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He’s not sure what he feels. Numb is the best word that comes to his mind. He just feels numb.
He hears his father’s last anguished cry and sees the bloodbath that follows. He flinches and his stomach turns. He feels sick and he turns from the fight. He hears his Lord’s voice but he can’t watch any more. His head swims just as violently as his stomach and he stumbles through the crowd. He weaves through them as fast as he can, just needing to get away. He steps into an empty hall and braces his hand against the wall. He leans against it and breathes out a shaky breath. He closes his eyes and can’t stop the shudder that passes through him.
A shadow falls behind him seconds before arms wrap around him. He’s pulled back against a hard body and he can’t stop the tears in his eyes. “Shhh.” The man’s lips touch his ear, his bread against his skin. “Yer safe now.” The man feeds into his ear. He shivers and the man holds him tighter. “Yer father can’t git ye anymore.
He leans back against the older man and breathes out.
“Fin? Sitty?”
He hears his Lord’s voice again and opens his eyes. He blinks and tips his head back, trying to staunch the tears.
His Lord moves closer and reaches for him. He brushes his fingers over his face and moves ever closer. “Are you okay?”
He swallows and nods. “Yes, Lord.”
His Lord frowns and shakes his head. “I am not your Lord right now.”
He sighs and nods. “Uhtred.”
His Lord nods and leans closer still. He kisses his cheek and he melts against his Lord, between them both. “We got you.”
“Jus’ let go an’ we’ll take care a’ ye, sweetheart.”
He breathes out and nods and feels hands from both holding him tight between them and he feels safe.