T̶h̶e̶ G̶o̶d̶s̶ O̶f̶ V̶i̶k̶i̶n̶g̶s̶.

Greed.

I hear a boom and run hastily through the castle. I step slowly into the throne room stepping into blood.

I look up at a group of men who have blood on their faces. One steps to me and I feel a sharp pain In my chest. A crow is loud in the background.

I shoot up from my bed and breathe heavily. I put my hand on my chest and looks around my room lit up by the dawn sun.

I move out of the bed and to the window. The beautiful blue seas have no become filled with ships. The bells are ringing.

Ladies file in and quickly dress me in a royal gown. It shows my breast slightly and do my hair along with placing my crown.

I step down to the throne room only to see my father looking sickly as he coughs into his red handkerchief. I steps to him and take his hand. "God save the king." I bow to him and press his hand to my forehead as I do so the door opens to reveal Caiazzio.

"They are on their way up sir, being escorted by Count Rollo and No Ragnar Lothbrok." I sit down beside my father and he coughs once more with a nod. "Start the food." He waves off servants.

I sit up straight and purse my lips, taking a breath. "Father.. I had a dream last night." I look up at him and he kisses my hand. "Not now Isabella..." he sits up straight and the door opens to reveal broad men and women. Women.

I look at the man who once was a friend to us. A traitor. He speaks Frankish and thankfully I do as well. He looks at my father as one of them speaks, keeping his eyes on me. He has shaven his head on the sides and left the top to over grow. "King Ambrosio." My father waves away from the man. I stand and place my hands together. "You speak to me now Rollo." I step down two steps, staying on the rest.

He grins and lets out a laugh. "Princess-.." I immediately interrupt him. "Queen." I clench my jaw and he stops grinning. "Queen.. Isabelle. We have come to your land to take what we want. My nephew; Bjorn Ironside. Son of Ragnar Lothbrok, has come to take it back to the North."

I look towards him and then back at Rollo. "Oh. But where is the mighty Ragnar we've heard so much about?" I step down a few more steps. "He's dead." He looks at my father and then straight ahead not locking eyes with me.

"So he's sent his brother and son? And for you to betray your wife and children.." he then looks down at me. "I loved her." I nod and hold my hands in front of me. "Alright. Well. We have set up food for you tonight. You may not love Christians but. There's nothing saying we can't serve pagans.." Rollo leans over to Bjorn, speaking Nordic to him. He tilts his head to the side and sticks his tongue into his cheek by the way he grins. A man who's bald let's out a giggle. He's strange.

"Do we have a deal? Then tonight we can settle on what you want.." I step back up the stairs and sit back down. Bjorn speaks to the others loudly, staring at me with a cocky grin.

Rollo tilts his head and grins. "We have a deal.." I clap my hands together once. "Perfect. My knight will show you where you will stay until then. Don't do anything before tonight. Please." I look at my father who coughs once more. "Thank you." Rollo says and they all start to walk out.

I stand up and turn to my father. "Are you alright?" I move to sit on the ground, holding his hand. He has light breaths and nods. "Yes my dear. It's all fine." I kiss his hand and stand. "Let's get you some rest, yes?"

Some guards help him up and take him to his room. I let out a breath and purse my lips. I had to show that I had some dominance. Rollo has only seen me a few times before due to my father and his wife knowing each other. He thought I was childish. But now he must know I am not to be reckoned with.

A few hours pass. They have been silent. Dinner has started and music is being played because I can hear it from the dining room. I step down and stand behind a wall where no one can see me.

Waiting to be introduced.