CROWNED

The Plan to Greatness

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A map stood at the center of the table within the tent, iron nails keeping it attached to the wooden surface. "Edric's army is stationed in the northern side of the plains, giving him plenty of natural cover" Ivar explained as the blonde princess who stood beside him followed his finger that trailed the land a few inches away from York. "We'll have a third of our army hidden across the woods, to attack them from both angles" he said, earning a frown from the woman.

"That's too close to their encampment, Ivar. They'll easily get spotted" she voiced, her eyes landing on her husband.

The youngest ragnarsson didn't miss a beat "Not if they are careful" he said, his eyes raising to meet his brother as an idea reached his head. "Hvitserk will lead them" he said as his brother was quick to hide the surprised look on his face.

"Fine" the princess said, not giving Hvitserk a chance to react further as she straightened her back "I'll be on the front line with Freder" she said, her eyes grazing the brunette man's that was already looking at her.

The prince pressed his lips together "No, you won't" he said, making the woman's head snap at his direction. "You've fought enough battles already. At this one, you'll be with me" he said, trying to give her no room for retorting.

His eyes then settled on the brunette man who looked at him when feeling his gaze on his face. "I'm sure Freder can do just fine leading offence on his own" he said, tilting his head, as if challenging the man standing before him.

Something close to fury filled the man's gaze for a second, before he cleared his throat and his eyes calmed. "Whatever you need" he said -as if forced- and then found the woman's eyes who gave him a reassuring look.

*

Iron against iron clashed as the cries of a thousand warriors sounded throughout the entirety of the big plain. Army against army, both sides dedicated to win a war that was not theirs to win. The blonde princess stood beside the brunette prince, her gaze stuck on the blonde man who sat upon his horse from afar, looking at her direction.

Ivar's gaze shifted to the woods not too far from the battlefield and Asdis knew it was time. Hvitserk should've been coming through the trees with his group, enhancing their power in battle.

A minute passed, then two. The prince frowned and kept his gaze on the woods as if he'd thought that if he stared hard enough at the trees, his brother would appear. Voices echoed, coming from the forest and the man's frown disappeared as he anticipated the older prince's entrance.

However from the forest emerged thousands of bloodied warriors, baring Alfheim's armor. Asdis's mouth fell agape as the youngest ragnarsson knitted his eyebrows again. The woman's head snapped towards her husband as they exchanged a look before she turned to look at the extended army that had started to corner theirs. The sound of the retreat horn travelled with the wind as Freder's voice followed suit after, yelling for everyone to fall back.

"Your Graces, we should get back to the camp" one of the guards said, making the prince looked at him and then at his wife. She didn't move for a few moments her furious gaze sticking to her father, before she turned around to leave without another word.

*

The princess sat beside one of the open tents, watching as her people transferred the wounded around, trying their best to heal all of them or at least keep them alive for the time being.

She and Ivar had broken down his plan countless of times and had filled every hole they'd found. It was flawless, cunning and ingenious, so how had it failed? It shouldn't have- it couldn't have. They had the upper hand, knowing the land better than her father ever could within the short amount of time he'd remained there, so why had it all fallen apart?