me. Oh gods, but I want him to…

Finan felt Luna stir and adjust herself in front of him. He leaned his mouth to her ear to speak, “Lady, we will be stopping soon once we find a good place to camp. I can tell you are getting restless.” He whispered in her ear with his raspy accent.

“Yes, Lord.” She replied. With that, he wrapped his hand across her lower stomach and pulled her closer once again. She gasped at the surprise.

What is this woman doing to me? Finan thought as he held her close, trying hard to not let the blood rush to his cock. I am being too forward with this woman, but God she tempts me… how can I keep my hands off of her? I desire to protect her, keep her near me… and God it would be amazing to touch that body with my hands, and have her all to myself. Her screaming my name…

Finan lightened his grip on her as he now shifted as well and took a deep breath.

“Getting restless, Lord?” Luna asked teasingly as she looked back at him.

“Luna,” he began, “as much as I like the thought of being your lord - you can call me Finan.” He said as he smiled down at her and saw her gazing up at him innocently.

“I only serve who I desire to serve lord,” she replied as she brought her hand to his thigh and pinched it with her fingernails. 

That’s it woman, he thought. Now you are really going to get it. Fuck.

“Mm” he growled in her ear. Suddenly, he nudged the horse into quicker motion and strayed from the others.

“Finan! Where are you going?” Uhtred yelled. 

“I will meet you up ahead, Lord,” Finan yelled back. “Go on, we’ll catch up.”

Finan rode Luna quickly to a familiar clearing off the road that he and the other men had camped before on another journey. It was beautifully covered with low hanging trees and grasses, with a small river stream just ahead.

Luna’s heart beat erratically in her chest as she knew this was the first time they had been alone, and it had been on purpose. Finan dismounted the horse and helped her down as well, keeping a strong grip on her hips. 

“Luna,” he whispered as he began trailing kisses on her neck. “I can’t stop myself any longer.”

She whimpered as he continued to kiss her neck, now bringing her hand to the back of his head and through his hair, a slight shake in her hands as her body became engulfed with yearning for him. 

“I won’t have you here,” he whispered. “Don’t worry.” He said, sensing her nervousness as he grabbed her hands in his and kissed her palms. She sighed as she gazed deeply into his dark, brown eyes. She stayed silent as he looked at her intently, cupping her cheek with one of his palms.

“Do you want me as much as I want you?” He asked, his voice almost a growl. 

“Yes, lord, please…” she whispered before she brought her lips to his fiercely. They kissed back and forth passionately as they gripped one another, Finan holding her strongly against his body. She felt his hard cock in his trousers and let out a soft moan. He pulled himself away from their kiss after a few minutes, groaning as he placed his forehead to hers. “We must go and catch the others, sweet girl.”  He muttered under his breath. She nodded as he forcibly turned her around swiftly, still pressing himself to her body with him now behind her, his groin pressing into her behind as he brought his hand across her neck gently. “Yes, lord” she replied with a sigh, now aching to feel his body without clothing and at a complete lack of words. 

“We shall be at Saltwic before dusk,” he said, “and before the night ends you will be mine.”

He assisted her back on the horse, chuckling as he witnessed her flushed cheeks and chest. He joined behind her and quickly nudged the horse back to the road. Luna suddenly couldn’t stop smiling as they road back.

“Well that was quick,” Uhtred teased as Finan and Luna fell back in line with the other men on the road.

“It was just a private conversation, lord.” Finan replied with a smirk. Sihtric looked at Luna and chuckled. Sihtric felt protective over his sister, but he also felt trusting of Finan and his treatment of women. He could only bring her bliss, he thought.

@gemini-mama @sihtricfedaraaahvicius @bhxrdy @valeskafics @king-alfred @persephones-journey @finanhasmyheart @tlkfaerie

@mojosdumpingground

[lexyleblancc]

Goddess of love and beauty {Erik Thurgilson}

Summary: You are taken captive alongside your cousin. When you reach Beamfleot you are met with a man who wishes to show you what it means to be truly loved. 

Erik x Fem!reader 

word count: 2.4k

Warnings: None! just some fluff for our guy :)

Your eyes looked to the man left in the room, backing away from him slightly as your legs hit the back of the wooden bed. “I’m not here to hurt you Lady, I assure you.” The man spoke, bowing his head slightly as he did. His eyes met yours for the first time as he looked to you through his lashes. 

“If you didn’t wish to hurt me, then you wouldn’t have taken me in the first place.” You couldn’t help the tone behind your words, anger. He shook his head, stepping back from you and giving you the space to breathe. “I should be back at that camp, either dead or taking care of anyone who held on long enough to live.” 

“I understand, Lady.” He spoke once more, his eyes watching as you found yourself pacing back and forth. How is it that you end up in a situation like this? Why didn’t you take up Uhtred on his offer to live amongst them when it was offered to you? Or why did you refuse to yield to the Dane’s that killed your father all those years ago, leaving you to wind up on your Aunt’s doorstep with nothing more than you could carry from your lands. Everywhere you turned it seemed like you made the wrong mistakes, like God was punishing you for nothing more than trying to navigate this life. “Tell me your name.” 

“(Y/N).” You found yourself complying to his request, but your eyes never left him. 

“Erik, my Lady.” He told you in return, walking to the door and mumbling something to the man on the other side. “I have requested for something to be brought down to eat. You look as though you haven’t had a meal in months.” Erik, as you now knew him, told you. You nodded your head, slowly lowering yourself onto the bed, welcoming the furs beneath you. Erik slowly allowed himself to sit on a lone chair, making sure to keep enough space between the two of them. 

A man walked into the room, holding two plates of food and placing them onto the table. “Leave us, I’ll call when there needs to be a guard again.” Erik spoke, waving his hand in dismissal. 

“Yes, my Lord.” The man said quickly, his eyes lingering on you briefly before he left the room and closing the doors behind him. 

“Tell me, Lord Erik, what do you assume you will get for me from the King?” You asked, looking at the steaming plate of food sitting on the small table in front of you. You wished nothing more than to dig into the plate, fill your stomach until contentment washed over you. Yet you couldn’t bring yourself to reach over and allow yourself that, you couldn’t allow the man in front of you see you in such a state. 

“My brother expects the king to pay for the safety of both you and the princess.” Erik told you, his eyes drifting from you and down to the plate in front of him. Erik reached out first, picking at the food in front of him as you let out a laugh. Truly you did try to suppress it, but you could not bring yourself to hold the laugh back as it rumbled through you, making Erik raise a brow in your direction. 

“My uncle, he will not pay you a dime for my return.” You told the man, suppressing your laughter finally. “You will be paid well for Aethelflaed, I assure you. I have no claim to anything, I am a lady with no land. My parents were murdered, and so I hold no value to the king.” You told the man before you, slowly allowing yourself to pick at the food in front of you. “I have nothing to offer him, no man sees me in terms of alliances, not even a knight cares for me.” You informed, making Erik let out a sigh. 

“So you’re telling me… you hold no importance?” Erik asked, his question being worded carefully. Although you were unaware of it, hearing it voiced by someone else would hurt more than when you whisper it to yourself. You held no importance in the eyes of the king, only to his dear daughter. You were lucky to be able to find such a good friend in your cousin over the years, being at her side through most of your lives. 

“It would seem that you speak the truth.” You muttered, pushing the plate away from you and no longer hungry. “So now that you know the truth, what is it you wish of me?” You asked, leaning further into the furs beneath you. 

“We will figure it out, but I promise Lady (Y/N) there will be no harm done to you.” 

Erik stayed true to his word over the next coming days, and even so much as less harm came to Aethelflaed. They had not taken her since the first night, but Erik would come and bring you on walks. He brought you to bathe in peace, eat and drink without fear, whenever he beckoned you answered. 

“Lady (Y/N).” The doors to the cell were opened, and Aethelflaed gave you a small nod before you stood from beside her to stand. A guard nodded his head in the direction of the hallway past him, to find Erik standing there waiting for you. 

“Lord Erik,” You greeted, bowing your head slightly as you walked towards him. “I figured I would answer your call at some point. You did not come yesterday.” 

“I am sorry for keeping you waiting Lady (Y/N).” Erik spoke, offering you his arm as you two continued to walk. “If I’m not mistaken it would seem that you missed my company.” The man couldn’t help the tease, but you smiled nonetheless. 

“Don’t gloat, Erik, it doesn’t suit you.” You hummed, feeling the warmth of the sun dance along your cheeks as you stepped outside. 

“Apologies, dear (Y/N).” Erik said, his hand falling in place over yours that clung to his arm. “I wanted to show you something, but first I arranged for you to bathe.” Erik told you, guiding you through the streets of Beamfleot and to the river in which you have bathed a few times already. A handmaiden was waiting for you, a cloth for drying tucked under her arms and by the looks of it, clean clothes sitting on a stool beside her. 

“No looking, Erik Thurgilson.” You teased, making the man raise his hands in defeat and turn his back once you approached the maid. The water was welcoming as you slowly kneeled further, wetting your hair and using an old cloth to help rid yourself of any dirt. 

You couldn’t help but glance over your shoulder to the man who had his back turned to you. Erik was a man of his word, and kept watch instead of falling to his own will and turning to look in your direction. You couldn’t deny the fact that Erik was handsome, and spending time with him was peaceful instead of making you fearful. Erik was truly sweet, and on top of living up to his word and keeping you safe from others, he doted on you any chance he got. Baths, food, trinkets, clean dresses that would have been fit for a queen. 

“I fear I do not deserve a dress as beautiful as this one.” You spoke, walking alongside Erik long after you had gotten out of the river and dressed. The man looked down to you, shaking his head in response. 

“Why do you think such things about yourself?” He questioned you, making you frown in return. 

“My God has never been kind to me, I guess I have followed in his footsteps.” 

“I think the wrong God is looking out for you then.” Erik told you, a small smile tugging at his lips while he watched your face contort in confusion. 

“What God would be looking out for me then?” You questioned him finally, your hand squeezing his arm tightly. 

“One of my Gods, Freyja.” He told you proudly. His eyes now trained ahead of the two of you as he led you to a so-called surprise. “She is the goddess of beauty, as well as love and war.” He spoke. 

“What are you trying to say to me, Lord Erik?” You pushed, trying to find his eyes. “Are you calling me beautiful?” 

“I am.” Erik said with a smile. “I am also suggesting that maybe your God isn’t the God you were intended to pray to.” 

“You mean to say, you think I should be a Dane?” 

“Lady, if you wanted to, I would teach you what it means to be a true Dane.” Erik told you, stopping you two from walking any further. “I have wished from the moment I saw you that I could truly make you mine. If not even a Saxon warrior would be foolish enough to look in your direction, I’m here to tell you that I have.” Erik brushed your hair from your face, tilting your head up so you would meet his pleading eyes. 

“And what does Sigefrid think of this idea of yours?” You questioned, knowing that Erik would not be here talking to you about this if he hadn’t talked to his brother first. “That’s why you didn’t visit yesterday.” You pieced together slowly. Erik nodded his head, a small hopeful smile on his face as you spoke. “Is this my surprise?” You asked, making Erik let out a low laugh. 

“The surprise comes if you say yes, Lady. If you would like to spend the rest of your days intertwined with that of a heathen.” There was no arguing with yourself, no picking the path you thought was right this time. Only one path called to you, the one that led you closer to Erik. There was no way you would go back to the King willingly now that you have been shown what it is like to be wanted. A window peaking into the life of happiness was standing in front of you, begging to chase after it for the rest of time. 

“I am with you Erik, for however long we have left in this life.” You whispered, his forehead falling against yours in an attempt to live in the moment for a second longer. A smile tugged at your lips, you knew this would be the right choice for you. You would finally be free of the crown, be with a man who would truly love you, a man who you could love. 

“Then I must admit there was no surprise my Lady, just the promise to be the man you need me to be.” Erik told you with a laugh, making you laugh in return as his hands moved to cradle your face. 

“Just kiss me Erik.” You said softly, happily returning the kiss as his lips met yours. It would be the first of many, and if every single one brought an army of butterflies to your stomach like this one did - they would be returned happily every time. 

[persephones-journey]

It was Rare, I was There

Just a one shot about Uhtred and an OC ... and knifeplay....

Listen... I am not an Uhtred girlie but... Man, can get it... Sometimes lol

Eadburg sat in her dining room eyeing the empty chair at the head of the table.

It was where her husband use to sit.

He did not dine anymore.

No, he laid in a wooden casket outside of the walls of the estate, dead, his body rotting away.

Eadburg ran the estate now, for her son was much too young and she refused to allow her daughter to be bethrothed, even if every single man who rode through said at eight, she needed to think of these things.

“Lady,” her head house guard said as he walked into the room. He bowed. “Riders headed our way.”

She sighed. She rubbed her brow and nodded. “Can you tell who it is?” she asked. He eyed her. “Edmund?” she asked.

He nodded. “I believe it is Uhtred, the Dane-Slayer,” he said.

Eadburg's heart pounded in her chest. Memories broke forth from the dam she had built around them in her mind.

“You taste like sunshine,” Uhtred whispered as his tongue licked her inner thigh, cleaning her wetness away. “I will need to bury my head in you more often,” he looked up at her, his ice blue eyes filled with desire.

Eadburg knew she should not be here. She was meant to be in the palace, serving Alfred's widow and Edward's new wife.

Not servicing Uhtred, the Dane-Slayer.

“Please,” she whispered as he stood. She saw his cock out of his trousers, ready for her. She had already had it in her mouth, in her hand, but it would seem Uhtred was finally ready to complete her ruination and take her virginity as well.

“Shh,” he whispered as he kissed her. “I swear, I will not hurt you.”

And he thrusted deep into her...

“YOU SWORE NEVER TO HURT ME!” Eadburg screamed as she shoved Uhtred.

He grabbed her wrists and yanked her close to him. His ice blue eyes cold as they looked at her. “And I didn't.”

“You liar,” she spat at him. “You have hurt me here, right now. Telling me you have moved on.”

“I have,” he insisted. “It is not my fault that you let yourself believe we could be more.”

Eadburg looked at him, tears rolling down her cheeks. The pain tore at her heart. She swallowed it, deep within her. Along with any words she had planned to tell him about the babe she carried.

His babe.

“Lady Eadburg,” Edmund's voice pulled her out of her memories. “Do you wish to let them in?”

She nodded. “I do, Edmund,” she answered. She stood. “Allow them to enter the courtyard. I will go and tell the children to stay in their rooms,” she said.

“Do you not trust them, lady?” Edmund asked.

Eadburg looked at him. She shook her head. “Some of the men, yes, but others,” she thought of Uhtred, “no, I do not trust them at all.”

Edmund nodded and she turned and left the room. She walked down the halls towards the nursery where her two children, Edla, her daughter and, Cenhelm, her son. They were all she had left in the world. Her husband had been killed in Aegelesburg along with his eldest son, which left little Cenhelm as the heir and lord of the estate. Aethelflaed, the new Lady of Mercia, had granted Eadburg custody of her son and daughter and a parchment allowing her to run the estate until her son became of age.

Eadburg was under no illusions though, she knew she was not really safe. A piece of paper would not stop men for taking her son or daughter, kidnapping them away in the hopes and stealing her land, her home.

She would keep them safe.

Even from warriors she had known for years.

“Momma, shouldn't you be eating?” Edla asked as Eadburg leaned in the doorway of the rooms.

She took in her daughter's ice blue eyes and dark hair. She was almost a perfect picture of Uhtred. It hurt at times to look at her but Eadburg would never let her daughter know it.

“I ate already, love,” she said smiling. She walked into the room and stood behind Cenhelm, as the young boy ate his meal. She stroked his dark hair, the only thing he shared with his sister and her. She leaned down and kissed his head. “Visitors have arrived and I-.”

“You want us to stay here,” Edla sighed. She got up and walked over to Eadburg and wrapped her arms around her waist. She was tall for her age; something else she got from Uhtred. “You wish to protect us,” she muttered.

Eadburg nodded. “I do,” she answered. She leaned down and kissed Edla on the forehead. “I do not trust these men.”

“Everyone you trust already lives here,” Cenhelm said as he hung his head upside down to look at them. Eadburg saw his dark brown eyes looking at her. She sighed and patted the four year old on the cheek.

“Yes, Cen, everyone I trust already lives here,” she answered. “Now sit probably before you hurt yourself.”

“Yes, Momma,” he answered.

“All right,” Edla said. “We will stay here,” she added.

Eadburg nodded. She stroked her daughter's hair. “Good,” she kissed her cheek. “I love you, my sweet.”

“I love you too, Momma,” Edla answered.

“I luv you too!” Cenhelm exclaimed his mouth filled with bread.

Eadburg chuckled. She pulled away from Edla and turned towards Cenhelm. She kissed him on the cheek as well. He laughed as she tickled and pinched his side. She pulled away and walked to the doorway. She turned back and watched Edla sit beside Cenhelm and the two of them laughing together.

One would never think they had separate fathers.

Eadburg took a slow breath and closed the door. It was time to go face her past.

***

Uhtred dismounted from his horse and walked over to the cart. He looked over the side and saw Athelstan huddled in Finan's cloak and wool blankets. Finan sat beside the boy and Uhtred saw the Irishman stroke Athelstan's dark hair.

“How is he?” Uhtred asked, knowing it would do them no good to have the son of the king die while they were moving him to safety.

“He fell asleep a while ago,” Finan answered. “He said he was not hungry,” he added as he continued to stroke the boy's hair.

Uhtred could see the worry on Finan's face; the Irishman had bonded quite fiercely with the boy. So had Sihtric. Uhtred nodded.

“Well, hopefully, the lord of this estate can offer us shelter here while Athelstan recovers,” Uhtred turned, “Osferth, you have enough herbs or will you-.”

“I may have to make a trip to the local market, depending on what the lord has in their household,” Osferth answered as he dismounted.

“If you wait for the lord to give you permission, you will be waiting a very long time,” a voice echoed in the courtyard.

Uhtred felt a chill roll down his spine. He saw Finan frown, meaning that he had not schooled his features as much as he had hoped. He took a slow breath and turned around.

Walking towards him was a ghost from his past. A love he had pushed aside to have Aethelflaed.

Eadburg, third daughter of an alderman of Mercia. She had been sent to Wessex to serve Aelswith when Alfred grew sicker, and she was also a friend to Aethelflaed when Aethelflaed took refuge in Wessex from Aethelred on occasion.

She had become a friend to Aethelflaed and Uhtred had even seen her laughing in the company of Finan and Osferth at times.

He had been grieving from losing Gisela. So, when she had whispered words of comfort to him, he had turned and kissed her. And a kiss had lead to more.

That more had lead to Uhtred breaking her heart, and lying to himself about his own feelings, while he went off and bedded Aethelflaed.

“Eadburg,” he said.

“That is Lady Eadburg to you, Uhtred,” she stated coldly.

Finan sighed. “Out of all the estates in Mercia,” he muttered.

Uhtred ignored him and turned his attention completely towards Eadburg. She was beautiful, even then; when she was looking at him wishing him dead.

“Lady Eadburg,” he said softly and carefully. “I would ask you give shelter to myself and my men for a few days. We have a boy with us, who is sick and needs time to recover,” he stated.

She frowned. She walked closer and towards the cart. She smiled when she saw Finan. “Finan,” she said, her voice filled with happiness, “you are looking well,” she said.

Uhtred turned and saw Finan nod at her and smirked. “Lady, you are looking ravishing as always,” he said with a wink.

Eadburg snorted. “I see you are still a flirt, Finan,” Finan laughed and Uhtred felt jealousy course through him as Eadburg chuckled as well. She looked into the cart more. “Who is this boy?” she asked.

“Athelstan,” Osferth answered as he walked over to Eadburg. Again, Eadburg had a smile for Osferth. “Lady,” he bowed his head, “he is King Edward's first born son,” he added softly.

Uhtred heard the curses Eadburg muttered. She turned and looked at him. “You brought Edward's bastard to my doorstep?” she demanded.

“In my defence, lady, I did not know it was your doorstep,” he said carefully.

Eadburg eyed him. “Your men and the boy can stay. You, however,” she stepped closer, “I think you should sleep outside the gate. I might provide you a blanket.”

Uhtred stepped closer to her. He saw her hand reached down to her belt but he glanced back up at her face. “Lady Eadburg,” he stepped closer to her, “perhaps you could move on from our past. After all, you are married and I doubt your husband would be happy to see his wife acting like a common whore.”

He heard Finan sigh. “If she kills ya, lord, I am telling Lady Aethelflaed ya deserved it,” he muttered.

Uhtred glanced at Finan and it was his mistake; he underestimated just how angry Eadburg was at him. When he turned back to look at her, he hissed as he felt cold steel against his neck. He looked down and saw that she had a dagger, with a large ruby stone on it's pommel, held up against his neck. He looked at her eyes.

And all he saw was cold rage.

“My husband, lord Uhtred, was recently killed by the Danes. He took his older son with him and I lost both of them. I am holding this estate and running it for my little son, who is four, all the while trying to stop men from suggesting it is time I betrothed my daughter, who is barely older than her brother. So, lord, if you wish to call me names, continue to do so, but know that it is I who run this estate and I have no husband to answer to,” she stated her voice cold as stone.

Silence echoed around them. Uhtred stared into her eyes. He tried to see the girl he had once known; once loved. He couldn't see her anymore.

He wondered if that was his doing. If him breaking her heart had torn away a part of herself; the soft, kind part that he had fallen for.

“Lady,” Osferth said, his voice so soft and gentle as he stepped beside Uhtred, “Lord Uhtred meant no offence. He is worried about Athelstan and we have been travelling and-.”

Uhtred hissed as he felt the dagger press a tad deeper into his neck. “Do you always let your men apologize for you?” she asked.

“Only Osferth,” Uhtred muttered. “He is the only one it seems who would not like to see me gutted like a fish by you.”

He heard Finan chuckle. “Aye, well, baby monk is soft like that.”

“Do you apologize, Lord Uhtred?” Eadburg asked.

Uhtred looked at her, her once welcoming bright grey eyes were now cold and stormy. He swallowed and knew that she would cut him. Finan might not think she would but form where Uhtred stood, he could see that she truly would slit his throat if he said the wrong thing.

“I do, lady,” he whispered. “I apologize for my crude remarks, I meant no harm,” he added.

She snorted. “I doubt that,” she muttered. She pulled her dagger away. “Come, Finan, I will show you where you can bring the boy to stay. You, Osferth, and Sihtric are welcomed to stay in the little cottage I have beside the main manor house as well. It is well maintained.”

“And I?” Uhtred asked.

Eadburg looked at him. “I told you where you were staying, lord. The barn has an extra side room. I am sure you will enjoy it.”

And with that, she turned and walked back towards the main house. Uhtred turned and saw Finan climbing out of the cart. He lifted Athelstan in his arms and held the boy close.

“Uhtred-,” he started.

Uhtred held up his hand and shook his head. “Go, stay in the little cottage. I will give her some time to cool and go plead my case again,” he looked around and saw servants and men watching, “and perhaps when most of her people are asleep. I will have a serious conversation with her.”

Finan snorted. “Ya are going to end up with that dagger in ya chest, lord,” he muttered. “I know what an angry scorned woman looks like, and Eadburg looked scarier,” he added.

Uhtred patted Finan on the shoulder. “I can handle Eadburg.”

Sihtric snorted. “Famous last words,” he muttered as he walked by.

Uhtred watched them go. He turned and saw Osferth watching him. “Please be nice to her,” Osferth whispered. “She is a kind lady and I would not want her to be hurt more when we leave.”

Uhtred grabbed Osferth's shoulder. “I do not wish to hurt her either. I am just trying to make sure that we can all get along while we stay here.”

Osferth gave him a look. “You said that last time right before you broke her heart and Lady Aethelflaed arranged for her to be married off,” he said. He looked down and glanced back up at Uhtred with a sad look on his face. “She was kind before, lord and now,” he shrugged, “I do not see that kindness any longer.”

Uhtred let Osferth walk away. He closed his eyes and cursed. Osferth was right. Eadburg's kindness was gone and Uhtred had a feeling deep down that he was the cause.

He felt the urge to fix it.

***

Eadburg sat in the chair by the fire in the hall. She was in her thin silk nightdress with a knitted shawl draped over her as she sipped her wine and watched the fire.

Her mind wandered to Uhtred and the men. They had been there going on three days. Osferth and her healer had worked together and little Athelstan was getting better. Finan was like a mother hen as she expected watching over the boy. Edla and Cenhelm had heard their was a boy in the estate and wished to befriend him. Eadburg had allowed them to visit with Finan and Osferth keeping watch; if either of them noticed how Edla resembled Uhtred, they said nothing. Sihtric busied himself with helping Edmund do repairs that he had not had the man power to do before, which Eadburg knew he had worried about but did not wish to trouble her with it.

She could not sleep though. Every time she closed her eyes, she fell back into memories of before; of her and Uhtred together humping in dark corners of the palace of Winchester and in the inn. Before he had broken her heart; and in the process broken her.

She had avoided him, and the barn by extension. Finan had tried a few times to get her to speak to Uhtred but she had brushed him off and to his credit, he had smiled bowed his head and muttered a “Trust me, lady, I understand” under his breath.

She stood and her shawl fell to the floor. She hugged herself with one arm as she finished her wine. She heard the doors to the hall open and she closed her eyes and cursed.

“Edmund, whatever it is, it can wait until morning,” she muttered as she opened her eyes and looked at him.

Except it wasn't Edmund, who stood there; it was Uhtred.

She snorted and turned back and placed her empty wine glass on the large wooden mantle her husband had commissioned; one of the last editions to the manor house he had oversaw before he had left for Aegelesburg. She knew she was lucky to live in one of the older Roman villas that was still standing and in excellent shape. It meant that she had gorgeous large fire places that kept the rooms warm even in the coldest of winters.

Beside the wine glass, was her dagger. She picked it up and turned to look at Uhtred. He saw the dagger in the fire and lantern light of the room and sighed.

“I am not a threat to you, Eadburg,” he whispered as he walked closer to her.

Again, she snorted. “Oh, you are a threat,” she muttered. She walked over and bend down to pick up her shawl. She draped it over her shoulders, trying to cover her breasts; she knew that the thin silk meant if he got close enough, he would be able to see her nipples through it. “A threat I should have recognized earlier.”

Uhtred walked closer to her and stood in front of her. “I have never been a threat to you, ever,” he looked at her. His eyes raking over her from the top of her head down to her feet. His eyes focusing solely on her; it felt she was naked in front of him. He looked back up, his cold ice eyes looking into hers. “You use to know that,” he whispered softly.

He sounds hurt and it caused her anger to rise. She clutched the hilt of her dagger and held it close to her. “I was wrong,” she spat out at him. “I was so very wrong about you,” she added.

His eyes filled with sadness. “What happened to you, min søde?” he whispered using the nickname he had given to her; the one he had whispered in her ear when he had been buried deep inside of her. My sweet one. “Why are so so cold and distant?” he added as he stepped closer to her. He reached up and gently took her hand, the one not holding the dagger. “You use to be so kind and caring. So soft and-.”

She brought the dagger up and pressed it, the blade up against Uhtred's neck again. He stilled and held her hand tighter. She pressed the dagger more and he backup so she pressed it more. On and on it went, him backing up and her pressing the dagger harder into his neck. He backed up to the table, kicking a chair with the back of his foot; he had no where else to go.

“You wish to know what happened to me?” she demanded her voice low but filled with rage. “You, Uhtred of Bebbanburg, you are what happened to me,” she stated coldly.

“Eadburg-,” he started.

“NO!” she said pressed the dagger harder against his neck. Uhtred hissed and she saw blood trickle down from a nick she had caused. Her shawl, once again fell to the floor. She kicked it away. “You happened to me!” she stated again. “I was one of nine children, the third daughter. I knew I was never meant for greatness, I would be lucky if my father did not place me in a convent and forgot I existed,” she stated. “When I was called to serve Lady Aelswith, and later Aethelflaed and Aelflaed, I felt like perhaps I could have a good husband. I could have a good life. And then,” she looked at him, tears rolling down her cheeks, “there was you. The Dane-Slayer and the pagan. Everyone whispered how I needed to stay away from you, but you were nothing but kind to me. As were your men. You tried me like I was, some precious jewel,” she laughed coldly, “and I fell for it. I fell for you.”

She felt Uhtred's fingers stroke the back of her hand that he still held. “Do you not think I fell for you as well?” he whispered softly. “That I did not see you and think of how kind and loving you were and wish for-.”

“Wish for what?” she demanded. “Marriage and children?” she asked. “Because that is what I began to wish for. But then you pushed me away so you could bed Alfred's daughter,” she hated how filled with hurt and pain her voice became. She had spent years telling herself she was over it; she was over him. But apparently she had been lying to herself; just as he had lied to her years before. “And I was reminded once again, that I was no one special. Especially not special enough for the Dane-Slayer.”

“Stop,” he ordered as he looked at her. “You were special to me, min søde. Too special,” he whispered. “It was why I let you go.”

She snorted and laughed. “You truly expect me to believe that, Uhtred?” she demanded. She shook her head. “You never called it love,” she whispered to him. “I did. I remember whispering in your ear as you plowed me how much I loved you, how much I loved the feel of you against me, the feel of you in me, but you never said the same. So how was I special exactly? I was not special enough for you to whisper you loved me, no Aethelflaed was the one who no doubt got that as well.”

“I love you,” he told her. She looked in her eyes and wanted to tell him she could see he was lying. But she couldn't; because it appeared that he was telling her the truth. He let go of her hand and pressed his hand at her side. He pulled her closer and she pressed the dagger harder against his neck, the blood still trickling, a few drops at a time, from the cut. Uhtred did not seem to care. “I loved you then as well,” he whispered. “But I knew your father would not let me marry you so I did not even try to ask. That was my mistake, Eadburg, I will admit that. I am sorry I did not tell you that. I should have but I didn't. I am sorry that I didn't and broke your heart instead. If I could go back, I would do it differently. But I cannot go back. I cannot erase your hurt.”

Eadburg felt herself wanting to give in to him. She felt herself leaning in towards him, her face moving closer to his. She saw how sincere he was, how much he hurt that he had done that to her. She closed her eyes when her nose brushed his.

“It is in the past and I do not care any longer about any of it,” she found herself whispered.

Uhtred, chuckled a bit at that. “You have a dagger at my throat, Eadburg, I do believe you care about it still.”

She opened her eyes and looked into his deep ones. “I am no longer that girl and I do not believe in love and happy endings any longer.”

She saw Uhtred's eyes fill with sadness. “Pity,” he whispered. “I was about to show you how much I still ache for you,” he added.

Silence echoed around them as did the tension; this time not angry tension, no sexual tension. Eadburg's eyes looked down to his lips and she was lost. She found herself leaning forward and pressing her lips against his, still holding the dagger against his neck. He kissed her back, not caring about the dagger any longer. She felt both of his hands grip her hips and he pulled her forward.

“Uhtred-,” she started.

“Shh,” he whispered as his lips kissed her harder. His hands grabbed her thin nightdress and pulled it up. He slotted a leg between her thighs and she whimpered as she felt him press it up against her wet cunt. He pulled her down and moved her back and forth on his thigh. His finger dug into her hips as he held her. “It does not matter. Let us just have tonight,” he added.

Eadburg kissed him harder at that. That was her agreement to it all. She began to move her hips, causing friction that she ached for. She ran her other hand down his chest to his trousers. She grabbed the ties and pulled on the ties, needing to feel him inside of her once again. She moaned as his hands grabbed her bare ass cheeks.

She kept the dagger at his neck as he moved his lips to her neck. His teeth nipped her skin there as she snaked her into his trousers and stroked his cock. He lifted her, holding her against him. She stroked his cock as she nipped at his ear, her dagger still against his neck. She was not going to move it.

She still did not trust him.

But this time, she was using him as much as he was using her.

He sat on the chair and placed her on his lap. She moaned as one of his hands slipped between them, stroking her cunt, rubbing his hand against her pleasure nub. Pleasure flooded through her and she grinded down on his hand. She reached down and pulled his trousers open more and he helped her with his free hand. Once his cock was free he grabbed her wrist and held it.

She rested her forehead against his and looked in his eyes.

“Tell me you need my cock,” he ordered.

She raised an eyebrow. “I do not need to tell you anything,” she whispered as she gently pressed the dagger against his neck more, “this makes sure of it,” she added with a smile.

He smirked. “You are going to keep that at my neck the entire time?” he asked.

She nodded. “I am,” she whispered. She leaned in and kissed him. “And to remind you that this time, I am using you for pleasure, not the other way around,” she added. “So, Uhtred of Bebbanburg,” she breathed out. “Tell me you need my cunt.”

She felt him move his hand from between her folds and gripped her hips with both his hands. He leaned in closer, his lips almost touching hers.

“And if I don't?” he asked softly.

She leaned forward and bit his bottom lip. She smiled and tugged on it. “I will nick you a tad more and call Edmund in here to have you thrown back in the barn,” she whispered. She grabbed his tunic with her hand and moved her hips so her wet folds brushed his hard cock. “It's one little sentence, Uhtred.”

She felt his hands move down to her thighs. He lifted her and she felt the tip of his cock press against her entrance. “I need,” he whispered as he pulled her down so his cock slid into her, “your cunt,” he finished as he thrusted up into her, filling her completely.

She moaned and kissed him hard as she began to move against him and he thrusted up into her. She kept the dagger at his neck as she rode him and rode him hard. Uhtred knew her body better than her husband ever did. He knew exactly how fast and hard to thrust up into her, where to press his hands on her body to stroke the fire that was building inside of her. And his cock, it filled her in a way her husband's never had.

“More,” she breathed into his mouth.

He understood. He reached between them and his nimble fingers, calloused from years of fighting and carrying a sword, but also so skilled and rubbing her pleasure nub. His other hand cupped her breast and squeezed it. She shoved him with her hand on his chest back against the chair back. He, in turn pulled her closer to him and she kissed him deeply.

She rode the wave of pleasure and the fire that was building and building inside of her. She pressed her face into Uhtred's and felt his cock pulsate and twitch inside of her; she knew he was close as well. She began to move faster moaning loudly into Uhtred's face. He thrusted up into her harder, reaching behind him with one hand and grabbing the back of the chair for leverage, leaving her breast missing and aching for his touch again.

Her legs began to tingle and shake. Uhtred rubbed her nub faster and she finally moved the dagger so she could grab his shoulders with both hands. She griped them tight as she moved up and down on his cock, feeling it press hard into that spot inside of her that only Uhtred had ever been able to find.

“Yes,” she moaned as Uhtred's cock pressed hard into that spot one more time and her world shattered into pleasure.

She closed her eyes as she saw a bright white light. Her whole body shook. She slowed in her pace of moving up and down on his cock. She felt Uhtred's body begin to tremble as well. A moment later, he filled her with his seed; the warmth spreading in her womb. She slumped against his body as he sat down in the chair holding her tight.

They breathing echoed in the now silent room. Huffs and puffs. Eadburg blinked and felt her body beginning to stop trembling. She moved, lifting herself off of his cock and pressing her bare feet on the cold stone floor. She moved off of Uhtred, feeling his seed and her wetness drip down and smear on her inner thighs. Uhtred stood and grabbed her. She pressed her dagger to his chest and he leaned down and kissed her. She kissed him back and smiled as he hissed when she dragged the dagger up and down his tunic, scraping the skin where he had left it open and untied at the neck and chest.

“Can I stay in the little cottage now?” he whispered against her lips.

She shrugged. “I do not care where you sleep,” she nipped his bottom lip, “just know it will not be with me.”

She pushed him away and turned and left the room. She smiled as she walked away.

She had what she wanted, she didn't need anything else.

***

Uhtred walked into the small cottage. He smiled when Finan glanced up at him from his spot by the fireplace. Uhtred saw Athelstan's tunic in Finan's hands along with a needle a thread.

“Mother Finan mending her little chick's tunic?” he teased as he tossed his bags of belongings in the corner.

Finan snorted and shook his head. “I would ask ya how ya got Eadburg to agree to allow ya out of the barn, but I don't think I wanna know,” he muttered as he went back to mending.

Uhtred shrugged as he walked closer to the fire. He rubbed his hands together and held them out. “What can I say, Finan, I have a way with women.”

Finan chuckled. He stood from the chair. He patted Uhtred on the shoulder. “Lord, ya seem to have cut yourself,” he added as he pressed his finger against Uhtred's neck when Eadburg's dagger had cut him a couple of times. “And ya have bled on ya last clean tunic,” he leaned in closer, “next time tell Lady Eadburg to hold her dagger at ya cock. Ya might learn ya lesson better and it will be less washing for Osferth.”

Uhtred shoved Finan but Finan laughed more. Finan turned and left him standing there as he walked into the back of the cottage. Uhtred reached up and pressed his own fingers to the cuts. He pulled his fingers away and looked at them and looked at the blood. He rubbed his thumb in it.

“If there is a next time,” he whispered to himself.

But oh if there was...

He smirked.

He might like being stationed in Mercia after all.

[ladyfenring]

1 - Edward & aethelflaed

A shadow falls over the grass in front of his feet. When he looks up, he sees Aethelflaed carrying two plates.

“I brought you some cake,” she says, handing him one of the plates.

“That was nice of you.”

“Yes, well, you looked very sad out here, a grown man sitting on a swing by himself in his dress clothes. I thought I’d come join you.”

“Thanks,” he says dully.

“Welcome.” She takes the swing beside him, toeing off her sensible heels.

They sit in silence for a long moment, watching people in black dresses and suit jackets move through the garden.

“I think,” Edward says at last, “I might have made a huge mistake.”

“Which part?” she asks lightly. “Marrying Aelflaed, or breaking up with Ecgwynn?”

“Maybe both.” He rests his head against the plastic covering the swing’s ancient chains. “Do you want to hear something awful?”

“Yes.”

“I don’t even think I love Aelflaed.” He gives himself a small kick-off, gripping the plate so it doesn’t wobble as he rocks back and forth. “I liked her a lot when we first met. I liked how she made me feel.”

Aethelflaed snorts.

“Not like that. I mean, she made me feel…I don’t know, my age. Not like a father of two.”

“But you are a father of two,” Aethelflaed points out.

“It’s been hard, having kids so young,” he defends.

She licks the icing from her fork. “I bet it’s been hard on Ecgwynn, too.”

He deflates. “Yeah. Yeah, it has.”

“So what are you going to do?”

“I don’t know.” He’s quiet for a moment. “What would you do?”

Aethelflaed sets down her fork. “I’m probably not the best person to ask.”

“But you—“

“I’m getting a divorce.”

His swing creaks to a halt. “Oh.”

“It’s been a long time coming,” she says conversationally, as though she’s talking about replacing some shingles in the roof. “I think we were just…playing some stupid mind game with each other. We both knew it was over, but I wanted him to say it first, and he wouldn’t, because he was so scared of Dad.” She sighs. “And I thought I was being so clever and cunty by not saying it first, but I think…I was scared of Dad, too. Not the same way Aethelred was, but…I think I wanted to prove to Dad that the fault wasn’t mine. That if the marriage failed, it was because of Aethelred, not me.” She picks at her cake. “But now…”

“Yeah.” He pushes off in his swing again. “Now…”

Aethelflaed’s voice grows thick. “I wish he was here.”

“I don’t.”

She turns to him in surprise. “Edward—“

“He’d hate this cake,” he says calmly.

Her lips twitch. “He couldn’t eat this cake. The icing alone would do him in.”

“Exactly. He’d hate the spread in there, it’s all food he couldn’t eat, not to mention Aethelwold toasting his memory with a Lagunitas Island Beats—“

Aethelflaed laughs loudly. “He’d hate that.” Her eyes fill with tears. “He’d fucking hate this funeral.”

“Good thing he isn’t here to see it, then.”

She laughs again, tears streaming down her cheeks. “I cannot believe you.”

He sets down his plate. “Do you know, I think this is the worst cake I’ve ever had in my life.”

“It’s really bad.”

“Sorry, Dad.”

[hkblack]

Why YOU should USE a beta-reader!

Was this topic listed in last week’s post? Nope! Are we doing it anyway? Yup!

We're talking about the benefits of working with a beta-reader today in honor of the browsing period for @fandomtrumpshate starting!

Some fast facts. Of the 800+ auction offerings through FTH this year almost 100 are for fan labor services. According to FTH fan labor is the least bid on category historically, which is a shame especially knowing how many folks out there are offering this year.

I'm here to encourage you to use a beta reader to help your story grow better. And specifically for taking this wonderful opportunity of the Fandom Trumps Hate auction to work with someone who is excited enough to join a charity auction for the chance to work with you.

And I brought some friends to back me up. By friends, I mean I put out a call for anyone I have beta-read for to tell me what they got out of the process, either with me specifically or just in general with using any beta reader. Also, friends. They can be both.

Let’s start with this amazing quote from @aethelflaedladyofmercia:

"A good beta reader is the best friend a writer can have. They help you find ideas when you have no idea what to do next; they help you narrow down your choices when you have too many; they keep you going when you're ready to give up, and they stop you when the story is done but you just keep fiddling!"

Now if you’ve been following along with this blog, you know that the person with enough guts to beta read the beta reader is the fabulous and amazing @ambrasue. When we were talking about what she gains from the beta reading process, she had some very similar things to say to Aethelflaed. Here's a snippet of the conversation Ambra and I had:

Ambra: I’m now trying to write in a sentence or two about what I get out of you beta-reading my work, but all I come up with it “makes it soooo much better” Because it really does … It’s a lot of different things, but it’s also being able to “rest” in the fact that I have another set of eyes and so if I miss something it’s not the end of the world. Peace of mind and belief in my own work, maybe? HKBlack: No totally, that makes a lot of sense. I think you and I specifically also talk out a lot of major story beats and character journeys which helps flesh out the worlds we're both playing in Ambra: Yes! We absolutely do that! Character voice too. But you also make me believe in my work. Because if you like it, it can’t be that bad

In reading both Aethelflaed’s and Ambra’s responses to this prompt I realized that they basically nailed why I use beta-readers for my own work. Having someone else to cheerlead your ideas, to smack your hand away when something is already sparkling and doesn’t need any more work, to help not only pick a path, but also find a path when you’ve lost your map, these are things an excellent beta-reader does.

Personally, beta-readers have helped me identify my weaknesses so that each writing process has become smoother. My last completed work that I published had so few notes from my beta-reader compared to older works/longer WIPs. While I like to pretend that’s because I’m just a natural genius, that’s actually very unfair to the work I’ve put in as a writer, and how I’ve not just taken notes from my readers for that one story/paragraph/sentence, but how I’ve taken them with me to the next project so I can up my skill level. Writing becomes more fun for me the more I work with beta readers because it gives me a safe place to bounce ideas around, and also helps me see my improvement and growth. I don’t get lost in the mire of “am I a good writer?” when I’m having a bad writing day, and instead can focus more on things like “look at this amazing thing I just wrote! Isn’t it hysterical?”

There are so many things that are offered in the Fan-Labor category in the Fandom Trumps Hate Auction this year. The range of expertise on offer is out-standing (large farm animals? New York City living? Immunology? American Legal practice? Hockey!? This barely skims the surface) And the beta-reading offerings are fantastic, world building, brainstorming, people who actually like SPAG—I think my favorite I’ve seen so far is from a beta-reader who said they are a “professional spaghetti thrower” saying that “sometimes you’ve hit a writing wall and you don’t know where to go; I love being the one to unpick a complicated plot knot and get you on your way.” Yeah, I might ask if I can steal that excellent line.

If you’ve always been worried about what it means to use a beta-reader, I really think this year’s FTH Auction is a great opportunity for you to explore what it means. There are so many amazing folks with so many wildly different layers of expertise and willingness to jump into your sandbox and help you build sandcastles.

On that note, I’m going to finish with a little bit of hype for my own listings featured in the Auction this year. Here’s what hapax had to say about having a work beta-read by someone like me:

"A great beta like HKBlack will water your word-fields, straighten your furrows, fertilize your themes, weed your reduncies, cross-pollinate your metaphors, and reap you bushels of well-deserved kudos"

Excuse me while I go cry a little. (can I get this cross-stitched and hung on my wall while I'm at it?)

I hope you all take some time to browse the Fan-Labor listings on offer this year and bid bid bid! There's so many excellent people offering some really great stuff! (by the way, all three creators quoted here are also offering up their own auctions, writing for the Good Omens fandom, here's hapax , Aethelflaed, and ambra_sue)

[morosemagick]

Hey! What about Sihtric confessing his feelings to Reader while they are bathing after a battle? Something like: don't look. But the one is peaking at the other....and well...

You never imagined yourself falling for a Dane. All your life you were told time and time again to find yourself a good Christian man, someone who will provide for you and your family. Too bad for your family, this normalcy was not what your heart desired. You were a fighter, a warrior, desperate to make a name for yourself in a world so large that women seemed to become lost in it. In your desire to become more than the path life had intended for you, you left your family behind to travel to Coccham, where you heard of a certain Saxon turned Dane who leads a group of warriors such as yourself. Warriors who were meant for less and became more. 

It was under the service of Uhtred of Bebbanburg that you would meet Sihtric Kjartanson, the Dane who would steal your heart.

If only you had the guts to tell him.

You almost told him… once. When you were drunk on ale, feeling confident as you found him alone, leaving the alehouse. You went straight up to him and flirted the best you could, hands trailing across his armbands as you leaned into each other and he just might have kissed you….

But you were interrupted by your fellow warriors, and the moment was over.

Since then, you've kept your distance and have barely spoken to Sihtric. You did not want to be seen as anything but a warrior, and you definitely didn't want to be seen as a whore. 

The stress of ignoring him is only heightened after you are all sent to Mercia to deal with raiders at the request of the Lady, Aethelflaed. By the time you are done, you are covered with dirt, blood, and sweat. The summer sun is beaming down on you and you feel absolutely disgusting. 

You arrive back at Saltwic to tend your wounds and rest a touch before returning to Coccham, and also because you believe that your Lord fancies Lady Aethelflaed, but you keep that part to yourself.

As you all ride through the gates and get to the stables, you realize Sihtric is no longer with you. Worried you turn to the warrior closest to you to ask for his whereabouts.

"Osferth?" You call out to him shyly, "Have- have you seen Sihtric?"

"He might have headed to the river already," He glances momentarily and smiles before turning to tie up his horse, "Was everything okay?"

"Yes, I just was hoping to talk to him-" You jump with a gasp as Finan passes you by, playfully hitting your shoulder with a cheeky smile on his face.

"Lookin' for Sihtric like always, Y/N?" He smirks at you and you nod your head in response, "He's by the river, didn't want to bring his stink into Saltwic and offend the Lady of Mercia." He and Osferth both chuckle, looking at each other and then you, "You are welcome to go down there and join him... if you wish."

Your cheeks flush red at the thought as Finan laughs some more, earning a smack on his own shoulder from Osferth, "Stop teasing the poor girl, she's going to faint."

"Y/N is a warrior! She has nothing to be shy over," Finan argues with a laugh as he looks back your way, "I'm sure Sihtric will be more than happy to have him join you."

"Oh no, I'll just… I can wait," You try to tell them as you wave your hands in the air, "I'm in no rush and I'm sure he'd rather be alone-"

"And I'm certain that he wouldn't-"

"Finan, leave her!" Osferth yells again, grabbing his shoulder to get him to go, "Excuse us, Y/N, I think Finan needs a bath... in holy water."

Finan laughs as he lets Osferth drag him away, leaving you with a choice to make. 

One it doesn't take you long to make.

You let your feet carry you with haste to the river, where you indeed find Sihtric readying himself to jump into the waters. He spots you right before has the chance to remove his pants, and stops himself, "Come to spy on me, Y/N?

"I thought you were the spy of our bunch, Sihtric?" You joke as you approach him, trying not to stare too obviously at his chest, "I only wanted to see how you were doing… I saw a man cut you pretty well.

"It doesn't look terrible," Sihtric turns his arm so you can see the open wound, it isn't bleeding anymore but it's still a rather large cut, "I will get it sewn as soon as I'm bathed."

"Good," You nod looking around for something, anything else to talk about but you see that he's standing there smiling at you, and you blush, "What?"

"Do you wish to join me?" Sihtric’s smile keeps firm as he glances momentarily at the water, "I won't look, I swear."

You're too scared to ruin this moment with words so you nod okay, and your response makes him chuckle happily.

"Good. Turn around and I will go in first," he tells you and you immediately turn on your heels making him laugh, "Try not to peak."

"I would never," You tell him once you turn around, very tempted to look over your shoulder as you tell him, "I am a good Christian woman after all."

He laughs harder this time than the last and you can hear his pants drop to the ground, "I am sure all good Christian women bathe with heathens and slay Danes as you do."

"Only the ones who lie with Lord Uhtred," You mutter with a smirk on your face and Sihtric must have heard you because he laughs again.

He's in the water now, you can tell because you can hear the water sloshing around him as he moves, "You can come in now, Y/N," he calls out to you, "I will not look, I swear it."

When you turn around he is faced the other way, as promised, and you start to strip yourself as quickly as you can. Your clothes dropping to the ground without care until you are bare as the day you were born. Slowly, you make your way to the water, letting out a sigh of relief as you lower your body into the cool river. You close your eyes as you go under, letting all the dirt and blood float away.

And as you return to the surface and open your eyes, Sihtric is right there, facing you with a hunger in his eyes like you have never seen.

“I peaked,” He tells you, eyes glued to your lips.

Your appearance mimics his, your chest’s rising and falling quickly as you stare at each other with want and desire. It takes you a moment, but you finally get words to come out of your mouth, “You did,” a smirk forms across your face, “Does this mean I get to punish you?”

There’s a devious smirk on his face as he pulls you in by the neck to kiss you, your hands reaching for his as you all but attempt to devoir each other whole. His kiss is intoxication, more than you could ever hope for. There is no way a good Christian man could kiss like this. His tongue slips into your mouth as a hand slips into your hair, and under the water, you can feel his length hard and stiff against your chest. You want more, you are ready for more-

But instead, you are interrupted... again.

“There you two are,” You can hear Finan call out, and as quickly as he can, Sihtric spins you around so that he can cover your body, “Our Lord is looking for you both.” He’s laughing and you can see the annoyed look on Sihtric’s face, it makes you giggle like a child to be caught like this. 

“I swear, Finan, I will kill you if you do not leave-”

“I am only the messenger!”

“Goodbye, Finan!” You call out, still laughing. 

He does eventually go, and Sihtric sighs in aggravation as he looks back to make sure you’re alone, “And they say I am the heathen.”

“I know,” You tell him, and when he looks back your smiling, “Irishmen are much worse.” 

He laughs for a moment before leaning back in to kiss you again, and the both of you are very late in reporting in, to your lord.

TAGGED:

@solinarimoon ​ @thebohemianpenguin @emilyhufflepufftlk @magravenwrites ​ @unicornlovedust ​ @lalahmaria ​ @lauwrite1225 @scionsofterredange ​ @obipoelover @axe-does-writing @webreathfandoms

[fan-fantasies]

What a Fool (P.5)

A/N: there’s two more parts after this and I’m excited to get them out! These last two chapters are kind of filler chapters so thank you for enduring them.

Warnings: mention of injury and angst

Pairing: Sihtric x Reader

Masterlist

Part Four // Part Six

You were carried into the estate by a blood-covered Sihtric. Tears stung at his eyes but he would not let them fall. He blamed himself and if he lost you he knew he would never recover.

He set you down on a bed and Aethelflaed’s handmaiden rushed to your side. She had studied healing once and Aethelflaed still allowed her to practice when the situation called for it, and call for it you did.

She washed your wound that was still oozing blood, but not as badly as it was. She patched it up as best she could and placed a cool rag on your forehead.

“The wound was deep but it is not fatal. I will make her a tonic to fight infection and fever,” she said before leaving. Your friends sat around you, staring at your unconscious form. Osferth prayed silently in the corner while Finan pulled Sihtric aside.

“I’m sorry for even suggesting the bet. I knew how much you cared for her and I never should have come between that. I was an arse,” Finan said.

“Yes, you were. But so was I. I never should have agreed. I should have told her how I felt long ago and now I may never get the chance,” Sihtric sighed. His friend placed a comforting hand on his shoulder.

“She will recover and you will get your chance. Let us pray she forgives the both of us,” he said. They returned to your bedside, refusing to leave. They were brought food and ale but Sihtric could not even think of food.

A day had passed since you collapsed and you had not stirred. Everyone began to fear the worse was to come. Uhtred consoled Aethelflaed who was already beginning to mourn her friend.

A thin layer of sweat covered your skin, your pulse weak. Sihtric began to sob, his pent up emotions finally being released. Aethelflaed cried into Uhtred’s chest, the lord holding back tears of his own.

“Why are you all blubbering like babies?” You croaked, throat dry and in pain. Everyone nearly fainted from the surprise. Aethelflaed rushed to your side, holding a tonic to your lips that her maid had mixed together.

“We feared you were about to depart from this life,” she said, a sigh of relief falling from her lips.

“As I told Osferth, you will not rid yourselves of me that easily,” you joked.

“I am glad to see you are in good spirits, lady,” Sihtric said timidly. Your face fell into a scowl when you looked at him.

“Surely no thanks to you,” you spat. He hung his head in shame.

“Let us give the lady some space to breathe. We will talk when she has her strength,” Uhtred said, ushering everyone out besides Aethelflaed.

“Finan and Sihtric explained what happened and why you ran off. You know you could have come to me instead. I would have had them thrown out on their arses,” she told you.

“I was not thinking, lady. My world came crashing down around me and all I could think to do was run. I woke up thinking I had two men who wanted me only to realize that neither of them did,” you sighed.

“I am not so sure about that. While explaining, both Finan and Sihtric admitted that Sihtric had real feelings for you. He just let Finan get inside his head and he made a mistake. I am not saying to forgive him because what they did was absolutely rotten, but I wanted you to know that you are wanted,” she said. You didn’t know what to feel. You felt betrayed but you were relieved to know that your feelings were mutual to some degree.

“So what you’re saying is I should cut off Finan’s balls first,” you said. She let out a laugh.

“That is exactly what I am saying. But you know you will always have a place here with me. Just something to consider,” she said. You nodded and gave her a small smile.

“Would you have your handmaiden fetch me some food? I feel like I could eat a whole deer,” you asked.

“I will fetch it myself,” she smiled.

She brought back your food and you thanked her. She unfortunately could not stay, having other matters to tend to. You were left to rest and recover.

After you ate, the handmaiden came to change your dressings. You thanked her for all of her help, fully convinced you would be long gone if not for her help. You told her you were in her debt.

“You are too kind lady,” she laughed.

“No, I owe you my life.”

“As do I.” You both turned to see Sihtric standing in the doorway. “Surely I would have been lost if you could not be saved.”

“You would have found yourself to the nearest ale house and drowned your sorrows in the bosom of whatever woman fell for your charms,” you snapped. Aethelflaed’s handmaiden excused herself, not wanting to bear the pain of the awkward encounter.

“(Y/N), will you please allow me to explain myself?” He asked.

“There is nothing you can say that I would want to hear.”

“I promise it is not as it seems,” he said, sitting on the edge of your bed.

“So you and Finan were not trying to woo be as part of a game or bet?” He paused for a moment.

“Well yes. But no. He was, but my feelings are true. I have loved you since I met you,” he said.

“So instead of coming to me and being honest, you decide to hurt me instead? Treat me as a fool?” You winced in pain as you shifted in the bed.

“I was not thinking. I will do anything to seek your forgiveness.”

“I am not sure there is anything you could do. You do not understand how much you have wounded me-worse than any blade ever could,” you replied. He reached out to grab your hand but you recoiled. A pained look crossed his face.

“I will not give up. I will prove to you that I can be the man you need me to be. I will not let one foolish mistake keep us apart,” he said.

“You may be waiting for quite some time then, Sihtric.”

“Then I will wait. My heart is yours and nothing will change that.”

“Yes well I once thought that too, but look how things change,” you sighed.

“I never should have let Finan get into my head,” he mumbled.

“This is not entirely Finan’s fault. You agreed to whatever little game you played. You agreed to treat me like an object instead of a woman.”

“That is true, lady. And it my biggest regret. When we return to Cookham, I will show you just how much I care for you and that I am willing to do the work to win you back,” he said.

He reached for your hand again and this time you let him grab it. How easy it would be to just give in to him. To let him comfort you and tell you all of the things you wished to hear for a long time now. But you could not give in that easily.

“I do not think I will be returning to Cookham.”

To be continued…

The Last Kingdom Taglist: @cornervase @camillabrady @moldy-khunt @stray-bi-kids @emilyhufflepufftlk @solinarimoon

[aadmelioraa]

“I hope you won’t mind, but I’ve asked your ex-husband to be the best man,” Edward says. He’s stopped by Aethelflaed’s office a few weeks before the wedding, which due to Eadgifu’s pregnancy has been planned in record time.

“I assume you’re referring to Aldhelm and not Aethelred,” Aethelflaed says, barely glancing up from the brief she’s reading. 

Edward snorts. “There’s an idea.”

“I don’t mind.” Aethelflaed sets down her paperwork and meets his gaze. “We’re all adults here. I knew he’d be there anyway.”

“Right” Edward collapses into a chair opposite her desk. “I’m glad you two are on good terms. Gives me hope for me and Aelflaed.”

“Do you want to be on good terms with Aelflaed?”  Aethelflaed asks, lifting an eyebrow. “More importantly, does Aelflaed want to be on good terms with you?”

Edward runs a hand through his hair. “It would be best, for Aelfweard’s sake.”

“Mmmm.” Aethelflaed reaches for her coffee, realises it’s cold, and sets it back down. “I think if you make a bit of an effort, things will be fine. As I understand it, she’s quite happy with Aalys, so I don’t think she’s harbouring too much of a grudge.”

Edward sucks his tongue over his teeth.

“You can’t begrudge her a girlfriend when you’re the one getting remarried,” Aethelflaed says sternly. She’s scrolling through her inbox, pinning various messages to the top so they’ll be accessible for her afternoon meeting. 

“I don’t begrudge her.” Edward stares up at the ceiling. “But we may need a bit more space from each other before we can reconcile.”

“That’s reasonable.” 

“How do you and Aldhelm do it? He’s still around constantly, and I’ve never seen you argue once.”

Aethelflaed stops scrolling. “Aldhelm is…different. He’s just very even keeled. You know.”

Edward shrugs. “I suppose I should be asking him for advice.”

“Yes, why are you still here?”  

Edward squints over at her. “Just wanted to check in, that’s all.”

Aethelflaed sighs. “Has Aelfwynn been worrying, or is it Mum? I’m wrapping up a big case, then I can take a nice long weekend off for your wedding.”

He nods as if he almost believe her. “As long as you’ll be there.”

“Of course I’ll be there. Besides, I think I’m due for a free gift, this is the third wedding of yours I’ll have attended.”

“You’re one to talk."

[valhallasubstitute]

Pleasure

Edward x F Reader

The reader teaches Edward a thing or two about pleasure

REQUEST: Can i request a *smut* with Edward from TLK?

Maybe a dane reader that absolute rock his shit like nobody before 😂 she can be Finan Or Sihtric sister maybe?! Thank you!

A/N: Evidently, I don’t think much of the English as lovers lol, I blame my first bf – Tom if you find this, thank you for the inspo. Also, if anyone’s interested in a dom reader then please let me know, I think there’s a real lack and that makes the switch in me v sad

WARNINGS: SMUT 18+. Unprotected sex – it’s the ninth century they have an excuse, you don’t. M!Sub/F!dom undertones, brief female masturbation, male receiving oral

WC: 1654

Tags: @flowers-in-your-hayr @geekandbooknerd @mariaenchanted @solinarimoon

You could honestly say you never expected things to turn out this way.

How many Danes could say they had discussed the boy King’s sex life with him? If you counted yourself then it would be three. Sihtric, your brother, and Uhtred sitting either side of you.  Add in the Irishman that started it all, the baby monk and a vaguely uncomfortable looking Lady of Mercia and the number of people looking unimpressed rises to six.

You sat around the fire; ale pouch being passed between you after another successful battle, but your good spirits were beginning to dwindle as you listen to Edward describe his other conquests.

There were more than you had expected, but you supposed his title and pretty face made it hard for young maidens to deny him. You hadn’t denied yourself the pleasure of admiring him either, long blond curls that grazed his broad shoulders, and light blue eyes, usually set in a frown. You found yourself believing his words before battle, letting his passion seep through you as you lost yourself in the sight of him, arm outstretched with a sword in hand, strong thighs gripping the saddle and a ferocity that one might overlook upon first meeting Edward.

It had the foundations of a fantasy that would have kept you warm.

The conversation moved slowly, Edward relaxing and his words becoming freer. You forced yourself back to the present, preparing yourself to hear another depressing confession.

‘The last was a girl from the camp just outside of Lundon. She was wild.’

‘Wild? Now this I can get behind.’ Finan leaned forward, a new sense of interest washing over him as Edward nodded. You had already heard of the ‘daring’ places Edward had fucked, the palace guest room, the stable, and who could forget his royal tent! Wild, you decided, was something Edward had never come across.

‘She took me out to the woods and laid herself bare before me.’ You watched the interest of the group peak, even your brother raised a brow. ‘She started touching herself.’ He motioned to his chest. ‘I’ve never seen a woman so bold. How is a man meant to control himself?’ Uhtred nodded lightly, taking the ale from a grinning Finan. ‘I laid her on the ground and had my way with her.’

Finan’s face fell. ‘That’s what you call wild? Christ have mercy.’

That was when it hit you. It wasn’t that the King was a bad lover necessarily, it was that none of what he had experience had anything to do with pleasure. Not real pleasure.

‘With respect my Lord, none of your exploits deserve the praise in which you speak of them.’

Aethelflaed’s eyes snapped to you as your words settled over the group. You watched as Edward straightened himself, his hands dusting his thighs before he looked at you. The ease was gone from his denier and for the first time that night you felt like you were speaking to the King of Wessex.

‘How so?’ His voice was calm, interest peeking out from behind his pride.

‘What you have described is the way all Saxon men are. You lie a woman on her back, slip inside – she’ll make a few noises, to hurry you up.’ You shrugged sympathetically. ‘Maybe she is feeling particularly generous, or bored, and will wrap her legs around you, pull you deeper so that she might feel something and coo in your ear a sweet encouragement. It’ll last all of five minutes before you’re lying on your back, satisfied, and she’ll tell how good you were before slipping away. Am I wrong, Aethelflaed?’

All eyes snapped to the Lady of Mercia, the way she looked down and the uncharacteristic blush on her cheeks told everyone everything they needed to know.

‘The thing is, Edward, is that you never had sex for pleasure.’ The King opened his mouth, but you kept going, ignoring the baffled looks from Saxons around you. ‘Only for release and they are not the same.’

Finan was the first to agree. ‘I like the way you think Y/N.’

‘Many men do.’ You stood as you spoke, smiling at your friends but staring pointedly at Edward before retiring to your tent.

It was around an hour later when you sense that you were not alone. In just your tunic you glanced at the dagger at your side before addressing the presence.

‘It’s not very kingly to lurk in the shadows, my lord.’

‘Your words have left an impression.’ The candlelight danced on Edwards features, and you almost missed the reservation in his steps for the soft curve of his mouth. You stood, walking towards him slowly, a small smile encouraging him. ‘After you left, I thought about the things you described, and myself in relation to them. You were right and … and I would like to experience it.’

You could sense his nerves despite the way Edward held your gaze, it was unwavering but as you circled him you noted the way his hands fidgeted behind his back.

‘Experience what my king?’ You stopped in front of him, your chest nearly brushing against his.

‘Pleasure.’

His lips crashed into yours, demanding but soft. You let yourself melt into it, tasting the ale on his tongue before pulling back completely. You laughed as Edward frowned, as a prince he was spoiled, it was clear to see, but you intended to ruin him as a king.

You lead him to the furs of your bed, telling him to sit with a light push on his chest. His eyes were already trained on you but darkened as you removed your clothing, leaving your body exposed. You took delight in how he didn’t know where to look, his eyes darting from your face to your sex with his bottom lip tugged tightly between his teeth.

You let your hands roam around your body, swaying gently till you palmed at your breast, rolling your nipple between your fingers. Your eyes fixated on the growing strain in Edwards breeches as your other hand travelled south, your index finger slipping between your thighs with a gasp.

‘Y/n…’ The sound of your name on his tongue made your stomach flutter, he sounded demanding.

‘Pleasure is the pleasure of your partner.’ You moaned quietly as you slipped another finger into your heat, keeping the pace steady.

‘Show me.’ He sounded desperate.

You took your fingers from between your thighs and brought them to your lips, smiling as Edwards own lips parted in want. You moved towards him slowly, enjoying the growing sweat forming on his forehead and the way he licked his lips.  

He reached for you, but you knelt before him, your hands running up his thighs before you began untying his trousers. He lifted his hips and you focused on ridding him of the fabric before turning your attention to his erection.

It stood proudly before you, the tip red and already leaking precum. You breathed in deeply before pursing your lips and blowing cold air directly onto his member. Edward inhaled deeply, a smile coming to your lips when it jumped in response.

‘You are teasing me.’

‘I am pleasuring you.’ Edward opened his mouth to argue but the words died in his throat. Your lips wrapped around as much of him as you could fit, your hands finding the rest. You bobbed your head once, twice, flattening your tongue as you went down then curling it as you came up. Edward’s left hand bunched in the sheets, grounding himself while his right tangled itself in your hair, his grip creating a delicious burn.

Breathing through your nose you took him as deeply as you could, your throat contracting around him as your vision blurred. The way Edward moaned kept you there for longer than you had any man, quickly finding yourself obsessed with the way his eyes fluttered and his throat bobbed as he tried to hold back the noises. You only stopped when your lungs demanded it.

‘God … Please, Y/n.’

You kissed your way from his balls to his tip, giving it one last lick before kissing up the rest of his body, undoing his shirt as you went. You let your hands roam around the tight muscles of his thighs and abdomen, your tongue following your fingers until you were sat in his lap, your hands tangled in his hair and your lips branding his neck.

‘I want you Y/n.’ You pulled back, lips tingling and bruised, your core brushing against his erection.

‘You want me Edward, but do you desire me?’

‘Yes.’

You smiled at him, the darkness in his eyes and his grip on your hips making you ache. You sunk down on him slowly, enjoying the way he stretched you. You stilled as your hips met his, grinding your clit against his body. The tiny jolts of movement began to pick up speed, Edwards lips discovering the slope of your neck and your hands digging into his shoulders. You wanted it to last forever, to feel the hot ache of him between your legs but you knew he was close. His hips jutted up to meet yours, one of his hands finding its way to your clit as his breath grew heavy in your ear.

His fingers were skilled, rubbing in time to his thrusts while you clawed at his back, your knees beginning to give from beneath you. You came with a call of his name, the tightness in your stomach snapping into white pleasure that washed over your body, wave after wave. Edwards’s pace didn’t slow, and your walls gripped him tightly, convulsing around him until he came with a deep moan. His fingers slowed and both his hands come to rest on your hips. He was smiling.

‘From now on, I think I will always choose pleasure.’

‘A wise choice my lord, I’ll always be happy to comply.’

[cryingoverafictionalcharacter]

Sihtric x Dane Reader

Prompt: Y/N has been traveling with Uhtred and the Cookham trio for almost a year now. She has proven her worth multiple times, both on the battle field and as a friend. She loves the men like they are her own family, all except a certain dark haired Dane, who she cant seem to loose feelings for.

Warnings: SMUT!!! 18+ Only (fuckin, heavy kissing, mentions of Sihtric having a hair pulling kink because he OBVIOUSLY DOES) , Swearing, Sihtric being the goofball he is, maybe season 3 spoilers?

Word Count: 2.5K (SHE LONG)

You have known Uhtred since you were young, having grown up in the same village, he was your mentor, and taught you everything he could before he left for Wessex, so when you heard he was now a lord, and looking to build an army to take back Bebbanburg, it only seemed fitting that you joined.

You had rode into the camp and demanded to speak with ‘Lord Uhtred of Cookham’ and seeing you were still in your Dane clothing, you didn’t recieve the warmest welcome, having been met with swords as you approached the gate by a Monk, an Irishman, and a man who appeared Dane. It sounded like the start of a bad joke.

The Dane especially caught your eye. He was handsome, and seemed to be around your age, he was tall, and as his eyes met yours you noticed they were different colors. You only looked away when you heard Uhtred come out of his tent.

“Can I help you?” Uhtred asked, motioning for his men to stand down as he eyed you closely, not quite knowing why he recognized you.

“Yes” You said, dismounting your horse and approaching the man, pulling out your sword to point at him “Yield to me”

Uhtred’s face lit up in a smile, before he quickly closed the space between you, engulfing you in a hug.

“Y/N! It’s been so long! I hardly recognized you you’ve grown so much! What are you doing in Cookham?” He asked, causing the three men who had welcomed you to relax a bit. 

“I heard you are trying to retake Bebbanburg, and seeing I am the best warrior you’ve ever met, I figured I’d give you a favor” You said smugly, causing Uhtred to roll his eyes before ruffling your hair.

“We’d love to have you” Uhtred said slinging an arm around your shoulder, before introducing you to the rest of his men.

----

A year later and it was as if you had know them for your entire life. They were skeptical at first, not fully trusting a Dane. But after a few drinks, a couple jokes, and proof that you were a worthy fighter, they accepted you openly.

You were currently in Mercia to help Lady Aethelflaed. You had spent the last week fighting off soldiers, but the fighting was slowing down, allowing you some downtime. You sat by the forest, watching Osferth and Sihtric spar, Osferth wanting to be better prepaired for the next battle. You were up next to practice, needing to freshen up on your sword skills, but your mind was somewhere else.

While you were friends with all of the members of Uhtreds group, you and Sihtric had a closer connection. You would spend more time with each other that with the others, there was the occasional flirty joke, and some nights you could spend hours talking. You had fallen hard for the dark haired Dane, and as much as you would love to peruse it, the fear of rejection from both him and the group was enough to suppress it.

“Enjoying the view?” Aethelflaed asked from beside you, causing you to jump out of your skin.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about” You said, regaining your composure while attempting to look unbothered as Aethelflaed came to sit by you.

“So you haven't been sitting here giving bedroom eyes to Sihtric all day?” She asked teasingly, making you blush a bit.

“I am not giving him bedroom eyes, I am simply observing” You said calmly, making Aethelflaed laugh.

“Whatever you say” She laughed, deciding to watch with you.

A few minutes later and both Osferth and Sihtric were breathing heavily. They stopped sparing and Osferth was dismissed so he could take a break, meaning it was your turn to fight Sihtric.

“Ready?” You asked, grabbing two training swords and approaching Sihtric.

“Always for you” He replied, a smirk on his lips.

You rolled your eyes, trying to fight the smile on your face as you handed him one of the wooden swords. You stepped into position, and as soon as Sihtric nodded, you lunged, starting the fight.

As you continued into the day, the sun kept rising, and the air continued to get hotter, causing a thin layer of sweat to cover the both of you. You had been fighting for a while, and while you were able to block all of his strikes, he also blocked all of yours.

“Lets take a quick break yeah?” Sihtric asked, to which you nodded.

You put your hands on your head and walked around, trying to catch your breath, only for you to turn and have the air knocked out of your lungs.

Sihtric had taken off his leather armor, and was now removing his tunic, exposing his bare torso. You had only caught a glimpse before you turned back around, pretending to still try and catch your breath, only to make eye contact with Aethelflaed, who had covered her mouth to stop herself from laughing at you. You glared at her before taking a breath and turning around.

You were met with the sight of his muscular chest, adorned with tattoos and scars from his past. You had only looked for a few seconds, quickly returning your eyes to his, but it was clear he noticed.

“See something you like?” Sihtric asked with a cocky grin.

Oh hell no, he was not going to get you like this.

“No, I just think its a good idea, it is pretty hot after all” You said, watching Sihtrics eyes widen as you reached for the laces of your own leather armor.

You took off the heavy piece of protective clothing, followed by your own long sleeve shirt, leaving you in your trousers and a sleeveless, form fitting tunic.

You tuned to drop your things down, and once again made eye contact with Aethelflaed, who eyes were now wide with a shocked smile on her face, giving you a quick wave as she left to leave the two of you alone.

You turned back to Sihtric, his mouth slightly open in shock as his eyes met yours, then moved down your chest, then quickly back to your eyes.

“See something you like?” You teased, quoting him from before.

He shook his head smiling before getting back into fighting position, you following his movements, and then you were fighting again.

After a few moments, you landed a hit to Sihtric, an surprised expression crossing his face that made you laugh.

“That doesn’t count you distracted me” Sihtric defended, resuming the fighting.

Jab left, block, swing right, block

“So? You’re distracting me and I’m still fine” You replied

Block, dodge, block, jab

“How am I being distracting?” He asked, suddenly impossibly close as your swords crossed, causing your face to heat up a bit.

“Um... I mean your-” You muttered, trying to find the words to defend yourself, which Sihtric took as an opportunity, sweeping your legs so you were now on your back.

You yelled in surprise, before groaning in frustration as you looked up through the tall grass to see Sihtric looking down at you, a smile on his face.

“Yield to me” He grinned, pointing the sword at you.

“Fine, just help me up” You grumbled, holding out your hand.

Sihtric put down his sword and grabbed your forearm, you grabbing his as well, before using all your weight to pull him down, flipping him over so you were now straddling him with your sword at his throat.

“Your turn to yield” You said smugly, Sihtric looking up at you with a feigned hurt expression.

“That’s not fair” Sihtric whined, causing you to laugh.

“To bad” You shot back, causing the both of you to laugh before suddenly becoming serious, realizing the position you were in. 

Sihtrics large hands came to rest on your thighs as you straddled him, slowly moving the fake blade away from his neck and dropping it next to you. The other hand having landed on his chest meant you could feel his heartbeat, which began to quicken when you met his eyes.

Before you could say anything, Sihtric had moved his right hand from your thigh to the back of your neck, pulling your lips down to meet his. The kiss set you on fire, and you found yourself diving deeper as his tongue ran cross your bottom lip.

As your tongues fought for dominance, your hips began to grind down into him, making you aware of his now hardening member. His hands moved to your waist, an arm wrapping around your back to support you as he flipped you over so he was now on top of you.

His mouth moved down to your neck, sucking and biting at the flesh that would certainly leave marks in the morning, while also slipping his other hand under your shirt, trailing upwards. Your fingers raked through his hair, pulling at the roots and making him moan into your shoulder.

And then the fucker pulled away.

“Are you sure about this?” He asked looking down at you.

“Obviously, ya fucking arseling” You replied, making him laugh a bit.

“Just checking” He said, suddenly standing and pulling you up with him before leading you to his tent.

You snuck throughout the camp, hiding behind small structures before sprinting past others. You finally reached Sihtrics tent, and you couldn’t but giggle as he pushed you inside, his lips instantly reattaching to yours.

He knelt down and grabbed your arse, lifting you up allowing your legs to wrap around his waist. He walked backwards until the backs of his knees hit the cot, allowing him to sit down with you straddling his waist. 

You pulled away from the kiss, allowing you to quickly discard your tunic, Sihtric taking his time to look you up and down, his eyes dark with lust when they returned to yours.

“Too distracting?” You asked smiling

“Nope” He said, flipping you onto your back before masking quick work with his britches, you doing the same with yours, discarding them to the side of the tent and then Sihtric was back on you, his mouth crashing into yours.

His hand reached between you, guiding his length to your entrance before slowly pushing into you. You broke the kiss to let out a gasp, his size stretching you almost painfully. He started off slowly, pulling out half way before thrusting back into you, picking up speed with each stroke until you were a moaning mess under him.

Sihtrics mouth was continuing its attack on your neck, biting down to stop his own moans from escaping while he continued to thrust into you. However his attempts to stay quiet failed when you pulled at the roots of his hair, causing a deep growl to erupt from his chest.

“Sihtric I’m... ah” You breathed, attempting to let him know you were close.

“Me too” He grunted back, moving to lift your leg over his shoulder, creating a whole new angle that allowed him to bury himself even deeper into you, causing you to gasp loudly.

Sihtric began snapping him hips into yours more quickly than before, his hand moving between your bodys to circle the bundle of nerves at the apex of your legs. The combination sent you over the edge, waves of pleasure wracking though your body that made your head fall back and your toes clench, Sihtrics name falling from your lips like a Saxon prayer.

Sihtric continued to thrust into you, helping you through your high before his pace became sloppy, his own high coming over him as he emptied himself into you.

You both stilled, Sihtrics forehead resting on yours as you took a moment to catch your breath. After a moment Sihtric slowly pulled out of you and rolled to the side, now laying next to you. He put an arm around you and you cuddled closer to him, looking up to see he was already smiling at you.

“What?” You asked, smiling at his blissed out expression.

“You’re amazing” He said simply, causing you to laugh

“I’m amazing or the sex was amazing?” You asked jokingly. Sihtric put a hand to his chin, pretending to be deep in thought before he answered.

“Both” He said simply

“Well thank you” You said jokingly “You’re not to bad yourself”

“Really? I think I deserve better than ‘not to bad’ after I just had you screaming my name” Sihtric replied, a smug smile crossing his face as you slapped his chest.

You were going to shoot back a comment about his hair, when footsteps from outside caused the both of you to quiet down.

“Sihtric, you in there bud?” Finan asked from outside the tent.

“What do you want?” Sihtric replied, loud enough to be heard from outside the tent.

“Well, we were looking for ye and found yours and Y/N’s clothes just lying about. Care to explain?” Finan asked, causing you and Sihtric to look at each other with wide eyes.

“There were.... bees” Sihtric replied, causing you to have to slap a hand over your mouth to keep yourself from laughing outload at his pathetic alibi.

There was a beat of silence.

“She’s in there with ye isn’t she?” Finan asked in a defeated tone.

“Hello Finan!” You shouted

“Just make sure to clean up after yourself next time.” Finan said, throwing their clothing at the tent “Heathens, the both of ye” He mumbled as he walked away.

The next morning you walked to the dining hall with Aethelflaed, having snuck out of Sihtrics tent to yours earlier to not cause suspicion. The whole walk to the hall, Aethelflaed kept giving you looks.

“You look happy this morning” She said curiously “Did you kill someone?”

“Can’t I just be happy?” You defended, causing Aethelflaed to raise her hands in apology, but she still looked at you with suspicion the rest of the walk.

You entered the hall and made your way to the long table, sitting in between Sihtric and Osferth, Aethelflaed choosing to sit between Uhtred and Finan on the other side of the table.

You gave Sihtric a quick smile and turned to eat, moving your foot so it was touching Sihtrics under the table. A small smile crossing him face, before he continued his conversation with Uhtred, all the while Finan was eying the both of you.

“What's on your neck?” Uhtred asked between bites of food, moving to point at a spot that was just poking above the collar of your armor.

“Hmm?” You asked innocently, before the colar of your tunic was suddenly being moved by Osferth, exposing a large purple bruise.

“What happened?!” Aethelflaed asked, worry in her voice.

“Umm...” You started, trying to come up with an excuse, before making eye contact with Sihtric, a smile crossing your face “Bees”

Finan spit out drink, choking a bit as you and Sihtric laughed, the rest of the group slowly starting to realize where the marks came from.

“Ah, bees” Sihtric said, desperately trying to suppress his smile and laughter, followed by the sound of Finan slamming his cup down.

“Ye need Jesus, the both of ye” Finan said, pointing at the two of you, now causing the whole table to erupt with laughter. 

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A/N: My first ever ‘The Last Kingdom’ Fic! I hope you guys enjoyed, feel free to leave any feedback or requests. Also if anyone writes TLK fics please tag me, I’m in need of love from the pretty boys :(

[ladyinred2248]

The Scottish Princess, Finan x Reader, Part 8

Warning: Mature. MINORS DNI. Mentions of violence, sexual themes.

As soon as Conall’s lifeless body hit the ground, the guardsmen loosened their hold on Uhtred and Sihtric just slightly enough for them to harshly shove the guards away and run to Finan, who was knelt down to his knees on the ground, his face in one of his hands.

The men knelt down close to him, Uhtred wrapping his arms around Finan to allow him to sob into his shoulder while Sihtric pried Finan’s sword out of his trembling hand. Osferth then came running, kneeling down to embrace the others.

At this moment you were still a shadow in the crowd, your hands trembling and goosebumps still lining your arms as you gazed at the two dead bodies on the ground. You held no remorse for them…you were simply in shock. Your father was silent until he trudged toward Uhtred’s men, standing over them as they remained on the ground. Your father drew his sword, pointing it to Finan who was now being lifted up from the ground by Uhtred and Sihtric, before shouting to the guardsmen in the crowd of hushed faces.

“Behold, the rightful King of the North!” He shouted, and paused for a moment before speaking again. “Long live the King!”

He said it repeatedly until it became a chant amongst the crowd, one which echoed the grounds of Saltwic.

“Long live the King!!!” Uhtred shouted, shaking Finan senseless with excitement as the other men joined in, jumping up and down and yelling at the top of their lungs with their swords and seaxs being raised. It was then that your nerves settled enough to witness the gravity of the situation, joining in with the chants with such pride and love that you could hardly contain your heart from bursting into flames.

Finan suddenly came out of his battle stricken haze and became panicked, his eyes wide and searching the crowd for you. Once he laid eyes upon you, he ran to you and grabbed you up with such force that he nearly knocked you over before fiercely bringing his lips to yours, not daring to let you go as he cupped your face and looked you over, worried for your current state and relieved when he saw that you were just fine. He kissed you like it was the last time he would.

“Long live the King!”

“Long live the King!”

Aethelflaed joined in with the chants as she stood next to her father, though King Alfred did not, only bearing witness to the ever growing excitement of the crowd and of Uhtred’s men. He now held some semblance of respect for Finan after witnessing such a brutal victory, but the look on his face was that of indifference. His contempt for him endured, perhaps stronger now that Finan had earned his glory.

Constantin came over to the two of you and waited a few moments for your heated passion to fade, and when it didn’t, he cleared his throat to get your attention which startled you from each other. You both turned to face him, not breaching each other's grasp.

“Finan, your father would be just as proud as I am this day,” he said softly, “Will you accept the royal title?”

Finan looked to you first, searching your eyes for an answer. You giggled and shoved him a bit, nodding your head yes eagerly. He bit his lip and met your father’s gaze again.

“I will, Lord King,” Finan said with a nod, “If you’ll allow your daughter to be my Queen.”

Constantin laughed and pulled Finan from you, taking him into his arms for an embrace and shaking him. “That can be arranged, lad!!” 

Even though your happiness was otherworldly in this moment, you realized how much blood had transferred to you from Finan’s embrace and you urgently grabbed him again, searching for fatal wounds.

“It’s alright, lady! It’s only the one on my arm. And perhaps a few other wee cuts on the rest of my body,” Finan chuckled, “I’ll be fine.”

Domnal came over in that moment, introducing himself to Finan as your cousin, the Prince, and the leader of your father’s guard and warriors.

“I have to say, lad… that was the best fight I have ever seen,” Domnal said, “I was worried ya wouldn’t make it, until I saw you finish the champion. You are a true warrior.” 

Finan chuckled and patted Domnal’s arm in gratitude. “Do ya think me worthy of this beautiful angel, then?”

Domnal laughed, giving him a raised brow as he looked at you. “Aye, perhaps you can keep her in check!”

Finan laughed as Domnal embraced him for a hug. Uhtred, Sihtric, and Osferth came over to Finan again, wrapping him in a strong embrace and swaying and singing some sort of battle song that you had no idea the words to, but you loved witnessing their happiness. There they were, your whole family - sprawled out and celebrating in front of you, and you felt relief for the first time in months.

“We feast!!!” Uhtred shouted, Finan being dragged away by him happily as he stumbled from the fatigue.

Amidst the celebratory nature of the crowd, you caught Alfred’s contemplative and unpleased glare. Your father being the perceptive man that he is noticed it as well, and witnessed it as you quickly looked down to avert Alfred’s gaze and rushed to join the others. Constantin took it upon himself to walk over to Alfred who gave him a half smile and a short bow, his previous emotions gone in an instant.

“King Constantin,” Alfred said as he approached.

“King of Wessex,” your father started to say with a nod, “This has not been the journey I expected. But nevertheless, you have my gratitude for summoning us here. I would like my daughter to be betrothed to Finan, and perhaps one of your priests could conduct the ceremony, yes?”

Alfred felt a pain in his chest, a rising anger that made him feel his heartbeat in his ears. “That can be arranged.” He replied, his half smile returning once again.

“Good,” your father chuckled, patting Alfred’s shoulder, making Alfred jump at the strong, forceful pat of his hand. Alfred scowled at your father’s back as he walked away, and excused himself from the crowd himself.

Finan broke away from Uhtred and the other men’s hold, needing to address his wounds and take a moment of calm before joining everyone at the celebrations. Aethelflaed showed the two of you to a room, her servants bringing you both fresh water and cloth for his wounds. You were surprised that he only had a few cuts that needed dressing, but his bruising was substantial already, and you worried for him as you glanced at the deep red and purple bruises on his fair skinned torso.

“Are you alright? Is anything.. broken?” You said as you ran your fingers lightly over a large bruise on his ribs.

“…No, sweetheart. I’m alright,” he said lightheartedly, your soft touches to his skin stirring a heat inside of him. He grabbed your waist suddenly and harshly, pulling you into his body as you chuckled.

“Finan, you need to rest!” You laughed, your hands at his chest and slightly pushing him away.

He chuckled deeply, nuzzling his nose with yours and pulling you even closer. You sighed as he brought his hand to your cheek and his lips to your neck, sucking and biting at the tender flesh and sending goosebumps up and down your arms. He then brought his lips to your ear, his warm breath making your breath hitch as he whispered to you.

“Let me have you, lady. I need you,” he whispered as he searched your eyes. You nodded, pulling him closer to crash your lips together once again.

The heat in your core had already been stirring at his touch, and you would let this man take you at any moment, however he wanted, regardless of the circumstance. You could tell that some of his adrenaline remained from the battle, which sparked your nerves and made you anxiously impatient to receive his battle fevered desire.

Finan rid you of your clothes swiftly, moving on to his as he gazed at you with a deep darkness in his eyes. His grip came down upon you firmly, his hands searching your body until he could no longer wait to sink himself into you. He grabbed you up into his arms, finding a table at the other side of the room and bestowing you upon it, your hand gripping his cock and stroking it as the two of you kissed ferociously.

You moaned into his mouth as you felt two of his fingers stroke against and then breach your wet core, making tantalizingly slow strokes upward to search for the tender spot within. Your whimpers became uncontrollable at his ministrations, as he knew your pleasurable spots well and was generously attentive to your reactions. You felt his cock grow harder in your hand, and Finan bit his lip with a groan and cupped your jaw in his large hand. 

“God, I want you so bad.” He whispered.

You gasped as he entered you, only giving you a second to adjust before giving you a firm pace with his cock, but you were so eager for him that it didn’t matter. You needed him to take you. A loud moan escaped you when he bottomed out, your legs shaking already at the deep stimulation.

Finan smirked. "You like that, princess?"

You nodded with a soft moan, your head tilting back and your eyes rolling back slightly.

 Unbeknownst to you, Alfred had heard your moan from the hallway and took it upon himself to enter the room beside yours. He knew the Saltwic estate well, and knew that many of the rooms had secret areas for spying. As he gazed into your room from a small peephole, the scene before him angered him but his morbid curiosity didn’t allow him to look away.

Finan fucked you relentlessly yet endearingly on the table, your nails digging into his back and his hair as you felt yourself starting to come apart. 

"That's it," Finan groaned, "You're such a good girl for me,"

Your whimpers and moans increased with the unyielding pleasure, unable to form your words as you moaned his name. “Finan! Oh my god, I...” 

“I know, sweetheart,” Finan said before letting out a deep moan, biting his lip. “Let it go for me.”

All Finan could think about at that moment was putting a pup in your belly as your walls spasmed around his cock, the spark of your orgasm rippling through your entire body as he groaned at your release. Finan slowed his pace when you fell limp in his arms and captured your mouth in his, stroking your tongue with a deep kiss as he picked you up from the table. He walked you over to lay you gently down on the bed, bringing his hands to cup at your cheeks. Thoughts raced in your head that the rest of your life might look like this and you let out a sigh of relief. He was everything you wanted. Your father loved him and would allow the two of you to marry, a delightful twist of fate that you never imagined could be true.

“Are ya okay?” He whispered, “I don’t mean to be rough with ya.”

You gave him a sweet smile before kissing him again, running your fingers through his hair.

 “Oh God yes, I am just fine,” you giggled, giving him another sweet peck on the lips. “I’m more worried about you. You’re in pain… I can tell.”

“Mm... I’m okay, my sweet girl.” He whispered back, nuzzling your noses together before beginning to thrust in and out of you again, slowly this time. You closed your eyes as you became at loss for words again while Finan whispered praises in your ear and ran his hands over your body wherever he could.

“I love you,” you managed to whisper, Finan interlacing your fingertips with his as he returned the same vow to you, sending you deeper into the realm of complete bliss.

Being a voyeur to your lovemaking enraged Alfred, who stormed out of the room next to you and made haste to his guardsmen to prepare them to ride back to Wessex. Aethelflaed had noticed her father’s behavior, which was seemingly out of place given the celebrations that were starting any minute for Uhtred’s men. Alfred refused to speak to her, and mounted his horse swiftly with Steapa’s assistance before giving him an order. 

“Send word for Earl Haestan to meet us in Winchester.”

Steapa hesitantly nodded, fearing Alfred’s next course of action.

“Better yet… seize her upon nightfall and we will trade her to the Danes.”

Steapa could no longer keep his mouth shut.

“Again?! Lord King, this is madness. I will not do this.”

Alfred glared at him as he raised his voice. “Are you questioning the authority of your King?!”

Steapa shook his head. “Lord King, I beg of you,” he pleaded, “This will start a war.”

“I am aware of the repercussions. A trade will give us an alliance with the Danes.”

Steapa’s eyes grew wide, his frustration evident. “And we should ally ourselves with our enemy?! Lord King, better the Danes be our enemy than all of Scotland and Northern Ireland!”

Alfred looked down in contemplation for a moment. “Steapa, you will do as I command.”

>>> Part 9

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