Always Be By My Side - Sequel to Always Return to Me (The Last Kingdom Fan Fic)

Chapter 26

"What you are thinking," I replied, a threatening gleam appearing in my eye.

"Are you alright Lord Ragnar?" He gingerly asked.

"Why would I not be?"

"Well you did kill yer cousin," he shrugged. "And you stormed onto the battlefield alone and saved Uhtred more times than the ruddy bastard deserves. I guess what I'm trying to say is you're a good man Lord Ragnar. A very good man indeed," he half-smiled.  I looked up from my horse with my brow raised in interest.

The Irishman didn't have a chance to continue for Nadia, led by a young fair-haired girl, approached. "Ragnar, meet Aelfwynn," my wife beamed at me. The shy child cautiously hid behind my wife's leg as I knelt down to get a better look at her.

"Aelfwynn," I nodded at her.

"You're a Dane," she said softly.

"Aye."

"Mother says you're a good Dane," she replied.

"I thank her for that," I smiled. The child looked from me to my wife, then pulled on Nadia's arm, requesting her to bend down. She proceeded to whisper something.

"Ah," Nadia said. "Osferth, Sihtric, Lady Aelfwynn would like to help you with the horses," She said gently.

"But of course," the bastard smiled, holding out his hand.

"Go on," Nadia nudged the small girl.

Aelfwynn took his hand and the two fed and watered the remaining two mounts. Nadia turned her attention to the Irishman. "Uhtred has requested your presence Finan," she smiled at him. "Lord Aldhelm has arrived."

"Thank you lady," he replied, returning her smile.  He didn't miss my brief glare as he quickly diverted his eyes away from my wife and excused himself with a low bow. Nadia shook her head at him as he sauntered off.

I instinctively reached for her and pulled her close. I looked down into her dark eyes and smiled.

"Ragnar, I think we should take a turn in the gardens," she said softly.

"Whatever you want my love," I replied, taking her arm into mine.

Nadia
Ragnar silently listened as I quietly explained who Aelfwynn was. For once his face was hard to read. I patiently waited for the shock to wear off.

"I suppose she has his eyes," he finally said, pulling me into him and planting a kiss on my forehead.

"Aye, she does," I replied, nuzzling my head on shoulder. "You are alright?" I found myself asking, looking up into his dark eyes.

"Why is everyone worried I'm not alright?" he sighed heavily.

"Cnut may have been a treacherous bastard, but he was your kin," I answered.

"I'm fine. I promise," he insisted. "I will tell you if I'm not."

"You swear?"

"I swear."

"Good."

I stole a quick kiss before shying away. I saw a smile curling at the corner of Ragnar's lips and his eyes spark. I gave him a small swat on the arm and watched his eyes grow hungry.

"You best be careful wife," he smirked at me, wrapping his arms around my waist, letting me playfully lean away from him.

"Tsk, tsk," I tutted at him, moving forward, pressing my forehead to his. We stared at each other a while before Uhtred came trotting into the garden.

"Am I interrupting something?" he chuckled, crossing his arms and leaning against a wall of the house.

"You are," Ragnar replied playfully. He gave me a wink before pulling away to face Uhtred. The two sized one another up a moment and then began to wrestle.

"You two act like children," I sighed, a smile threatening to break across my face.

"Uhtred is the child," Ragnar replied, holding the latter in a gentle headlock.

"Ragnar, you're the Earl," Uhtred laughed, going for Ragnar's knees.

"Ah, but you brother are Lord of Bebbanburg," Ragnar replied, releasing Uhtred, pushing him away. He opened his arms wide as he continued. "The pagan Lord of Bebbanburg." Ragnar's grin was interrupted by Uhtred charging at him, wrapping himself around Ragnar's waist. The two laughed as they crashed to the ground.

"Children," I smiled, looking up to find Finan watching from across the way.

He strode over to my side. "Who's winning?"

"Neither," I replied, eyeing the bucket of water in Finan's hands. "May I?" He grinned devilishly and handed the bucket to me. I not so carefully turned it upside down, drenching the wrestling men. The two broke away from each other and stared at me.

"Who is the child, dear wife?" Ragnar grinned wickedly.

"I don't know what you are implying husband," I smiled back, stepping a safe distance away.

"Uhtred?" The Lady Aethelflaed called out.

We turned to find her watching our small group. The two men jumped to their feet and Uhtred went to the lady's side. They moved away and whispered in low voices.

"Lord Aldhelm's visit I take it," Ragnar said.

"Yes lord," Finan replied. "They are to ride at first light."

"So will we," Ragnar replied, not taking his eyes off of Uhtred's troubled face. The two's conversation grew tense. "Come to Coccham where I can protect you both," Uhtred said.

"They will not turn on us," Aethelflaed replied harshly, before walking towards the three of us. "Lord Ragnar, Nadia, I have a bed made for you. Unfortunately, I must leave at dawn, but please make yourselves at home," she said, a trace of stress remaining in her voice.

"We appreciate your hospitality lady," Ragnar bowed slightly. "We too will be riding at dawn."

"Back North I presume?" She replied.

"Aye," Ragnar smiled. "It's time for us to go home."

"I appreciate all you have done," she nodded at us, before walking away with Uhtred close behind her. Finan bowed, taking his leave.

I watched after her, not envying the turmoil coming her way. Ragnar grunted slightly, taking me out of my thoughts. "It's not our fight," he said, reading my mind.

"I know. We have our own battles in the North," I nodded. "But Erik's child..."

"Uhtred will protect her," Ragnar replied.

"Yes, he will," I sighed.

I felt Ragnar's arm wrap around my shoulders, as he planted a gentle kiss on my temple. "We've both had a long day. We should rest before our journey North," he said softly.

I nodded and allowed him to lead me towards our room for the night.