Chapter Text
“Priest.”
“Lady Aslaug.”
“I wanted to speak with you.”
I nod.
I pay for my purchases and she follows me back to my house.
I place the basket on the table and I look at her.
“Will you sit?”
“No. I will not take much of your time.” She clears her throat.
I clasps my hands together and wait for her to speak.
“It has been difficult for me. As you know, I was not able to have more sons after Ivar. So there was no babe to take my mind off the fact that my son had been taken from me. I know Ragnar did what was best but it was still my child. Seeing him with you…” She wipes her eyes. “He is no longer my son and it hurts me to admit that.”
“That is not-”
“No. Let me finish. My three sons have grown up to be just like their father and I know they will be great warriors one day. But Ivar, I knew he would never be a warrior. He might not have survived long had he stayed with us. I am glad he came to you. You have raised a strong, smart man. A good man.”
“I hope you know that you can come by and get to know him.”
“Maybe I will. Thank you for giving my son another chance at life.”
I nod.
She smiles and walks out.
********************
“Father, can I speak with you?”
“Of course.” I set down my quill.
“Why did you not tell me Ragnar was my father?”
“Who told you?”
“I heard you and Aslaug speaking.”
“Ragnar values your friendship and I did not want you to have any ill will towards him.”
“I understand.”
I touch his golden head.
“Are you alright?”
He nods.
“I suppose it explains why he is always here. I mean, beside the fact that you and he are having a romantic relationship.”
I can feel the blush move up my neck.
“Yes, well.”
He smiles.
“Do you love him?”
“Yes.”
“And does he love you?”
“I believe so.”
“Good. Perhaps I should speak with him.”
“Thomas. Do not tease me when I have something to tease you with.”
“Alright. Just can you be sure to only have sex with him in your room?”
The blush burns my cheeks.
“Thomas! Do not think you are too old to be spanked.”
“Alright.” He laughs.
I pick my quill back up.
“There is something else.”
I look at him.
“I want to ask Floki’s permission to court his daughter. Do you think he will agree?”
“I do not think there is much he can do about it if Angrboda feels the same way for you as you do for her.”
“I think she does.”
“Then we shall go to their house and ask for their permission.”
“Do you think I will make a good husband?”
“Of course. Why would you think otherwise?”
He holds his arms out.
“It is pretty obvious father. I cannot farm or raid. I am not a warrior or a man of high position. I just do not want my legs to be the reason why Floki would not let his daughter marry me.”
“Thomas. Will you love Angrboda and treat her well?”
“Yes.”
“And will you bring her happiness and defend her against those who wish to cause her harm?”
“Yes, of course.”
“Then that is all Floki has to know. He wants to see that you will treat his daughter the way she should be treated. Just tell them how you feel for Angrboda.”
“Thank you father.”
“Just don’t expect Floki to like you. You are stealing his daughter away from him.”
He smiles.
“Yes father.”
***********************
“How did it go?”
“He had no choice but to accept.”
Ragnar screams in victory.
He hugs Ivar.
“I knew he would accept. Why wouldn’t he? You are such a handsome young man.”
Ivar smiles.
“Thank you.”
“So. When will you see her?”
There is knock on the door.
I open it and Angrboda smiles at me.
“I wanted to know if Thomas wanted to walk with me.”
I look back at my son.
“Yes, I will walk with you.”
Angrboda’s smile gets wider.
Ragnar raises an eyebrow.
“Do not do anything too provocative you too.” He tells them.
Angrboda rolls her eyes.
“Have fun.” I tell them as they walk away together.
I stare at them for a moment before closing the door.
Ragnar puts an arm around my shoulders and pulls me close.
“Do not worry about them, they will be fine.”
“I don’t know. This is Floki’s daughter we are speaking about.”
He snorts.
“I am sure she will go easy on him. At first.”
The End.