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Chapter Text

Skade kissed Uhtred back and was smug. She had won. She was his. She turned around in his arms. She was shocked when his wet tunic came over her head and he pulled her down in the water.

I curse you again, Uhtred Ragnarson. I curse your blood line. Your male line will die out. Your female line will die young and suffer from madness and pain. For a thousand years or more I curse your line.

They will never find peace. They will never regain Bebbanburg. They will-

Her last thought died as she did.

But the curse was there.

And it stayed.

Aisling sat on the banks of the Thames. She looked around and saw no one. She tucked a piece of her rust coloured hair behind her hair. She grabbed her leather bag and pulled out the old Viking dagger she had stolen from the dig.

“Sorry Dr. Whately,” she whispered, “but I need to end a thousand year old curse.”

She looked around Cookham. Here was where, a thousand years and more before, her family had been cursed. A Viking witch had cursed them because of Aisling's ancestor, Uhtred Ragnarson the Dane-Slayer. Aisling had been looking for a way to end the curse since she was sixteen and it had taken her older sister.

Five years of research and digging into the history and rituals and she finally had something pieced together that she thought would work. She closed her ocean blue eyes and took a slow breath.

“Dagger, check, blood of Uhtred Ragnarson, inside of me right now, and,” she looked up and watched the sky change. “Blood moon coming right up.”

Aisling stood and straighten her white sundress. She toyed with the two necklaces around her neck. One held the last pieces of the Dane-Slayer's sword, Serpent-Breath. The amber stone that had been at the end of it was now molded into a four inch opal pendant. Hanging with the pendant was the last piece of the blade itself. It had been fashioned by another of Aisling's ancestors into a slim sharp sword. As the story goes, one of the women of her line had broken Serpent-Breath in a fit of anger and jealousy over something. Aisling was not sure that she believed the story but whatever it was, the sword had been lost to her line and the necklace was the only thing that remained.

The other necklace had a more shadowed history. It had been passed down along with the Serpent-Breath pendant but all anyone knew about it was that it was found with Uhtred's sword in a chest by a long lost ancestor. It was a gold Celtic cross that hung from a leather rope. The leather had been replaced several times, but the cross itself seemed magical. It had not broken or tarnished. And even when some members of her family had attempted to pawn the cross, literally for it's weight in gold, the cross had always found its way back to the family and the next female in the line would find it in her jewellery chest or in the pocket of a dress.

Aisling preferred the Celtic cross and wished she knew the whole story behind it. She felt connected to it in a weird way. From the first moment she had held it in her hand, she felt a weird connection to it. Like it had always belonged to her, like she was meant to have it. She could never figure it out. She would have to settle for being buried with it.

She walked closer to the river bank and watched as the moon began to change colour. She held the dagger up to her chest. She placed it in between her two ribs in front of heart. She laughed a bit and took a deep breath.

“This is going to suck,” she muttered. She turned to look at the moon again. “But if it means my niece is going to have a happy life, worth it,” she muttered.

Aisling watched as the moon turned red. She closed her eyes and began the incantation. “In the name of Odin, I bring the fullness of my death, my blood to end the curse of my bloodline, that began with Uhtred Ragnarson, the beginning of my line.” She took a deep breath. “I bring the blood of myself, Aisling Matilda Cooke, my blood shed upon the land that this curse was born to break it and end it. With my blood, I end the power and the bind the curse has on myself and my blood line. With her death it began, with mine it will end.”

She pressed the dagger in hard and fast. She gasped and fell to her knees. She griped it tight and pushed it all the way in. She fell over and rolled on her back. She blinked once, twice, then no more.

Her ocean eyes stared up at the sky as the blood moon shown bright on her body.

The wind picked up and blew leaves over her body.

And then her body disappeared.

Chapter Text

Finan walked down the dock in Coccham. He rubbed his head and wished he had not tried to out drink Clapa the night before. He winced in the brightness of the sun as he stood at the end of the dock. He looked at the water and wanted to jump in. He ached to swim in the water and enjoy it as he always had but ever since the slave ship, he could not do it. It had been over a year since he had been saved, but he still avoided the water as much as he could.

He looked up and down the river and didn't see any boats coming, which meant that he had gotten up for absolutely nothing. He cursed and looked down at his feet. He turned to head back to into the gate but stopped. He saw something white floating in the water. He shielded his eyes with his hands and squinted. He watched as the white floating in the water became the body of a woman.

He didn't think. He ran and jumped in the river and swam over to the body. The water was cold. He grabbed the woman and pulled her against him by wrapping an arm around her waist. Her rust coloured hair flowed in the water around her head. He could not tell if she was breathing or not. He just needed to get her up on the bank and out of the water first.

Finan swam over to the bank and pulled her up. He pulled himself up and pulled her more so she was laying on the ground. He saw the blood on her chest. He quickly unlaced the front of her dress, not paying attention to her breasts or her modesty, and checked to see if she was wounded. He didn't see a wound, just blood on her dress. He placed his hand on her chest. He was relieved when he felt it move up and down; just slightly. That was all he needed.

He stood and swung her up in his arms and carried her passed the gates and towards the hall. He passed Sihtric who starting walking beside him.

“Who is she?” Sihtric asked.

“I have no idea. I found her floating in the river. Get Hild and Lady Gisela,” Finan said.

Sihtric nodded and turned to run off in search of the women in question. Finan walked thru the open door of the hall and carried the woman over and placed her on the table. He heard Uhtred's chair push back and he came over.

“Where did you find her?” Uhtred asked.

“In the river,” Finan said. “She has blood on her dress, but no wound. She is breathing but barely,” Finan pulled off his arm cuffs and his sword belt and tossed them on the table. He pulled off his wet tunic and tossed it aside. “We need some warm blankets!” he yelled.

He heard Uhtred yell again for blankets as he began to pull off the woman's dress. The dress was wet and the material heavy but he pulled her arms out of it and pulled it down to her waist. He noticed she wore two necklaces but he didn't focus on them. He was too busy trying to save her.

“And just exactly what are you doing, Finan?” he heard Hild's voice as she came around to his side.

“I am saving her life, Hild,” Finan answered as he pulled the dress off and tossed it with his wet tunic. “The water was cold so she needs to be warmed up.”

“And her modesty?” Hild asked.

Finan took a blanket one of the servants handed him and wrapped it around his shoulders. He pulled the woman up in his arms and held her close so that her skin pressed against his. He wrapped the blanket around her and grabbed another one. He wrapped the blanket around them as well and looked at Hild.

“Her modesty will thank me when she is alive and awake,” he answered.

Finan rubbed her arms and her back. He needed to warm her up and get her blood pumping. Anything to get her to wake up. He just needed her to wake up and be all right.

Everything else would get figured out after.

***

Aisling felt something soft and warm under her cheek. She was also too hot. She felt someone rubbing her arms and her back. She heard people talking around her. She heard someone whispering to her in Irish. She could only catch every second or third word but it was Irish; she only knew because her father's mother had spoken Irish to her most of her life. Her cheek moved up and down and she realized her face was resting on a chest. Her eyes sprang open.

She blinked her eyes and everything around her started to come into focus. She looked at the chest she was resting against. Dark chest hair was everywhere she looked. It was a muscular chest. She frowned when she saw a couple scars. She then placed her hand on the chest and pushed.

“Are you awake?” the voice the chest belonged to asked. Aisling heard the Irish accent and looked up.

“Fuck,” she muttered as she found dark brown eyes looking in her blue eyes. The face the eyes were part of was very attractive. The bottom half was covered with a beard and moustache. He smiled and Aisling saw the wrinkles by his eyes.

Oh no. He is so pretty. And he has an accent. I am going to need to keep my clothes on... Wait, where's my dress? Aisling's inner thoughts echoed in her mind.

“Do you have a name?” came a female voice from her right.

Aisling pushed the man away and pulled the blanket around her more. “Aisling,” she said her voice soft.

“Aisling?” the man asked, his Irish accent pronouncing her name the way it was meant to be pronounced.

She nodded. “Aisling Cooke,” she said.

The man smiled at her. “A dream,” he translated.

She blushed and pulled the blanket around her tighter. “That is what it means in Irish,” she answered.

“Lady Aisling,” another voice said from her left. “How did you come to be in the water outside of Coccham?”

She looked at the voice and stopped. She found a man looking at her with blue eyes the same shade of her mother's. She then noticed the clothing he wore. She frowned and looked around where she was. She saw the hall and the weapons right across from her. She closed her eyes and could feel her ears buzzing.

“I am in Coccham?” she asked.

“Yes, in the hall of Lord Uhtred,” the Irishman answered. “I am Finan, by the way. I saved you from the water.”

Aisling opened her eyes. She looked at Uhtred again. “Uhtred of Bebbanburg also known as Uhtred Ragnarson, the Dane-Slayer,” she said.

Uhtred looked at her and raised an eyebrow. He took a step forward. “Have we met before, lady?”

Aisling shook her head. “No, we have not but I know a lot about you. Your wife was, is Lady Gisela and you have three children, Uhtred, Storria, and Osbert.”

Silence echoed in the hall after she said that. She looked at the Irishman, Finan. He was eyeing her closely. Uhtred stepped closer to her.

“My wife and I only have one child at present, Uhtred,” he answered.

“Oh,” she said. “Crap.”

***

Finan looked at this Aisling. She was beautiful. Her eyes reminded him of the sea on the coast of Ireland. Her hair was drying and getting at least two shades lighter. Her skin was pale but she had freckles on her nose and across her cheeks.

It's like the fae dropped her at my feet, he thought.

“Who are you?” Uhtred demanded.

“You won't believe me,” Aisling said her voice soft but Finan could hear the fear in it.

“Tell us anyway, go hálainn,” Finan said calling her beautiful in Irish.

She looked at him and blushed again. She swallowed and nodded. “I... I am your descendent, Uhtred. I come from the future, about one thousand years and more to be exact,” she said.

Finan believed her.

He looked in her eyes and saw she was not lying. He looked at Uhtred. He saw that his friend did not believe her though. Finan waited to see how Uhtred would react. He looked over and saw Hild and Gisela stood there. Both looked like they were willing to believe Aisling.

“You are lying,” Uhtred said.

“I am not. I do not know how I got here. I was doing a ritual to break the curse that a witch put on our bloodline because of you,” Aisling said. Finan could hear the strength and anger in her voice. “I killed myself on the banks of the Thames just outside of modern day Cookham to save my niece from dying like her mother did. Our line was cursed because of you and all you cared about was a stupid castle that you never got back anyway!”

Finan stood in between Uhtred and Aisling. He saw Sihtric standing behind him doing the same. He looked over and saw Gisela walk and stand in front of Aisling.

“Is there anyway you can prove it?” Gisela asked softly.

Finan watched as Aisling nodded. She pulled out one of the necklaces she wore. Finan saw the amber stone. “This is all that remains of Serpent-Breath in my time. Part of the amber stone and the sword blade here,” she said pointing out the small silver sword pendant. “It's been passed down in my family forever. Along with the stories,” she said. “Stories going back to how you were raised by Danes and would have married a girl, Brida if not for Alfred. You lost your first child with her, if family legend is to be believed.”

Finan looked at Uhtred. “Is that true?” he asked.

He saw the look on Uhtred's face and knew it was true. Uhtred looked over at Aisling. “You are who you say you are then.”

Finan looked at Aisling and smiled at her. She gave him a faint smile back. He looked at Uhtred. “So, she is staying then, right?”

“But how did she get here?” Sihtric asked.

“Very good question,” Aisling said. “Also, where is my dress?”

Hild cleared her throat. “Finan here took it off to apparently save you.”

Aisling raised an eyebrow and looked at Finan. “Ah huh,” she said. “Does he usually do that with strange women he finds?”

“You're the first one I have the fortune of finding,” he answered.

Aisling blushed as he turned his flirty smirk on her. “Sihtric is right,” Uhtred said. “We do not how you got here. You said you were doing a ritual?”

Aisling nodded. “I was. I was hoping to break the curse.”

“Who put this curse on our family?” Gisela asked.

“Her name was Skade,” Aisling said.

Finan looked at Uhtred. Uhtred shook his head. “I have not met a Skade.”

Aisling frowned. “Has Lady Aethelflaed wed yet?”

Finan shook his head. “No, she has not.”

Aisling looked at them all. “Then I have come back to before the curse was even laid out.”

Finan looked at Uhtred. “What do you wish to do?” he asked.

Uhtred crossed his arms on his chest. “I do not know. Let us get Aisling-.”

“You are not saying that right,” Finan said. Aisling laughed.

Uhtred sighed. “Aisling,” he tried again and Finan nodded. “Some clothing and food. You are not hurt anywhere?”

Finan saw Aisling blush as she looked down. “No, but I am sure Finan noticed that.”

Sihtric chuckled. “She's already on to you, Finan.”

“Come,” Hild said wrapping an arm around Aisling's shoulders. “I am Hild. I'll find you something to wear. And I apologize for Finan in advance.”

Finan placed his hand over his heart. “You wound me, Hild.”

Aisling glanced at his chest and then back at his face. “I am sure you will survive.”

Finan watched as Hild helped Aisling off the table and lead her out of the hall. Finan turned and looked at Uhtred. He saw Uhtred watching him with a raised eyebrow.

“What?” Finan asked as he bent down and picked up his tunic and Aisling's wet dress.

“You like her,” Sihtric said.

Finan shook his head. “No,” he lied.

“No, I believe Sihtric is right. You like her,” Uhtred said crossing his arms on his chest. “I do not know how I feel about that.”

Finan raised an eyebrow at him. “She was born a thousand years from now,” Finan said. “You aren't exactly her father.”

Gisela laughed. Finan turned and looked at her. “More like grandfather,” she said. Finan laughed and pointed at her. “Very right, lady, more like a grandfather.”

He looked back at Uhtred and saw him shaking his head. Finan folded his tunic and pulled out a chair and sat down. Uhtred sat beside him and Sihtric stood in between them.

“We would need a seer to tell us how Aisling,” Sihtric said her name. Finan gave him a look telling Sihtric that his pronunciation was way off. Sihtric ignored him, “got here and why she is here before the witch that cursed you.”

Finan looked at Uhtred. “Dunholm,” Uhtred said. “Ragnar and Brida would have a seer.”

“But that would mean going back there and not letting Alfred know,” Finan answered.

“It would but I don't think we are going to find ourselves a seer any closer to us than that,” Uhtred said.

“At least not one you could trust,” Gisela added.

Finan nodded. He stood. “So, I will make the arrangements and get things ready for a trip to Dunholm,” he said.

“Can she ride?” Uhtred asked.

“I'll ask her,” Finan said.

“If she can ride a horse, Finan, not you,” Gisela called after him.

Finan turned and smiled at her. “I would never dream of being so forward with a lady, Lady Gisela.”

She laughed. “Oh, you would.”

Finan smiled and turned and walked out of the hall. He took a slow breath. He started to make a mental list of everything they would need to ride to Dunholm.

First thing on the list was ask Aisling if she could ride a horse. And if not, she could ride with him.

Chapter Text

Aisling pulled the brush through her hair. She sat at Hild's table in her house. She was wearing some trousers, that were almost like leggings, with a short tunic over and a belt. She parted her hair in three parts and braided it. She took a thin leather strip Hild had given her and tied off the braid. She let the braid rest on her shoulder. She stood and smiled when Hild walked into the room with a bag.

“I have another pair of trousers here for you and a tunic,” Hild said. “You are going to need them.”

Aisling frowned. “Why am I going to need them?”

Hild gave her a kind smile. “Uhtred has decided to take you to Dunholm to see a seer there to find out why you are here.”

Aisling felt her heart begin to pound harder. “Dunholm?” she said softly.

She leaned against the table. “Aisling?” Hild asked her voice soft.

Aisling closed her eyes but the memory came flowing back.

“We found her body in Durham by St Cuthbert's,” the police officer said.

Aisling hid behind her father's legs. She was six and was still scared that her mother was gone. Her elder sister, Star at twelve stood beside their father.

“Her body?” her father asked, his English accent getting thicker at the pain.

“Yes, sir, it,” the officer looked at the girls. “Perhaps we could talk alone?”

“Star, take your sister to her room,” their father said.

“But Dad-.”

“Now.”

Aisling shook the memory off. She felt Hild's hand on her arm. She looked down at her feet. She wiped her tears.

“When I was six, they found my mother's body at the cathedral that will be built in about two hundred years,” Aisling said. “She had shot herself in the head. Her note said she could not take the pain and the hurt any longer,” Aisling looked up and met Hild's eyes. “It was the curse. Every female in our line goes mad eventually. Every single one. They die young and never get to see old age.”

Hild's eyes were filled with understanding and compassion. “You said you were doing this for your niece?”

Aisling nodded. “She's ten. Her name is Astrid, she was named after my mother. And when she was five, my sister Star disappeared. We still have not found her but,” Aisling blinked away more tears, “I am sure she did the same thing my mother did and her body is out there somewhere.”

Hild pulled her into a hug. Aisling rested her head on Hild's shoulder and closed her eyes. She felt loved in the woman's hug. She pulled away and wiped away her tears. She smiled at Hild when the other woman took her hands.

“You have done what you could, Aisling. You broke the curse and are here now. The Dunholm that you will see is not the same one where your mother died. It is different,” Hild said.

Aisling nodded. She squeezed Hild's hands. “Thank you for being so kind. I do not know why you believe me or are being so kind to me.”

Hild smiled. “It's because you are Uhtred's family. And Uhtred has done a lot of good things and he can be a good man.”

Aisling bit her bottom lip. “The family legend about him does not depict him as a good man.”

Hild nodded. “Well, now perhaps you will have the chance to meet the real man and not the legend.”

A loud knock echoed in the small house. The door then opened and Finan stood in the doorway. Aisling was disappointed to see that he was wearing a tunic this time. He crossed his arms on his chest and looked at Aisling.

“Can you ride a horse?” he asked.

Aisling shook her head. “Not anymore I don't think. The last time I rode a horse, I was seven.”

Finan smiled. “You'll ride with me.”

“Ah, perhaps she should ride with me,” Hild cut in.

Finan shook his head. “You, Hild, along with Clapa and Sihtric are staying behind here in Coccham. If Alfred sends for us, Sihtric can deliver the message to us.”

Aisling hugged herself. “So, just you, me, and Grandsire Uhtred.”

Finan and Hild smiled. “I will pay you some good coin to call him that to his face,” Finan said.

Aisling blushed. “Maybe not.”

Hild shook her head. “I do hope that Uhtred realizes what he is getting himself into with you two.” Aisling and Finan both looked at her confused. She smiled. “You are both alike; teasing and witty.”

Aisling didn't respond as Hild turned and walked over to a wooden chest by the wall. She looked at Finan and found his eyes on her. She looked away. Yeah, maybe I should not be left alone with Uhtred and Finan. I am bound to anger Uhtred and I will probably end up throwing myself at Finan. Maybe this is like, Heaven. Sexy men with accents sounds like my perfect Heaven.

“Here, you may need this,” Hild pulled her from her thoughts and stood in front of her again. In Hild's hands was a seax. Aisling looked at it in awe.

“It's a seax,” Aisling said gently touching the darkened wood handle. “Also known as a scramasaxe. It was used by both Anglo-Saxons and Vikings alike. Even though, most prefer to think of the Vikings as only using axes, but let's be real. Axes only go so far, and they are much heavier than a knife or-,” Aisling looked up and realized that Finan and Hild were both staring at her. Oh no, my inner History nerd has come out to shine. She cleared her throat. “Ah, thank you.”

Hild eyed her with one arched eyebrow. “You seem to know a lot of weapons,” she said.

Aisling shook her head. “No, it's, ah,” she bit her lip. “I love things about History and I did a lot of reading and research and took some classes-.”

“They teach war and weapons to women?” Finan asked.

Aisling looked at him. “They teach anything to anyone for a price.”

“Anything?”

“Anything,” Aisling emphasized. She took the leather scabbard as well and placed the seax in it. She then stood and undid her belt and slid the scabbard on it and did her belt back up. She felt the weight of the knife on her hip. This is real. I am really here. I am one thousand years in the past. I am right now, closer to the fall of Rome than I am to the invention of the light bulb. I am in the Dark Ages.

“Aisling, you all right?” Finan asked.

“She did that before,” Hild said. “Give her a moment. I think it has become real.”

Aisling looked up and met their eyes. She felt tears come to her own eyes. “This is real,” she said softly. “I am really here. I didn't die.”

“You are really here, cailín cliste,” Finan said. “You are not dead.”

Aisling let the tears roll down her cheeks. “Smart girl,” she whispered. It was what Finan had called her just then. It was what her grandmother had called her sister. Star had been the smart one.

“Hild, what did I do?” Finan asked as Aisling let more tears fall.

“Nothing, go. I will bring her out,” Hild said.

Aisling cried and let Hild hold her close. She buried her face in Hild's shoulder. Hild rubbed her back and said soft soothing words but Aisling could not focus on them. She was focused on the fact that she was here at all. She had been prepared to die and leave her niece behind to live a nice curse free life. Aisling had not been prepared to continue living; let alone in a time period that did not have indoor plumbing.

“It's going to be alright,” Hild said to her. “You will be alright.”

No, I don't think I will be. I will probably die from plague or in childbirth. Or from stepping on a rock and getting an infection. Either way, I doubt I will make forty.

She didn't say any of that out loud though. She let Hild comfort her. It felt nice to be held again. And Hild's hugs were tight and reminded Aisling of her much missed mother. She closed her eyes and hugged Hild back.

***

Finan held Aisling in front of him on the horse and wondered if she even noticed anything around her. He turned and saw Uhtred eyeing her as well. She had not said much to either of them. She had thanked Gisela for the cloak that she had wrapped around Aisling but otherwise, she had said nothing. Finan did not think that was normal for her, especially since she had seemed almost giddy when holding the seax, but he did not know her so he could not be sure. After all, she was Uhtred's kin and Finan knew first hand how moody and silent Uhtred could be.

“Aisling,” Uhtred started. He waited. Finan saw Aisling turn and look at Uhtred. “Finan told me you know about our weapons,” he said.

Aisling nodded. “I do. I,” she took a breath, “there are a lot of stories and legends about you in the family. Most were written down by later generations and I grew up hearing them and reading them. And the curse, well, I thought the best way to fight it would be to learn as much as I could about this time period and Vikings.”

Uhtred nodded. “Do you know how to fight?”

Aisling shook her head. “No, I am not a warrior. In my time,” Finan watched as she looked up, “there is much debate over whether we need to learn more of our past to not repeat the same mistakes, or if we need more money for larger armies. Different places have vastly different attitudes towards warriors.”

“And your opinion?” Finan asked. He had one arm around her waist and she had yet to relax into him. She tensed even more when he spoke.

“My opinion is that I don't know if I could be a warrior,” Aisling whispered.

“You did sacrifice yourself for your niece,” Uhtred pointed out.

“I did but to go into battle and fighting for a king or some one that I may not believe in?” Aisling shrugged. “I have no idea,” she sighed, “but I guess I better start thinking about it. I am after all, hanging out with the Dane-Slayer. I doubt you got that name because you slay with the ladies.”

Finan frowned. He looked at Uhtred and saw that his friend was as confused as he was. “I have not killed any women that were not part of the Danes armies.”

“No, I didn't mean slay as in kill, I meant slay as,” Aisling stopped. “In my time, slay is slang, like another word used for,” she looked at Uhtred, “you know what, forget it. I am not getting into sexual slang with my multiple times great-grandfather. Nope, too weird.”

Finan smiled. “And there she is,” he said softly.

“What?” Aisling asked as she turned her head and glanced at him.

“You were being much too quiet. I didn't like it.”

Aisling didn't say anything. She shrugged. “I was brooding a bit. It's a Ragnarson trait.”

Finan saw Uhtred glare at her. “I do not brood.”

Aisling looked at him. “You sure? I bet you brood a lot.”

Finan opened his mouth. “Do not agree with her,” Uhtred said.

“I would never dream of it,” Finan said. He saw Aisling's shoulders shake and heard her soft laughter. He felt her relax as well. “How did you get the name Aisling?” he asked. He wanted to keep her talking. The more she talked, the more she relaxed. And it gave him and Uhtred a chance to get to know her.

“My father's mother came from Ireland. She spoke Irish and was very firm on no one in her family forgetting where they came from. My older sister was named Star and when my mom got pregnant with me, my father suggested an Irish name,” Aisling said softly. Finan felt her place her hand on his arm. “My mother liked Moria and my father preferred Aoibhinn,” Aisling said. Finan's heart almost stopped. Aiobhinn had been the name of his wife. “My father's mother, I called her Nan, she choose Aisling. My mother loved it immediately and my father could never say no to her, so it became my name,” Aisling glanced at Finan. “Luck of the Irish you guess, that I didn't get stuck with Aoibhinn.”

Finan laughed. “It was the name given to princesses though.”

Aisling sighed. “True, but princesses very rarely got to choose their own path.”

“Do you wish to choose your own path?” Uhtred asked.

Finan felt Aisling's fingers dig into his arm. “I would,” she said. “I do hope that you will allow me that. I know that in this time, men make all the decisions but I would prefer to make my own choices and not have to bend to your will.”

“Considering you are his descendent, I do not believe he could make you bend,” Finan answered.

“You will have my protection,” Uhtred said ignoring Finan. “And I do hope that you will come to me with your decisions so I could help you make the right choice.”

Aisling was quiet again. Finan rubbed his thumb on her tunic and waited. She turned and looked at Uhtred. “I hope I will come to trust you that way as well. It is has been a while since I had anyone to talk to about my choices.”

“What about your parents?” Finan asked.

Aisling sighed. “My mother has been dead since I was six. And my father, the last five years he has dedicated to raising my niece. She needed him far more than I did. I was grown and not a child. So, I just,” Aisling shrugged. “I let him go, I guess.”

Finan pulled her closer. “You were still his daughter,” he said.

She shrugged. “It's fine. And now, it's not like it matters. I am here and he is a thousand years away from me. I cannot do anything about it now. And he,” she looked down. Finan saw her fingers pulling with a frayed end of the blanket under the saddle. “He has had enough of the Ragnarson curse. Let him raise my niece without it hanging over them both. Maybe he can finally be happy and be the father he always should have been.”

“What was his name?” Uhtred asked.

“Patrick,” Finan said.

Aisling elbowed him. “No, it wasn't.”

“Shane,” he said. “Connor.”

“Stop,” she laughed. “It was Aidan,” she said smiling. “Nan had actually picked out Patrick-.”

“I knew it,” Finan whispered to her earning him another elbow.

“But when he was born, Nan saw his red hair and so she named him Aidan.”

Finan saw Uhtred frown. “Aidan means little fiery one.”

Uhtred nodded. He looked at Aisling's red hair. “So, you get your hair from him then.”

Aisling nodded. “I do. My mother had dark hair and dark eyes. My father would joke that if not for my hair matching his, he would have thought the hospital gave them the wrong baby to take home.”

“Hospital?” Finan asked.

“It's where sick people go to get help from... healers,” Aisling said.

“And women have their babes there?” Uhtred asked.

Aisling nodded. “Yes. It's like... A market place but for healers.”

Finan nodded. He looked ahead a smiled. They were coming up on a hill. He turned and looked at Uhtred. Uhtred smiled as well. The sun was slowly setting and they would have to camp for the night but first Finan wanted Aisling to see the beauty this time could offer.

“Hold on,” he told her.

“What? OH!” she said gripping his arm as he gently nudged his horse into a gallop. Uhtred did as well beside him.

Finan pulled his horse to a stop at the top of the hill. He rested his chin on Aisling's shoulder. She sighed as she looked across the land. All there was to see was trees, brushes, and a stream. There were no people, no roads, nothing. Just the vast openness of the land as far as you could see.

“It's so empty,” she said softly.

“Empty?” Finan asked.

She glanced at him. “In my time, people live in large cities and some places have buildings everywhere. Some of them you can see from miles away but here,” she looked out at the land. “It's so vast and quiet and empty. It's beautiful.”

“Let's see how beautiful you think it is when you have to sleep on the ground,” Uhtred answered as he stopped beside them.

Aisling turned and looked at him. “I'll be fine. Just so we're clear though, if a wolf shows up, we're letting Finan deal with it, right?”

Uhtred nodded. “Of course.”

Finan shook his head. He poked Aisling in the side and she laughed. “Real funny the both of ya,” he said.

“Didn't you hear Hild? I'm witty,” Aisling said.

“Oh, you are most definitely something all right,” Finan agreed poking her again.

Uhtred snorted. “Am I going to have to separate you two?”

“Maybe, Finan is having a problem keeping his hands to himself,” Aisling said.

“I am not,” Finan countered.

Uhtred shook his head. “Let's ride a bit more and find somewhere to camp for the night. Do you think Finan, you can control yourself until then?”

Lord, you have no idea how hard I am trying to do just that, was what Finan thought but did not dare say.

“I will try,” was what he did say sarcastically.

“All right, come on,” Uhtred urged his horse forward.

Finan poked Aisling one more time. She laughed and elbowed him. He followed Uhtred down the hill. He felt Aisling lean against him and grip his arm. He tighten his arm around her. He told himself not to get attached. The teasing was one thing but he could not fall in love with her. He would not. Love had burned him once before. Love had cost him three years of his life. No, he was not going to fall again. Not yet. Perhaps not ever. Love had no place in his life and he most certainly could not fall in love with Uhtred's kin. He could not even think about it.

He was thinking about it. It seemed it was all he could think about since he had looked down and seen her blue eyes staring up at him.

He had known Aisling for mere hours but the pull to her was there. Just like it had been with his brother's wife.

I am not making this mistake again. This time, I will resist it. I will resist her. I... Sweet Jesus Christ, I am going to lose this battle, he thought as Aisling leaned her back against his chest and he smelled her hair. It smelled like the sea as it had crashed into the shore back in Ireland, which he had no clue how that was possible but there the smell was. It was back and haunting him; taunting him with the lure of a home he could no longer claim.

“So,” she whispered to him, “what are we going to eat? Cause I don't think I can eat Thumper if I have seen you skin him, you know?” she asked.

“What exactly is a Thumper?” he asked.

“Rabbit,” she said.

“And why do you call it Thumper?”

“Because as a child I was subjected to watching cartoons where animals talked and had names and those names stuck for a very long time. So much so, that even now as an adult, in my mind rabbits are Thumper and skunks are Flower and deers are Bambi.”

Finan closed his eyes for a moment. “I am so confused,” he muttered.

Aisling patted his arm. “I know the feeling.”

Finan opened his eyes and shook his head. Aisling did not move from where she was. She rested her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes. It felt right. Her leaning against him. The feel of her hair on his neck and her shoulders against his chest. She felt like she belonged; like she was his and he was hers. He looked at her and sighed.

He could already feel himself beginning to fall.

***

Aisling rolled on her back and stared up at the sky. She didn't know what time it was except that it was sometime in the middle of the night. It was black out with only the fire giving off faint light. Finan was out there keeping watch and Uhtred was on the other side of the fire sleeping. Aisling had slept for a while but now her mind was wide awake.

I didn't die. I ended up here. Where the curse was born. Why? Am I supposed to stop Skade? Or am I supposed to stop Uhtred from killing Skade? Jesus Christ, life was so much easier when all I had to worry about was returning my library books and turning in my paper on time, she thought.

Her hand went to the seax when she heard footsteps coming from the forest. She turned and relaxed when she saw it was Finan. He leaned over Uhtred and shook him. She turned back and looked back up at the sky.

“You turn, lord,” Finan said.

“Did you hear or see anything?” Uhtred asked as he pushed himself up to his feet.

“Just Thumper and Bambi,” Finan said.

Aisling chuckled. “What?” Uhtred demanded confused.

“Nothing, lord, I heard nothing,” Finan said.

She heard Finan settle down where Uhtred had been laying and Uhtred walk off. Aisling looked up at the stars finding some constellations. She lifted her hand up and used her index finger to trace the Big Dipper. She dropped her hand and smiled. The stars were so bright and clear.

“Shouldn't you be sleeping?” she heard Finan ask from the other side of the fire.

“I'm thinking,” she said.

“Always dangerous when a woman thinks.”

She snorted. “Spoken like a man who has been outthought by a woman.”

She heard him sigh. “I can admit there have been a couple of women in my life who have gotten the best of me.”

Aisling frowned. There was something in his voice that told her there was a deep story there. She rolled on her side and faced the fire. She could just make out Finan laying there. He turned and looked at her. She swore that she could see a flash of pain in his eyes and then it was gone.

“Nan told me some Irish legends when I was a kid,” she said. “Would you like to hear one?”

Finan flashed her a smile. “You're assuming that I don't already know these legends.”

“You're right. Maybe you grew up with them,” she said.

Finan chuckled and shook his head. “Save the old jokes for Uhtred.”

She laughed. She rolled on her back again. “Okay, here's one I know you don't know. Grace O'Malley the Pirate Queen.”

Finan laughed. “Let me guess, Grace never married and sailed the seas raiding and getting her riches.”

“No, she actually did marry and had children but she also sailed and fought. She took over her father's castles and ships despite having a brother. My favourite story from her is that her eldest son did something she did not approve of and she sailed her ship down to his castle and besieged him,” Aisling laughed. “And then when the Queen of England, Elizabeth found out, Grace sailed to England and apologized to the queen saying she would do it again, but yet a year later she did.”

Finan was quiet. “A woman becomes queen of a united England?” he asked.

Aisling nodded. “Yep, about six hundred years from now. There's actually more than one. I mean, historians cannot agree on who the first was since Matilda was known as the Lady of the English and was never crowned but then some of them claim Jane Grey as the first but she was also never crowned so I mean, come on guys, pick a criteria and stick with it, you know?”

Finan was silent for several moments. “England is united?” he asked.

Aisling bit her lip. “Yeah, it is,” she frowned. “I didn't even think. Should I be telling you all this? I mean, time travel rules do apply here or don't they. Like if I say this out loud, does that mean it won't happen? Like if I tell Uhtred, will he make a choice that means it doesn't happen? And also, in one thousand years, am I going to be born again only to live to come back here and it's a giant circle? Cause if it's a circle does it even matter what I say, cause I'll get a do over. Granted, I won't remember being here the first time, so does it count as a do over or is it a redo?”

“Okay, Aisling, milseán, take a breath in and let it out slowly,” Finan said.

Aisling did as he said. She tried not to focus on the fact that he had called her sweetheart. Or that she may have liked it. Nope, not thinking about that. Breath in and out.

“Sorry,” she said. “But that's been going around in my mind for awhile.”

Finan chuckled. “I noticed,” he said.

She closed her eyes. “Nan used to tell Star, my older sister, and I this other story. It was Star's favourite.”

“Not yours?”

Aisling shook her head. “I used to cry. It's about two brothers, both princes of Ireland, well a tribe of Ireland anyway back then. The older one was raised to do his duty and be King, his younger brother was allowed to do as he pleased whenever he pleased. The older one was forced, at the age of sixteen to marry a princess from another tribe.”

“Is this the part you don't like?” Finan asked.

Aisling frowned. Again, there was something off in his voice. “A bit, but no, the worst is yet to come. Older brother does his duty, marries the princess and they have two boys. Younger brother, does whatever he wants and disappears for a while. When he comes back, he is married to a true beauty, the most beautiful woman either brother had seen. Younger brother, of course being the annoying brat that he is-.”

Finan chuckled. “I thought you would like the younger brother, since you yourself are the younger sibling.”

“No, I never liked him, which is weird since I never met him, but anyway. Younger brother, of course gets tired of his wife and almost immediately starts cheating on her. Older brother knows this and takes pity on Young brother's wife and-.”

“Falls completely and utterly in love with her even when he tried so very hard not to,” Finan said.

Aisling looked at him. “You know this story?”

“No, but I have heard some like it. Am I right?”

Aisling sighed. “You are. Older brother falls in love with Younger brother's wife. And she falls in love with him. And then,” she closed her eyes. “They do what any two people in love would do; run away so they can be together and be happy. Younger brother, being the brat that he is, gets angry and chases him. Now, this is the part I always hated. Younger brother wins. He catches them, kills his wife, and beats his brother down and places chains on him and sells him as a slave. And to rub in his victory, he marches Older brother in chains past Older brother's wife and sons and makes them renounce him as their husband and father. And the absolute worst part of this story,” Aisling felt tears come to her eyes, “that's how it ends. Older brother being sold into slavery and getting on a boat. That's it. Nothing else is known about him. Did he ever get free? Did he die? It's so sad.”

“Your sister liked it?” Finan asked.

Aisling wiped her tears. “My sister sided with Younger brother. He was apparently the wronged party but I didn't see it that way, even as a child. All they did was fall in love. All they wanted was to be happy and be together. That is not a crime. It should never be a crime.”

She heard Finan get up. She heard him walk around over to her. She moved over on the bedroll that Uhtred had brought for her. She smiled when Finan laid down beside her. He reached out and brushed her tears away. She felt the calluses on his fingers. She smacked his hand away after a couple of moments. She laid on her back and stared back up at the sky. She felt Finan roll on his back as well and look at the sky as well.

“What do you think happened to him?” Finan asked.

Aisling definitely heard it now. There was pain and hurt in Finan's voice. She didn't face him though or call him on it. She barely knew him. Maybe one day he would trust her with his pain and hurt. Maybe.

“I hope he got free from the slave ship. And I hope he is out there living his life and that he's happy. I hope he wakes up beside someone he loves and does not spare a single thought for his shitty little brother who ruined his life. And I also hope that said shitty brother died some horrible death. Like, I don't know, impaled by the asshole on a really long pole. Really long and wide,” she emphasized.

Finan laughed softly. She felt his fingers brush hers. She let her fingers gently wrap around his. Finan stopped laughing and sighed. “Then let's say he got free. And he's happy. And he is going to go to sleep tonight beside someone he likes and cares about. And that tomorrow he is going to spend the day with that same person who makes him laugh and smile. That will be the new ending to this story.”

“And Younger brother died a horrible death?”

Finan nodded. “And Younger brother died a very horrible death.”

Aisling turned and looked at Finan. His face was right there looking at her. His eyes looked almost black with the lack of light. He smiled and her heart beat faster. “All right, I like our new story.”

“Good, now get some sleep. You're already talking crazy. Women becoming queens of a united England,” Finan shook his head. “You clearly need sleep.”

“Are you staying here?” she asked.

He raised an eyebrow. “Do you want me to go back?”

Aisling shrugged. “Sleep wherever you want. But remember what Uhtred said, keep your hands to yourself.”

“I can if you can.”

Aisling pulled her hand away from Finan's. “I can.”

Aisling placed her hands on her stomach. Finan did the same. She turned and looked back at the sky. She closed her eyes. Sleep came easily as she listened to Finan breath beside her. It calmed her and helped her relax.

And she felt safe.

***

Finan missed Aisling and she hadn't gone anywhere. Well, she was riding with Uhtred this time. Simply because Uhtred had come back in the early morning and seen Finan and Aisling sleeping together on the bedroll. Finan had of course broken the agreement to keep his hands to himself and he had his arm around Aisling's waist holding her close.

“I don't want to be that person, but,” Aisling sighed. “Are we there yet?” she asked.

Finan smiled. He glanced over and looked at Uhtred. Uhtred was still brooding. “Not yet,” Finan answered.

Aisling rolled her eyes. “You cannot still be brooding about this morning? For real, this is ridiculous,” she said to Uhtred.

“You are under my protection and unwed,” he answered.

Aisling and Finan both snorted. “Uhtred, it was an arm around my waist,” Aisling said.

“And since when do you care about women being wed before bedding?” Finan said.

“Since it's apparently me,” Aisling said. She turned and looked at Uhtred. “Stop brooding and being an ass.”

Finan smiled. Uhtred shook his head. “I am not going to win, am I?”

“Nope,” Aisling said popping the 'p'. “Plus, I mean, shouldn't you trust Finan a bit more?”

“I know Finan,” Uhtred answered.

Aisling glanced at Finan. “It sounds like he knows something I don't. Do you go around debauching innocent unwed women?” she asked.

Finan smirked. “Only the ones that ask nicely.”

Uhtred sighed. “I should have brought Hild. She would have been a calming influence.”

“Oh yes,” Aisling said. “On you, since you clearly need it. Oh, and that stick removed from your ass.”

Uhtred glanced at Finan. Finan shrugged. “You wanted her to ride with you. You said you wanted to bond with her and get to know her.”

“Yes, Grandsire.”

Finan laughed at the look of annoyance and surprise that came across Uhtred's face at that statement. Aisling turned and smiled as well. “So worth it,” she said.

Uhtred smiled a bit. “All right, you have had your fun,” he said. “But we have to decide what we are going to tell Ragnar and Brida about who you are.”

“So, not the truth?” Aisling asked.

“Would they believe you?” Finan asked.

Uhtred shrugged. “I don't know. And I do not know if I can trust them with this information. I want to, but,” he stopped.

“Wouldn't their seer tell them anyway?” Aisling asked.

“Aisling is right,” Finan said. He saw a slight smile come on her face as he said her name. “We have to tell them the truth because if they find out after, it could be worse.”

“I do not want to put Aisling in danger,” Uhtred said.

“Do you think that Ragnar and Brida would use me to hurt you?” Aisling asked.

“No,” Uhtred said quickly.

“Then we tell them. They are family after all. Right?” she asked.

Finan smiled. He saw Uhtred smile as well. “Yes, they are.”

“Okay,” Aisling winced as she moved in the saddle. “Now, seriously are we there yet? I'm chafing in places that have never seen the light of day.”

“I'll help you with some cream later,” Finan winked at her.

Uhtred groaned. Aisling snorted. “Like I would trust you with such a serious job. You'd get distracted by my glorious ass.”

“Oh dear god,” Uhtred said.

Finan smiled. “Father Beocca is going to love you, Aisling. After only one day here, you've already got him praising the Christian god.”

“But does the Christian god want him though?” Aisling countered.

Uhtred looked at Finan. “She is riding back with you.”

Finan winked at Aisling and sighed. “If you say so, lord.”

Aisling blushed and shook her head. “Really, though, are we-.”

“No,” Uhtred said.

Aisling nodded. “I call deers Bambi,” she said.

Finan shook his head as Aisling started stating things about herself. Mostly, things she had told him the night before. Some new things; like how she had moved away from England after her mother's death, how her sister had come back only to disappear, her favourite colour (purple), her least favourite Backstreet Boys' song (“what exactly is a Backstreet Boy?” Uhtred asked. “A boy band. Kind of like you and your warriors but less fighting and more singing.”) Finan liked listening to her talk. It soothed him and he found himself falling more. Especially after seeing her shed tears over his horrible past. She had cared about him even when he had been just a story to her.

I'm falling and maybe, just maybe, this time it will last. It has to be different, right?

Chapter Text

Aisling took a deep breath as Dunholm rose up in the distance. She leaned back against Uhtred and forgot about her chafing, her sore ass and back, and the fact that she was probably going to have a sunburn on her face. Dunholm seemed to rise above out in the middle of nowhere. It stood in front of the forest with a wide field in front of it.

“Impressed?” Uhtred asked.

She nodded. “I am,” she answered.

“Does not look like Ragnar and Brida have changed much since we were here last,” Finan said.

“You were here?” she asked.

Finan nodded. “Almost a year ago. We saved Uhtred and Ragnar's sister, Thyra from here.”

Aisling nodded. She turned and looked at Uhtred. “Where is she now?”

“At Winchester with Father Beocca,” Uhtred answered. “Maybe if you're good, we can go visit them.”

Finan snorted. “So, she's never going to meet them, then.”

Aisling pointed her finger at him. “You are not as funny as you think.”

Finan gave her a smile that made the skin around his eyes wrinkle. Her heart beat faster and she felt an ache between her legs that had absolutely nothing to do with riding a horse. Oh no. We are not doing this.

“We both know I am hilarious,” Finan said.

“I know no such thing,” Aisling said.

“There's Ragnar and Brida,” Uhtred said.

Aisling looked up at Dunholm as they rode closer. She saw people standing above the gates. She saw a man with blond hair and the woman standing beside him with her brown hair braided up high on her head. The blond man had a tattoo on his forehead and he looked very happy to see Uhtred riding up to the gates.

“Looks like he is happy to see you,” Aisling said.

“He will be happy to see you too,” Uhtred said. “He loves his family.”

“Do you really think he would consider me family?”

Aisling felt Uhtred press a soft kiss to her cheek. “He will because I already consider you family,” he told her softly.

“What are you two whispering about?” Finan asked.

“How completely unfunny you are,” Aisling said.

“Brother! What brings you to Dunholm?” the man with the tattoo yelled. Ragnar, Aisling decided.

“We are in need of your seer,” Uhtred yelled up.

“Who's the woman?” the woman with the brown hair asked. Aisling thought she must be Brida because of how she was leaning against Ragnar.

“Lady Aisling,” Finan answered. He looked back at Aisling and gave her a wink. She rolled her eyes and Uhtred groaned.

“You brought a lady here?” Ragnar asked.

“It's a long story,” Aisling, Finan, and Uhtred all said together.

Ragnar raised an eyebrow and looked at Brida. Aisling watched as they both walked away from the gates. The gates opened and Uhtred rode in with Finan beside him. Aisling looked around and saw men everywhere coming and going. Uhtred rode into the courtyard and dismounted as did Finan. Aisling followed. She winced and rubbed her ass. She turned when Finan stepped close to her. She pointed at him.

“Don't even think about it,” she poked him in the chest.

Finan leaned in. “Just let me know if you need another hand to help you reach the hard to get spots,” he whispered to her.

She rolled her eyes and shoved him. But she could feel that ache between her legs again along with a pool of heat. His accent was even sexier when he whispered. She turned away from him and found Ragnar and Brida walking towards them. There was another woman with them as well. Aisling stood close to Uhtred.

“Oh,” the woman walking next to Brida said as she got close. The woman had violet eyes shocking Aisling. Her hair was shaved on either side of her head with it braided down the middle with feathers weaved in. Her hair was pale blond almost white. “I felt you the moment you came, but the power,” she shook her head at Aisling. “It is incredible.”

“Liv here is our seer,” Ragnar said. “Two days ago, she told us that someone sent by the gods had arrived.”

“We were not expecting a lady,” Brida answered.

Aisling felt Finan at her back and immediately wanted to turn around and have him hold her again. She suddenly felt scared to have the answers. Maybe it wasn't worth it after all.

“Oh no, you will want to know what I do, Aisling Matilda Cooke,” Liv said. “Freyja has protected you and brought you this far, you must complete the journey.”

“So it was Freyja who brought her here?” Uhtred asked.

“It was,” Liv answered. “But not for love of your family line, Uhtred Ragnarson. No, another love brought her here. One that is deep and burns bright like the sun. The kind of love that will consume someone body and soul and will last for ages.”

Aisling reached behind her and grabbed Finan's arm. She felt him take her hand and hold it. “If she tries to eat me, I am going to be so angry,” she muttered to him.

“I will not eat you, Aisling. Come, we will speak alone while your grandsire here attempts to explain who you are to Ragnar and Brida.”

Aisling felt Finan squeeze her hand. “I'll be right here waiting for ya,” he whispered leaning down so his face was almost in her neck. “I'll come save you again if you need it. Just yell.”

“You better,” she whispered back. She squeezed his hand and turned back to look at Liv. She was watching Aisling and Finan with a smile on her face. Aisling let go of Finan's hand and took Liv's hand.

“Aisling,” Uhtred started.

“I'll be fine,” Aisling answered with a calm that she did not feel.

He nodded. Aisling walked away. She turned and saw Finan's eyes on her watching where she was going. He nodded at her. She turned back and followed the seer. Liv pulled her thru a door by the main hall and down a short hall. Liv pulled into the last room at the end of the hall. She dropped Aisling's hand and Aisling stood in the room and looked around.

Aisling saw that there was one window where herbs were growing in pots and there was a long table that dominated the room. On the table were books, dried herbs, necklaces, and dozens of small bowls. Aisling walked further into the room and sat on one of the two chairs in front of the fireplace. Liv sat in the other. The scent in the room was stronger and Aisling could not decide exactly what it was but it smelt earthy and homey; not too overbearing, just right for the space. Liv reached out and pulled out the Celtic cross necklace that Aisling wore tucked into her tunic. Aisling looked down at it then back up at Liv.

“This is why you are here,” Liv said. “This necklace belonged to a Prince who loved you with every fibre of his being. He loved you so deep and so true, that the love was embedded in this cross.”

Aisling looked at it. “No way,” was all she could say.

Liv smiled. “Freyja saw and felt his love for you. She herself loves her husband deeply and she was drawn to the love this Prince has for you. He was a Christian but when he passed, she brought him to Fólkvangr where he spoke deeply of the woman he had loved for most of his life. She knew who you were and marked this pendant so that it would stay in your bloodline and find you again. So that in turn, he could find you again. She did not wish for him to be without you as she has frequently been without her husband. Freyja wanted to ensure that no matter the centuries that would pass, you two would find each other again. Your souls will know each other every time.”

Aisling felt tears come to her eyes. “So time travel is a circle. I broke the curse but it hasn't happened yet, so it will happen again. And again, and again. I can't stop anything or fix it.”

Liv shook her head. “No, child, you broke the curse. You died, you gave your life as Uhtred took Skade's. The balance was restored. When Uhtred kills Skade again, her words will fall on deaf ears and the gods will not heed them. Your niece will not be cursed. Your own children-.”

“Stop,” Aisling said. She sat back and pulled the pendant from Liv's hand. “This is too much. A necklace, no, it,” Aisling shook her head. Aisling couldn't believe it. It made almost no sense. A goddess wished a Prince to find his love again so poof, here she was a thousand years in the past. There had to be something more to it.

Liv took her hand. “You remember the first time you touched the cross?”

“I was twelve and-.”

“No, it was before that. You know it was,” Liv squeezed her hand. “Remember.”

Aisling shook her head about to say there was no before that. But the words had not even entered her mind before they were shoved out by the memory itself.

Aisling played with her mother's amber pendant. She was five and a quiet angel as Nan called her in Irish. Astrid was doing her makeup and smiled down at Aisling. Aisling pulled on her mother's other necklace the Celtic cross. The moment Aisling grabbed it she smiled wider. She felt warm and remembered kind dark eyes looking into hers with love. 

“This was mine, Momma,” she said.

“Not yet it isn't,” Astrid laughed.

Aisling frowned. “No, before. He gave it to me before he went off to battle. He told me to keep it until he came back. But he didn't come back.”

“Aisling, stop it. This is not funny.”

“What's not funny?”

“This story.”

“It's not a story. It really happened! I didn't even get to bury him!”

Astrid pulled the necklace away and placed Aisling on her feet. She shook her. “Enough! I will not listen to anymore of this!”

Aisling shot up from the chair. She covered her mouth with her hand and closed her eyes. The tears wouldn't stop. She turned and stared at Liv just sitting there.

“You are telling me that this necklace, this is the reason I am standing here?” she demanded.

Liv nodded. “Freyja marked it so you could find your way back here to this time. You were meant to come back to this time and to him. It just so happens that the beginning of your family line is here as well.”

Aisling wiped her tears. “So, that's it? I am meant to find my true love here? And then what? I have a child and die in childbirth?”

Liv shook her head. “You have been favoured by the gods, Aisling. Do you really think that they would just bring you here for a few years? No, you will live a long life with your love. There will be hardships and loss, but you will see old age. And this time, he may as well. You breaking the curse changes things.”

“What am I supposed to do?” Aisling asked. “Just wait around for this Prince?”

Liv smiled. “You, the descendent of the Dane-Slayer? Very doubtful. But I can tell you that not only is he a Prince, but he once betrayed his family for love and walked away from his duty. He is strong willed and funny but deep down, he has pain that he never let anyone see, until you. He needs you to let go of that pain and anger. And you need him to love you and put you first. Because we both know that as much as you tell Uhtred your parents loved you, you never really felt that from them, did you? You were an afterthought to them. The surprise daughter after their little boy died tragically.”

Aisling shook her head. “I am not having that conversation with you.”

Liv stood. “I can see you are not ready to have that conversation at all. And I will leave it. I also wish for you to know that you will know who this man is with a single kiss. His touch and kiss will make you feel more than any other man ever has. You will burn from his touch and ache for more.”

Aisling actually blushed. “Okay, good to know I guess.”

Liv smiled. “Now, I have two things for you, three actually.”

Aisling wiped the rest of her tears away and crossed her arms on her chest. She reached up and tucked the Celtic cross back in her tunic. She liked it better when it was closer to her heart. Which now sounds completely in line with what Liv was saying. And it sounds crazy. I am not telling Uhtred and Finan this. Nope.

“Here,” Liv handed her three necklaces. Aisling saw a Thor's hammer necklace and the other two were two circles of silver. Aisling looked closer and saw a woman on both of them. “One is Freyja and the other is Frigg. They will protect you and show that you honour the gods that have saved you.”

Aisling nodded. She looked at Liv. “Can we not tell everyone that I am here because of love?”

Liv laughed. “Do you not think the Dane-Slayer would understand?”

“I don't know,” Aisling toyed with her Serpent-Breath necklace. Liv reached out and touched it.

“This necklace has so much pain attached to it,” Liv said. She met Aisling's eyes. “It's connected to Uhtred so deeply. No other descendent can be felt except him, but,” Liv closed her eyes. “There you are,” she opened her eyes and looked at Aisling again. “You are here. Not as strong, but not as faint as the others. And it's because you honoured him. You did not see Uhtred as someone to hate for your bloodlines curse. You saw him as human. He made the only choice he could. The stone sees that.”

Aisling laughed. “Can the stone get us back Bebbanburg?”

Liv dropped the necklace. “Maybe one day. There is no curse and you are here. You may even take place in the battle to win it back.”

“No, my ass is sore enough from just riding a horse. I don't even want to think of what would hurt if I tried being a warrior.”

Liv placed her hand on Aisling's cheek. “You are already a warrior, Aisling. You have come back here before. Time is a circle, but every time is different than the last. Not every trip has the same destination. You are not the same Aisling that has come before and you will not be the same one born a thousand years from now. So, pick up that sword and try being a warrior. You may find that it is easier than you think. You may remember a few things as well.”

Aisling closed her eyes. “I swear whatever drugs you are on, must be the good ones.”

Liv patted her cheek. “The best.”

Aisling laughed. She opened her eyes and looked at the necklaces in her hands. She had never really had one single religion growing up. She had been baptized Catholic, mostly to stop her father's mother from complaining about it but they had never gone to church or prayed. And that had been okay. No one had cared. But here and now, that was not going to cut it. She had to pick a side.

Too bad according to Liv that wouldn't be easy. Her heart would belong to a Christian man while her only family here was pagan.

This is going to be so much fun, she thought to herself.

***

“She is from the future,” Ragnar said again.

“And she is of your line,” Brida added.

Finan drank more ale. He nodded as Uhtred did as well. He saw Ragnar and Brida eye each other and then look back at them. Finan could see that even with their seer telling them someone sent from the gods was coming, they could not believe what Finan and Uhtred were saying.

“It sounds made up,” Ragnar said.

“It may, but it is the truth,” Uhtred said. “I believe her.”

Finan put his mug down. “I do as well.”

“Plus, brother, you said it yourself, your own seer said someone sent from the gods had come,” Uhtred said.

“I was not expecting someone from your line,” Ragnar said.

“Or a girl who looks she can barely lift her own arms let alone a shield,” Brida answered.

Finan smiled. “I am sure she could lift a shield given enough practice.”

Uhtred smiled. “She is of my blood, after all.”

Ragnar laughed. “Ah yes, so you are saying that she will run onto a battlefield completely unprepared with just a sword at her side and shield?”

Uhtred laughed. “It ended well enough for me, I think.”

Finan turned when he heard Aisling's voice in the doorway to the hall. He turned and waved her over. He watched as she waved back and left the seer at the doorway to the hall and walked further in.

“Good, ale,” Aisling said as she walked over and slid in beside Uhtred at the table. She grabbed his ale and chugged it down.

“Would you like another one?” Finan asked.

Aisling finished the mug and nodded. She reached over and took his. She looked at Brida and Ragnar. “Nice to meet you both, your seer needs to start selling her drug mix because she sees the good stuff apparently,” she said before chugging down Finan's ale as well.

Finan rested his head on his arm and eyed her. “So, it went that well, did it?”

Aisling wiped her mouth and nodded. “Yeah, it did,” she looked at Uhtred. “I am here because of Freyja. She brought me here because here is where I belong apparently and she was moved by the fact that I was willing to die to give my niece a better life. And the necklace from your blade here apparently carries a lot of pain from you and,” Aisling paused and rested her head on her arms on the table. “Whoa, that is some surprisingly strong ale,” she closed her eyes. “Should not have chugged that like water.”

Brida laughed. “It appears like you can't handle your ale.”

Finan kept his eyes on Aisling. She lifted her head up and looked at Ragnar. “I think your woman is right. Is there somewhere I can lay down?”

Ragnar nodded. “I have a couple of rooms set aside.”

“I got her,” Finan said as Uhtred went to get up. “You can stay.”

Aisling eyed Finan. “Maybe you should stay,” she said pointing at him. “You have already gotten me naked once.”

Finan sighed as Ragnar and Brida laughed. Uhtred looked at him. “She is right, you did get her dress off.”

Finan placed his hand on his chest. “I swear her clothes will stay on this time.”

His eyes looked at Aisling. She nodded. “Sounds good,” she turned and looked at Ragnar and Brida. “I will hopefully be able to speak to you later, after a nap,” she patted Uhtred on the shoulder and stood, “keep him out of trouble. And you,” she leaned down and looked at Uhtred. “Don't make any oaths,” she whispered.

Finan choked on his laughter. Uhtred shook his head. “No more ale for you. You get milk from now on.”

“Unpasteurized? I might die,” Aisling muttered.

Finan walked over to her and wrapped an arm around her waist. “I'll be back after I put her to bed,” he said to Uhtred.

Ragnar laughed. “I don't think you will be.”

Aisling snorted. “He wishes I'd-.”

Finan covered her mouth. “You are supposed to be a lady.”

“I see it now,” Brida said. “She is definitely of your blood, Uhtred,” she laughed.

Finan lead Aisling away from the table. He dropped his hand from her mouth and she wiped her face. She looked at him. They walked out of the hall and down the steps and across the courtyard.

“I don't know where that hand has been,” she muttered.

He smirked. “So, was it really the ale or something else?”

Aisling leaned against him. “Something else. I'm not ready to talk about it yet and certainly not with Ragnar and Brida there. And I am tired,” she said.

Finan leaned closer to her. “Admit it, you just wanted to get me alone.”

Aisling snorted. “Yeah, you're right. You are on to me, Finan, I can barely contain myself around you.”

Finan raised an eyebrow. “A bit much, don't you think?”

Aisling sighed. “You're right that was a bit too much,” she yawned and leaned against him more as he lead her to a building across from the hall.

“Am I going to have to carry you?” he asked as he opened the door and pushed her in.

“No, my feet still work,” she walked in the room and walked over to the closest bed. “So did Ragnar and Brida believe that I am from the future?”

“Not really. I am sure Uhtred is still convincing them,” he said.

Finan watched as she sat on it and pulled something out of her boot. He then watched as she pulled off her boots and crossed her legs under her on the bed. Finan walked over and sat beside her on the bed. He saw that she held three necklaces in her hand. One he recognized as Thor's hammer. Uhtred and Sihtric both wore one.

“The seer gave you those?” he asked.

She nodded. “She did. And considering where my family line began and how I ended up here, maybe I should honour the old gods.”

Finan smiled. “I bet your Nan is losing her mind over what you said.”

Aisling laughed. “Probably,” she looked at the necklaces. Finan saw the smile disappear.”I was right, time travel is a circle. Liv, the seer said I have been back before and I will probably come back again.”

Finan frowned. “And the curse?”

“It's gone. My life for Skade's, so it balances out,” Aisling turned and looked at him. “But I'm on a hamster wheel. I come here, live my life, die, get born again a thousand years from now and do it all over again. There has to be something I am missing here. Something Liv is missing.”

Finan bumped her shoulder with his. “You don't have to figure it out this moment,” he said. “Get some sleep. Things will be better in the morning.”

She looked at him. “Are you regretting pulling me out of the river yet?” she asked.

He smiled. “Not yet, I am sure in time I will though,” he leaned in closer, “especially if you are anything like Uhtred.”

She laughed and shoved him. He reached up and tucked a piece of her hair that had come loose from it's braid. He then tickled her neck. She shoved him again.

“Okay, out with you,” she said.

Finan stood. He leaned down and kissed her on the head. “Sleep well, mo aingeal álainn,” he whispered to her.

“You as well, mo phian ollmhór san asal,” she replied.

“Me? A giant pain in the ass? You wound me,” he laughed. He brushed some hair from her face. “Your Irish is almost passable.”

She snorted and kicked him. “I have no doubt it will get better with you around.”

“Oh, I can definitely tutor you and teach you some phases.”

Aisling fell back on the bed and groaned. “I can only imagine what phases you would teach me.”

So many, like all the ways I would have you screaming my name. All the places I want to kiss and lick. The many positions and... Oh god, this is getting ridiculous.

“Good night, Aisling,” he said.

“Night, Finan,” she said.

He turned and walked out of the room. He closed the door behind him and leaned against it. He waited. He heard Aisling pull down the bar barring it. He walked away and back towards the hall. He walked into the hall and over to where Uhtred, Ragnar, and Brida were laughing. He sat down at the table again and smiled when Uhtred placed a new jug of ale in front of him.

“Aisling in bed?” Uhtred asked.

Finan nodded. “With her clothes on.”

Ragnar laughed. “Brother, are you not allowing the poor girl to have fun?”

“None whatsoever,” Finan answered.

Uhtred sighed. “She is my blood. I wish for her to be happy.”

“And so you will not allow her to hump anyone, ever?” Brida asked smirking.

“I am a man. I know how men are,” Uhtred said.

Ragnar raised an eyebrow. “Not all men are you. Some are better. Actually most are better than you.”

Finan laughed. He saw Uhtred rolled his eyes. Finan drank some of his ale and listened as Uhtred moved the conversation on to Thyra and how she was doing in Winchester. Beocca wrote Uhtred and let him know how Thyra was healing. Finan sat back and listened to the conversation and allowed his mind to wander to Aisling.

She was something he had not been looking for and she had fallen right in his lap. Her being related to Uhtred did complicate things but Finan was sure that Uhtred would come around. If Finan was willing to try with Aisling.

And there's the question. Are you willing to leap again? To try and love again? Because she cannot be just another woman you hump a few times and leave behind. She is going to be living at Coccham, Uhtred is going to want her close. So, if you want her, you better want it all.

Finan smiled at a joke Brida told and sipped more ale. Soon he would be needing his bed; where he probably wouldn't sleep. Aisling was the centre of his thoughts and he did not see that changing anytime soon.

Chapter Text

Aisling had no idea how it was Ragnar had talked her into this. She really didn't. But he had. He had smiled and laughed and spoken in the soft gravelly voice and bam! Here she was, on a horse, with Uhtred on another one and Ragnar on a third. And they were hunting. As a family.

“Whoa, come on Buttercup, work with me here,” Aisling said as she tugged on the reins of the horse.

Ragnar laughed. “Are you sure she is one of us?” he asked Uhtred.

Aisling looked at him. She pointed at him. “I told you the last time I rode a horse, I was seven. Plus, it's like, early. Look the sun is barely up. My brain doesn't start working until noon.”

“I take it back,” Ragnar said. “She is one of us. She inherited your ability to talk oneself out of trouble.”

Aisling saw Uhtred smiling. She finally got the horse to cooperate. She smiled as well. She had not slept that well the night before, so when she had walked back into the hall in the wee hours of the morning and seen Ragnar and Uhtred still up, she had been hoping for time alone with them. Anything to stop herself from thinking. And Ragnar must had decided he wanted that as well. Granted, Aisling would have taken anything over hunting. Riding a horse was hard enough, she had no idea how she was going to handle watching Uhtred and Ragnar kill an animal.

“Liv spoke a little about what she told you,” Ragnar said as he pulled his horse beside hers.

“She did?” Aisling asked glancing at him.

He nodded. “You have been chosen by Freyja. You and the man you will love.”

Aisling sighed. “If I ever find him. But honestly, I'm more worried about this whole time circle I am living in.”

“Perhaps it isn't a circle any longer,” Uhtred said riding on her other side.

“What do you mean?” Aisling asked. She smiled when she noticed her horse was following the other two and staying straight.

“Liv said you broke the curse this time with your death,” Uhtred said. “What if the other times, you did not die? You tried but could not break the curse, so your time circle went on. But this last time, you did it. You broke the curse.”

Aisling frowned. “I completed my destiny, you could say, and now after this last time, maybe I won't be born in a thousand years.”

“Or you could be but you won't be coming back,” Ragnar said.

Aisling looked down at her right wrist where she had tied the Thor's Hammer pendant. She thought about what Ragnar and Uhtred were saying. She looked up ahead at the trail.

“Maybe you are right,” she said. “Maybe this time, when I die here, that will be it,” she shrugged. “I guess I should just stop worrying about it.”

“That sounds like the better idea,” Uhtred answered.

Aisling nodded. “So, what exactly are we hunting?” she asked.

“Bambi,” Uhtred answered.

“And what exactly is a Bambi?” Ragnar asked.

“Deer,” Uhtred and Aisling answered.

Aisling laughed at the confused look on Ragnar's face. “Since when do we name deer?”

“I did when I was a child,” Aisling said. “In my time, it's a whole thing, too hard to explain.”

Ragnar nodded. He smiled. “So, your family told stories and legends about Uhtred here. Did I get mentioned?”

Aisling smiled. “You do. You are mentioned and you are an important part of his story.”

“Don't tell him that,” Uhtred groaned. “His ego is big enough as it is.”

Aisling laughed. She tried to stop her mind to going to how Ragnar disappears from Uhtred's stories and how many in the family thought it was because Uhtred had choose Alfred and the Saxons and left his brother to die on the other side alone. Aisling was not going to say that out loud. She saw the bond that the two men had. She could not imagine anything breaking that. At least she hoped not. Both men had lost much in their lives; it was good they had each other.

“You're thinking too much again,” Ragnar said as he tapped his finger on her forehead. “You need to get out of there for a bit.”

“And what exactly do you suggest?” she asked pushing his hand away.

Ragnar smiled and Uhtred groaned. “She can barely handle her horse,” Uhtred said.

“And how did Father teach us to ride?” Ragnar countered.

Aisling sighed. “Probably how he taught you to swim; by throwing you in the deep end and letting you figure it out.”

“See? She knows,” Ragnar said. “Let's ride for real.”

He took off galloping. Aisling smiled. She nudged her horse and it began galloping as well. She laughed as the wind blew in her hair and slapped her face. She turned and saw Uhtred riding beside her. She turned back and watched Ragnar riding hard and fast in front of her. He slowed down and stopped. She pulled on the reins and then squeezed her thighs. The horse slowed and stopped. Ragnar was laughing. She was as well.

“See, look at her now!” he told Uhtred. “She did well.”

Uhtred smiled. “She did,” he looked over at her. “That was some good riding.”

Aisling laughed. “Maybe I can ride back to Coccham on my own.”

“And disappoint Finan?” Ragnar asked.

Aisling sighed. “Very true. Although, I don't think he broods as much as Uhtred does.”

“I said it before, I do not brood.”

Ragnar laughed. He nudged his horse to the right. “Come, there are some deer this way that we hunted the other day.”

“Do I have to kill it and clean it?” Aisling asked. “Cause I don't think I am up to that yet.”

“You are going to help,” Ragnar said. “You are our blood and we are made of tough stock. We are Danes.”

“I'm part Irish,” Aisling said.

Ragnar patted her on the shoulder. “Irish will do. They're tough bastards as well.”

Uhtred laughed. “All right, let's go and find ourselves a deer. Then tonight, we feast!”

“And have some very watered down ale!” Aisling added.

“That's the spirit, lille rød,” Ragnar said.

“What did you call me?” Aisling asked.

“Little red,” Uhtred said as he leaned in and brushed her hair from her face. “We use to call Thyra pretty red.”

Aisling smiled. “So, I guess I am part of the family then.”

Ragnar laughed. “There was no question of that.”

Aisling smiled. She looked at Uhtred and saw him smiling as well. She felt loved in that moment. And like she belonged. Being here with these two men felt more right that growing up in her own home with her own parents. She felt tears come to her eyes but she blinked them away. She would not focus on her past childhood or what had happened before she had been dropped here. All that mattered was that day on.

“Let's go get Bambi,” she said as she urged her horse forward.

“That's our girl,” Uhtred said riding beside her.

She laughed and rode harder.

***

Finan lifted his head from the table by the stables when he heard Aisling's laughter coming from the other side of the gates. The gates opened and he saw Aisling ride in with Uhtred and Ragnar on either side of her. She was laughing at something Ragnar had said. He stood and walked more into the courtyard. He smiled as he saw that Aisling was covered in dirt, same with Uhtred and Ragnar.

“I thought you were hunting for deer,” Brida said as she walked over and stood beside Finan.

Aisling laughed. “I will direct that question at Uhtred,” she said. She dismounted and tried to wipe some dirt from her face. Finan laughed as it only spread the dirt more.

“I swear I saw a deer,” Uhtred said as he dismounted.

“You saw nothing and lead us into the brush,” Ragnar answered.

“So no deer?” Brida said.

“No, deer, but,” Aisling grabbed something from the back of her horse. She held up two rabbits. “It's not much but,” she shrugged. “It's something, right?”

“Good thing that some of your men came in just a short while ago with a deer,” Finan answered.

“So we will feast!” Ragnar said.

“Great, now can I wash?” Aisling asked.

Brida nodded. “Come, I will take these rabbits and show you where you can bath. And get you something new to wear,” she said.

“Great,” Aisling walked past Finan and patted him on the chest. “No peeking,” she added.

“I'll try and restrain myself,” he called after her. He turned back and looked at Ragnar and Uhtred. “So, how was the family hunting trip?” he asked.

Ragnar smiled. “I like her,” he said. “She is a far better stray than this one was,” he added shoving Uhtred.

“She is my stray,” Uhtred said. “She's coming with me back to Coccham.”

Ragnar smiled. “I don't know. She may belong here with me. I think she likes me more anyway.”

Finan laughed as Uhtred snorted. “You always think everyone likes you more.”

“Because most people do,” Ragnar said before walking away.

Finan laughed as Uhtred turned and looked at him. “Aisling was riding pretty well on her own. Ragnar said she could have the horse to ride back to Coccham on.”

Finan sighed. “So, I will have to ride back on my own.”

Uhtred smiled. “You sound sad about it.”

“I am but I guess it is for the best. After all, she is going to need her own horse when she rides into battle.”

Uhtred raised an eyebrow. “And which battle she going into?”

Finan crossed his arms on his chest. “I spoke with Liv the seer, apparently she thinks Aisling would make a great shield maiden. That it is what she has done before.”

Uhtred frowned. “Aisling has also been worried about what the seer told her. She fears living in a constant circle of being here, dying, being born again a thousand years from now and coming back again. Over and over. She did not speak much about it but I could tell it worries her.”

Finan stepped closer to Uhtred. “Maybe training her wouldn't be that bad of an idea. If she feels like she has some control it may help her not worry about what the seer said.”

Uhtred eyed him. “Do you believe what Liv said? That the gods, Freyja brought Aisling here?”

Finan reached up and scratched his beard. He looked at the ground, his thoughts swirling in his head. He looked up and met Uhtred's eyes.

“I don't know what I believe right now. Aisling is here, that is a certain. She is from the future, that is also a certain considering she is wearing what is left of your sword around her neck. Who or what brought her here though?” Finan shrugged. “That cannot be known for sure. A pagan seer says it was Freyja but I am sure that Alfred's many priests would say it was God himself. And in the end, does it matter how she got here? She is here, that is all that matters. Aisling is here and she needs us to help her belong. And maybe, maybe we need her to remind us that the choices we make tomorrow can not only affect us, but others years from now.”

He saw Uhtred watching him. Uhtred nodded. “You may be right. But if it is all the same, I am going to believe that Freyja brought her here.”

Finan smiled. “But why? For you or for her?”

Uhtred shrugged. He wrapped an arm around Finan's shoulders and pulled him towards the hall. “Maybe for both of us,” Uhtred smiled. “And for you as well.”

“For me?” Finan laughed. “You brooded for a whole morning when all I did was have an arm around her waist.”

Uhtred nodded. “I did, but I have come to realize that maybe I overreacted.”

Finan eyed him. “Uh huh, you just don't want her staying here with Ragnar.”

Uhtred looked at him. “No, I want her and you to be happy. I have seen how you look at her.”

Finan sighed. “I am trying not to look.”

“Then you, my friend are failing miserably.”

Finan nodded. “I am aware.”

Uhtred pulled him up the steps to the hall. “Come, we'll have some ale and forget all about it.”

Finan snorted. “No, we won't.”

Uhtred laughed. Finan smiled as well. He allowed Uhtred to pull into the hall and over to a table where the ale was waiting for them. They would feast the night away and leave in the morning either hung over or more likely still drunk.

And Finan was so looking forward to drinking his worries away; if only for a little while.

***

Aisling walked into the hall, bathed and with clean clothing. Along with her new braided hair. She pulled on the leather vest thinking it was a bit snug and being grateful for the linen shift under it that hid her cleavage; not a lot but enough to make her feel comfortable. She saw Uhtred and Finan sitting at a table in the corner. She walked over and slid in beside Finan. She saw him turn and look at her. He reached out and touched the five braids that Brida had done on the right side of Aisling's head. Brida had parted Aisling's hair more on the left and aside from the braids on the right side, the rest of Aisling's hair was loose. It fell in natural curls and waves past her shoulders to the middle of her back. Finan smiled.

“Now you really look like a Ragnarson,” he answered.

She smiled. “Thank you,” she turned and took the mug of ale Uhtred handed her. “This is not strong like last night, is it?” she asked.

Uhtred smiled. “No, it is watered down for you,” he said.

She nodded. “Good. So, what can I expect from this feast?” she asked. She toyed with her necklaces and looked around. The Celtic cross was still under her shirt but it no longer sat on the leather cord by itself; she had added the Freyja pendant to it keeping both close to her heart.

“Drinking,” Finan said.

“Lots of drinking,” Uhtred added. “And some stories and poetry about battles.”

She sipped her ale. She turned and smiled when the men cheered the meat coming out on several plates. She felt Finan's eyes on her. She turned and looked at him. She smiled at him. He smiled and reached out. He picked up the Frigg pendant from where it hung above the Serpent-Breath pendant and rubbed it with his thumb.

“And who is this?” he asked.

“Frigg,” Aisling answered, “the goddess of motherhood, marriage, prophecies, and clairvoyance,” she answered.

He smiled. “You planning on getting married and having children?”

Aisling shook her head. “Not anytime soon. I think Liv gave it to me for the later two reasons; prophecy and clairvoyance,” she took another sip of her ale. “Although, is it clairvoyance if I only know the future because I was born in it?”

“I think that would be cheating,” Uhtred answered.

Aisling turned away from Finan and he dropped the pendant. She moved as a plate was placed in front of her. She picked up the knife and stabbed a piece of the meat. She ate it and moaned slightly.

“This is so good,” she said.

“It's-,” Uhtred started.

“Lord, do not tell her what it is,” Finan said.

Aisling elbowed him. “I know what it is,” she said. “Just because I almost cried over the rabbit-.”

“Almost?” both Uhtred and Finan said.

“-doesn't mean anything. I understand that animals sometimes have to die to feed us,” she said. “Granted, I don't much like to partake in the killing and skinning part.”

“We noticed,” Finan said.

Aisling shook her head. She picked up the spoon and ate some of the vegetables on her plate. She was surprised to find that they tasted pretty good. She turned as one of the men stood and began speaking in Danish. She looked at Uhtred.

“He's telling the story of Balder, the son of Frigg and Odin,” he said.

Aisling nodded. “He was the most beautiful and favourite god,” she said.

Uhtred smiled and looked pleased. “Yes, he was.”

“So what happened to him?” Finan asked.

“He was killed because of a trick Loki pulled on a blind god,” Aisling simplified the story for Finan.”Loki is the trickster god.”

“Huh,” Finan said. “Maybe he is the one who brought you here.”

“Are you implying that my being here is a trick of some sort?” she asked.

Uhtred shook his head. “Finan has not decided whether he believes or not that the gods brought you here.”

Aisling ate more of her meat and took a bite of the bread on her plate. “I don't know if I do either,” she muttered as she chewed her food. “But then again, if they didn't do it, how exactly did I get here?”

Finan shrugged. “I don't know. I never said I had the answers.”

Aisling looked at him. “I never thought you did. And that's what makes this frustrating. I'll never have the answers.”

“Does it matter if you do?” Uhtred asked.

Aisling shrugged. She looked at her plate and began to push around the food. “It does because I am the type of person that needs to know things for certain. I spent five years researching curses, Vikings, our bloodline, this land, everything I could think of so that I would get it right. I made charts and timelines and,” she sighed, “I just needed to know every detail I could that would help me make sure that I got it right. So, not knowing how I got here, makes me angry. Because I so desperately want and need to know.”

“So you could go back?” Finan asked.

Aisling looked at him. “Go back?”

“Yes. You want to know how you got here and then you could do the same thing and go back. Right? That would be the goal.”

Aisling drank more of her ale. She sat there and thought about it. Would she go back? If she could figure out how she got here, if it wasn't the gods like Liv had said, would she go back? Would she trade the love and care Uhtred, Hild, Finan, and Ragnar had shown her for her father who had been distance even before Star had gone missing? She wondered if he had even noticed she wasn't there anymore. Did he even care?

“Aisling?” Uhtred asked.

“No,” she said softly. “I don't think I would ever try to go back.”

“Really? Never?” Finan asked.

She looked at him. She smiled. “What can I say, Finan, you have grown on me? Like mold,” she said.

Uhtred laughed. Finan gave her a smirk. “All I am hearing is that you like me.”

She rolled her eyes. “That would be all you would hear.”

Finan laughed. She smiled and sipped some more of her ale. She turned as a woman stood on a table and began singing. She clapped her hands with everyone else and wished she could understand the lyrics, but the woman sang in Danish. She laughed as one of the warriors grabbed the woman and swung her around. She felt Finan grab her hand.

“Come on,” he said as he stood and pulled her to her feet.

“Oh, you can dance now?” she laughed as he twirled her around and pulled her close.

“I try to dance,” he answered. “The lessons never went well and my mother gave up on me.”

Aisling laughed. She turned and saw that the others were not dancing that well either; probably the ale had something to do with it. She pulled her hands away from Finan and clapped again and stomped her feet like the others. She saw Finan doing the same. She stepped closer to him.

“I think you're doing about as well as these drunken Danes,” she said.

Finan laughed. “Very true. So, maybe there is hope yet?”

Aisling clapped and bumped her shoulder against him. She looked up at him, she was not that much shorter than him about a head or more, and saw he was having fun. He grabbed her hand again and twirled her around. She held his hand and pulled him into her when another man grabbed her other hand and pulled them down the hall dancing and laughing. She looked back and saw Uhtred watching them a smile on his face.

She decided there that this was her new home. She was not going back. Even if she was given the chance to.

***

Finan groaned as Brida kicked him. He lifted his head from the table and looked at her. She nodded towards his left. He turned and saw Aisling sleeping beside him. He frowned and looked around. He didn't see Uhtred.

“He went to bed a couple hours ago, while you and Aisling here were playing knives with Ragnar,” Brida said.

Finan nodded. “Right,” he rubbed his face, “I'll put her to bed.”

“And yourself as well,” Brida said before she turned and left the hall.

Finan reached out and shook Aisling's shoulder. “Aingeal, time to go to bed,” he said softly.

Aisling groaned. “Carry me,” she muttered.

Finan sighed. He stood and kneeled beside her. She wrapped her arms around his neck and he placed his hands on her hips and lifted her. She wrapped her legs around his waist and held on tight. He stood and closed his eyes for a moment.

Do not think of how right her body feels against yours. Do not think of how tight she is holding you. Or how good she smells. Sweet Jesus Christ, she fits so damn well against me. Fuck.

He held her thighs tight and carried her out of the hall and down the steps. He felt her hold on tight. He could feel her fingers stroking the skin on the back of his neck. He carried her across the courtyard and to her room. He reached the door and went to open it. He placed his hand on her ass and then stopped.

“Shit,” he said.

“Couldn't help yourself, huh?” Aisling muttered.

He smiled and pushed open the door and carried her inside. He carried her to the bed and dumped her on it. She grumbled and rolled over and hugged her pillow. Finan pulled off her boots for her and tossed them aside. He undid her belt and pulled off the seax and the belt and tossed it with her boots. He leaned in and kissed her on the forehead.

“Get some sleep,” he said pulling away.

Aisling grabbed his tunic. “Stay,” she muttered. “Tell me a story, Finan. You owe me a couple.”

He sighed. “How about I save them for when we are camping out under the stars?”

“I want one now. My mind won't stop wandering to what Liv told me, so distract me,” she turned her head and opened her eyes. Her blue eyes stared into his brown ones; stared into his soul. “Please?” she asked softly.

Fuck. How can I say no to her when she looks at me like I can do anything? He nodded. “All right, one story.”

She smiled. He got up and walked back to the door and barred it. He walked back to the bed and sat on it. He debated taking his boots off or not and climbing in bed with her. He watched as she rolled over and faced him. He pulled off his boots and belt with his sword and his own seax and lay down facing her. He pushed the thoughts from his mind about what Uhtred would think about it and just what exactly he was doing. He was just going to lay there beside Aisling and tell her a story. That was all.

“What story do you want to hear?” he asked softly.

“Finn MacCool,” she whispered smiling.

He smiled. “Why do I think that you already know all about Finn MacCool?”

She smirked. She reached out and took his hand. He held her hand and linked their fingers together. “I will neither confirm nor deny that statement.”

Finan shook his head. “Tá tú chun báis dom,” he muttered. You are going to be the death of me.

Aisling smiled and closed her eyes. “Tell me a different story then,” she muttered. “Or don't. Just,” she sighed. “I don't want to be alone right now.”

Finan let go of her hand. He wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her closer. He rubbed her back and rested his head on her pillow. Their foreheads touched. He felt her place her hand on his chest, over his heart.

“I am right here,” he whispered. “And I am not going anywhere.”

“Thank you,” she whispered.

No, don't thank me, Aisling. I am doing this more for me than you. I am going to allow myself this one night to hold you close and pretend that you are mine. Just for tonight. And tomorrow, you'll be Uhtred's descendent and I will keep my hands to myself. Or at least try to.

Finan closed his eyes and fell asleep, his breathing matching Aisling's as they slept intertwined together.

Chapter Text

Aisling groaned as the pounding in her head pulled her awake. She felt the arm around her waist pull her closer and she grabbed the hand on her stomach. She held it against her chest and felt the chest of the person behind her rise and fall against her back. She smiled when she heard faint muttering in Irish and then lips on her neck.

“I'm going to need my hand back,” Finan muttered his breath dancing on her skin.

“I'm not giving it back,” she whispered her fingers linking with his.

Finan sighed. “Uhtred is going to come knocking.”

“Let him,” Aisling said. “I am going to stay here until the pounding stops.”

She kept her eyes closed and just wanted to stay in that moment. She felt safe and secure there in that bed with Finan. And it was not as if they were doing anything wrong. They were both still fully clothed. For now at least. I am finding it very hard to stop myself from just rolling over and kissing him. No matter the complications that would cause. He has a face that just demands to be kissed. Or sat on. Or is it both? Definitely both.

“Aisling, are you all right?” Finan whispered as his thumb stroked her hand.

“I'm all right right now at this moment,” she answered. She sighed and winced at her headache. “I could use some aspirin though, too bad it has not been invented yet.”

“You need some water and something to eat,” Finan told her.

Aisling let go of his hand and rolled over and opened her eyes. She looked into his brown eyes. He smiled at her and she smiled back. He brushed her hair over her shoulder and gently stroked her cheek. She closed her eyes again as his thumb caressed her cheek and jaw.

“We should get up. Uhtred wanted to leave early,” Finan said his hand dropping from her face.

Aisling opened her eyes. She sighed and nodded. “I guess,” she muttered.

She watched as Finan rolled over and sat on the bed. He pulled on his boots. Aisling looked at Finan's wide shoulders and his back. She smiled. He's a Dorito. Not as much as Chris Evans, but close enough. Wide shoulders and slim waist. She reached out and gently placed her hand on his back. She pulled her hand back when he practically jumped off the bed. She frowned and sat up.

“Finan?” she asked.

“I'm going to go see if Uhtred is up yet,” he said as he grabbed his sword belt from the floor and practically ran towards the door.

Aisling sat in the bed and watched as he left. She was so confused. “Was it something I said?” she asked the empty room.

She rubbed her face and moved towards the end of the bed. She grabbed her boots and pulled them on. She stood and grabbed her belt and pulled it on as well. She raked her fingers through her hair as she walked to the door. She walked out and looked across the courtyard. She winced at the brightness of the sun. She saw Uhtred and Finan speaking by the hall. She walked over and Finan walked by her towards the stables. She let him go and went over to Uhtred.

“Something is up with him,” she told Uhtred.

Uhtred smiled. “Funny, he just told me the same thing about you.”

Before Aisling could answer, Ragnar wrapped his arms around her waist and lifted her. She laughed along with Uhtred. Ragnar placed her back on her feet and hugged her tight. She hugged him back.

“Uhtred tells me you are all needed back in Coccham,” he said pulling away.

Aisling nodded. “We are. I am going to miss you,” she said.

Ragnar smiled at her. “And I you, lille rød,” reached up and stroked her cheek. “You are one of us.”

Aisling smiled. She felt tears come to her eyes. She stepped back and watched as Uhtred and Ragnar hugged each other. She heard them whispering in Danish but she didn't ask what they were saying. Their words were for each other. She wiped her tears and turned to look at Finan as he lead out their horses and saddled them. She frowned. Something was going on with him and she didn't know what.

“Come, have something to eat before you go,” Ragnar said.

“Fine, but we must be quick,” Uhtred said.

Aisling laughed. She followed Uhtred up into the hall. She glanced back at Finan and decided she would save him some food. She rubbed her temples and hoped that food would help with her headache. Otherwise the first day of riding was not going to be fun at all.

***

Finan dismounted off his horse and pulled it into the trees to get out of the rain. He turned and saw Aisling doing the same with Uhtred following. Finan took the reins from both of them and tied their horses together around the trunk of a tree. They had left Dunholm that morning and been riding for half the day and got caught in the rain storm. Finan walked over and saw Uhtred rubbing Aisling's arms.

“So I guess no fire,” Aisling said as she hugged herself.

“No fire,” Uhtred said. He looked at Finan. “Are the blankets on the horses dry?”

“I will check. Aisling, where is the cloak Lady Gisela gave you?” Finan asked her.

“In my bag on the saddle,” she answered.

Finan nodded. He went back to the horses and grabbed Aisling's bag. He went over and handed it to Uhtred and went back to unsaddle the horses. The rain was pouring down and Finan could feel his tunic getting soaked. He got all the saddles off and carried the blankets and bedrolls over to where Uhtred and Aisling stood. He handed the blankets to them and dropped the bedrolls on the ground. Aisling looked at him and his tunic.

“Finan, you're soaked. You need to take that tunic off,” she said.

He shook his head. “I'll be fine.”

He watched as she pulled off the cloak that Uhtred had put around her shoulders. She wrapped it around his shoulders. He closed his eyes as she rubbed his shoulders and arms.

“You are going to get sick if you don't take off your wet tunic,” she said seriously.

He saw the worry on her face. He shook his head. He did not want her to see his scars on his back. She may have seen the scars on his chest and arms when he had saved her but she hadn't mentioned them. And they were not as bad as the ones on his back. When she had touched his back that morning, he had been reminded of the scars there and why he had them. Finan couldn't find the words to tell her that he was the older brother in the story her Nan had told her. And until he could tell her, he didn't want her seeing his scars.

“I never get sick,” he told her.

She snorted. “I don't believe you.”

Finan gave her a smile as Uhtred wrapped the blanket around her. She pulled Finan closer to her and wrapped an arm around him. They all huddled together with the blankets around them to try and stay warm.

“Too bad Ragnar's seer could not have told us about the storm,” Aisling muttered.

Finan laughed. “True, but I think she was too caught up in you being a gift from the gods.”

Aisling snorted. “I'm not a gift from the gods.”

“I think you are,” Uhtred answered. “And I am sure that Ragnar believes it as well.”

Finan heard Aisling sigh. She leaned her back against the tree and closed her eyes. He leaned against the tree as well beside her. She rested her head on his shoulder and he wrapped an arm around her waist. Finan saw Uhtred turn and look at them a smirk on his face.

“So, we go back to Coccham and then what?” Aisling asked opening her eyes and looking from Uhtred to him. “What are we going to tell people?”

“Well, you are under my protection, so we could tell them you are my cousin from my mother's side,” Uhtred said.

“I thought your mother was dead,” Finan said.

Uhtred nodded. “She is, has been for years. We could say you came to Coccham because your last male relative died and you needed somewhere to go.”

Aisling muttered a faint Irish curse under her breath. “Oh yes, of course because this is the time period where women cannot be alone without a man. Completely forgot. Tell me again why being a Christian Saxon woman is so great?”

Uhtred shrugged. “I don't know. I'll ask Beocca for you next time I see him, I am sure he'll have some answers for you.”

Finan pulled the blanket around Aisling more. “I am sure that Lord Uhtred here will give you some freedom.”

Aisling snorted. “I am not calling him lord.”

Uhtred laughed. “You don't have to but my man should call you lady.”

Finan laughed when Aisling pointed a finger at Uhtred. “Don't you dare make them call me lady.”

“My mother was a lady and her father-.”

“I don't care,” Aisling looked at Finan. “You call me lady and I swear you will regret it.”

He raised an eyebrow. “Is that a promise?”

Aisling nodded. “It is.”

“All right,” Finan smiled, “lady,” he added.

Aisling's eyes darkened. She moved her hands into the cloak wrapped around him and immediately pinched his side that was not protected by his leather armour. He jumped and laughed. She continued her assault and pinched his other side. He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her close and pressed her against the tree. He could feel the cold from the wetness of his tunic seeping into his skin and he was shivering but with Aisling's body pressed against him, he felt nothing but warmth. He grabbed her arms and ran his hands down to hers. His brown eyes stared into her blue depths and he lost himself in them. He felt her hands hold his as she pressed her soft palms against his calloused ones. They stood there staring into each other's eyes and time seemed to still around them. Finan was startled when Uhtred cleared his throat. He went to pull away but Aisling held his hands tight.

“You cannot go around pinching everyone who calls you lady,” Uhtred said to Aisling.

“I never said I would go around pinching everyone who called me a lady,” Aisling answered never taking her eyes from Finan. “Just Finan.”

Finan could feel himself blush. What is this? Since when do I blush? I never blush. This is not happening. I am not blushing. He smiled one of his most charming smiles at Aisling. “I knew you liked me.”

Aisling smiled back at him. “I'm not saying that I don't not like you.”

Uhtred sighed and muttered something in Danish as he leaned against the tree his shoulder brushing Aisling's. “I would leave you two alone to discuss this, but as you can clearly see, none of us is going anywhere,” he said as he gestured to rain, that was still pouring down.

Finan looked at Aisling. He nodded towards Uhtred. She sighed but let go of his hands. He felt her wrap an arm around his waist and pull him closer. She gently rubbed his back and as much he wanted to pull away, he didn't. He was freezing and her warmth brought him comfort. She pressed her side against him and cursed again in some very colourful Irish. Uhtred looked over and raised an eyebrow.

“She sounds like you now,” Uhtred told Finan.

“My Nan taught me all the bad words in Irish as a way to get me to want to learn more of the language,” Aisling said. She gestured Uhtred closer. “Come on, he is freezing, we need to keep him warm.”

“I am fine,” Finan said.

“You are lying,” Aisling and Uhtred said together.

Finan sighed. He looked at Uhtred, as the man stepped to his other side and wrapped an arm around him and pressed himself against Finan. Aisling pressed her warm hand to his neck and Finan sighed as her warmth spread. She stroked his neck and up to his jaw and breaded cheek.

“Why are you being so stubborn about taking off your tunic?” Aisling demanded. “I mean, honestly, you had no qualms about it when you were keeping me warm after you found me.”

“That was very different,” Finan answered.

“Oh really?” she pressed.

“It's his scars,” Uhtred said deciding for Finan whether or not to tell Aisling about them.

“Scars? The ones on his chest?” she asked.

“No,” Finan said. “The ones on my back. They are,” he closed his eyes, “worse.”

He felt Aisling's thumb gently rub against his jaw as her fingers moved along his neck and behind his ear. “Wait,” she said softly. “You and Uhtred were at Dunholm over a year ago, and if I remember the family legend correct,” she stopped talking and Finan could feel her fingers tremble. “You were on the slave ship with Uhtred,” she whispered.

Finan did not open his eyes. He could not look at her. “I was,” he answered.

“He was the reason I survived,” Uhtred added. “Without Finan's friendship and his offer of brotherhood, I would not have had the strength to go on.”

Finan felt Aisling's hand on his back still in it's movement. She moved her other hand from his face and wrapped her arm around his waist. She hugged him around the middle. Both her hands pressed against his back, over scars that Finan still sometimes thought tainted him and seemed to be ingrained on his soul. Her touch, though, as much as he hated people looking at the scars and touching them, Aisling's touch he welcomed. He could feel her warmth and care in her touch. He opened his eyes and looked down at her as she held him. He looked over and saw Uhtred watching them with a smile on his face.

“Both of you should never had had to go through that,” she said softly. “No one should be a slave, no matter what they did.”

Finan placed his hand on Aisling's back and ran his fingers through her hair. “Trust me, my crime was worse than Uhtred's.”

She held him tighter. “I don't care. And I doubt Uhtred does either.”

“Oh, I care,” Uhtred said. Finan and him laughed when Aisling pulled her arm away from Finan and smacked Uhtred in the stomach. Uhtred shook his head. “Maybe no one should call you lady, you are very violent.”

Finan laughed. “I am sure she gets that from you,” he said feeling warmer as Aisling held him.

Aisling nodded, her cheek pressed against Finan's wet tunic. “Most definitely. All my violent tendencies come from the Dane-Slayer. I cannot be held accountable for it.”

Uhtred snorted. “Sure, blame me.”

Finan smiled. He felt Uhtred place more of the blanket around him and Finan smiled at him. “I am feeling warmer,” he said.

“Good, let's keep you that way,” Uhtred said. “I am going to need you to help control Aisling's violent tendencies, apparently.”

Aisling laughed but didn't say anything else. Finan held her close. He looked out and saw that the rain was not letting up. He sighed but there was nothing he could do. He did not control the weather. They would just have to wait it out.

***

Aisling kept her eyes on Finan. She did not like the sound of his cough. She was relieved when she saw Coccham in the distance. She glanced at Uhtred. He looked as worried as she felt. The rain storm had delayed them a full day and as they had rode on towards Coccham, Finan had developed a cough. She rode up beside Finan, glad that her horse riding skills were improving. She reached out and pressed the back of her hand against his forehead. He muttered something in Irish that Aisling translated as 'stop mothering me'. He had a fever.

“Did I not tell you that you would get sick?” she asked him as she moved her hand and grabbed his arm.

“I do not get sick,” Finan answered. And then began coughing. He stopped coughing and looked at her. “That was nothing.”

“It did not sound like nothing,” Uhtred said.

“It is nothing. I have seen far worse in Irland,” Finan answered. “This, is just a sore throat.”

“Uh huh,” Aisling turned and looked at Uhtred. “I'll watch over him.”

“I do not-.”

“I am not listening to you, Finan,” Aisling said.

“That didn't take long,” Uhtred muttered as he rode past both of them and into Coccham.

Aisling rode beside Finan. She followed Uhtred into Coccham. She smiled when she saw Gisela and Hild come out of the hall and greet them. She dismounted and handed her reins to Sihtric. She walked over to Finan and grabbed his arm. She hugged Hild when the woman walked over to her.

“I see you have decided to embrace the Dane side,” Hild said as she placed her hand over the braids in Aisling's hair.

Aisling smiled and nodded. “I have. Now, Hild, could you help me with something?”

“Anything,” Hild said.

“Do you have remedies for colds? Like coughing and fevers?” she asked holding on to Finan's arm so he would not run off.

She saw Hild look over at Finan. She nodded. “I do, I will go and get them. I assume that Finan is sick,” Hild said.

“He is,” Aisling said.

“I am not,” Finan answered at the same time.

“Aisling, you look,” Gisela walked over. “Annoyed,” she said smiling.

“Dealing with Finan will do that to you,” Hild answered.

Aisling smiled and laughed. “I am going to take him home. I will speak with you later,” she said.

Gisela nodded. “I understand. And Finan,” Gisela glanced at him. “Do not be too difficult.”

Aisling snorted. “I think we both know he is going to be very difficult.”

Uhtred laughed. “I will make sure there is some food left for you.”

Aisling nodded. She then pulled Finan close to her. “Now, are you going to show me where you live, or do I have to knock on every door?”

Finan grumbled but took her hand. He pulled her down a street by the stables. She looked around and saw all little houses with thatched roofs. She followed Finan as he walked up to the fourth house on the street and pushed open the door. She followed him inside and saw a table with two chairs and a fireplace in the first room. She could see into the second room and saw only a bed in the second room. She pulled the door closed behind her and nodded towards his bedroom.

“Go and get ready to lay down,” she said.

“I am-.”

“Finan, I don't want to argue with you,” Aisling said. “You are sick, no matter how much you wish you weren't, so you need rest and the warmth from your furs. Now, I am going to start a fire for you.”

Finan eyed her. “Can you do that?”

Aisling looked at the fireplace and wondered the same thing. She pushed him towards the bedroom. He didn't say anything but went. Aisling walked over and placed some logs Finan had piled by the fireplace inside of it. She then took the flint on top of the table and kneeled down in front of the fireplace. She pulled her seax from her belt and held it above the logs.

“Okay, so maybe I should have taken being a girl scout more seriously,” she muttered as she tried to get sparks off her seax with the flint.

She heard Finan moving around in the next room but she was not going to ask him for help. She was determined to learn this on her own. She tried over and over but no luck. She muttered some curses in Irish and kept trying. Aisling turned when she heard the door to the house open and Hild walked in carrying a basket. Hild took one look at her and sighed.

“I am trying,” Aisling said.

“I can see that,” Hild placed the basket on the table and walked over to her. “I will get him settled and you go and get something to eat.”

“I can-.”

Hild kneeled down beside her and placed a hand on her back. “He is still wary of new people seeing his scars, Aisling,” she whispered. “I have no doubt that is the reason he is being more difficult than usual.”

Aisling looked at Hild. “I had noticed him being,” she shrugged, “I don't know, pulling away? I thought I was imagining it.”

Hild smiled. She brushed some of Aisling's hair away. “I think he is protecting himself.”

Aisling nodded. “Maybe,” she heard Finan stop moving. She nodded. “I'll leave you to it then, Hild. I am sure he will be in a better mood with someone he knows more than I.” Hild nodded. Aisling stood. “I'll come back later so you can get some sleep.”

Hild smiled. “You are the one who got caught in a rain storm and has been riding for three days.”

Aisling smirked. “I could do another night sleeping rough.”

Hild laughed. “You are of Uhtred's blood all right,” she muttered.

Aisling smiled. She turned and left the house. She walked towards the hall. She smiled as she saw Sihtric and Clapa unsaddling the horses and pulling them in the barn. She took her bag from Sihtric and patted him on the shoulder. She kept walking and walked into the hall. She smiled as she was greeted by Uhtred holding his son in his arms and kissing him. She smiled at Gisela as the other woman pulled out a chair for her.

“Come have something to eat,” Gisela said.

“And meet my son,” Uhtred said as he carried the boy over to Aisling.

Aisling smiled. She looked at the boy's blue eyes. She took him in her arms when Uhtred handed him over. She watched as Young Uhtred took some of her red hair in his hand and looked at it closely. She laughed.

“Yeah, I know, it's different,” she said as she stroked his cheek. “And you will be seeing a lot of it because I am not going anywhere,” she told him and she bounced him and stroked his neck. She then tickled him and smiled when he laughed. She walked over and sat beside Uhtred at the table. She felt Young Uhtred pull on her necklaces. “Of course,” she said as he grabbed the amber pendant. “You are your father's son.”

Gisela laughed and set a plate of food down for her. Aisling tickled the boy one more time before letting Gisela take him. She began eating and ignored Uhtred's eyes on her.

“Is Finan well?” he asked.

“Hild is looking after him. I told her I would head over there after I eat and wash a bit,” Aisling said.

Gisela sat beside Aisling and looked at her. “Uhtred was telling me what the seer said,” she said. “And it would seem that we need to build a shrine to Freyja.”

Aisling ate some bread. “That is up to you, lady.” Gisela gave her a look and Aisling moved away. “You aren't going to hit me, are you?”

“No, but you are not going to call me lady,” Gisela said. “I am your family.”

Uhtred sighed. “We have had this conversation before. Aisling does not wish for the men to call her lady. I had been hoping you would be a good influence on her.”

Aisling laughed at the look Gisela sent him. She glanced at Uhtred. “You seem to forget, I am of your blood but also hers.”

“She is right,” Gisela said.

Uhtred shook his head. “I have forgotten that. I will need to remember that in the future.”

Aisling smiled. She ate her food and listened to Uhtred and Gisela. She didn't add much to the conversation, just listened to it. She could hear how much respect that Uhtred had for Gisela and how Gisela cared and loved him in return. Aisling looked down at her plate and was reminded once again that her parents' marriage had not been good, even before her mother had killed herself.

Pretty good, I had to go back a thousand years in the past to see a strong loving marriage. Go figure.

***

Finan opened his eyes and blinked. He felt a weight on his chest but it wasn't his cold. He hadn't coughed much since Hild had made him some garlic and honey tea. And she had lectured him about being nice to Aisling. Hild had muttered something about Aisling being family so he had better not chase her away. Finan understood that Hild had a point, but he also had one. A very large one that he felt himself growing closer and closer to Aisling and he was worried it wouldn't end well between them.

He lifted his head to see what the weight on his chest was. He sighed when he saw it was Aisling. She was curled on the side of his bed with her arms under her head, which was resting on his chest. She had one leg bent on the bed beside him and her other leg hung off the bed. She was wearing a long night shift with a robe over it. Finan placed his hand on her knee and gently rubbed it.

“Aisling,” he said softly.

She moaned and he felt her hands on his chest. He sucked in a slow breath and told himself not to think of how right it felt for her hands to be on his skin. She lifted her head and smiled at him.

“How are you feeling?” she asked tossing her hair over her shoulder.

Finan placed his hand on her shoulder. “I am fine now. Hild did wonders and I am feeling much better. You don't have to stay here,” he said.

She gave him a sad smile. “So, I was not imagining it, you are trying to get rid of me.”

Finan ran his fingers along her collarbone. His index finger hooked on the Serpent-Breath necklace and looked at it. He looked up and met her eyes. “I thought giving you some space was what was best for you,” he whispered.

“Don't I get to decide that?” she asked.

Finan coughed. He sighed when Aisling placed the back of her hand on his forehead. He took her hand and held it. Her blue eyes held concern in them. He gave her a smile.

“I am fine,” he said.

“I am going to get you more of that tea. Hild showed me how to make it and I am sure-,” Aisling started.

Finan placed his hand over her mouth. “If I let you stay, will you stop talking?” he asked.

She pulled his hand away. “Maybe,” she smiled.

Finan moved over in his bed. He watched as Aisling laid beside him. She grabbed an extra blanket and pulled it on herself. He rolled on his side so she could have some of his pillow. He looked at her as she looked at him. She reached out and gently touched the scar on his arm. He closed his eyes.

“I'm sorry you had to go through that,” she whispered.

“No talking, remember?” he whispered back.

She didn't say anything. He opened one eye and saw her laying beside him with her eyes closed. She then opened one eye and smiled at him. He shook his head. He wrapped his arm around her waist and felt her place her hand over his scars.

“Thank you for saying that,” he answered, “but you don't have to. Now, get some sleep.”

“You sure you are alright? You don't need anything?” she asked.

“I just need you,” he admitted. He cursed softly. “Pretend I did not say that out loud.”

“I'll blame it on your cold.”

He smiled. He closed his eye again and got comfortable. He felt Aisling move closer to him. He felt her lips on his forehead. Comfort washed over him from the kiss and he felt her hand on his cheek.

“I'll stay until you're asleep again,” she said softly. “I won't stay all night.”

He nodded. “You're talking too much.”

“Sorry,” she whispered. “Sleep well, Finan.”

He felt her thumb stroking his cheek. She went to pull her hand away but he shook his head. She left her hand there and he drifted off to sleep feeling her thumb gently stroke his skin and the comfort of just having her near him.

I can't stop myself from wanting her. Or feeling this pull to her. Please, God, do not let this end like last time. I cannot allow myself to love her if I am only going to lose her. I can't do that again. I won't.

***

Aisling watched as Finan slept. She slowly pulled her hand away from his cheek and gently lifted his arm off of her waist. She climbed out of the bed and pulled the blanket she had over him. She leaned down and kissed his head again. She walked towards the door. Every step away from him she felt dread settled into her.

What the hell is wrong with me? I have known him for a matter of days. DAYS. That is it, I should not be this attached to this man. He's just sexy and hot and that's all. It's lust. Nothing more. Maybe I should just have sex with him? Oh god, but then I would still have to see him everyday. Fuck.

Aisling turned and leaned in the doorway of the bedroom. She watched him sleep. She rubbed her face and shook her head. She walked out into the main room and then towards the door. She stepped out into the cool night and pulled the door shut behind him.

“I just need a cold bath and a one night stand,” she muttered as she walked back towards the hall. “That's all. And it will get Finan right out of my system.”

Liar, liar pants on fire, she thought to herself.

Chapter Text

Aisling broke thru the surface of the water and sighed in contentment. She ran her hands through her hair and looked around. The sun was barely rising in the sky and it was quiet and beautiful; unlike the thoughts that were swirling in her mind.

She had been in Coccham a month. One whole month and she was slowly beginning to feel at ease. Uhtred and Gisela had managed to find her a little one room hut to live in, three houses down from Finan's, and she was training with Sihtric and Uhtred at the sword and shield; Uhtred still had her working with the wooden staff first, but she was getting it and no longer completely covered in bruises. She spent a lot of time with Hild, learning what little healing skills Hild had and she spent far too much time with Young Uhtred. His laughter and happiness helped her not think about how Finan was avoiding her and she was avoiding him.

“It's ridiculous,” she muttered as she swam to the shore. “We live in the same small town, three houses away from each other. And yet, we haven't said three sentences to each other since that night.”

She pulled herself up on the shore and grabbed her tunic. She pulled it on and then pulled on her trousers and slipped on the shoes Uhtred had gotten made for her. He and Gisela were always thinking about her and getting her things she may need. And Aisling would always be grateful to Gisela who explained to her what women in this time used when they menstruated. Aisling could not imagine having that conversation with Uhtred.

“Why are you awake?” she jumped when she heard Sihtric's voice as she walked to the dock. He was on patrol, she guessed.

“I couldn't sleep, so I thought I would go for a morning swim,” she said as she stood beside him. “Everything quiet?”

Sihtric nodded. “Now. It sounded like there was another raid down river,” he said.

Aisling sighed. There had been a couple in the past month. Some of them so close at times, Aisling would swear the people were right outside her window screaming. She crossed her arms on her chest and looked at the river.

“Has Uhtred been told?” she asked.

Sihtric shook his head. “Not yet. I am waiting for Clapa to come relieve me so I can tell him,” he then looked at her, “unless you wish to do it.”

Aisling smiled. “I could mention it, since I am headed to the hall anyway for food.”

Sihtric smiled. “And for Young Uhtred. You spend more time with him than any of us.”

Aisling shoved him. “Jealous?”

Sihtric laughed. “No, but I think I know someone who might be.”

Aisling rolled her eyes. “I have no idea who you are talking about.”

“Oh? He's about this tall,” Sihtric said holding his hand up as tall as Finan was, “with dark hair, a scowl on his face on most days now, and speaks with an accent? You sure you don't know him?”

“I am going to shove you in the water,” Aisling answered.

“Lady, is this man bothering you?” Clapa asked as he walked out of the gates and over to them.

“Yes, he is,” Aisling answered. “Could you please throw him in the river?”

“As my lady commands,” Clapa walked over and grabbed Sihtric. Sihtric kicked and yelled. Aisling laughed.

“What is going on here?” she heard Finan ask as he walked out of the gates.

She sighed. She turned and looked at him. “Clapa was just helping me with a Sihtric problem,” she said. “Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a date at the hall.”

So that's five sentences, she thought as she walked by Finan. She ignored the pull to pat him on the shoulder or touch him. She was not going to do that. Nope, she was made of stronger stuff than that.

Aisling walked down the street and towards the hall. She walked in and found the hall still empty. She walked over to the table and pulled out a chair. She sat down and tossed her hair over her shoulder. She rested her elbows on the table and placed her face in her hands. She sighed and closed her eyes. The quiet of the hall was the worst place to be for Aisling, because all she did was think about what she could have said or done differently. Maybe she should have told Finan everything that Liv told her about the man who was supposed to be her love. Or maybe she should just say fuck it and climb Finan like he was a tree and who cares about Liv's prediction. It was Aisling's life, and she was the one who was living it.

But Liv was right. I have always felt like the Celtic cross was mine. The moment I touched it, I felt connected to it. I wear it close to my heart because of that. It brings me peace and calmness. Just like Finan does. But it is just a necklace and he is a man. And oh god, what a good looking man he is. Sweet lord, his chest alone is just perfection. I could spend hours kissing it and licking it and

“Rusty!” she jumped when she heard Young Uhtred's voice echo in the hall.

She smiled as she watched him run towards her from the stairs. Gisela stood on the stairs watching a smile on her face. Aisling moved her chair back and caught the boy as he came towards her. He was no longer shy with her, and called her Rusty since he could not for the life of him pronounce Aisling. Aisling caught him and sat him on her lap. She kissed him on the head and laughed as he grabbed her necklaces.

“I hear someone is going to have a birthday in a week,” Aisling said to the boy.

“Yes, he will be a year old,” Gisela said. “And, if I am right, there might be another child coming as well,” she said as she walked over to them.

Aisling looked at her. “Really?” she asked.

Gisela nodded. “I will wait another month to be certain but I believe I am with child.”

“Well, that's great news,” Aisling looked at Uhtred. “You are going to be a big brother.”

“I see you went for a swim this morning,” Gisela said as she sat next to Aisling. “And you have been up for hours, haven't you?” she asked.

Aisling shrugged. “I don't know, I don't have a watch.”

Gisela sighed. “Have you spoken to Finan?”

“Yup,” Aisling said. “Two whole sentences from me and like five words from him,” Aisling turned when she felt Gisela stroke her hair. “It was a great start to the day.”

“You could always tell him that you are hurt he pushed you away and that you don't want space away from him.”

Aisling snorted. “Now why would I do something like that when I could avoid him more?”

“Is this how you dealt with men in your time?”

Aisling looked at Gisela. “I didn't deal with men in my time. I had,” she bit her lip, “one serious boyfriend from the age of sixteen until eighteen and let's just say, he was very forgettable. And then there was that Dr. Whately,” Aisling sighed. She saw Gisela frowning at her. “He was my, ah, teacher and I, well, I am not proud of it, but I may have had an affair with him just to get access to his dig in Denmark so that I could get my hands on a dagger to use in my ritual,” Aisling met Gisela's eyes. “Plus side for me is that he was very good looking and well, he knew more about a woman's body than my first boyfriend.”

Gisela eyed her. “So, you are not a maid.”

Aisling laughed. “Nope, I am not. But I think it's best we keep that between us.”

Gisela nodded. “I agree. Now, how about I braid your hair for you?”

“You don't-.”

Gisela stood and shook her head. “I think I should. Plus, you, Rusty,” she said with a smile, “are the only one that Uhtred will eat all his food for. You are his favourite person.”

Aisling smiled at the boy in her arms. She kissed his head again as he played with her necklaces. She was glad that she was someone's favourite person, even if was Young Uhtred. It almost made up for the fact that she wasn't her own favourite person at the moment; almost.

***

Finan saw the horse and who was riding it and groaned with his whole body. Aethelwold. Maybe he is riding past. Please for the love of all that is holy, be riding past us. I cannot deal with him now. Finan groaned again when Aethelwold rode right towards Coccham and its gate. Finan started walking towards the gates and reached them in time to meet the prince. Aethelwold smiled at him and swung off his horse and almost fell face first on the ground. So, he's drunk as well. This is just perfect. Uhtred is going to love this.

“Finan, so good to see you,” Aethelwold said as he walked over to him. “Is Uhtred here?”

Finan nodded. “He is. He is at the hall with his wife and child.” He walked beside Aethelwold as the prince led his horse into the town. Finan crossed his arms on his chest and eyed the shorter man. “And what brings you to Coccham, lord?” he choked out the word lord.

“Well, I,” Aethelwold laughed. “The truth?”

Finan smiled at him and wished he could just punch the man in the face. Just once. “The truth is what Lord Uhtred will want.”

Aethelwold smiled that little rat smile that Finan so desperately hated. “Yes, he will. Well, I may have spent all my money and ran up some debt in the local alehouses-.”

“Whores?” Finan asked.

Aethelwold swallowed and nodded. “Yes, some of it is whores. And Alfred, being the pious king that he has suddenly decided to be, has decided not to pay my debts. So, I am here.”

Finan looked at him and nodded as Sihtric took Aethelwold's horse. Sihtric eyed Aethelwold but Finan shook his head. Sihtric nodded and pulled the horse towards the stables. Finan turned back to say something to Aethelwold but was stopped by the prince sucking in a breath and staring over Finan's shoulder.

“And who is that?” Aethelwold asked.

Please don't be Aisling over my shoulder. Please. Finan turned and looked over his shoulder and sighed when he saw Aisling walking towards the hall with Young Uhtred. Her hair was braided on the top of her head with three smaller braids on either side of the large one. She wore a yellow dress that day, which meant that Uhtred and Sihtric had not trained with her. She was speaking with Young Uhtred as she walked over to them, clearly not paying much attention to Finan to notice that he was trying to get her to walk anywhere but near Aethelwold.

“Oh,” Aisling said as she walked into Finan. She saw Aethelwold. “I was not aware that we had visitors,” she said holding Young Uhtred closer.

“I am Prince Aethelwold, the aethling. And you are?” Aethelwold asked.

Finan looked at Aisling. She was staring at Aethelwold's chest. Finan frowned and looked at the prince's chest. He saw a Celtic cross hanging there. He turned and saw Aisling's face go white.

“Rusty?” Young Uhtred asked.

“Rusty? Surely that is not your name. You are far too beautiful to be-.”

“I'm going to take Young Uhtred here over to the docks,” Aisling said cutting Aethelwold off. “I am sure that Uhtred will be, delighted to see you, lord.”

Finan frowned as she turned and walked away. Okay, that was weird. Even for her. He turned and saw Aethelwold following her with his eyes. He bit his lip.

“Oh my, Finan, please tell me she is unwed,” he answered.

Finan really really wanted to punch him. Just once. Square in the face. “That is Lord Uhtred's cousin on his mother's side. She has lost all her family and well,” Finan sighed and tried to make his voice low and sad. “She is very difficult to deal with. The only person who seems to like her is the child,” he added.

“I am sure she just needs the right husband.”

And I will bury you in an unmarked grave out on the side of the road before that man is ever you.

“Come, let us go sit in the hall,” Finan said.

Finan lead him over to the hall. He glanced over his shoulder and saw Aisling walking past the gates. He frowned again but followed Aethelwold into the hall. He saw Uhtred and Gisela sitting at the table. Uhtred frowned as he saw Aethelwold.

“Aethelwold, what brings you to Coccham?” Uhtred asked.

“I will tell you, but first, who is the woman with the red hair that your son calls Rusty?” Aethelwold asked.

Uhtred looked at Finan and Finan kept his arms crossed on his chest. Finan rolled his eyes and Gisela sighed. He knew that sigh. That was her annoyed sigh. Finan walked into the hall and sat across from Uhtred while Aethelwold sat beside him. Gisela got up and left the main room.

“She is my cousin,” Uhtred said. “Lady Aisling,” he added.

“Aisling,” Aethelwold said. Finan winced as the clear butchering of Aisling's beautiful name. “That is a very unique name for a Saxon woman.”

“It's Irish,” Finan answered. “Her father was Irish,” he lied.

Uhtred's eyes found his and seemed to beg Finan to keep his anger in check. Finan was trying. He stared at the table top and wished he could smash Aethelwold's face into it.

“Well, Uhtred, I would be happy to marry her and take her off your hands,” Aethelwold said.

Uhtred laughed. “I don't think so,” he said. “She wishes to stay here and heal.”

“I can wait.”

Finan pushed his chair back. “I am going to go check on the horses,” he said. Before Aethelwold's face meets this table multiple times, was what he didn't say.

Uhtred nodded. “Of course,” Finan saw in Uhtred's eyes that he knew where Finan was actually headed.

Finan stood and walked out of the hall. He stood there for a moment and took a breath. He closed his eyes and pushed away his anger at Aethelwold. He didn't want Aisling to see it. He wanted to be calm when he spoke to her. Especially since he owed her an apology.

This day keeps getting better and better, he thought to himself as he walked down the streets towards the gates.

***

Aisling sat on the docks with her feet swinging in the water. Young Uhtred sat on her lap looking out on the water quietly. He was falling asleep in her arms and that was fine with her. She was not going back into the town and into the hall. She did not want to face Aethelwold.

It can't be him. It just can't. He betrayed Alfred how many times? And he is such a sleaze from what little the family records mention him and Gisela did not have kind words to say about him either. No, that guy could not inspire a love that would last generations and impress a goddess. Hate, maybe, loathing, hell yeah. But love? Not happening. No way. It can't be him. My cross is not his cross. Nope, not happening. I do not need to kiss the man to find that out. I am not kissing him. Not happening. Ever.

“Rusty, sing,” Uhtred muttered.

Aisling smiled. She pulled her feet up from the water and turned so her back was resting on the post of the dock. She smiled as Young Uhtred moved and rested his head on her chest and grabbed her tunic in his little hand. She stroked his brown hair and held him.

“Although loneliness has always been a friend of mine, I'm leavin' my life in your hands, people say I'm crazy and that I am blind, risking it all in a glance, but how you got me blind is still a mystery, I can't get you out of my mind, don't care what is written in your history, as long as you're here with me,” Aisling sang. She thought of Finan as she sang and hated how tears came to her eyes. “I don't care who you are, where you're from, what you did, as long as you love me, who you are, where you're from, don't care what you did, as long as you love me,” she hummed and looked up when she heard footsteps coming down the dock. She did not want anyone to catch her singing a song that would not be a hit for like, a millennia.

“Hiding from the rat prince as well?” Finan asked as he walked over and leaned against the post opposite hers.

She nodded. She kept her eyes on Young Uhtred so Finan could not her the tears in her eyes or the sadness. “Seemed like the right thing to do,” she answered.

She heard Finan curse. “I'm sorry,” he blurted out.

She smiled. “You have absolutely nothing to be sorry for,” she answered as she stroked Young Uhtred's hair. The boy was sleeping snuggled in her chest. “You were right, maybe I was getting too close to you since you were the one who saved me.”

“If I have nothing to be sorry for, why won't you look at me?”

Aisling sighed. She looked up and found Finan watching her. She wiped the tears that fell and tried to stop more from falling. Finan walked over and kneeled in front of her. He gently brushed her tears away and took her hand in his.

“Please tell me that these tears are not my fault,” he whispered.

She laughed a bit. “Not everything is about you, Finan,” she answered.

He smiled and Aisling felt her heart beat faster. There he is. The man who should be wearing my cross. This man right in front of me that I could so easily fall into. This man who has suffered so much but still manages to smile at me and laugh. He should be the one who is my destiny, who holds my heart. Not some stupid prince who I have never met. She held his hand tight. He leaned in and kissed her on the forehead.

“Come on, let's get this wee man into a bed,” Finan said as he carefully lifted Young Uhtred into his arms, “and let's get you into one as well.”

Aisling stood and slipped on her shoes. She leaned against Finan when he wrapped an arm around her shoulders and pulled her close. “Uhtred would be so disappointed to hear you trying to get me into bed,” she said.

Finan laughed as they began to walk up the dock. “We both know I don't have to try to get you into bed. I have succeed a couple of times of getting you into bed, already.”

Aisling cursed. “You have. Uhtred would be so disappointed in me for falling at your feet. I am supposed to be related to the Dane-Slayer. I gave in much to easily.”

She felt Finan rub her shoulder. “Much too easily.”

She leaned against him and let him lead her into Coccham. She smiled when she saw Gisela waiting for them by the gates. She smiled as she saw Young Uhtred sleeping.

“It seems my son is as taken with you as the rest of the men here,” Gisela said as Finan handed him over.

Aisling groaned. “I am really not that great.”

“She really isn't,” Finan added. “She is an acquired taste.”

“One that you have seemed to acquired,” Gisela said smirking at Finan.

Aisling laughed as Finan blushed. He shook his head and sighed. “You got me there, lady.”

“I did, didn't I?” Gisela laughed. She looked at Aisling. “I would have avoid the hall. Aethelwold seems very keen on meeting you and wooing you.”

Aisling buried her face in Finan's shoulder. She wrapped her arm around him and let him hold her. “How about we tell him I am going to become a nun?” she asked as she turned and looked at Gisela.

Gisela raised an eyebrow. “I doubt he will believe it with the way you are currently being held by Finan.”

“Finan is Christian, so it's fine,” Aisling answered.

“Uh huh,” Gisela said giving her a look.

Aisling watched as she walked away. Finan pulled her close and towards the street where their houses were. She wrapped her arm around Finan's waist. She felt him tense for a moment and then relax. She felt him kiss her head.

“So, if those tears were not about me, what were they about?” he asked.

“Nothing,” Aisling lied.

“Uh huh,” she felt Finan's eyes on her face, “you lie about as well as Uhtred does.”

Aisling let Finan hold her closer. “It doesn't matter, Finan, just,” she shrugged, “me thinking about destiny and how I would very much like to kick it in the ass.”

She stopped walking when Finan stopped beside her. He turned so he stood in front of her. She looked up into his eyes. She saw concern in his brown depths. He cupped her face with his hands and stroked her cheeks with his thumbs.

“Destiny is what you make of it, aingeal mo chroí,” he said. Angel of my heart. Had he really just called her that? “Uhtred believes it is his destiny to get back Bebbanburg and you have told us that he never has. Does that mean he should not even try? No. Liv told you that you will find your true love here and it will be such an epic love that the gods will notice it. Does that mean you should spend all your time waiting for this man to show up? No,” Aisling felt him pull her closer. He lowered his face towards hers. “You need to live you life, Aisling. Do not spend your time waiting for destiny to find you, go out there and find it yourself.”

Aisling griped Finan's tunic and pulled him closer to her. He leaned down and she could feel his breath on her nose. His lips were so close to hers. She stood on her tiptoes and closed her eyes expecting any moment to feel his lips on hers. His forehead touched hers and then his nose and then-.

“I thought that the child was the only one around here who liked the lady, Finan,” Aethelwold's voice said from right beside him.

I'm going to kill him. Like right here, in the middle of Coccham and Uhtred can bury him the garden, Aisling thought as Finan let go of her. She opened her eyes and turned to glare at the rat prince as Finan had called him. She felt his blue eyes undressing her. She stared at the cross on his chest. It looked just like hers but she felt nothing but disdain from this man. She felt Finan tense immediately and knew that this was not going to end well unless she stepped in.

***

Finan felt his hands curl into fists. He was going to knock out Aethelwold and he was not going to feel bad about it. He took one step towards the self proclaimed aethling to do just that but Aisling stepped in front of him. Finan looked at her and looked up at Aethelwold.

“Finan was just helping me out,” she said her voice suddenly two octaves higher. Finan glanced over and saw Uhtred standing behind Aethelwold. Uhtred's face mirrored his own confusion. “I asked him to kiss me for I fear, I will never be kissed by anyone.”

What is she doing?

“Lady, I feel that I should be the one to kiss you, since I am not an oath man from unknown origins, unlike Finan here,” Aethelwold said.

Is he really calling me a bastard without actually calling me a bastard? Me, a prince of Irland? Who can trace their lineage back to Niall Noígíallach? He does not have the breeding that I do. My horse has better... Oh, fuck. I am jealous. Of him. I am jealous of Aethelwold. Just because Aisling has turned her attention to him in this moment. God, I have never felt like this before. Ever.

Aisling giggled. Finan's eyebrow went up and he saw Uhtred's did as well. Aisling did not giggle. Like ever. Aisling reached out and placed her hand on Aethelwold's chest, over the Celtic cross. Finan watched as Aethelwold placed his hand over hers.

“Lord, I could never ask you to do such a thing. You are a man of God, as I see from this cross,” Finan saw her actually stroke Aethelwold's chest, “I could not ask you to kiss me. And I could not have God watching.”

“Oh, I am not really a man of God,” Aethelwold said. Finan watched as he took Aisling's hand and held it. Aethelwold then pulled the Celtic cross off and tossed it at him. Finan caught it and saw Aisling's eyes following it. She frowned but turned back towards Aethelwold. “So, how about that kiss?”

“If you think that she will-,” Finan started.

“Aethelwold, I do believe that you are overstepping-,” Uhtred also started to say.

“Fine,” Aisling said.

Finan stood there frozen as Aisling grabbed Aethelwold's face and kissed him. He looked at Uhtred and Uhtred was also shocked.

What. The. Hell. Is. She. Doing.

***

Aisling kissed Aethelwold and felt absolutely nothing. She shoved him away and wiped her mouth. She saw him eyeing her and she knew exactly what he wanted. She looked past him at Uhtred and she took a step back. Her back hit Finan's chest and she felt how tense he was.

Okay, so maybe I misjudged this. And I should have definitely told Uhtred and Finan about Liv's full prediction. And perhaps not kissed the rat prince in front of them.

“Lady, that was-.”

“I've had better,” Aisling said. She would never admit it out loud but she did get some deep enjoyment out of seeing Aethelwold's face fall and disappointment set in. “Uhtred, I am going to retire to my house. I do not wish to see this, Aethelwold again.”

“We will be speaking about this later,” Uhtred said his voice tight.

And I am not going to enjoy that conversation very much. At all. Aisling nodded. She turned and looked up at Finan. His eyes were cold and he stood so still. She swallowed and knew how the enemy felt when they saw Finan; fear.

“I will escort Lady Aisling to her home,” Finan answered. “We would not want her to kiss anyone else, now would we?” he added.

I am so torn between being absolutely terrified at being left alone with him and wanting him to take me right here in the middle of the street. No man has ever made me want him this much. The things I would let Finan do to me.

“But-,” Aethelwold started.

“Go, Finan. Aisling, we will speak later.”

Aisling did not even get the chance to turn and nod at Uhtred. Finan took her arm and pulled her away. She had to jog to catch up to him as he marched to her home.

“Finan-,” she started.

“No,” he answered. Aisling could hear the control slipping in his voice. “We are not having this conversation on the street,” he added.

Yeah, I am going to need some clean underwear. And I should not be this turned on. Nope. This is not going to end well.

Chapter Text

Finan slammed the door to Aisling's hut. He stood there and took slow deep breaths. He squeezed his hands into fists and felt coldness of the Celtic cross that Aethelwold had thrown at him dig into his hand. He heard Aisling clear her throat behind him.

“In my defence, I had a very good reason to just kiss him like that,” she said softly.

Finan turned. He looked at her. She stood there and she looked defiant almost to him. She was not backing down. He walked over and took two steps forward and leaned against her table. She stood across from him and crossed her arms on her chest.

“A good reason?” he asked.

She nodded. “Liv said that I would know from one kiss so-.”

Finan slammed his hands down on the table. “So you just decided to kiss him? Did your family legends not mention him at all?! The man is a rat!”

“I know that!” she yelled.

“Then why?!”

“Because it can't be him! I needed to know for sure that it was not him because I would have died on the spot if it was him! And god help me but I want it to be you!”

Finan stopped and looked at her. He stood straight and moved closer to her. “You want it to be me?” he demanded.

She stood up and did not flinch away from him. Her blue eyes looked into his. “I do,” she whispered. “Do not stand there and tell me that you do not feel something between us. I mean, isn't that why you are so angry right now?”

“I am angry because you cannot go around kissing men in this time! I do not how you acted back in your time-.”

“Acted?” Aisling took a step back. “Are you implying I was acting a certain way? Like a whore?”

Finan closed his eyes. “I did not say that!” he said quickly.

“No, but you wanted to, right?” she demanded. Finan opened his eyes when she shoved him. He looked at her. “Be honest, Finan, is that what you wanted to say?”

“You will not put words in my mouth!”

“Then say what you mean, dammit!”

“I do not want you kissing anyone but me!” he yelled. He grabbed her arms and pushed her against the wall by the fireplace. He stared in her eyes. “I should be the only one you are kissing,” he growled.

“Then do it. Kiss me,” she stated.

***

Aisling saw Finan's eyes darken. She barely had time to take a breath before his lips were on hers. It wasn't slow or soft like the kiss in the street would have been. No, his arms wrapped her around her waist and lifted her against him and his lips crashed on hers.

And her world began to burn.

She wrapped her arms around his neck and ran her hands over his short hair. She felt the heat pool between her legs as his lips pressed against hers. She felt the tingles down her spine as Finan's lips locked around her bottom lip and his tongue softly licked it. She pulled his head closer and did the same to him needing him closer and with a lot less clothing.

You will burn from his touch and ache for more. Liv's words echoed in Aisling's head as she kissed Finan and he kissed her. His tongue gently stroked hers and she did the same to his. His hands went down to her ass and griped it lifting her so she could wrap her legs around his waist. She moaned when his hands pushed up her dress allowing him to press his pelvis against hers.

A prince, Liv said a prince. What in the hell are you doing? Finan is not a prince! The rational part of her brain yelled. Her heart though, her heart did not care and started beating faster with every stroke and kiss Finan gave her.

“Wait,” he finally said as he pulled away to breathe. “Ní féidir liom é seo a dhéanamh,” he said resting his forehead against hers.

Aisling frowned and had to think hard on what he had said. I can't do this. “Finan, do what?” she asked. “Kiss me, because I am fine with that. I want you to kiss me. I want you to touch me.”

“Sweet Jesus Christ, Aisling,” he said. She met his eyes and saw so much pain there. So much hurt. She knew it was more than from her kissing Aethelwold. No, this was something he had carried with him. “I cannot love someone again that I am going to lose.”

Aisling felt him pull away. She held him tight. “You will not lose me, Finan.”

“Won't I?” he asked. “You are looking for some great love, a love that brought you here over time. Nothing points to it being me. I am just,” he looked at her and she hated that he had tears in his eyes. “I am just the one that saved you. That is our only connection.”

“Finan, no, wait,” she started.

He set her on her feet and pulled away from her. She reached for his hand but he didn't take hers. He walked to the door and pulled it open and walked out. She slid down the wall and sat on her floor. Her hands shook.

He is right. He isn't a prince. He isn't the one that Liv spoke of. But I don't fucking care. His kiss made me feel more alive that having sex with anyone else has. His touch sets my whole body on fire.

Aisling reached up to the Celtic cross necklace. She yanked on the leather cord and ripped it off. She tossed it on her table and pulled her knees to her chest.

Suddenly she didn't want the damn necklace any more. She just wanted Finan.

***

Finan found Uhtred in the stables saddling his horse and Aethelwold's. Uhtred took one look at him and utter a bunch of curses in Danish.

“What happened?” he asked.

Finan walked over to Aethelwold's horse and shoved the Celtic cross necklace in the saddle bag at the side. Finan turned and looked at Uhtred.

“I kissed her,” he said.

Uhtred smiled. “Good.”

Finan shook his head. “No, not good. She is looking for that great epic love that the seer told her about. It's why she kissed Aethelwold, for some god awful reason and I can't,” Finan rubbed his face. “I will not let myself love someone that I know I cannot have. Not again, Uhtred. I cannot survive it again.”

“Finan, you do not know that you are not the man that Liv told Aisling about. Did Aisling say it wasn't you?”

“I know, Uhtred, I just know,” Finan blinked his eyes and wiped away the tears that fell. “I fell hard and fast once before and tore my whole family and nearly my lands apart because of it. I know that it cannot be me because there is not a god out there that would reward me after the pain and havoc I have caused and unleashed on those close to me. And Aisling,” Finan felt himself smile. “She is everything that is good and bright. She deserves only the best and that is not me.”

Finan let Uhtred pull him in for a hug. Finan hugged his friend close. Uhtred pulled away and patted Finan on the cheek. “I think that should be Aisling's decision about what she thinks is best and not yours.”

Finan shook his head. “I'll bring Aethelwold back to Winchester. It is probably for the best if I get out of here for a while.”

Uhtred nodded. “I will speak with Aisling. I am sure there is a way to work this all out.”

Finan gave Uhtred a sad smile. “I don't think there is, lord. You cannot change a prophecy.”

Uhtred smirked. “I'll be the judge of that.”

“Is my horse ready?” Aethelwold said as he walked into the stables.

Finan looked at him and saw the redness around Aethelwold's right eye. Uhtred just smirked and that told Finan all he needed to know.

“You horse is ready,” Finan said. “Now let's get you back to Winchester.”

“Fine,” Aethelwold looked at Uhtred. “I am sure that Alfred will wish to meet your cousin.”

“I am sure he will. She will be here waiting for the invitation.”

Finan took the horse from Uhtred and led it out of the stables. A nice long ride would definitely help him forget about Aisling's lips on his; at least for a bit.

***

Aisling had not moved from the floor of her hut. She heard a soft knock on the door and ignored it. She looked up when Uhtred pushed the door open and walked in. More tears came to her eyes. She buried her face in her knees.

“I do not need to hear you say how disappointed you are in me,” she said. “I know. I messed up and I was stupid and you are-.”

“Stop talking,” Uhtred said as he kneeled in front of her. She looked up and he wiped her tears away. “You are not stupid and I am not disappointed in you. I am worried that you are putting too much faith in what Liv has told you and not what you yourself feel,” he said.

Aisling closed her eyes and let more tears fall. “My heart tells me it's Finan,” she whispered. “I have felt this pull towards him and he kissed me and,” she opened her eyes. “It felt right.”

Uhtred nodded. “I thought as much. But Finan has been hurt before, Aisling. He does not trust himself to love again for fear of losing it.”

“He told me that. He told me he could not lose another love,” Aisling looked at Uhtred. “Who was she?”

“I don't know,” Uhtred answered. “He does not speak about her much. I just know he loved her with everything he had and she died.”

Aisling lowered her legs and crossed them under her. She watched as Uhtred sat beside her. She rested her head on his shoulder and he wrapped an arm around her shoulders.

“He probably still loves her,” Aisling whispered.

“You will have to ask him yourself, Aisling. I just know that he does care for you. He would not be so upset otherwise.”

“And I care for him,” Aisling turned and looked at Uhtred. “I think I could love him,” she admitted with tears rolling down her cheeks.

Uhtred smiled. “I felt the same way about Gisela. I saw her and spoke to her once and I just knew. I knew I would love her completely.”

“Are you saying I get that from you?” Aisling asked.

Uhtred shrugged. “I am just saying you should trust your heart.”

Aisling looked away from him. “What if I can't?” she whispered. “What if I can't trust my heart because I don't... I don't know what love feels like or looks like?” she asked.

Uhtred stroked her hair. “Did your parents not love each other?”

Aisling sighed. “Maybe before I was born but I do not remember seeing them be as loving as you and Gisela. My parents,” she closed her eyes and took a slow breath, “A year before I was born, my parents lost my older brother, Aidan Jr, AJ. He was a year younger than my sister Star. My father dropped them off at daycare and went to work and so did my mother. The kids were playing in the yard when a car, driven by a drunk driver, crashed into the playground. My brother was hit along with two other children. All of them died.”

Uhtred was quiet. “What is a car?” he asked.

Aisling opened her eyes. “It's like a cart driven by horses but it goes so much faster and it weighs so much more.”

“So, you were born after great loss.”

Aisling nodded. “I grew up listening to the fights. My father had been happy with his son and daughter. He had not wanted more children. But after losing AJ, my mother needed another child. Until I was born. AJ had looked like my mother. I, however dared to have my father's hair and blues eyes that did not match anyone in the family. I was supposed to look like the child she lost. And as the years went on, they would switch back and forth. The only one who truly ever loved me and wanted me was my Nan. Star, my sister tried but she was just as messed up as I was growing up in the house.”

“You do not trust yourself to love?”

Aisling shrugged. “I don't know. Maybe,” she looked at him. “What should I do?”

Uhtred held her close. “Give yourself time. And I want you to know, I want you here. Gisela wants you here. We love you. And our son loves you as well. You are wanted here, lille rød, you are loved.”

Aisling closed her eyes and cried. She believed him. He rubbed her back. After several moments, he pulled away and wiped her tears away.

“Come to the hall. I know that my son will make you smile again and Gisela will want to check on you,” he said.

Aisling nodded. “I will meet you there. I need a few moments to myself.”

Uhtred kissed her on the forehead. “All right. I will come and get you, though if you do not join us.”

She nodded. Uhtred pulled away and stood. He walked out of her hut. Aisling sat there and wiped her tears away. She pushed herself up. She stood by the table and saw the Celtic cross sitting there with the Freyja pendant. She grabbed the necklace and pulled the cross off. She tied the leather cord again and pulled on the Freyja pendant. She walked over to the corner cabinet and opened it. Inside was a little wooden box Sihtric had made her. She opened it and dropped the Celtic cross in it.

“I wish I could send you back to the man you belonged to. That would probably make this whole thing that much easier. Maybe then I could forget about what Liv said and be with Finan,” she muttered.

She closed the box and placed it back in the cabinet and closed the door. She walked out of her hut telling herself to forget all about the cross and the prophecy.

She would be much happier if she could forget them.

***

Finan was dead tired by the time he walked into the alehouse looking for a room. He just wanted to crawl into the bed and sleep for a week. He walked over to the counter and smiled at the woman standing behind it. He vaguely remembered her name; which was not good since she had been the first woman he had had sex with since getting off the slave ship.

“Well, hello again,” she said smiling.

How bad are the other men around here if she still remembers me? He thought. “Hello, I just need a room for the night,” he said pulling out his coin purse.

“Would you like some company as well?” she asked winking.

God no. Not tonight. Not after I walked away from Aisling. I am not going to act like she was, is, nothing to me. I cannot do that to her or myself.

“Not tonight, love,” he answered, “just a mug of ale and a bed.”

“All right then,” she said.

Finan opened his coin purse and handed her his last two coins in it. He frowned when he felt something else. He dug in and pulled out a Celtic cross, that looked like the one Aethelwold wore. Finan frowned and held it closer to his face. It was then he noticed that it felt warm in his hand. He flipped it over and looked at the back of it. It was smooth. He flipped it back over and looked at the cross and it's design. He frowned. It was not Aethelwold's cross, he did not know how he knew that he just did. It felt like it belonged to him. The more he looked at it, the more he felt like he had held this cross before; he had worn it before. 

“Here's your key,” the woman said. “Oh, did your cord break?” she asked as she saw him holding the cross.

“Ah,” he started.

“Here, I have an extra one,” she said as she handed him a thin leather cord.

He took it and the key. He smiled at her and walked over to the stairs on the side of the room and climbed them. He found his room and walked in and locked the door behind him. He leaned against it and stared at the golden cross in his hand.

Where did it come from? And why does it feel like I have seen it before? And not on Aethelwold but somewhere else? On someone I loved?

He took the thin leather cord and threaded it through the cross. He tied the ends together and pulled it on. He tucked it into his tunic and felt it rest on his chest by his heart. The moment the cross touched his skin, a memory came floating back to him. 

“Take it and wear it until I get back.”

“No, you have never gone into battle without it and I am not going to let you start now.”

“Could you not be you for like five minutes and just take it?”

“Me not be me? What about you not being you?”

“Sweet Jesus Christ, tell me again why I fell in love with you?”

“Because I challenge you every damn day.”

“Uh huh. And you have a glorious ass, I believe was how you put it.”

Finan was startled at the memory that filled his mind. Mostly because he knew it wasn't his. It was his voice, his words, but he had never had that conversation with anyone.

“I'm just tired,” he said. “Over tired. That's it, my mind is making things up.”

He walked over to the bed and fell on it face first. The moment he fell into the bed and he felt himself relax and then he drifted off to sleep; where he dreamt of Aisling and a life where they were married with children.

And it felt so very real.

Chapter Text

Aisling ducked and swung her staff. She slammed it into Sihtric's side and smiled as he sucked in a breath. She swung it low and knocked him off his feet. She laughed and held the staff over her head.

“I did it!” she yelled.

Uhtred laughed. “That you did. It only took you three months,” he said.

Aisling pointed the staff at him. “I still did it!”

Aisling smiled as Sihtric groaned from the ground. She turned as she heard a horse riding towards them. She saw that it was Finan. She leaned on her staff and saw Uhtred shot her a look. She shrugged. She could be civil to him. Finan was the one who barely spoke to her anymore. And Uhtred was the one who had been sending Finan out to do his job of keeping the peace and speaking to the ealdormen. Uhtred was staying close to Coccham because Gisela was indeed pregnant again and morning sickness was not being kind to her. Finan for the most part never complained and he was doing a great job. At least Aisling assumed he was doing a great job; they had not spoken to each other since their kiss. Hell, they had not been alone at all. And honestly, Aisling was beginning to hate it. It had been two months. They were both being much too stubborn.

Maybe I should whack him with my staff like Clapa suggested. I mean, at least he would talk to me then. Right?

“Finan, how did it go?” Uhtred asked.

Finan pulled his horse up to the training grounds. “It went well, but King Alfred requests your presence in Winchester,” Finan dismounted and handed the reins of the horse to one of the boys. “And that of Lady Aisling.”

“What did you call me?” Aisling asked as she looked at Finan. She frowned at him. It was like he was deliberately provoking her to talk.

He smirked. “I called you lady, because it is what you are, lady.”

Aisling heard Sihtric sigh. “Your funeral, Finan,” was all he muttered. Sihtric knew Aisling was in no mood for fun and games. He had to the bruises to prove it; as did Aisling when Sihtric was able to get a few hits in.

Aisling walked over to Sihtric and took the staff from him. She turned and tossed it at Finan. Finan caught it and eyed her. She backed up and waved her arm at the training field. He wanted to talk, she could talk but it would be in between her smacking him repeatedly with her staff.

“Come join me in my office,” she said, “so we can discuss your constant need to piss me off by calling me lady.”

Uhtred chuckled. “She has you there, Finan.”

Finan swung the staff around and Aisling absolutely hated how turned on it made her watching him stand tall and confident. And the smirk on his face just demanded to smacked off. He stepped closer to her and all she wanted to do was jump him. Prophecies be damned. He was the one she was being pulled towards.

“First one off their feet loses?” he suggested.

Aisling nodded. “I'm sure you're use to being on your back.”

“She does know you well, Finan,” Sihtric yelled as he stood beside Uhtred.

She swung her staff around and took up the first stance. She watched as Finan stepped closer to her and did the same thing. His eyes looked into hers and she hated how she could see the pain and hurt in them still. She bit her lip and gripped her staff tighter.

“You know, if you wanted to talk, all you had to do was talk to me,” Finan said.

She snorted. “Yeah, cause you've been so welcoming lately.”

“Four pieces of silver that Aisling knocks the Irishman on his ass!” Clapa yelled.

Aisling smiled as Finan frowned. “I guess he likes me more,” she answered.

She took advantage of Finan being distracted and smacked his staff with hers. He stepped back and she stepped forward. He's going right, he always goes right. She thought. She moved her staff right and then quickly smacked him right under his left arm on his side. He winced and backed up. He looked at her surprised. She was as well. Well, damn, I actually hit him. And you know what, it felt good. Not as good as kissing him but still good.

“Have you been watching me train?” he asked smirking.

She rolled her eyes. “You wish.”

He is going to try and turn you around. He is going to move left then right then fake you out for another left.

Aisling barely had time to get her staff up and took two steps back as Finan slammed his staff into hers. He moved left than right and she blocked him both times. She turned and moved right and swept her staff under his legs and he landed on his back with an ooph on the ground. She stood there and then yelped when he knocked her legs out from under her and she landed on top of him. She tossed her hair over her shoulder and looked at him.

“I still won,” she said her blue eyes looking at him.

“You did,” he said smiling. “But I think you were cheating.”

“And how would I be cheating?” she asked as she pressed her hands on his chest to push herself up back to her feet. She held her hand out to him. He took it and she helped pull him to his feet. He then pulled her closer. She looked up at his face. She saw longing on his eyes and she was torn between smacking him with the staff again or kissing him.

“You've been here before, I get the feeling I have trained you before,” he said.

She smacked him hard with the staff on the thigh. She heard Uhtred and Sihtric, who had both been on the receiving end of her smacks, hiss. “It doesn't count if I don't remember anything.”

“Are you sure you don't remember anything?”

She went to smack him again but he grabbed the staff. She looked down at their hands inches apart. She looked back up at Finan. He was looking at her waiting for an answer. Her anger simmered and she was done feeling hurt about Finan stepping back from her. She wanted to be angry about it now. And worse, she wanted to hurt him back.

“I think we both know if I remembered anything, you would be the last person I would share that with,” she said. She hoped the words would cut him deep.

She hated how his shoulders slumped at that. And she hated herself for wanting to cut him deep and hurt him. He was already hurting and she was just making it worse. She went to pull the staff away but he yanked it closer. She fell into him and let go of the staff and grabbed on to his arms to stay standing. She looked up at him.

“This has gone on long enough,” he told her.

Okay, no, I don't feel bad now. Now, I am angry all over again. He thinks he gets to tell me this has gone on long enough! Like he himself hasn't been avoiding me?!

“Might I remind you that you were the one who walked away from me,” she said shoving him. “I was willing to say the hell with Liv and her prophecy. You were the one who suddenly decided you believed the pagan seer, not me!”

“I am going to go check on the horses, Clapa, come help me,” Sihtric said clearly not wanting to see this fight.

“Yes, Lord, come as well,” Clapa said also wanting to get out of there.

“Right behind you,” Uhtred added as he ushered them away. He was not going to play go between for Aisling and Finan any longer. Aisling understood. Finan and her needed to work this out themselves.

And so just like that Aisling was left on the training field with Finan. The one person she had avoided being alone with in two months. Finan tossed her the staff. She caught it.

“We are going to work this out one way or another,” he said. For once, Aisling couldn't read the emotion on his face. She didn't know if he was angry or hurt. She knew that the sound of his voice, the hardness and gruffness of it, made her understand that they would work out what was between them on that field. He wasn't going to let her walk away until they did.

***

Finan wasn't sure if he was really ready to beat up Aisling to get her to talk to him. He was willing to try though. He watched her. She swung the staff around. Her hands fumbled and she dropped it. She kicked it and looked up to meet his eyes. He saw the hurt in her eyes. And the annoyance. Both emotions he knew were directed right at him. And he deserved both of them.

“Why are you doing this now?” she demanded. “Where was this need for conversation two months ago when your hands were on my body?”

“I needed time to think,” was his feeble reply.

Her eyes narrowed at him. “You needed to think? You? I'm the one whose life has been blown up! I am the one who has the eyes of the gods on them! I was the one ready to burn it all to the damn ground to spend a night with you in my bed! But you needed to think?!”

Okay, I definitely see the family traits now between her and Uhtred. They get angry and they lose all control. And their eyes get so damn cold. Damn, she is still gorgeous.

Finan watched as she kicked the staff up and caught it. He blocked her staff with his own and took a step back. She went to smack him left than right and he blocked both hits. She slammed her staff into his and he pushed her back. He could feel her anger in the hits.

“I have loved before, Aisling, and I lost her. I cannot lose you,” he started talking. He needed her to hear him and he needed to say what had been weighing him down for the past two months. “Ciara was beautiful with dark eyes and dark hair and I loved her with everything I was,” he blocked her staff and pulled his head back. He was a bit surprised that she had been inches away from smacking her staff right in his face.

Okay, so maybe giving her a weapon and attempting to have this conversation at the same time was a bad idea. I'll need to remember that for next time. If there is a next time and Aisling doesn't kill me today.

“I really don't want to hear about the girl you loved before, Finan,” Aisling said going to smack him again.

This is not working and you are making her even angrier. You need to change tactics or Sihtric is right, it will be your funeral.

“Aisling, I am the older brother in the story your Nan told you!” he yelled out not caring about breaking it to her gently.

“What?”

Aisling had been mid-strike and Finan put his staff up to block her. Her staff hit his and bounced back and slapped her on the right cheek.

“Fuck!” she said as she dropped her staff.

“Shit!” Finan tossed his staff aside. “Let me see,” he said as he cupped Aisling's face in his hands. He looked at her cheek. It was already swelling. “It's going to bruise and swell.”

“Great, that is going to be a good first impression on the King of Wessex,” she muttered.

Finan laughed. He leaned in and kissed her forehead. “How about we actually talk and leave the battling alone, for now,” he suggested.

He felt her hands on his tunic. “I can't promise I won't get angry. Or jealous.” He was relieved that it sounded like the anger had drained away from her some.

He pulled away and looked down in her eyes. He nodded. He kissed her nose. “You'd be jealous of a ghost,” he whispered.

He felt her pull him closer. “Tell me the story, Finan. So that I understand why you are so scared to love me.”

“I'll tell you, but first, let's get a cold cloth for your face or Uhtred might kill me.”

Aisling snorted. “He's probably too damn happy that we are talking to even notice.”

“Come on,” Finan wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “Your place or mine?”

“Mine,” Aisling answered. “It's further away from the hall, in case I need to yell.”

Finan smiled. He kissed her head. “Here's hoping it doesn't come to that.”

***

Aisling pressed the cold cloth against her cheek. She winced and sat on her bed with her legs crossed under her. Finan sat a chair by her bed. She turned and looked at him. He gave her a smile. He had been quiet and she knew that it meant he didn't know where to start. She didn't want him to tell her but she also knew they could not keep up doing what they were. She took a deep breath and decided she needed to nudge him.

“So, you were saying you're the older brother in the story,” she said softly. Her heart was beating faster and harder in her chest but she was trying to hold it together.

Finan took her hand in his. “Once I start telling the story, please do not interrupt. It's,” Aisling saw the tears in his eyes. He kissed her hand. “It is not a story I ever thought I would be telling to a woman that I,” he looked up and met her eyes. She squeezed his hand.

“You don't have to say it, Finan,” she whispered. “It's okay if you aren't ready. I'm not. Just tell me the story,” she said softly.

He nodded. “I was the oldest son of the King of Ulaid in Irland. My brother, Conall was the second son and as such, while I was being taught how to be a good king and be fair, he was left to run around and do what he wished. At sixteen, I was wed to a princess, Aoiblinn of Ailech. I didn't like her, she did not like me, but we had both been raised to do our duty, so we did. I did come to care for her in a way, enough that we had three sons within the first four years of marriage; Rian, Niall, and Sean. After my second son was born, Conall took off and I didn't really care where he was because as long as he wasn't around me or my family, things were going smoothly. And then he showed up when Sean was born. With Ciara, his new young wife.”

Aisling held Finan's hand tight in hers. She saw the pain in his eyes and on his face from retelling the worst time in his life. She tossed the cold cloth aside and took his hand in both of hers. He met her eyes.

“She was so beautiful, I fell for her right there that first time. She was quiet and shy and never spoke out unless you spoke to her. Conall seemed to love her and I hoped it would last. It did not. They were not even at the castle a month, before he was sleeping with the maids again and then one night, he hit her and beat her because she had miscarried their child. And I,” Finan looked away from her eyes. “I hated him for hurting her. So, I began visiting her and talking to her and... I was just trying to be nice. I wanted to be her friend but,” Finan kissed her hand again. Aisling reached out and stroked his cheek. “It was during those visits that I fell in love with her and she with me. Once she was healed from the miscarriage. We began our affair and it lasted three months. And then Ciara told me she was with child and it was mine. I decided I wanted to be happy and to hell with duty.”

Oh god, I was right all along. He just wanted to be happy and be with the woman he loved. And he lost her and everything else. How is he still able to get out of bed in the morning? Aisling bit her lip to keep herself from saying anything to Finan. She could feel the pain coming off of him and she did not want to make it any worse by interrupting him. He could take as long as he needed to tell this story. She would be here for him when he was done.

“We ran away. I married her once we got up North and I thought we could be happy but I was wrong. Aoibhinn's family came after us and they along with Conall found us almost two months later. Ciara begged for my life. She stood in between Conall and I convinced he would not kill her because she was with child. But he did. There was so much blood,” Finan whispered.

Aisling moved closer to him. She pulled her hands away from his and wrapped them around his shoulders pulling him against her. She felt his arms wrap around her waist and he held her tight. He buried his face in her neck and she held him. She closed her eyes and felt her own tears fall. Finan pulled away after a few moments. Aisling cupped his face with her hands and stroked his bearded cheeks. He closed his eyes at her touch.

No wonder he is so scared of loving me. The one time he allowed himself to be happy, it ended in death and slavery. I can't be angry he pulled away from me. Everything is moving so fast and he just needed time.

“Conall took me prisoner and dragged me back to Aoiblinn who threw me aside and took Conall as her new husband and heir to the Uliad crown. My sons spit at me as Conall dragged me down the docks and I was sold as a slave. I sat on that ship for three years and then I met Uhtred. I... I spent the first year wishing for death so I could join Ciara. And then after my revenge kept me alive. I would dream of being free and going back to Irland and killing Conall,” Finan opened his eyes and looked into her blue ones. “I never thought I would actually be free. And then Uhtred's brother, Ragnar showed up and I was. And now, I have a chance at being happy again,” Aisling wiped his tears away. “I could love you, Aisling, I can feel myself falling and I do not wish to stop. But I cannot,” he placed his hands over hers. “I cannot love you only to lose you to someone else. I cannot survive losing another love to fate.”

Aisling leaned in. She placed a soft kiss on his lips. It was gentle and soft with just her lips pressing lightly against his. She rested her forehead against his. “You are my fate, Finan,” she whispered. “Liv's prophecy was that the man I loved and that had called me back here was a prince. A prince who had betrayed his family for love and walked away from his duty. That prince loved me so much and so deeply that a goddess saw it and wished to ensure that I came back to be with him, because she did not want him to be without his love like she was without her husband,” she kissed him again her lips pressing harder against his. She felt his arms wrap around her waist and he pulled her into his lap. She straddled him and pulled away from the kiss. She looked into his brown eyes. “Our souls will always know and find each other,” she said.

“And you think it's me?” Finan asked.

Aisling smiled. “I know it is. Our first kiss was the dead give away. And every time you touch me, I ache and want more,” she answered.

Finan smiled at her. She still saw the pain in his eyes though. “Do you want it to be me?” he whispered. “I am an ex prince with no land or money or-.”

Aisling kissed him. She kissed him like he had kissed her the first time; with need and desire. She placed her hands on the back of his neck and kissed him deeply her tongue stroking his. She felt his hands on her thighs as he pulled her closer to him. She pulled away and looked into his eyes. She nodded.

“I want it to be you, Finan. I feel safe and cared for with you. I feel seen and loved,” she said her own tears falling. “I have never had that before. So, yes, I want it to be you. It has always been you.”

***

Finan reached up and wiped away Aisling's tears. He stroked her cheeks with his thumbs. He could not believe how sure she sounded. She truly felt like he was the one. He was the one who loved her and who she was meant to be with. He closed his eyes and took a breath. She had faith in him and the last woman who had had that much faith in him had ended up dead at his feet.

“Finan?” she asked her fingers stroking his neck.

“You have so much faith that it's me,” he whispered. “So much faith in me to love you like that. I don't,” he opened his eyes. “I don't think I have that faith in myself anymore.”

Aisling nodded. She looked down. “Do you still love Ciara?” she asked softly.

Finan took Aisling's chin and raised it so her eyes were meeting his. “No, and looking back, I don't know if I did truly love her or if it was lust.”

Aisling blinked away her tears. “It was love, Finan. I have not known you long-.”

“Apparently you have. Time is a circle remember? You've been here before,” he said smirking.

Aisling smiled. She kissed him. He kissed her and let his tongue lick her lip. He felt her do the same before she pulled away. Her eyes stared into his soul. “There you are,” she whispered. “I feared my sassy Irishman was gone.”

He kissed her again. “I am right here. And I am yours.”

He kissed her again. She kissed him and ran her hand down his chest. She pulled at his leather shoulder armour. “You are wearing far too many clothes, Finan,” she whispered against his lips.

“So are you,” he answered as he kissed her again and ran his hand down to the bottom of her tunic. He pushed it up and rested his hand on the skin he found underneath. He pulled away from the kiss when Aisling winced at his touch. He raised an eyebrow. “I thought you wanted me to touch you?”

Aisling nodded. “I did,” she said. “But you see, if you would have decided to have this conversation a week ago, before you left, I wouldn't have spent the whole week getting my ass kicked by Uhtred and Sihtric.”

“Did you tell anyone?” Finan asked as he gently lifted her on her feet off his lap. He lifted her tunic and sighed when he saw a large bruise on her side.

“No,” she answered. “Well, I mean, Young Uhtred saw it and he kissed it better so, it's be dealt with.”

Finan laughed. He looked up at her and found her smiling down at him. “Mo grá, life is never going to be dull with you, is it?” he asked as he pulled her closer to stand in between his legs.

She smiled. “No, it isn't.” He leaned in and kissed her bruise. She placed her hand on his cheek and looked into his eyes. “Am I your love?” she whispered.

He nodded. He stood and cupped her face in his hands. He kissed her slow and deep. He felt her hands press against his back, over his scars and he stroked her cheeks with his thumbs. He smiled against her lips as she pulled him closer. He kissed her over and over.

“Well, I guess I can tell Uhtred that neither of you killed the other,” he heard Hild say startling them both.

Finan looked up and smiled. He held Aisling when she buried her face in his tunic. “We're fine, Hild,” he said.

Hild crossed her arms on her chest. “Aisling, is he right?”

Finan heard Aisling groan. “I'm fine despite being very annoyed with you for interrupting what was probably going to end in-,” Aisling started.

Finan put his hand over her mouth. “Some things, Hild does not need to know.”

Hild smirked and rolled her eyes. “Come on you two, Uhtred wants you at the hall. And Aisling, Young Uhtred is very annoyed. I believe you promised him a swimming lesson today.”

Finan dropped his hand when Aisling pulled away from him and cursed. “I forgot,” she said. She turned and looked at him. “I got distracted by mo phrionsa,” she said smiling at him.

My prince. She called me her prince. And she says it with love and care. Not like Ciara would say it, as a mocking tone, or Aoihlinn, like it was my name and not my title. No, Aisling says it softly and kindly with love. I don't have the title or the lands anymore, but I am still a prince to her.

Finan leaned down and kissed her again. She laughed and kissed him back. He heard Hild muttering something about lack of self control but he didn't care. He held Aisling in his arms and kissed her again and again. She finally pushed him away laughing.

“Okay, we need to go because I do not want Uhtred walking in here,” she said as she grabbed his hand and pulled him towards the door.

“Just what I was thinking,” Hild said as she shoved Finan a little as Aisling pulled him out the door. “So, have you two worked everything out?”

Finan looked at Aisling. She leaned against him. “We're getting there,” she answered. “You interrupted our talk.”

Finan smiled as Hild snorted. “Yes, I could clearly see you two were deep in conversation.”

Aisling laughed. Finan wrapped his arm around her shoulders and pulled her closer to him. He kissed her head.

Maybe I can do this again. This feeling, being with Aisling, it makes me feel lighter and happier. It's what I have been missing. And maybe, it will last this time.

***

Aisling laughed as Finan tickled her as they walked into the hall. She went to pull away from him but he wrapped his arms around her and held her tight. She saw Hild smiling as she walked over to the table. Aisling looked up and saw Uhtred watching them along with Gisela. Both were smiling as well.

“I think they all know,” she fake whispered to Finan.

He looked around and nodded. “I think so,” he fake whispered back.

“It's nice to hear Aisling's laughter again,” Gisela said. “It's been a while since we heard it.”

“That's my fault,” Finan said.

“I smacked him for it already,” Aisling said as she walked over to the table and pulled out a chair.

“I can see you got smacked in return,” Uhtred said as he took her chin in his hand and eyed her cheek. He glanced up at Finan. “I hope it was a mistake.”

“It was,” Finan answered, “unlike her hits on me.”

“Poor you,” Gisela mocked as she patted his shoulder when he sat beside Aisling. “I am sure she kissed it better.”

“Oh, she did, lady,” Hild added.

Aisling felt herself blushing. “All right, enough about Finan and I,” she looked at Uhtred and smacked his hand away. “When are we leaving for Winchester?”

“I was thinking of leaving in a couple of days,” Uhtred said. “Can't have Alfred thinking that I beat you, now can we?”

Aisling snorted. “I'm sure he'll think it anyway.”

Finan sighed. “Lord, we are going to need to work on her mouth.”

Aisling turned and glanced at him. She opened her mouth but Gisela spoke before she could. “Aisling, do not even say it out loud,” she said.

Aisling sighed. “I forgot, I need to seen and never heard at Winchester,” she snuck down in her chair. “I'll also probably be forced to spend most of my time with the other ladies,” she groaned and looked at Uhtred. “Is it too late to go back to Dunholm?”

“Yes,” Uhtred and Finan answered.

Aisling sighed. “Fine, but both of you owe me. I will be the perfect little Saxon Christian Woman, but it is going to cost you both.”

Gisela laughed. “I don't think that you can be the perfect Saxon Christian Woman,” she answered.

Aisling pointed at her. “I will take that bet.”

“Rusty!” Young Uhtred yelled as he ran into the hall. The maid in charge of him ran in after out of breath.

Aisling got up from the chair and caught him. She winced at the pain it caused her bruise as she lifted him but she did it anyway. The boy hugged her and she held him. He pulled away and looked at her.

“Swim?” he asked.

She looked at Uhtred and Gisela. “Swim?” she asked them.

“I don't know,” Uhtred said.

Aisling leaned in close to Young Uhtred. “Puppy eyes,” she whispered to him. She watched as he suck out his bottom lip and made sad eyes. Aisling did the same as they looked at Uhtred. “Please?” she asked.

Finan chuckled. Gisela smiled and Uhtred rolled his eyes. “Fine, we'll all go,” he said.

“Yay!” Young Uhtred said.

Hild laughed. “You gave in much too easily, Uhtred,” she said.

Aisling pressed her finger to her lips. “Shh, Hild. Don't question the lord, he knows what he is doing.”

Finan snorted and Uhtred shot him a look. “Lord, I am sorry, but you cannot agree with her.”

“And why can't I?” Uhtred asked.

“So many reasons,” Gisela said as she stood and walked over to Aisling. She took the boy in her arms. “Come, let's go down to the river. I know the perfect spot for us to swim.”

Aisling looked at Finan. “Will you be joining us?” she asked.

He smiled and nodded. “I will be. Someone needs to keep you out of trouble.”

“I will be there as well,” Uhtred said.

“Exactly,” Hild and Finan said.

Aisling laughed. She turned and walked out of the hall. She was headed to her hut where she would change into a thinner shift to swim in. She skipped. She was happy. She felt lighter and freer. And she couldn't wait until her and Finan were alone again. She was going to climb him like a tree.

***

Finan sat on the bank and smiled as Aisling held Young Uhtred in her arms and swam around the river. He turned when Uhtred, still wet from the river, sat beside him. He smiled at him.

“Hild told me what she caught you and Aisling doing,” Uhtred said smiling.

Finan rolled his eyes. “She would,” he said.

Uhtred laughed. “I am glad you have decided to take the chance. And I can see that Aisling is glad as well.”

Finan saw Aisling throw Young Uhtred up in the air and catch him. The boy laughed and laughed. Gisela swam over to them and laughed as well. Finan smiled. He looked at Uhtred as well. Uhtred smiled and he smiled in return.

“You do not have a problem with me being with her?” Finan asked.

Uhtred shook his head. “I don't think Aisling would care either way. But to answer your question, no I don't. I see how happy you make her and she makes you. I could not stand in the way of that,” Uhtred patted his shoulder. “But if you break her heart, I will break you in two and not even feel bad about it.”

Finan nodded. “If I hurt her, I'll deserve it.”

“Finan, come in the water!” Aisling called to him.

“Yes, please,” Gisela said as she carried Young Uhtred to the shore. “Go keep her company while Uhtred and I put our son to bed.”

Finan looked at her. “Uh huh, and this is not you setting us up to have some time alone together.”

“My wife would never do anything like that,” Uhtred said as he winked at Finan.

Finan shook his head. He waved at Uhtred as he stood and walked over to Gisela and helped her out of the water. He saw Aisling wave at them as well. He smiled and undid his leather armour. He pulled it off and then pulled off his tunic. He tossed it aside and then pulled off his boots and walked towards the bank. He climbed into the water and heard Uhtred and Gisela walk away back towards Coccham laughing.

“I thought I was going to have to come drag you in,” Aisling said as she swam over to him.

He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close. He felt her fingers trace his scars. She stopped and placed a hand on his chest, over the Celtic cross.

“Where did you get this?” she asked her voice soft.

“I found it. It was in my coin purse when I went to get a room at an alehouse in Winchester,” he answered. “I put it on and had this weird, memory or something. It was of me, but it wasn't me. I was trying to give it to the woman I loved before-.”

“You went into battle,” Aisling finished. Finan looked down and found her eyes looking up at him. “There is something I didn't tell you or Uhtred about what Liv told me,” she said. “This cross, it,” he saw the tears come to her eyes, “it is the reason I am here, Finan. It's because it belonged to my prince. It was yours,” she whispered.

Finan reached out and stroked her cheek. “So, that memory, is was,” he smiled, “it was from one of the other times you came here.”

Aisling shrugged. “Maybe. I do know that the first time I touched the cross, I told my mother that it was mine because the man I loved gave it to me before he left for battle and he,” Finan saw pain flash in her eyes, “he never came back.”

Finan leaned in and kissed her softly. His thumb stroked her cheek and he ran his other hand along her lower back pulling her closer. He pulled away from the kiss and kissed along her jawline. “Time is a circle but you broke the curse, remember?” he whispered. “That means this time is different. So, let's not worry about a different time where I didn't come back and you probably married Aethelwold since you like him so much.”

Finan laughed when Aisling pinched him. He pulled her closer in his arms and felt her breasts against his chest. She ran her hand down his back again. He kissed her neck and held her close.

“Do you miss them?” she asked suddenly.

“Miss who?” he asked as she placed a gentle kiss to one of the scars on his chest.

“Your children,” she whispered. “I saw you with Young Uhtred tonight and I have watched you with him. You are good with him and always know what to say to make him laugh. I just wanted to know if you miss your own children.”

Finan pulled away and looked in her eyes. “I do,” he admitted. “But there is nothing I can do about it,” he answered. “I cannot go back there and claim them. And even if I did, would they want me? I have been a traitor to them longer than I was their father. They are better off without me.”

He saw sadness in her eyes. “I'm sorry.”

Finan kissed her nose. “So am I, sometimes,” he pressed a soft kiss on her lips, “And sometimes, like now, I am reminded that maybe all that pain and hurt had a reason and the reason was for me to be standing here with you.”

Aisling smiled. “You think that little speech up yourself or did you steal it from someone?”

Finan growled and tickled her. She laughed and he wrapped his arms around her. “Tá tú, a ghrá, trioblóid,” he said to her. You, my love, are trouble.

She laughed. “Ach a phrionsa, is mise an cineál ceart trioblóid,” she responded. But my prince, I am the right kind of trouble.

“You are the right some kind of something,” he whispered.

She wrapped her arms around his neck and he felt her legs wrap around his waist. “How about we take this back to my place or yours and discuss it more,” she said kissing his lips softly and then his neck.

He gripped her ass and held her close. “I very much like that idea,” he answered as he turned and began to carry her to the shore.

“I thought you might.”

Finan felt her fingers move along his shoulders touching some scars there. Her touch was gentle and soft. And loving.

It feels right, her fingers and hands on my scars. I don't feel ashamed or hurt when she touches them. It's as if her touch is healing the scars from the inside out. I am never letting her go again.

Chapter Text

Aisling walked into her home and tossed aside the blanket Finan had wrapped around her. She heard Finan close the door behind her and bar it. She heard him drop his tunic on the table. She kicked off her shoes and began to pull at the ties of her linen shift. She smiled when Finan's arms came around her waist and he pulled her against him.

“You need to get out of that wet shift,” he whispered as he placed soft kisses on her neck. “We wouldn't want you to get sick, now would we?”

“I don't know. If I got sick, maybe I could avoid meeting Alfred,” she answered as she felt his fingers continue the work of undoing the ties of her shift.

The kisses on her neck changed. Aisling felt Finan begin to nip at the skin below her ear. She leaned against him more and turned her head giving him more access to her neck. He slipped his hand into her shift and she moaned when his hand caressed her breast. Every part of her skin he touched was on fire. An ache came between her legs and she placed her hand over his holding it to her breast.

“You were saying something about Alfred?” he whispered as he nipped her ear lobe.

“Alfred who?” she asked softly.

She felt him smile against her skin. “Right answer.”

She laughed as he turned her around in his arms and kissed her. She placed her hands on his chest and stroked his chest hair and traced every scar with her fingers. She felt his hands push aside her shift and she helped pull it off her shoulders. It fell around her hips and she moaned as Finan's hands immediately found her breasts. He went back to stroking and gently pinching her nipples. She pulled away from the kiss and grabbed his shoulders to stay standing. She felt his hands move down and stroke her sides. She winced as his hand ran over her bruise again. She watched as Finan stepped back and looked at her in the fading sunlight that was coming in the window.

“Sweet Jesus, Aisling,” he said as he leaned in and placed a soft kiss on her shoulder, “you are all different shades of purple and blue.”

“I had some issues to work through,” she said as she ran a hand down his chest to his trousers. She pulled at the ties. She sighed when Finan took her hands in his. “I am fine, Finan, and I want you. I have wanted you since the moment I woke up and found myself in your arms.”

She saw the smirk he got on his face. He let go of her hands and wrapped his arms around her. She felt his hands rest on her ass as he backed her up towards the bed. She kissed him, nipping at his lips with her teeth.

“So, you did like me,” he said smugly.

Oh god. Just when I thought this man could not make me any wetter or throb any more, he goes and gets all smug with that damn smirk. Fuck, he better fuck me after this or I am going to break his pretty smug face.

“I did like you, I do like you, but if you don't start putting your tongue to good use for something other than being a smug Irish bastard, I'm not going to like you anymore,” she said as the back of her legs hit the bed. She felt Finan's hands tighten on her ass.

“I guess that answers the question of whether or not you have done this before,” he said softly.

Aisling bit her lip. “Does that bother you?”

“No, love, it does not bother me. As long as I am the last one in your bed and your arms.”

Aisling smirked. “Let's see how you do first, than I'll decide.”

She felt Finan's hands tug on her shift and it fell to the floor leaving his hands on her bare ass. She felt the burn of his touch as his calloused hands stroked her skin. His hands moved from her ass to her hips. She kissed Finan, her lips parting allowing his tongue to stroke hers. She breathed in his scent; he smelled clean from the water but there was the faint scent of smoke as well and lavender from the soap Gisela made. He pulled away from the kiss and gently pushed her so she was sitting on the bed. She took the opportunity to lean in and kiss his stomach and grab his hips pulling him closer. He looked down at her and Aisling swore she heard him swear in Irish faintly.

“You are so beautiful,” he said softly.

Aisling undid the ties of his trousers and placed another kiss to his stomach. “Calling me beautiful isn't putting your tongue to good use.”

She laughed as Finan wrapped his arms around her and press his body over hers. She fell back on the bed and held Finan against her. His weight pressed her to the bed and she loved it. The feel of his body over hers made her feel safe and content. She moaned as he kissed her neck and his hands stroked her sides and then her thighs. She opened her legs and Finan settled inside of them. He placed kisses down her neck, to her shoulder, to her chest. He placed soft kisses on the bruises he found. Every kiss he placed on her skin, set a fire in her and warmth spread all over and pooled between her legs.

“I can feel how much you want me,” Finan said as he caressed and kissed her breasts. He took her nipple in his mouth and Aisling pressed her body against his more.

Aisling felt him pressing against her and smiled. “I can feel it too,” she answered as she ran her fingers over his head. He moved from one of her breasts to the other. Her knees hugged his sides. She wanted him inside of her already but she knew what he was doing; he was going slowly and making sure that by the time he entered her, she was already teetering on the edge of bliss.

Aisling closed her eyes as Finan placed messy open mouthed kisses in between her breasts and down her stomach. The closer he got to where she wanted him the most, she felt the ache get stronger. She opened her legs more as Finan's hands stroked her thighs. She opened her eyes and looked down to watch Finan move lower and he placed his mouth on her. She felt his tongue lick her folds and she moaned. She felt his tongue lap up her wetness and gently circle her clit. She dug her fingers into his scalp as his sucked on her folds and his tongue flicked her clit and circled it. He sucked her clit and she felt the pressure building and her legs beginning to tingle.

“Sweet Jesus Christ,” she muttered as Finan's tongue and mouth, licked and sucked her.

She moaned when she felt one of Finan's fingers push inside of her. His mouth kept licking her as he added another finger, stretching her gently before he began stroking her. Aisling's breath began to hitch and she felt Finan's tongue move quicker sucking her clit and his finger created a steady rhythm stroking her. She arched her back and her fingernails raked across his short hair and scalp. She felt tears come to her eyes and the pressure broke as she moaned his name breathlessly. Her toes actually curled and tensed. She took a slow breath and blinked her eyes opened as her heart pounded in her chest as she floated on her high. She felt Finan's lips on her thighs and felt his fingers leave her. She heard him climb off the bed and then the sound of his trousers hitting the floor. She sat up on her elbows and looked at him.

She bit her lip. “Well, you certainly are bigger than anyone else I've been with,” she said smirking her voice still breathless as she slowly came down from her climax. 

Finan laughed. “So, all I have to do to get you to be nice, is make you come?” he asked as he stroked himself.

“I'm always nice,” Aisling answered.

She smiled against Finan's lips when he kissed her. She wrapped her arms around his neck and her legs around his waist. She held on to him tight when he picked her up and sat with her in his lap on the bed. She ran her hand down his chest and wrapped her hand around him. She felt Finan's hands grip her hips and lift her. She moved above him and positioned him near her entrance and let go. She felt him push inside of her. He moved slowly allowing her to adjust to his size and width. She rested her forehead against his and felt him fill her completely. His fingers bruised her hips and she gripped his shoulders. She ached in a blissful way with how thick he was and how full she felt with him inside of her. It wasn't a feeling she had ever had before.

“Mothaíonn tú go maith,” Finan said as he kissed her jaw. You feel good.

Aisling smiled. She rolled her hips against his and nipped at his ear. “You do as well.”

She felt Finan meet her movements, slowly at first. She felt him move inside of her and with his width and length, she could feel him stoking the building pressure with every roll of his hips and hers. She kissed his neck and felt him kiss hers as well. His beard rubbed against her skin and she had no doubt in the morning she would be covered in red patches from it. She felt his fingers dig into her hips and his chest pressed up against hers. It was both too much and not enough all at once. She buried her face in his neck and ran her hands down his back. She pressed her hands against his scars wishing she could kiss every single one. She rolled her hips against his and loved how he sucked in a breath and bit her neck.

This is how it feels to make love, not just sex. This is how good it can feel when you feel connected to the other person on a much deeper level. Oh god, I am so terrified of loving him but I am not letting go. I can't let go. Fuck.

She felt Finan begin to thrust faster and she moved her hips to keep up. She bit his shoulder as the pressure built again. She moaned as Finan moved one of his hands from her hips to in between them and he rubbed her clit with his thumb. His thrusts became erratic telling her that he was close to coming. She pulled away and pushed on his chest pushing him down on the bed on his back. She rode him hard chasing her own climax. She felt him twitch inside of her and his thumb moved faster. She felt him release inside of her and her own climax followed moments later. She bit her lip and moaned his name as her body shuddered as she came. She moaned as her legs twitched and she heard him panting under her. She let her body fall over his and the tears rolled down her cheeks. She smiled when Finan's arms came around her and held her close against him. She felt like she was floating and her skin was hot and on fire still from Finan's touches.

“You okay?” he asked as he brushed her tears away with his fingers.

Aisling nodded. “I am very much okay,” she answered. She pulled his face closer and kissed him. She smiled when Finan pulled the furs over them. “Stay,” she said.

“I was not going to leave,” he answered his arms holding her tight. “So, does this mean I am the last person that is going to share your bed?” he whispered in her ear.

She laughed softly. “Mmm, it's looking like that may be a yes.” She felt his hand grab one of her ass cheeks and she smiled.

Aisling rested her head on his shoulder and placed her hand on his heart. She closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep in the arms of the man she knew owned her heart and was her future.

***

Finan opened his eyes and blinked as the sun shone into the room. He smiled when he felt Aisling's lips on his back. She was kissing every single one of his scars. He placed his hand over hers that was on his chest. He felt her smile against his back.

“Did I wake you?” she asked softly.

“You did but I don't mind,” he answered. “It was nice waking up and feeling your lips on my skin.”

She placed another kiss on another scar. “I wanted to do this the moment you told me about them,” she whispered. He felt her kiss another one. “I hate how deep some of these were,” she whispered.

Finan took Aisling's hand and kissed it. He felt her move closer to him and her breasts press up against his back. He felt her kiss his shoulder and his neck. He held her hand in his and closed his eyes.

“The deeper ones are the ones that took forever to heal,” he whispered.

Aisling held him closer. “I would wager that the scars on the inside still have not healed.”

It's like she can read my mind at times. Finan rolled over and opened his eyes. He sighed when he saw the bruise on her cheek. He saw the other bruises on her body. He leaned in and placed a soft kiss on her lips. She placed her hand on his chest over the cross.

“Some of them haven't healed,” he admitted. He brushed her hair from her face. “And I will admit there are nights when I find myself still on the ship in my sleep.”

“I'm sorry,” she whispered.

“It's not your fault,” he answered. “It happened before you knew me.”

She nodded. “Still,” she muttered stroking his chest. “It makes me angry that happened to you.”

Finan smiled. “I remember. I believe you suggested a very large and wide pole for my brother to be impaled on.”

Aisling smiled. “I did and I am really considering planning a voyage to Ireland to make it happen. Think Ragnar would come help?”

Finan pulled her closer. “I think the only place you are going is to Winchester to meet Alfred. Irland is much too far.”

“I wouldn't be going anywhere without you,” she answered.

“Of course not, you need constant supervision.”

Finan laughed when Aisling poked him in the side. “I am not Uhtred,” was her answer as she rolled away from him.

He looked at her back. He saw she had a tattoo on her lower back. He ran his fingers along it. Part of it was in Irish; Tá cinniúint ar fad. The other part was after it and it read: Skæbnen er alt. He looked up when Aisling tossed her hair over her shoulder and looked at him.

“It means 'Destiny is all' in Irish and Danish. It was apparently the last thing Uhtred ever wrote down in his own writing. At least, according to his great grandson,” she answered.

Finan sat up. He kissed a bruise on her shoulder and wrapped his arms around her. He pulled her back in bed and smiled when she laughed. He laid her on the bed and brushed her hair from her face. He felt her hand stroke his chest. The Celtic cross hung from his chest and over her breasts.

“Do you think that destiny is all?” he asked softly.

Aisling shrugged. “It brought me to you, right?”

Finan looked into her eyes. He saw how much she believed that but there was something else. He pulled the furs around them again and kissed her softly and gently. He pulled away and stroked her hair and her cheeks.

“There's something you aren't saying, mo ghrá,” he whispered. “I want you to know that you can tell me anything and everything. I want to know whatever is going on in your head,” he kissed her forehead.

He pulled away and watched her. She nodded and he hated how her eyes filled with tears. He brushed them away and wrapped his arm around her waist pulling her closer to him. She placed her hand on his chest pressing the Celtic cross into his chest.

“I am scared of messing this up,” she whispered her voice so soft and low he barely heard it. “I lied, well, more like fibbed about my parents and my home life. I never,” she closed her eyes and took a breath. “I never felt loved by them and I never saw them, happy. Even before my mom died. I don't remember ever seeing them like I see Gisela and Uhtred,” she opened her eyes and looked at him. “And knowing that you are my future, my destiny, it scares me so deep and I don't-.”

“Shh,” Finan whispered when she began crying more. He kissed her forehead, her cheeks, her nose and finally her lips. He brushed her tears away. “Me and you, this, what we are, we can do this,” he whispered. “We will take it day by day. Let's forget about the prophecy and what Liv said. We met when I saved you from the river and we will go from there,” he told her. “How does that sound?”

Aisling nodded. “I can do that. We can do that,” she added. She placed her hand on his cheek and stroked it with her thumb. “I have the same fear as you, Finan, losing you.”

Finan nodded. “You do but it's all right. We will get through this. And if you get scared and need reassurance, I am here.”

“I am too, for you,” she answered. Finan felt her stroke his chest. He placed his hand over hers.

“Do you want your cross back?” he asked softly.

She shook her head. “No, it looks far better on you,” she smirked. She kissed him gently. “It was always yours anyway,” she whispered her lips against his.

“Just like you are mine,” he answered kissing her.

Aisling smiled and pulled him closer. “I should not like hearing you say that as a woman who has been independent for a very long time and use to hate the thought of belonging to anyone.”

“But you do?” he asked as his hand ran down her side to her hip.

“Oh, I do,” she answered kissing his jawline. “Especially when it is you saying it with that sexy accent of yours.”

“It's just the accent you like then?”

Finan laughed when Aisling nodded. “Oh, yes, definitely, just the accent.”

Finan pulled the furs away from her and began tickling her. She laughed and he kissed her. He smiled and held her closer.

This is how I wish to spend every morning; here in her bed laughing with her. I feel so light and happy. God, I don't remember feeling this way ever. This is happiness, true happiness and I am not letting it go.

***

Aisling walked into the hall very aware that it was way past the usual time she would walk in. It was closing in on midday and the only reason she was at the hall was that she was hungry. Finan had been dragged away by Sihtric the minute he had walked out of her hut, so she was alone getting food. And she had no intention of saving him any either. He could come and get some himself.

“Well, she is alive,” Uhtred said as he walked down the stairs and into the main room.

Aisling held up her middle finger at him and walked towards the kitchen. His laughter followed her as she walked in the kitchen and grabbed some bread, an apple, and some cherries. She grabbed a cup of ale and snuck out before the cook, Synne caught her. Aisling walked back into the main hall and found Uhtred sitting at the table waiting for her. She sat in the chair beside him and took a bit from her apple as she set her food down.

“I see you can still walk,” Uhtred said.

Aisling looked at him. “Let's not do this. It's weird.”

Uhtred laughed. He grabbed one of her cherries even when she smacked his hand. He ate it, spit out the pit and leaned back in the chair. He reached out and gently touched the bruise on her cheek. She winced and smacked his hand away.

“How does that feel?” he asked.

Aisling shrugged. “It's fine. Finan kissed it better.”

Uhtred raised an eyebrow. “You do know that even though you tell Uhtred that, it doesn't actually work.”

Aisling looked at him. “You mean that when Gisela kisses your bruises, they don't feel better?” she asked.

She smiled when Uhtred smirked. “All right, it does work,” he admitted.

She smiled and ate a cherry and spit out the pit. She sipped from of her ale and leaned back in her chair. “So, we're going to head to Winchester in a couple of days?”

Uhtred nodded. “We leave in two days. And I think maybe, Finan should-.”

“If the next words out of your mouth are stay here, then I am staying too.”

Uhtred rolled his eyes. “Aisling, Winchester is full of spies and people who wish to do me harm. They will use you if they can. You need to be above them. And you cannot be caught sneaking around with Finan. He is no one to them and can be treated as such. He will get punished, not you.”

Aisling groaned. She picked at the bread and ate some. “He is a prince of Ireland.”

Uhtred gave her a sad smile. “He is but he does not want anyone to know that. He wishes to be free and being a prince comes with certain duties.”

Aisling sighed. She ate some cherries spitting out the pits and bit into the apple. “I don't want to pull him back into a life he does not want. Especially if it means I lose him anyway,” she sipped her ale, “but I also don't want to be without him near.”

“Well, you will have to keep your hands to yourself,” Uhtred told her.

Aisling sat back in the chair. “I can keep my hands to myself if you can be respectful to Alfred.”

Uhtred gave her a look. “I have been nothing but respectful to him.”

Aisling eyed him. “I do not believe that, at all.”

Uhtred huffed. He smiled. “How about a wager then?”

Aisling ate some more bread. “I'm listening.”

“I'll try my best to be respectful to Alfred and you must keep your hands off Finan-.”

“Kissing is allowed, right?”

Uhtred nodded. “Kissing and touching with clothes on but that is it. Nothing under the clothing.”

Aisling thought about it. “All right, and we have to do it until we leave Winchester. And the loser has to clean the stables instead of Sihtric and Reaper for a week.”

“And the winner?” Uhtred asked.

Aisling smiled. “The winner gets ten pieces of silver.”

Uhtred looked at her. “Do you even have ten pieces of silver?”

“No, but I don't plan on losing either.”

“We must shake on it.”

Aisling held out her hand. Uhtred took it and they shook. She looked up when Finan walked into the hall. He eyed their hands. He walked over and leaned in and dropped a kiss on her head.

“Now, why am I suddenly very worried?” he asked as he looked from her to Uhtred.

“About what?” Aisling asked as she pulled her hand away from Uhtred.

“Yes, about what. Aisling and I just made a little wager,” Uhtred said.

Finan sighed. “Do I even want to know?”

Aisling smiled. “He has to be respectful to Alfred.”

Finan snorted. “Beocca has more of a chance of converting him than that happening.”

“And Aisling has to keep her hands off of you, or at least no touching under the clothing,” Uhtred said.

Finan looked at her. “So, I am to be punished as well in this wager?”

“Hey, don't look at me. He was going to keep you here in Coccham. At least this way, you get to come along.”

Aisling saw Finan eye Uhtred. She let him have the rest of her bread as he eyed Uhtred. “You were going to tell me to stay behind?” Finan asked.

“I was because I don't think Aisling can keep her hands to herself and I know that you can't either.”

Aisling eyed Finan. “You can't keep your hands to yourself?” he looked away and took her ale and drank what was left. She kept her eyes on him. “I think I am going to need some names so I know who to avoid in Winchester, or more precisely who to make sure you avoid.”

“You had to say something, didn't you?” Finan asked Uhtred.

Uhtred shrugged. “What? It's not my fault when you are with a woman, you get very handsy and affectionate.”

“Aisling,” Gisela said as she walked down the stairs. “Come here, I have a couple of dresses that we can quickly alter for you,” she said as she waved her arm for Aisling to follow her.

Aisling stood from the chair. She leaned in and kissed Finan on the lips deeply. She stroked his tongue with hers and kissed him over and over. She pulled away and looked into his eyes.

“Is liomsa thú,” she told him. You're mine.

She smiled that smug smile of his. “I most certainly am.”

“And what exactly did she say?” Uhtred asked.

“You don't need to know,”Aisling answered.

She turned and walked up the stairs followed Gisela. She felt Finan's eyes on her as she disappeared up the stairs and into Gisela and Uhtred's room. She didn't want to be jealous of the other women Finan may have been with, but she couldn't help it. She wanted him all to herself.

Might as well just marry him already. I am sure that Uhtred would just love that.

***

Finan held Aisling in his lap as Uhtred told the story of how they had captured Duholm and defeated Kjartan and his son, Sven. Uhtred had wanted Aisling to hear the whole story and not bits and pieces of it like she had from the legends. She rested her head on his shoulder and he stroked her hair. He could tell she was tired but she wouldn't say anything because Uhtred was there waving his hands around and acting out the battle with Sihtric and Clapa and everyone was laughing.

“And what were you doing during this great battle?” Aisling asked him softly as her eyes looked at him.

He ran his hand along her thigh. “I was standing around and looking pretty,” he answered softly.

Aisling smiled. “Sounds about right,” she answered.

“Husband, I do think it is time we let Aisling get some rest,” Gisela said from her seat.

“But we haven't even gotten to the hounds yet and how they ate Sven,” Uhtred said.

Aisling frowned. “Hounds ate him? I thought that was added after.”

“No, they ate him, tore his ears and face right off,” Sihtric added gleefully.

Aisling looked at Uhtred. “Okay, but you didn't actually kill a priest, did you?”

“He also did that,” Finan added. “I was there.”

“He was asking for it,” Uhtred added.

Aisling sighed and rubbed her head. “I really thought they lied about that part.”

Finan laughed. “So, you will believe in a curse, a magical necklace that comes back to the next person in line from anywhere but not that Uhtred killed a priest?”

“I thought they made it up because they made it very clear Uhtred was a pagan and I know that Christians do not look kindly on pagans, so I just thought they added it to the legend to make Uhtred look even more like a horrible person,” Aisling said.

Finan saw Uhtred smile at her. “You did not wish to believe I was a horrible person?”

Aisling shrugged. “You were the person circumstances made you. And having met you, I can say that, you aren't that bad.”

Finan laughed. “Not that bad, lord,” he said smirking.

“She does know you, does she not?” Gisela added also laughing.

Uhtred smirked. “All right, I think it is time we all head to bed. Tomorrow we have to prepare for the journey,” he said.

Aisling yawned. Finan smiled at her. “Do you want me to carry you?” he asked.

She shook her head. “No, I can make it to my bed.”

“Mine is closer,” he told her.

She smiled and climbed out of his lap. “So it is.”

“Goodnight you two,” Gisela said as she stood and pushed Uhtred towards the stairs.

“Goodnight to you as well,” Aisling replied.

“Tomorrow, we have to go over the grain stores,” Uhtred told Finan.

Finan nodded. “And we have to meet with Reaper and Clapa about who they have chosen for watch while we are gone.”

Finan felt Aisling pulling on his arm almost dragging him out of the hall. “You can do it tomorrow, I very much want sleep now.”

Finan shrugged at Uhtred and waved as he walked out of the hall with Aisling. He wrapped his arm around her shoulders and pulled her close. She wrapped an arm around his waist. He kissed her head.

“Are you nervous about heading to Winchester?” he asked as they walked down the street.

“A bit. I don't have much experience meeting royals,” Aisling answered.

“You did fine when you met me.”

Aisling laughed. “That's only because I wanted to climb you like a tree. I very much doubt I will have the same response to Alfred.”

“You better not. It's bad enough you want Aethelwold.”

Finan laughed when Aisling elbowed him. “Are you ever going to let that go?”

“No, not yet.”

He pulled her closer and kissed her head. He lead her up to his house and pushed open the door and lead her inside. She pulled away from him and went right into his bedroom. He closed the door and bared it. He followed her into his room and leaned in the doorway. He watched as she sat on the bed and pulled off her boots and tunic. She stood and pulled off her trousers leaving her in just her thin shift. She looked up and smiled at him.

“Are you coming to bed?” she asked.

He nodded. He walked into the room and sat on the opposite side of her and pulled off his boots. He pulled off his leather shoulder armour and his tunic and tossed both aside. He pulled off his trousers and climbed into the bed beside Aisling. He helped her pull the furs over them although, Finan had a feeling they would both be kicking them off, it was a warm night. He wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her tight against him; her back pressed against his chest.

“Goodnight, Finan,” she whispered placing her hand over his that rested on her stomach.

“Goodnight, Aisling,” he whispered. He placed a kiss on her neck.

He drifted off to sleep feeling happy and content for what felt like the first time in years. He could feel some of his pain from the slave ship lessening and he felt lighter. Aisling knew it all and she did not see him any differently. Maybe he could finally be happy.

Maybe they both could.

Chapter Text

Aisling pulled her hair up as high as she could and wrapped the leather strip around it. She tied the ends of the leather together and was happy enough that her hair was off her neck. The morning was hot and it was still early. She smiled when she heard Young Uhtred yell for her. She turned and kneeled down and caught him as he ran towards her. She held him and placed kisses on his head.

“Don't go,” he said holding her tight.

Aisling smiled. “I will be back,” she said. She held him on her hip and kissed his cheek. “I promise.”

She saw Uhtred watching them smiling. The little boy looked at her his blue eyes filling with tears. She sighed and stroked his hair. “Do you want to hear a poem that my sister taught me when I was younger?” she asked the boy. Young Uhtred nodded. Aisling held him closer. “'Hope' is a thing with feathers- That perches in the soul- And sings the tune without words- And never stops-at all-,” she said only reciting the first stanza as that was the one Star had always recited to her.

“Hope is a thing with feathers?” Finan asked as he stood beside her.

Aisling smiled. She turned and looked at him. “It is,” she looked back at Young Uhtred, “And you, my little man, are going to be just fine here with your mother. I will be back in a few days.” Young Uhtred nodded. Aisling kissed the little boy's nose. “Now, say goodbye to Uncle Finan,” she said.

“Uncle Finan?” Finan asked softly.

Aisling nodded. “You are more than just Uhtred's oath man.”

“Bye Uncle Finan,” Young Uhtred said.

Aisling saw Finan smile. He reached out and ruffled the little boy's hair. “Goodbye, little man. I will see you when we get back.”

Aisling placed the boy on his feet and watched as he ran off towards Uhtred. She turned and smiled at Finan when he wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her close. She rested her head on his chest and closed her eyes.

“I am already hot and we haven't even rode off yet,” she muttered.

“That is probably my fault for how I woke you up this morning,” Finan answered.

Aisling blushed as she remembered how he had woken her up before the sun; with his head between her legs licking and sucking. She felt Finan's fingers stroke her back. She turned and looked up at him.

“It is most definitely your fault,” she said smirking at him.

She saw him smile. He leaned in and kissed her on the forehead. She turned when she heard Gisela clear her throat beside them. She let go of Finan and pulled Gisela in for a hug. She felt the other woman hold her close.

“Please be careful,” Gisela told her. “Aethelwold will no doubt be lurking around,” Gisela pulled away and looked at her. “And please, please try and restraint yourself.”

Aisling sighed. “I hope you told that last sentence to Uhtred as well.”

Gisela patted her cheek. “Oh, I did. I worry that neither of you will follow it though.”

“And that is why I am going,” Hild said as she walked past them.

“See, we have a babysitter,” Aisling said. “We will be fine.”

Gisela sighed but smiled. She glanced at Finan. “Try and keep your hands off of her and do not encourage her.”

Aisling snorted. “All he needs to do is speak and I am already...” she trailed off when she saw the hard look Gisela gave her. Aisling nodded. “Right, got it, keep those thoughts in my head.”

“Or say them in Irish so that no one but I knows what you are saying,” Finan said.

“I said not to encourage her,” Gisela poked Finan.

Aisling laughed. She glanced at Finan. “You better listen to her, Finan,” she winked at him.

Gisela sighed. “I am so glad I am not going to be there to deal with the two of you.”

Aisling laughed as Gisela walked away and went over to Uhtred. She smiled as she watched them kiss and hold each other. She turned back when Finan wrapped an arm around her shoulders and pulled her towards her horse.

“We should be in Winchester by tonight,” Finan told her. “So, can we save the 'are we there yet?' questions?”

Aisling smiled. “I'll think about it. I mean, I would not want to annoy Hild.”

Finan rolled his eyes and walked over to his own horse. She took the reins of her own horse and climbed up on it. She sat in the saddle and smiled at Hild as Hild rode her horse over to her. Aisling saw Hild give her a look.

“What?” Aisling asked.

“I have not seen that man smile as much as he has since you have shown up,” Hild said nodding towards Finan. “And he was always smiling when I met him.”

Aisling blushed. “Thank you, I guess,” she said.

Hild smiled. “No, thank you. With you here, maybe I can be at peace with my decision.”

“What decision?” Aisling asked.

Hild shook her head. “I must pray on it more. And you, perhaps show some restraint.”

Aisling sighed. “Why is everyone telling me that and not Uhtred?”

“We have told Uhtred, we just know that he will not listen. But you, with you there is a chance.”

Aisling snorted. She turned and smiled at Uhtred as he rode past. She followed him with Hild and Finan following her. She felt excitement but also apprehension. She did not want to make any mistakes that could cause problems for Uhtred.

Just take it slow and try to be the perfect Christian Saxon woman. You have done enough research to know how to fake it. So just fake it and everything will be fine. And after you can come back here and be with Finan and be happy.

Aisling sat straighter in the saddle and felt more at ease. She could do this.

***

Finan rode behind Uhtred and Aisling. Uhtred was explaining to Aisling how to act what to expect at Winchester. Finan smiled as he saw Aisling taking it all in and listening intently. He could tell she did not want to make any mistakes.

“You really cannot take your eyes off of her, can you?” Hild asked from beside him.

“Are you jealous, Hild?” he asked winking at her.

Finan smiled when she rolled her eyes at him. “No, I am not. I have just never seen you like this before.”

“And what way is that?”

“In love,” Hild answered.

Finan glanced a head and was glad that he and Hild were far enough back that Aisling could not hear them. “Could you perhaps not say that out loud?” he asked.

Hild raised an eyebrow. “Oh? Is there trouble?”

Finan shook his head. “No, it is just, Aisling and I have agreed to take it day by day. Love is a touchy subject for both of us.”

Hild glanced ahead when Aisling shoved Uhtred gently and he laughed. She looked back to Finan. “And yet, you two have found each other and I am sure everyone can clearly see how much you, care,” she stressed the word, “for her and she for you.”

Finan chuckled softly. “Is it really that obvious?” Hild gave him a hard look and he nodded. “Okay, so perhaps it is.”

“I am just glad you have both talked about what you fear. It was not pleasant when you were both avoiding each other. Aisling took to training a bit too well.”

Finan nodded. “I have seen the bruises. But something tells me that is how she deals with things at times.”

“Avoidance and violence? So, you mean she is related to Uhtred after all?” Hild joked.

Finan laughed softly. “I have seen the resemblance at times. I got her very angry and well, it reminded me of Uhtred when he went to see Guthred after we had been freed by you and Ragnar. The anger simmering just beneath the surface ready to break free at any moment.”

Hild nodded. “I know what you mean. But look at them now,” she nodded towards Uhtred and Aisling. Aisling was waving her hands around explaining something and Uhtred had her full attention as he held the reins of their horses. “They can both be so quiet and calm as well.”

“I do not remember Aisling being quiet,” Finan said smirking.

Hild glanced at him. “Oh, she can be without your influence around.”

“Oh, so I am the bad influence on them both, is that what you are saying?”

Hild sighed. “No, unfortunately Uhtred was like this before you met him,” she said smirking. Finan laughed. Hild smiled as well. “I am glad to hear your laughter, Finan. Coccham was much too quiet without it.”

Finan nodded. “I missed you as well, Hild. I could have used your council at some of the meetings with the aldermen. Some of those men were so very difficult to deal with.”

Hild smiled. “From what Uhtred said, you did a wonderful job. Although, I did hear talk of a lot of ale being drunk and very vague memories of conversations after the ale was gone.”

Finan shrugged. “What can I say? It is not my fault that most Saxon men cannot handle their ale like I can.”

“I don't think anyone, apart from Danes, can handle their ale like you can.”

“Why, thank you, Hild.”

“That was not really a compliment.”

“I thought it was.”

“Finan, Hild,” Uhtred said as he turned and looked at them. “Would you two like to stop for a break?” he asked.

Finan nodded. They had been riding for a few hours and Finan guessed they were about halfway to Winchester. He looked at Hild. She nodded as well.

“Yes, let's stop,” Finan said. “I know that Aisling probably has some chafing that needs to be looked at.”

Aisling glanced at him over her shoulder. “I have no chafing,” she answered.

“I'll still look. Can't be too careful, now can we? I mean, you skin is so soft and sensitive. We need to keep an eye on it. Can't have you walking around Winchester with a sore bottom, now can we? ”

Aisling blushed. “Finan,” she said.

“Yes?” he asked.

“Shut up.”

Hild and Uhtred laughed. Finan shrugged. “I'm just looking out for you and your ass.”

Finan saw Aisling look up at the sky. “And I'm the one everyone is telling to restrain myself.”

“Come,” Uhtred said laughing. “Here are some trees with some shade.”

Finan and Hild followed him and Aisling as they rode off the trail. Uhtred had picked a wooded area with large trees that would provide shade and all them to get out of the sun for a while. Finan smiled. An idea began forming in his mind and he really hoped Aisling would agree to it.

***

Aisling kissed Finan deeply as his hands gripped her ass and he carried her into the forest. Uhtred and Hild were both resting in the shade and Finan had whispered in her ear his brilliant idea and well, Aisling could not say no to him. She laughed and tightened her arms and legs around him as he almost tripped over a fallen tree.

“Let's not die,” she said softly.

“Good point,” Finan answered as he kissed her neck. “I don't think Uhtred would ever recover.”

Aisling laughed and shook her head. She saw a tree with branches that hung low. She patted Finan's shoulder and pointed. “Over there,” she said.

“Good eyes,” he said kissing her nose.

Aisling smiled as Finan carried her over to the tree and ducked under the branches. Finan set her on her feet and she turned them so his back was the one that hit the tree trunk. He raised an eyebrow at her and she smiled. She kissed him and quickly undid the ties on his trousers. She felt his hands do the same to hers. She pulled away and looked into his eyes.

“You tasted me, so now it's my turn,” she whispered.

“What?” Finan asked.

She smiled and slipped her hand into his trousers. She felt that he was already hard. She dropped to one knee and looked up at him. She heard his breath hitch and he brushed her hair gently from her face. She put her other knee down and freed him from his trousers. She stroked him with one hand and pulled open her own trousers with the other. She looked up at him and guided him into her mouth.

“Sweet Jesus Christ,” Finan breathed out as she sucked him.

Aisling felt his hands gently in her hair holding it back so he could watch her. She swirled her tongue around his head. She licked him and then took him completely in her mouth and bobbed her head up and down. She touched herself gently, knowing that if Finan came in her mouth, she would need to help herself along. She stroked his length with her other hand up and down as her head bobbed. She felt Finan gently tug her hair and pull her head back.

“Up, love,” he said his voice husky and thick. She felt herself dripping wet at the sound of his voice with that much want in it.

She rose to her feet and kissed him. She felt his hand slip into her trousers and his moan when he found her dripping wet for him. He pulled away and pushed her towards the tree trunk. Aisling gripped it with her hands and helped Finan push her trousers down until they were around her ankles. She spread her legs and moaned when she felt him rub himself against her folds as he dripped precum down her thighs.

“Please,” she whispered needing him to fill her. She was throbbing and aching for him.

“Keep touching yourself,” he murmured in her ear. “I won't last long.”

Aisling reached down and did as he asked, gently pressing and rubbing her clit. She moaned as he filled her in one quick thrust. His fingers bruised her hips as he pounded into her. She moaned and moved her fingers quickly needing to come. Her fingers dug into the tree trunk and she gripped it so tight as she felt her walls clench around Finan, that she broke a nail. He was setting a brutal pace, but it was adding to her pleasure. She arched back against him as she felt her walls spasm around him and the warmth of his seed as he released inside of her. Her climax came quickly after and she saw stars. Her legs buckled and Finan's arms pressed her fully against the tree trunk. She huffed and panted and felt him do the same behind her. She felt his now limp cock slip out of her and she stopped touching herself. She felt Finan's lips on her neck. She closed her eyes and tried to think straight.

“Are you two quite finished?” Uhtred's voice echoed in the quiet forest.

Aisling laughed as she blushed. She felt Finan laugh as well.

“I think so, lord,” he answered.

“Then clean yourselves up and get moving,” Uhtred ordered.

Aisling turned and pressed her back to the tree. She sighed as Finan pulled her trousers up for her and did up the ties. She tucked him back in his trousers and did up the ties for him. She looked up at him when he reached up and brushed his thumb along her swollen bottom lip.

“You look like you have been bedded,” he said smiling.

She smiled. “Then you did your job well,” she answered. She kissed him and sucked gently on his bottom lip. “We definitely need to do that again,” she whispered.

He smiled. “There are some trees outside of Winchester,” he answered.

“I will leave you two behind!” Uhtred yelled.

Aisling laughed again. She leaned against Finan as he lifted the tree branch for her and she ducked under it. She looked over and saw Uhtred and Hild standing several feet away looking very unimpressed with them. Aisling took Finan's hand and they walked towards the other two.

“You two smell like sins and regret,” Hild said but she had a smirk on her face.

“Yes to the sins part,” Finan answered as he wrapped an arm around Aisling's shoulders.

“But we have zero regrets,” Aisling added.

Hild laughed but Uhtred pinched the bridge of his nose. “Can we get back on the road?” he asked.

“Yes, let's do that and we can talk all about the many stops we had to make when we rescued Gisela from the nunnery,” Hild said.

“Oh, so you mean Uhtred also had to make use of a nice dense forest?” Aisling asked.

Uhtred shook his head and muttered something in Danish as he walked away. Aisling looked over her shoulder at Finan.

“You think I broke him?” she asked.

Hild laughed. “No, I think he just realized how much you are like him in some ways.”

Aisling smiled. “Thanks.”

Hild sighed. “That was not a compliment.”

Aisling shrugged. “I'll take it as one.”

Hild looked from her to Finan. “You two definitely belong together.”

Aisling raised an eyebrow as Hild followed Uhtred back to the horses. She turned and looked at Finan. He shrugged. He wrapped an arm around her waist and lifted her over a couple of logs and she laughed when he set her on her feet again. She grabbed his hand and held it as they walked back towards the horses.

“This has been my favourite trip to Winchester,” Finan answered softly.

Aisling turned and stood in front him. She accepted the kiss he pressed to her lips. “Mine too,” she answered smirking.

“Aisling,” Uhtred groaned.

“I know, I know,” she answered. She turned and laughed when Finan slapped her ass. Uhtred groaned again. She walked over to her horse and took the reins from him. She smiled at him. “Don't be a fun killer, Uhtred,” she said.

He muttered in Danish and climbed on his horse. Aisling followed. She could not stop smiling though. She rode past Uhtred, urging him to race her. She laughed when he did. She heard Finan and Hild yelling behind them but she didn't stop. The wind whipped through her hair and she felt alive and free.

***

Finan was surprised they made it to Winchester before night fall. It was the summer, though, so the sun did not set until later which probably helped. Uhtred had been careful not to suggest anymore stops, especially as they got closer to Winchester. They rode into the city and Finan could not take his eyes off of Aisling. She was looking everywhere all at once. Finan smiled. He saw Beocca waiting for them by the stables. He saw Uhtred smile and wave.

“Well, you must to be famous cousin Uhtred has suddenly gained,” Beocca said as they rode over.

Finan, Aisling, Uhtred, and Hild all dismounted. Finan took all the reins for their horses and handed them off to a stable boy. He smiled when Aisling stayed close to him. He smiled at Beocca and saw Uhtred smiling as well. Beocca hugged Uhtred. Finan saw Uhtred whisper something in Beocca's ear. Beocca nodded and pulled away. He looked at Aisling.

“I cannot wait to hear the story of how you are here,” he told her.

“I don't know if you will believe it,” she answered.

“Uhtred believes it, so I am willing to take a chance. Now, come, the king is waiting to meet you.”

“I will go and get us some rooms at the inn,” Hild said. “Finan, you should come as well.”

Finan saw Aisling tense. He leaned in and placed a soft kiss on her cheek. “You can handle this,” he whispered to her.

She took his hand and he gave hers a squeeze. She glanced over at Hild. “Keep an eye on him,” Aisling told her. “I don't want to find some woman in his lap at the alehouse.”

Beocca laughed. “I think I like her,” he said.

Finan smirked at Aisling. She smiled at him and he let go of her hand. He watched as Uhtred wrapped an arm around her shoulders and walked away with Aisling and Beocca beside him. Finan turned and looked at Hild. She was smiling and shaking her head.

“What?” he asked.

“Should I walk into the alehouse and announce to all the women you are now a taken man?” Hild asked.

Finan nodded. “I think you should Hild,” he said. “After all, everyone here in Winchester is scared of you.”

Hild rolled her eyes and shoved him. Finan smiled and turned. He walked into the stables to grab their bags from the horses. He wished he could have gone with Aisling to see Alfred but he knew that it was better if she did this with Uhtred. Especially if Aethelwold would be there. Finan still wanted to punch him in the face and Aisling didn't need that tension when she was already nervous enough.

“Hurry up,” Hild called after him. “Or you'll end up having to share with Uhtred.”

Finan laughed. He grabbed their bags and carried them back to where Hild was waiting for him. He waved towards the alehouse. “Lead the way,” he said.

Hild rolled her eyes but turned and walked towards the alehouse. Finan followed with a smile on his face.

***

Aisling stood close to Uhtred as they walked into the courtyard of the palace. She looked around and saw no one there. Beocca walked ahead of them with Steepa, Alfred's head guard. Aisling suddenly didn't know what to do with her hands. She crossed them in front of her, behind her, by her sides until finally Uhtred took one of them and held it. She turned and met his eyes as he glanced at her.

“I will not let anything happen to you,” he promised. “You walked into this palace with me, you will walk out the same.”

Aisling smiled. She nodded. “Thank you,” she leaned closer, “I'm keeping your hand though. For now.”

Uhtred nodded. He leaned in and kissed her on the head. “Anything you need to be calm.”

Aisling felt her nervousness leave. She looked ahead again and saw the doors to the hall open and Steepa walked in. Beocca walked in as well. Aisling took a slow breath and felt Uhtred squeeze her hand. She walked in beside him and saw Alfred sitting on the throne at the end of the hall. Beside him stood a young woman, whom Aisling decided must be his daughter, Aethelflaed.

The future Lady of Mercia right there. She does not even know that she is going to be such an important figure in history. She will carry her father's legacy forward. God, I am living history. Do not nerd out, do not nerd out. DO NOT NERD OUT.

“Uhtred, I see you have brought your cousin finally,” Alfred said as he stood and stepped forward. Aethelflaed did as well.

Uhtred bowed and Aisling did as well. Aisling held tight to Uhtred's hand refusing to let go. He was her anchor and she needed him to stay calm and steady.

“I am sorry, lord king, we would have come as soon as I got your message, but my cousin, Aisling, suffered an injury as she was on the training field,” Uhtred said.

“You are training her to be a warrior?” this question came from Aethelflaed.

Aisling saw Uhtred smile at her. “I am, lady, I believe that women should have the chance to learn how to defend themselves, if they choose.”

Aisling saw Aethelflaed smile and bat her eyes at Uhtred. Oh boy. Aethelflaed has a crush on Uhtred. Why was this not in the damn legends? Cause it is hilarious. Aisling saw Alfred smile as well and he walked closer to them. Aethelflaed followed. Uhtred nodded towards the king and Aisling held out her other hand. She felt Alfred take it. His hand is cool to the touch. I am touching Alfred the Great's hand. I cannot mess this up. Oh god. Where the hell is Finan when I need him?

“It is nice to meet you, Lady Aisling,” Alfred said.

Aisling bowed a bit and nodded. “You as well, lord king. My cousin has told me much about you,” she said softly.

Aisling felt Alfred give her hand a slight squeeze. “I have heard about you as well. Granted, the source was very questionable.”

Aisling blushed and looked down. “I was very much still grieving the loss of my family when I met,” she paused, “is it too familiar to call him Aethelwold or does he have a title? He was not very clear when we met as he was very, ah,” she stopped.

“Drunk,” Uhtred provided. He squeezed her hand letting her know that she had done well. “Aethelwold was drunk when he came to Coccham.”

“I see,” Alfred patted Aisling's hand. “I do hope I can get to know you better. Tomorrow night I have arranged for a feast to be made here. Lady Aisling, you will be the guest of honour, as I wish all of Winchester to meet Lord Uhtred's cousin. Perhaps we can find you a husband.”

Yeah, okay, so he's already trying to marry me off? I do not like this at all.

Uhtred chuckled. “Lord king, I believe my cousin wishes the peace and quiet of Coccham for a while yet.”

“Perhaps tomorrow she can train with Steepa and I?” Aethelflaed said. “And I can get to know her,” she looked at Alfred. “Then there will be another friendly face for her at the feast.”

Alfred nodded. “I am fine with it. Uhtred?”

Oh, so I am not even here, am I? Yeah, everyone was right. I do need to show restraint.

“I am sure Aisling would not mind getting to hit Steepa, would you?” Uhtred asked her.

“I would not,” she said softly.

“Good,” Alfred stepped back. “Uhtred, I have a couple of matters to discuss with you, perhaps Lady Aisling could wait in the courtyard?” he asked.

Aisling nodded. She let go of Uhtred's hand eager to get away from Alfred before he did actually marry her off. She bowed again and turned and walked right out of the doors and back outside. She walked to the middle of the courtyard and stood there. She closed her eyes and took slow and steady breaths.

“Oh, I thought no one was out here,” she heard a voice say from her left.

“I just came from meeting the king,” Aisling said as she opened her eyes. “I am waiting for my cousin,” she added.

“Your cousin is Lord Uhtred,” the voice stated.

Aisling nodded. “He is. Do you know of...”

Aisling trialed off as she turned and looked at the person the voice belonged to. Her world shimmered and stilled.

She saw her sister standing there wearing a navy blue dress with her dark chestnut brown hair pulled back in a loose bun. Aisling blinked her eyes but her sister, Star did not disappear. Star walked closer to her and Aisling looked into her sister's icy blue eyes.

“I had to be here when I heard word of Uhtred having a cousin Aisling. I needed to know for sure. And sure enough, here you are,” Star said her voice cold. “Where is the necklace?”

Aisling stared at her. “What?” her mind was still in a fog convinced she was imagining this all.

“The Celtic cross! I had it and I ended up here! So give it to me now!”

Aisling took a step back and shook her head. She hugged herself and felt her legs give out. She sat on the cold stones of the path and closed her eyes.

I didn't break the curse after all. I have lost my mind. I imagined this whole thing. Oh god, I am broken. 

Chapter Text

Aisling leaned in the doorway of her sister's room and watched as Star zipped up her carry on bag. Star looked up and gave her a little smile.

“So, you are really going despite Dad having a coronary over it,” Aisling said as she walked into the room and sat on her sister's bed.

“I am,” Star said. “I am a grown woman and I have spent five years doing everything else he wanted. I have raised Astrid and finished high school and even got my Bachelor of Arts. I need to do this one thing for myself.”

Aisling swung her legs on the bed under her. She nodded. “All right. Just be careful.”

Star laughed and shook her head. “I will never understand why you believe in that curse. It is not real. It's probably just something Uhtred himself made up to make himself look more dangerous than he actually was,” Star lifted her carry on off the bed and stood it up. She laughed. “I mean, the man had the name Uhtred, he had to do something to look tough.”

Aisling rolled her eyes. “He was called the Dane-Slayer, Star. I doubt he needed to toughen his street cred anymore.”

Star sat beside Aisling on the bed. She took her hands in hers. “Aisling, you need to stop spending so much with your nose in books and files about history and our family. You have a boyfriend, spend more time with him having sex-.”

“Star!”

“Seriously, have sex. It is way more fun than spending all your time making float charts about the supposed family curse. When I am gone, promise me you will have sex at least once.”

“Oh my god, can we stop talking about sex right now?”

Star sighed. “I sometimes wonder how it is you are related to me at all.”

Aisling shook her head. She hugged her sister. “I am related to you, I just learned from your teen pregnancy.”

Star laughed. She pulled away and patted Aisling on the cheek. “Remember, “Hope" is a thing with feathers- That perches in the soul – And sings the tune without the words- And never stops – at all-,” Star said smiling.

Aisling nodded. “I remember. Call or text me when your plane lands. I want to make sure you are safe.”

Star stood and grabbed her luggage. “I will be fine. And you go out and live your life. Don't sit around here waiting for it to find you.”

“I will.”

“I mean it, Aisling. Go find your happiness. And not in a bleeding book!”

Aisling looked up and felt her breath hitch in her chest. Her mind kept replaying that last time in Star's room that they had spoken. It was replaying over and over like a horrible movie in her head. She closed her eyes for a moment to get it to stop. She opened them and wished that her sister was not standing across from her. She looked up and had no luck; Star was still there glaring at her. She watched as Star kneeled in front of her and grabbed the leather cords around her neck. Aisling winced as she pulled on them and cursed when she didn't see the Celtic cross. Aisling closed her eyes again and felt her head pounding.

I have lost my mind. All of this. I must be sitting in a mental hospital imaging all this. Oh god, what the hell is going on?

“Aisling? Are you alright?” she heard Uhtred's voice echo in the courtyard.

“Lady Stella, what happened?” Beocca asked as he walked over.

“I do not know. I found her like this, Father Beocca. Is she related to you?” Star asked Uhtred.

“She is my cousin,” Uhtred answered as he eyed Star.

Aisling grabbed Uhtred's arm as he kneeled in front of her. She saw concern in his blue eyes. He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her up to her feet.

“Perhaps I should get her a room here,” Beocca said.

“No!” Aisling said quickly. She saw Uhtred eye her with concern. “I need Finan,” she whispered for his ears only.

He nodded. “Beocca, I will take Aisling outside and to her rooms at the inn. I am sure meeting the king was just too much for her,” he looked at Star. “Thank you, lady-.”

“Lady Stella,” Star said. “I am Lord Athelhelm's wife. I am here in Winchester visiting with the queen.”

She is letting Uhtred know how connected she is. Oh god, this is not happening. I need to get the hell out of here.

Aisling held on to Uhtred telling herself that he was real, so she must be really there as well. She leaned against him and walked out of the courtyard beside him. Beocca followed them. Aisling held tight to Uhtred until they were out of the palace all together. She walked over to the corner of the building and threw up. She felt Uhtred grab her hair and hold it back for her.

“What happened?” he asked.

Aisling coughed and wiped her mouth with her sleeve. She stood there for a moment. She closed her eyes when she felt Uhtred place a hand on her back.

“I'm really here, right?” she asked softly.

“What?” Uhtred asked.

Aisling felt tears come to her eyes. “I am really here with you at Winchester. You are real, right?”

“Uhtred, what-,” Beocca started.

“Go to the ale house and get Finan, Beocca,” Uhtred said as he wrapped his arms around Aisling and pulled her close. “Now.”

Aisling held on to Uhtred tight as she cried. He lowered her slowly to the ground when her legs gave out. She sobbed in his shoulder convinced she had lost her mind and had become as crazy as her mother.

***

Finan had been on his way to being pleasantly drunk when Beocca had stormed in the alehouse and said Aisling needed him. He had been confused but now as he came upon Uhtred holding Aisling tight in the street, Finan knew something had happened; something bad.

“Aisling?” he asked as he kneeled beside her. He looked up at Uhtred.

“She was in the courtyard with another lady when I found her. She asked me if she was really here,” Uhtred explained stroking her hair.

Finan reached out and took Aisling's face in his hands. “Aisling, look at me,” he said firmly. Her blue eyes met his. He saw the worry in them and confusion. He stroked her cheeks. “You are here. This is real. I am real,” he took her hand and placed it on his chest. He held it there right over the cross and his heart. He knew she could feel the cross under his tunic. “Tá muid anseo le chéile, a ghrá,” he whispered to her. We are in this together, my love.

“Oh god,” she said gripping his tunic. Her eyes looked into his and he was relieved when she snapped out of it. “Than it's real. She is real.”

“She who?” Finan and Uhtred asked.

Finan looked at Uhtred when Aisling just cried. Finan pulled her into his arms and swung her up. He stood and followed Uhtred back to the alehouse. He walked in when Uhtred held the door open for him. Finan carried her to the staircase and carried her up the stairs into his room. He heard Uhtred, along with Beocca and Hild following him.

Finan set Aisling on the bed and sat beside her. He brushed her tears away and saw that she was calming down. She blinked her eyes and reached for him. He took her hands in his and held them tight. He turned when Uhtred, Hild, and Beocca walked into the room and the door closed.

“Who are you talking about?” Finan asked her softly.

“My sister, Star,” Aisling explained. “She is calling herself Stella, but that was her. I thought she was dead. She went missing and we never found her body but,” Aisling shook her head. “This is insane.”

Finan looked at Beocca. “Stella? How well do you know her?”

Beocca shrugged. “Not that well. She married Lord Athelhelm about five years ago after his first wife died during childbirth along with the babe and has spent most of her time at his estates. She comes into Winchester as she is friendly with Lady Aelswith but other than that, I have not had much conversation with her.”

“She is your sister?” Uhtred asked Aisling.

Aisling nodded. “She wanted the Celtic cross,” she frowned. “She said it was why she was here and she wanted it. She didn't even care that I was here as well.”

“So, she came here as well,” Hild said. “But how?”

“Okay, someone tell me what is going on,” Beocca said.

Uhtred grabbed him and opened the door. “I will tell you everything. Finan,” he said.

“I will keep an eye on her. Hild, some ale for her may help,” he said.

Hild nodded. “I will be back.”

Finan turned back and looked at Aisling as everyone else left the room. She was shaking. He pulled off her boots and tossed them aside. He sat beside her and pulled her into his chest. She wrapped her arm around him and held him tight as she buried her face in his chest. He stroked her hair and placed a soft kiss on her forehead. He held her tight for several long moments wishing she would say something or that he could do something to make this better for her. 

“How can she be here?” she whispered. “It doesn't make sense.”

“Does it matter?” Finan asked her holding her close.

Aisling pulled away from him. He watched as she turned and looked at him. He saw the tears drying on her cheeks. He brushed them away and she reached up and took his hand. She looked away from his eyes.

“She was so cold to me,” Aisling said. Finan watched as she closed her eyes. She took a slow breath. “This is too much. She has been here all along. And she's married to the richest alderman,” Finan raised an eyebrow at the string of Irish curses that came tumbling out of Aisling's mouth. “This is not happening.”

Finan rubbed her back. He turned when Hild walked into the room with two jugs of ale. Uhtred came after with four mugs in his hands. Beocca was nowhere to be found. Hild sat on the other side of the bed and Uhtred sat at the foot. Hild placed one of the ale jugs on the bedside table and poured ale from the other filling all the mugs. Finan took one from Uhtred and watched as Aisling opened her eyes and took one as well.

“Beocca believes you,” Uhtred said softly. “And he is going to try and speak, discreetly to Star.”

Finan watched as Aisling downed all her ale. She held her mug out to Hild to refill. Finan looked at Uhtred. Uhtred shook his head. Aisling was no doubt going to hate herself in the morning but right now, she wished to forget her sister was there and they should let her.

“According to the seer at Dunholm, the cross is what brought you here and marked you, Aisling,” Hild said as she filled up Aisling's mug. “Did she say how it marked you?”

Aisling frowned. “No, she didn't but,” Finan grabbed the mug before Aisling dropped it on the bed. “My blood,” Aisling said. She placed her hand on her chest by her heart. “I stabbed myself right here. My blood must have gotten on the cross.”

“So, it wasn't the cross?” Finan asked sipping his ale. My mother would roll over in her grave if she heard this conversation. She raised me to be such a good Christian and here I am, serving a pagan, with pagan friends and in love with a woman who was brought here by the pagan gods. And I am currently having a conversation about spells and blood.

“It could be both,” Uhtred said. “Blood is a very strong ingredient in most spells. It would explain how your sister got here. She bled on the cross as well, and since she is your sister,” Uhtred trailed off.

“She is here by mistake,” Aisling said. “The cross was marked to bring me here. And it would know it was me by my blood. Star must have been wearing the necklace. Oh god,” Finan watched as she closed her eyes. “She must have been trying to kill or hurt herself,” Aisling opened her eyes and turned to look at him. “This is my fault.”

“It most certainly is not,” Hild said firmly.

“I agree with Hild,” Uhtred added.

Finan nodded. “This is not your fault, Aisling.”

“It is,” Aisling said. “I am the one that Freyja wished to send back. Me. And Star got dragged into this and now her daughter is going to grow up without a mother because of me.”

“The gods made the decision, not you,” Uhtred stated.

“They made the decision because of me.”

“No,” Finan said softly. “It's actually my fault,” he said softly. Aisling's eyes met his. “I loved you so much that Freyja saw it and decided that I would never have to be without you ever. It's why you are in this circle. It's why Star or Stella got here. Maybe if I would love you just a bit less-.”

“Stop,” Aisling said. “I will not allow you to blame yourself.”

“And what makes you think I am going to let you do the same then?” he asked. His eyes held her waiting for her to challenge him. He was not going to let her blame herself for something that was not her doing at all. 

Finan watched as Aisling sighed. She reached out and grabbed the mug from him and drank it quickly. He grabbed her hand and held it. He saw tears come to her eyes again. She looked at him then at Uhtred and Hild.

“I really wish I would have stayed in Coccham,” she said.

“It will be fine,” Uhtred said. “We have to get through tomorrow and then we can go back to Coccham.”

“Are you going to speak to her again?” Hild asked.

“Do you want to?” Finan added.

“I am not drunk enough to answer either question,” Aisling said.

“Then let us ensure you get drunk,” Hild said refilling her mug.

“I am supposed to train with Lady Aethelflaed in the morning,” Aisling said.

“It won't be the first time you have trained still drunk,” Uhtred said.

Finan frowned. “Just exactly what were you all doing while I was riding around Wessex?”

“Drinking,” Hild said.

“Fighting,” Uhtred added.

“So much drinking,” Aisling said as she sipped more ale.

Finan shook his head. “And here you all were saying I was the bad influence on Aisling. It was you two.”

“It was Uhtred,” Hild added quickly.

Finan smiled when Aisling laughed. He looked at Uhtred. He saw Uhtred relax and he did as well. He glanced at Hild and saw her smile. Aisling laughing meant that she was herself again. At least for the moment. Finan could feel the change though.

Star being there was going to hurt Aisling. He could already feel it.

***

Aisling opened her eyes and winced. She should not have drank that much ale the night before. She opened her eyes and focused on Finan laying in front of her. He was holding her hand. She frowned when she felt another arm around her waist. She turned and smiled. Uhtred was sleeping on the other side of her. She laughed a bit when she saw that Uhtred was drooling.

“All right, time to get up, we cannot leave Lady Aethelflaed waiting,” Hild said walking in the room and slamming the door.

Aisling groaned. “How are you so chirper? You drank as much as me,” she said.

“Yes, and I have been drinking that way for years,” Hild said. She walked over and smacked Uhtred. He groaned. “Come on, Aisling needs to get ready and you are holding her down. Literally.”

“So much for being the perfect Saxon Christian lady,” Aisling said. “I have two men in this bed and it isn't even my bed.”

Hild laughed. Uhtred groaned. “Why is it so loud?” he asked opening his eyes.

“Lord, why are you in my bed?” Finan asked as he woke up as well.

Aisling laughed. She leaned in and kissed Finan. “We all passed out here last night. Except Hild, who apparently can drink all of us under the table.”

“I always said she was too good a woman for God alone,” Uhtred said.

“Yes, you have, now get up and get to your own room,” Hild said grabbing him and pulling him from the bed.

Aisling sat up and rubbed her face. She climbed out of bed, ignoring Finan who reached for her, and climbed over Uhtred who was laying on the floor muttering in Danish. She stood and winced. She groaned and let Hild pull her out of the room and down the hall to her own room. Aisling walked in and closed the door behind her smiling as Hild yelled at Finan and Uhtred to get up.

She pulled off her tunic and trousers. She grabbed her bag from the bed and opened it. She pulled out the clean pair of trousers and pulled them on. She pulled off her shift and grabbed a clean one and a clean tunic, and pulled both on. She looked around her room and cursed. Boots. She turned and the door opened with a very hungover Finan leaning in the doorway with her boots.

“Thanks,” she said as she walked over and took them. He pulled her in and held her. She rested her head on his chest and let him.

“Are you going to be okay if you see your sister?” he asked softly.

Aisling sighed. She closed her eyes and shrugged. “I don't know. I am going to try to be,” she answered.

She felt Finan kiss her head. His hands pressed against her back holding her close. She gripped his tunic in her hand and let him hold her. The events of the night before came back to her and she resisted the urge to begin sobbing again. She pulled away and looked into Finan's brown eyes.

“Say the word and I will saddle our horses and get us the hell out of here,” he said reaching up and stroking her cheek.

She smiled. “Thank you for that but I need to stay. And maybe talk to Star again. I need,” she sighed. “I don't know what I need right now but I know that I can't run away from this. I need to face it.”

Finan nodded. “You aren't alone. We are here for you.”

Aisling smiled. She stood on her toes and placed a soft kiss to his lips. “I know,” she whispered. “Now, I have to go beat up a princess who will be remembered as being one of the first women rulers of Britain.”

Finan smiled. “Try to not go into, what do you call it?” he asked.

“History nerd mode,” she offered.

“Yeah, that around Lady Aethelflaed and Steepa. The palace is probably already gossiping about what happened last night, we do not need to add to it.”

Aisling nodded. “Right, I will try. I will meet you back here?” she asked.

Finan shook his head. “I will come get you at the palace. Uhtred is going to see Thyra and he will want you to meet her before your feast tonight.”

Aisling made a face. “The feast. Alfred is trying to marry me off.”

Finan kissed her deeply. “Too bad, you are taken already.”

Aisling groaned as she felt herself getting wet. “Stop talking,” she placed her hand over his mouth and looked at him. She could tell by the twinkle in his eyes that he was smiling that smug smile of his. “You smug Irish bastard,” she muttered.

“I'm your smug Irish bastard,” he said his voice muffled by her hand.

“Aisling! Let's go,” Hild called from down the hall.

Aisling dropped her hand from Finan's mouth and pressed another kiss to it. “I will see you later,” she said she grabbed her boots and quickly pulled them on.

“Be careful,” he told her.

She nodded. She left her room without even brushing her hair. She smiled when Hild handed her a leather strip and Aisling held it in her mouth as she went down the stairs behind Hild and into the ale house. She followed Hild outside and began to pull her hair up in a high ponytail. She winced at some of the knots.

“How are you feeling?” Hild asked her as Aisling wrapped the leather strip around her hair and tied it.

Aisling shrugged. “Confused, hurt, worried,” she answered. “But there is really not much I can do about it.”

“What are your plans for when you see your sister again?” Hild asked.

Aisling shrugged again. “I have no idea. I know we need to talk but,” she sighed and rubbed her face. “She was so cold when she spoke to me. It felt like,” Aisling paused, “like I didn't even know her anymore.”

Hild was silent as they walked down the street towards the palace. “Maybe she was just shocked to see you again.”

Aisling hugged herself. “Maybe,” she looked over at Hild. “Star and I were never close, close. I mean, there was six years between us. And now, it feels like we are worlds apart. And I don't understand why she,” Aisling stopped walking. Hild stopped beside her. “Why she would choose to marry some rich guy instead of finding Uhtred. She is here, he is here, I know that she could have helped him. Hell, she was here before he got sold as a slave and she did nothing.”

Aisling saw Hild nod. “You have a point but if she would have stopped that, Finan would still be a slave.”

Aisling closed her eyes. How could I forget that? If Star would have been here, would have been with Uhtred and stopped him from being sold as a slave, Finan would have died on that boat. Oh god, should I be thankful then that my sister hates everything about the family legend? Should I thank her for not lifting a finger and letting Uhtred suffer that fate? God, I hate this. I hate this whole mess and I hate that all I want to do is just run away and not deal with it at all.  “He would,” she answered. She opened her eyes and cursed. “I guess I am trying to understand why she would choose some strangers over family.”

Hild gave her a soft smile. “Maybe to her, Uhtred is not family.”

Aisling felt a weight settle on her chest. Hild is right. Star doesn't see Uhtred as family. I know that she never cared much about the family legends or stories. It's why she didn't seek him out here. She doesn't care. She does not care what happens to him and he is our ancestor. And now, she knows I am here and that I have chosen Uhtred.

“Aisling, you look pale,” Hild said.

“I'm fine,” Aisling said putting on a fake smile. “I just need something to eat. Think Lady Aethelflaed will feed me before smacking me around?”

She started walking beside Hild again towards the palace. She felt the weight on her chest get heavier with every step. She felt her stomach twist and she felt sick. She had to speak to Star again. And she knew it was not going to end well. But she had to do it. She could not run away from this mess. It would not go away. 

She had to make clear to her sister that she stood with Uhtred. Aisling was choosing Uhtred's side; he was her family now.

Not just because of Finan. But because Uhtred actually cares about me. He sees me and likes me. And he accepted me the moment I landed here. And I can help him. Skade is still out there somewhere and she may be a threat still. I can't let her hurt him and Gisela and Young Uhtred. I can do something about it. Star is not going to like it. And she is definitely not going to like hearing that she is not getting that cross back.

Chapter Text

Finan held the sword in his hand. He eyed the blade and nodded. He swung it around and nodded. He looked at Uhtred. Uhtred was smiling. Finan lowered the sword and held it by the blade carefully. He looked at the hilt of the sword. The pommel of the sword held a blue stone the same colour as Aisling's eyes. The rain guard and cross guard were also decorated in Danish runes that Uhtred had specifically told the blacksmith to carve. They were protection runes meant to keep the bearer of the sword safe from harm. Finan had approved the design for the sword on his last visit to Winchester a week or so before. Uhtred had gone that morning to pay the blacksmith and pick up the sword.

“I still cannot believe you were able to get this stone away from the blacksmith,” Finan said handing the sword back to him. The stone had been the last edition to the sword. Uhtred had seen another man pay the blacksmith with it and he had decided that it would be perfect for Aisling.

“I will not lie, Beocca standing beside me may have helped,” Uhtred answered.

“It is a beautiful sword,” Thyra said as she carried mugs of ale over to them. “I am surprised you are not keeping it for yourself, brother.”

“I have my sword. This one is for Aisling,” Uhtred said. “She is doing well in training. And considering what happened yesterday, she needs a little cheering up.”

Finan sighed. “Hild said that Aisling seemed troubled when she left her at the palace.”

“Well, she has just found out her dead sister is not so dead,” Thyra said. “I am sure that would trouble anyone.”

Finan sipped some of the ale. “It is more than that,” he said.

“Perhaps,” Uhtred said as he placed Aisling's sword back in the scabbard. Finan looked at the locket of the scabbard and smiled when he saw the itching the blacksmith had made of a Celtic cross. It matched the one hanging around his neck perfectly. Finan smiled thinking of how he could not wait to tell Aisling about how Uhtred had paid double to have the sword made with the runes and itchings. Uhtred never paid double for anything ever. “I just hope that Aisling will come to us for help if she needs it.”

“Well, from what you have told me, she is very much like you, so perhaps you should keep an eye on her,” Thyra said smirking.

Finan laughed. He finished his ale. “I am off to go collect her at the palace.”

“And Hild is bringing Aisling's dress here so that she can wash and get ready for the feast,” Uhtred said.

Thyra smiled. “The feast where according to everyone, Alfred is trying to marry Aisling off?”

Finan stood and looked at Thyra. “The king is going to have to go through me before he even considering marrying her off.”

Thyra smiled at him. She looked at Uhtred. “I think Aisling has already found a suitor then. One I hope you approve of.”

Finan turned. Uhtred shrugged. “She could do worse.”

Finan shook his head. He placed his hand over his chest to ensure that the Celtic cross was under his tunic. He felt it by his heart under his tunic. He nodded at Uhtred and smiled at Thyra. She smiled in return and he walked out of her little house, the door slamming behind him and down her walk to the gate in front of her house. He walked through the little gate and pulled it closed behind him before walking down the street and towards the palace.

His mind was occupied with Aisling. He was worried about her. He could fake it in front of Uhtred and Thyra but alone, he could not hide it from himself. Aisling had already admitted she was scared of loving him and losing him; scared of messing it up between them because of her parents and how she was raised. And now, here was her sister, who had grown up in that same house. Her sister who had upon seeing Aisling for the first time again, treated her coldly and without thought. I don't like it at all. And I like even less how much Aisling is acting like this is all her doing. Like she is responsible for her sister being here and being shitty to her. This Star or Stella will know exactly what buttons to push to make Aisling upset. I know all about being a shitty older sibling. I can't trust this woman to treat Aisling right and I cannot trust that she will not hurt Aisling. And I hate it. I hate it because I know that Aisling will not see until it is too late.

Finan turned down the street and saw the palace ahead of him. He walked over and climbed the steps and arrived at the gate. He handed his sword over to the guard there and walked in. He stood in the courtyard and smiled at the sight in front of him.

Aisling and Lady Aethelflaed were both fighting Steepa. Aisling was holding a real sword and was holding her own against the big man. Finan clapped when she got a solid strike on the shield Steepa held. Aisling turned and smiled at him. She jumped when Steepa went to swipe his sword at her legs and slammed her whole body on his shield causing him to fall over. Finan laughed.

“Oh,” Lady Aethelflaed said. “I never thought of that.”

Finan walked over and held his hand out to Aisling. She took it and he pulled her to her feet. He wiped some dirt from her cheek. She smiled and he could see how she was glowing. She seemed happy. He glanced over and down at Steepa.

“You okay there, big man?” he asked smirking.

Steepa groaned. “Why do I get the feeling that you taught her that, Irishman?” Steepa said sitting up and tossing his shield aside.

Finan shook his head. “No, that looks more like something Lord Uhtred would teach her,” he glanced at Aisling. “Or am I wrong?”

Aisling shrugged. “It seemed like the best way to get him off his feet,” was all she said.

Aethelflaed walked over and took the sword from Aisling. She handed them off to another guard. “I think it was the best way to get him off his feet,” she said. She smiled down at Steepa. “Right?”

Finan stood back with Aisling as Steepa climbed to his feet. “It would work best in a one on one situation, lady, and not in the middle of battle,” he said.

“The big man is right,” Finan said. “However, Lord Uhtred did at one time, run towards a shield wall and beech it all on his own.”

“Yes, but Finan, not all of us are as insane as my cousin,” Aisling said.

Aethelflaed laughed. “Lady Aisling is right. Lord Uhtred is something else on the battlefield from the stories I have heard.”

Finan looked at Aisling at the tone Aethelflaed used. Aisling nodded telling him that he was not imagining it; Lady Aethelflaed seemed to have herself a little crush on Uhtred. Finan smirked and bowed towards Aethelflaed. “He certainly is. Now, I am sorry, lady, but I must take Lady Aisling away in order for her to prepare for the feast later.”

“Of course. I will see you later tonight, Aisling.”

“And I you, lady,” Aisling said as she bowed.

Finan turned with Aisling. He offered her his arm and they walked out of the courtyard together. Finan stopped at the gate and collected his sword. He placed his sword in the scabbard and lead Aisling down the steps. Once they were on the street and out of sight from the palace, Finan wrapped his arm around her shoulders and pulled her close. She leaned against him and wrapped an arm around his waist.

“Did you have fun beating up Steepa?” he asked.

“I did,” she answered softly. “Beocca also came and gave me a message. Star will speak with me tonight during the feast. Beocca will escort me to meet her in the courtyard.”

Finan moved his hand and allowed his thumb to stroke her cheek. She reached up and took his hand in hers and held it. He kissed her head. “I don't like it. Any of this,” he whispered holding her close.

Aisling sighed. She didn't answer. He lead her down the street and towards Thyra's. He felt her fingers link with his and her soft palm laid against his hard calloused one. He felt some hardness on her finger tips and her palm but it was not nearly as calloused as his yet.

“She's my sister,” he heard her whisper softly.

“I know,” he answered, “but I also know that no one can hurt you as much as someone who grew up knowing your every secret and every desire.”

Aisling squeezed his hand. “My sister and I are not you and your brother. We have not,” she sighed, “we may have grown up in a house without that much love but we never hurt each other deeply that way.”

Finan held her closer. He swallowed some of the anger that came up at the mention of his brother. He knew Aisling was just trying to make a comparison, not a commentary on how he had hurt his brother by sleeping with Conall's wife or how Conall had inflicted the most pain by having him sold as a slave. He felt Aisling poke his side.

“I didn't-,” she started.

“I know,” he said softly. “I am worried still though. I don't want you hurt.”

They reached Thyra's house. Finan pushed open the gate for them and lead Aisling into the front yard. The gate crashed closed behind them. He felt Aisling slow down walking as they got closer to the house.

“I'm not the one who was here for five years alone without any family,” she answered.

“Aisling, Uhtred was here the whole time. Star could have gone to him. You have seen how he has accepted you, you know he would have accepted her.”

“You don't understand,” she said pulling away.

Finan held her hand and pulled her back towards him. She stood in front of him and he cupped her face with his hands. “I understand wanting to hold on so tight to someone you love because you fear having to go on without them. I know firsthand that overlooking someone's faults and letting them hurt you over and over only ends badly for everyone.”

“Finan-.”

He kissed her forehead. “No, Aisling, do not defend her again or act like this is your fault. I need you to hear me on this. I am worried and I do not trust her. I can't. Not when you are involved.”

Aisling pulled away from him and didn't say anything. He reached for her hand but she pulled hers away. He sighed and followed her up the stairs. The door opened and Uhtred smiled at them. Finan saw Uhtred's smile falter when he saw the look on Aisling's face. Finan shook his head.

“Come, Thyra is waiting for you,” Uhtred said.

“I can't wait to meet her,” Aisling said softly.

Finan followed them inside. He closed the door behind him and smiled when Thyra, with no hesitation, hugged Aisling close. He saw Aisling hold the other woman close. Thyra's hair is brighter but not by much. They could pass as sisters. And now because of Uhtred, they will be sisters. Aisling is gaining a family that will love her and hold her close. She does not need Star any longer.

“Uhtred tells me that you have met Ragnar,” Thyra said as she pulled away from Aisling.

“I have,” Aisling said. Finan saw the smile on her face. “He has decided that I am family.”

Thyra smiled. “Yes, well, Ragnar has inherited our father's way of taking in strays.”

“Ragnar and I have decided to call Aisling, lille rød,” Uhtred said.

Finan saw Thyra's smile widen. “Little red,” she laughed. “It is fitting.”

Aisling sighed. “Is that a short joke? Because I feel the need to point out that I am not that short.”

“You aren't that tall either,” Uhtred said.

Finan smiled as Aisling elbowed him and Thyra laughed. Thyra lead them over to the table and Finan leaned against the wall watching the three of them. Uhtred had put the sword away and Finan was wondering when he would give it to Aisling.

Hopefully soon. She may need it.

***

Aisling smoothed down the bodice of the dress and once again wished her breasts were a tad smaller. Gisela was smaller in the bust which meant that Aisling was showing much more cleavage, even with the thin linen shift under, than Gisela would have. She smiled as Thyra stepped back from tying the ties at the back of the dress.

“Green is very much your colour, lille rød,” she said brushed Aisling's hair off her shoulder.

Aisling smiled. The dress was a deep green, with long sleeves and went to her ankles. It had a square cut bodice with some embroidery along the borders. Aisling had chosen it simply because it was simple and beautiful. Aisling turned and smiled at Thyra. Thyra had helped her get dressed and had managed to tame, somewhat, the mess her hair had been with knots in the curls and waves. Thyra had pulled Aisling's hair back with the two hair combs Gisela had gifted Aisling.

“Oh, and last thing,” Aisling said as she walked over to the bag. She pulled out the small leather pouch and pulled out the pair of earrings. They were simple silver earrings that had different coloured beads dangling from them. Aisling put them on and fixed her necklaces. She was ready.

“Let us go before Uhtred comes in and says we are late,” Thyra said.

Aisling nodded. She looped her arm through Thyra's. “You look beautiful as well,” Aisling said as she nodded towards Thyra's light blue dress. The dress was made like a long tunic and Thyra wore matching trousers under it with a belt around her waist. “I wish I had borrowed a dress from you, you look much more comfortable.”

Thyra laughed. “I doubt you would be able to find a husband with one of my dresses.”

“Exactly,” Aisling answered.

Thyra shook her head. She walked towards the door and opened it. Aisling walked into the front room and found Uhtred, Finan, and Hild waiting for her. Aisling blushed when Finan's eyes looked from the top of her head to her feet.

“So, there was a girl under all that dirt and sweat after all,” Uhtred commented.

Aisling stuck her tongue out at him and Hild laughed. “And the illusion of the perfect Christian Saxon woman has been shattered,” she said.

“You are a sight, Aisling,” Finan said softly. “A lovely dream.”

Aisling felt her blush deepen. She looked at him and had to admit he looked good as well wearing a new light green tunic without his leather armour or sword belt. His brown trousers were also new. She walked over to him and placed a soft kiss on his cheek.

“You look good as well,” she said. “Did Uhtred tell you to get some new clothing?” she asked.

Finan wrapped an arm around her waist. “Lady Gisela may have suggested which dress you had chosen and that I may want to match you in order to keep all the men away.”

Aisling hummed. “I see,” she leaned in close. “As much as I admire how good you look, I think you would look better wearing nothing in my bed,” she whispered in his ear.

She felt his fingers dig into her side. “Do not start something that you cannot finish, lady,” he answered his eyes looking into hers.

Aisling kissed him. She kissed him deeply and felt him pull her closer, her body pressing against his. She cupped his face with her hands as her tongue stroked his. She felt his hands grip her sides and hold her tight.

“Do they do this often?” Thyra asked.

“Forget they are not alone? Yes, very often. It is becoming a problem,” Uhtred added.

Hild snorted. “You are one to talk, Uhtred.”

“Gisela and I were never this bad.”

Aisling pulled away from Finan laughed. He smiled as well. She stroked his cheeks and looked into his eyes.

“I am sorry about how I reacted earlier,” she said. “I know you are just trying to protect me.”

Finan placed another quick peck to her lips. “I am and I always will,” he stroked her cheek, “no harm will come to you, Aisling. I will prevent it.”

Aisling heard the determination in his voice, the conviction. He would protect her. She took his hand and held it. Tears came to her eyes and she blinked them away.

“You can't stop me from getting hurt, Finan,” she said softly.

“I can try,” was his answer.

“All right, we need to get going before Alfred chooses a husband for Aisling,” Uhtred teased.

“It would probably be Aethelwold,” Hild added.

Aisling groaned. “It would be,” she held Finan's hand in hers. She felt him squeeze her hand. “Let's get this over with so that tomorrow we can get out of here and back to Coccham.”

“With or without a future husband?” Uhtred asked.

Aisling pointed at him. “Not funny.”

Finan laughed. “It was a bit funny.”

“Stop encouraging him.”

Aisling reluctantly pulled her hand away from Finan's. She stepped beside Uhtred and let him wrap an arm around her shoulders. She followed him out of Thyra's home and down the steps and out the yard. She leaned against him and felt how he held her close.

“You are as worried as Finan about Star,” she commented.

“I am,” Uhtred admitted. “I am worried that you could be hurt because of her or forced to choose a side.”

I already have. I chose you. And I hate myself a bit for it. And I am wondering if I am only choosing you because of Finan. And that makes me hate myself more.

“If I have to choose a side, it will be my choice to make,” Aisling said softly.

She felt Uhtred kiss her head. “Know that you will always have me by your side.”

Aisling blinked away the tears. “I really am your family, aren't I?” she whispered.

“You are,” Uhtred stated firmly. He leaned in closer. “And you always will be, even if you choose your sister.”

Aisling nodded. She turned her face and stared ahead. The palace rose up in the street and she took a slow breath.

Just breathe. You can do this. You can make it through the feast and you can speak to Star again. You are stronger than you thought. You have to be now.

***

Finan sat opposite Thyra and beside Hild at a side table. His eyes never left Aisling. She sat beside Uhtred and looked increasing bored with every minute that passed. Many young men had walked up and been introduced to her, and she had started off by caring about them, until about the third man, and then she had openly begun to yawn, roll her eyes, and finally, the final step that she was doing now was outright ignoring the men. For his part, Uhtred was trying not to laugh and even Alfred looked amused as the men seemed to fumble over themselves to try and get her to speak to them. Lady Aelswith looked less than pleased but Aethelflaed had smiled on several occasions.

“Perhaps you should go and save her,” Hild suggested to him.

He glanced at her. “Oh, I am sure I would get about two steps over there and Steepa would have me thrown out.”

“I don't think Steepa would care,” Thyra said. She nodded towards the table. Finan looked and smiled as Aisling tossed bones at Steepa's feet on the floor. Finan covered his mouth to stifle his laughter as some of them landed right on the boots.

“Beocca better show up soon or she is going to walk right out,” he muttered.

“Too late,” Hild said.

Finan watched as Aisling leaned in and whispered something to Uhtred. He nodded. She pushed her chair back and stood. She walked away from the main table and over to their table. Finan turned as she walked behind him. She leaned over him and held out her hand.

“Dance with me,” she said.

Finan choked. “Ah, aren't there more suitable candidates who can actually dance around here?”

“Probably but you see,” she leaned in more, “I don't want to touch them or have them touch me, whereas you my smug Irishman, I constantly want you to touch me.”

Hild sighed. “Someone should tell Alfred we have found you a husband,” she muttered.

Finan drank the rest of his ale. He took Aisling's hand and stood. He lead her out into the middle of the hall where there was a small dance floor, that no one was using. He twirled her around and felt his heart soar as she laughed. He took both her hands and spun her around the dance floor to the soft music playing. He could feel the eyes of the king and his family on them but he didn't care. Aisling wrapped her arm around his shoulders and he placed his hands on her waist and lifted her.

“Are you trying to get Alfred to order you to marry me?” she asked as he lowered her with her body brushing his gently.

Finan raised an eyebrow. “It is a thought. It would solve our problems, you get a husband and it's one you like.”

Aisling eyed him. “But I would be married to you,” she said.

He rolled his eyes. “Ha ha,” he twirled her again.

“May I borrow the lady?” Beocca said as he walked over to them.

“In a moment, I think I was about to get her to agree to marry me,” Finan said smirking.

Beocca looked at him. “I would hope for her to want more than an Irishman with the tongue of the Devil.”

“Oh, but Father Beocca, every woman should be married to a man who has a Devil's tongue, it makes for a very interesting night,” Aisling answered winking at the priest.

Finan swore Beocca blushed. Beocca glared at him. “Your influence, no doubt.”

“Alas Father, she had that mouth on her when I found her,” Finan said.

Beocca rolled his eyes and Aisling smiled at him. She patted Finan on the chest and followed the priest out of the hall. Finan walked away from the dance floor and back to his table. His eyes never left Aisling until she disappeared out of sight. He sat back beside Hild. She placed a full mug of ale in front of him.

“You convince her to marry you?” she asked.

“Not yet,” Finan answered.

“The night is still young,” Thyra said.

Finan smiled. He gently knocked his mug against Thyra's. “That's the spirit.”

Hild snorted. Finan smiled at her. She shook her head at him but smiled. He knocked her mug as well and took a nice long sip. Only good thing about feasts at the palace was the good, strong ale.

***

Aisling followed Beocca into the courtyard. She saw Star standing by a bench looking up at the night sky. She stopped when Beocca stopped. She turned and looked at him.

“Thank you,” she said.

“I will stand by the door to ensure you two have complete privacy,” he said.

Aisling nodded. She walked away from Beocca and over to her sister. She stood beside Star and saw that on this night, Star wore a pale pink dress, with no jewellery and her hair was pulled back in a low braid.

“You look beautiful,” Star told her. “Green always looked good with your hair.”

Aisling nodded. Maybe this will go well. Star seems willing to try, so I will as well. She sat down on the bench beside Star. She took her sister's hand. “Tell me how you got here,” she said softly.

Chapter Text

Aisling felt Star squeeze her hand. She waited for her sister to say something, anything. She waited for the explanation of how her sister got here.

“I was in modern day Cookham. I was walking around the town trying to see what you cared so damn much about,” Star said. “And I tripped over some damn rocks or something and scraped my knees pretty badly. I was bleeding and pressed my scarf around them to stop.”

“And?” Aisling said.

Star pulled her hand away. “And then I did what I had actually gone out there to do,” she sat up straight. “You don't remember but since you could talk, all you did was talk about that damn necklace and the prince who gave it to you.”

“What?” Aisling's voice caught in her throat.

Star stood from the bench. Aisling watched as Star turned and stared her down. “You drove Mom mad with your babble about the damn necklace. It's why we had files about Uhtred. Dad and Nan did research to prove that you were making it up. Sure Mom remembered some of the family stories about Uhtred, but Dad was determined to prove that you must have heard the stories and were just repeating them. That there was no curse, it was all made up. To try and help Mom not lose what little of her sanity she had left after AJ's death,” Star said. Aisling saw tears in her eyes. “The whole reason for my trip back was to visit Mom's grave and bury that damn necklace so that no one ever saw it again. I got blood on my hand and I touched the damn thing and got knocked out. I came too here, back in time and outside of a Coccham where Uhtred was not yet. And all because of you and some stupid necklace that disappeared!”

Aisling felt her palm sweat. Her throat was getting very dry. She closed her eyes and squeezed her hands into fists. She felt her nails dig into her palms. The facade her sister had put up was gone now. Aisling could feel Star's hate and anger towards her. She had known that Star had been angry at her, since she was a child. Aisling just had not realized that her sister hated her.

“Are you saying it was my fault Mom went crazy?” Aisling asked softly.

“Well, it certainly didn't help,” Star stated. “Especially when Mom, Dad, and Nan found out all of what you said was true. Mom found out about the curse, how most of our ancestors believed it to be real and she, she believed it, just like you. She kept telling Dad it made sense. She pointed to all the death records and the records of women in our family going mad over and over and over. And than that was that. All the pain and hurt, AJ's death, everything was because of this curse. Dad did everything he could, took her to so many doctors, stays in mental wards, medications, but nothing worked in the long term. She would forget sometimes what you had told her, but then you would say something again and it would all come rolling back and she would be gone again. A curse we would not have ever found if you would have kept your mouth shut. Mom killed herself because she could not deal with it anymore but she didn't take the problem with her. No, she let the problem, you, live and stay with us. You were the real curse.”

Aisling opened her eyes and stood. “You are lying.” She could feel herself shaking. Aisling tried to still herself. She needed to be calm and could not lose it. She could not let Star see how much her words were hurting her and breaking her apart. Was it all my fault? Did I drive my mother crazy? Oh god, what if the curse is more of a self-fulfilling prophecy; the more you believe in it, the more real it becomes. I could have been the reason my mother killed herself. No, it couldn't be me. No, no, no, NO.

Star laughed. “No, I lied all those years when I kept my mouth shut for Dad. I thought I could make it all go away with that necklace. But no, instead I ended up here in this horrible place and time and worse, it should have been you! You were the one who was supposed to be here, not me!”

“Well, I am here, Star, so tell me, why is it you ended up here but decided to marry some rich man instead of seeking out our family,” Aisling asked. Her fingernails still dug into her palms and she felt them break the skin. Stay calm and stay focused. Let her talk. You will be okay after this. You will survive this. You have to. They are just words. They cannot break you; not now. You are older and her words mean nothing. Do not hold them in and believe them.

“Uhtred is not our family. He is the reason for all of this. No, if I am to be stuck here, then I am going to take him down and everyone around him.”

Aisling shook her head. “There was a curse, Star, I broke it. Your daughter, remember her? Astrid, she will live a nice life. And you know what, maybe you being here is best for her as well.”

Aisling let Star slap her. Aisling had had worse training. She looked at Star and could see the hate now in her eyes. Hate that was directed at her. Tears came to her eyes. Aisling could feel that slim tiny bond of hope that she could find a way to co-exist with her sister slip away. Five years missing and a thousand year time jump had finally showed Aisling who her sister really was; a hateful mean person.

“I am helping Athelhelm raise his young daughter. I am willing to go back though, just give me the necklace-.”

“I don't have it,” Aisling lied. “It brought me here and then it disappeared. I don't know what happened to it, but I know that a seer-.”

“Seer?” Star laughed. “My god, you have become a heathen just like Uhtred.”

Aisling stood tall. “Uhtred has done nothing but care about me since I got here.”

Star snorted. “Please, Aisling, please tell me you are not falling for that. Men, especially the ones here only care about themselves and how to get what they want. Uhtred would marry you off to anyone if Alfred told him it would get him back Bebbanburg. You are just property to him. Same if you ever find this prince you talked about so much as a child. No one here will love you. No one did back in our time, so why would here be any different?”

Aisling felt a pain in her chest. She hurt so deep. Memories she had pushed away came to the surface. Star being cruel to her when she had been a child, making her cry, hitting her, taunting her. All of those memories she had pushed aside when Star had gone missing. She had not lied to Hild, her and Star had never been close; no Star had seen her as an enemy. But it was easy to not think of the bad times when Aisling had been holding her niece as Astrid had cried and sobbed over the loss of her mother.

“Why have you always hated me?” Aisling asked softly. She looked at Star tears in her eyes. “Why have you constantly gone out of your way to hurt me?”

“Because dear sister, if you would have never have been born, I would still have my mother. And Dad would not be so cold and hard.”

Aisling nodded. “So, you blame me for your heartache.”

“I do. And I am going to do everything I can to hurt you and Uhtred and-.”

Aisling grabbed Star's shoulder and shoved her sister back until she hit a column. Aisling turned off her emotions in that moment. She is not your sister. She is the enemy. And I will not let her hurt Uhtred and the others when all they have done is care about me.

“You are not going to do anything to Uhtred and his men or family,” Aisling said her voice stronger than she felt. “I will not let you take them down just to get back at me.”

“You can't do anything about it,” Star laughed.

“Oh, I can't?” Aisling leaned in closer. “I could walk in there right now and tell everyone the whole truth. Uhtred would back me up, you know he would. And when your husband hears about it, what do you think his response would be? I'm guessing you'll spend the rest of your life here in a convent. And even if, and that's a big giant if, your husband doesn't send you away, Alfred will. You will no longer have the ear to the queen and your husband close to the king. Alfred will choose Uhtred because while your husband has money, Uhtred has the mind for battle. And without him, Alfred would lose everything. You know it, I know it, and somewhere deep inside Alfred even knows it,” Aisling squeezed Star's shoulder more. “So, are you willing to take those risks, because I am. I have nothing to lose here. Even if Alfred does not believe me, others will and the story will be out there and no one will ever forget it. It will follow you for years to come.”

“What of that great love with your prince?” Star spat out. “You would be risking him. He would hear the story and he would think you crazy. I know you, Aisling, all you have ever wanted to be was loved. You are so naive and starved for it, you will take it from anyone. Even a heathen like Uhtred.”

Finan was right. No one can cut you as deep or hurt you as much as someone who knows you best. God, just when I thought I was over all these feelings of self doubt and inferiority when it comes to love. I have always felt unloved and unwanted. And now here she is, throwing it all back in my face. God, when will this pain end?

“I haven't met him yet so I guess I will have to go longer without love,” Aisling looked into her sister's eyes. “Now, are you going to stay back and leave Uhtred alone, or do I have to have a talk with Alfred?”

She waited. She felt Star shove her away. Aisling let her go. Star slapped her again, this time Star scratched her cheek. Aisling didn't give her sister the satisfaction of pressing her hand to it. She stared at Star.

“You will regret this,” Star said.

“I will no doubt regret many things about this night, but this is never going to be one of them,” Aisling answered.

Star shoved her again. “We have a truce for now. But I will find a way to get rid of Uhtred.”

Aisling snorted. “Good luck with that. The man survived a slave ship. It's going to take more than a Real Housewife of Wessex to bring him down.”

Star smirked. “I never knew you had a mean streak in you, Aisling. I sure hope that prince of yours doesn't see it.” Star stepped closer to her and leaned in. “Good luck with that. I know you, you will mess it up, you always do. You never could understand love, after all, love isn't something that can be explained in a book. It has to be felt, and you never could feel properly, could you?”

“Go to hell,” Aisling answered.

Star laughed. She walked away leaving Aisling alone in the courtyard. Aisling felt all the fight and anger leave her. She closed her eyes and walked towards the column. She leaned against it. Star's words began to settle inside of her no matter how hard she tried to not let them. The wounds she had long believed to be healed from her childhood were suddenly ripped wide open and were raw. She wiped her tears and tried to push the pain away. She could not have it affecting her life here; but she couldn't. Now that those wounds were open again, she ached and hurt to her very soul. She opened her eyes and cursed.

“Are you all right?” she heard Beocca ask.

She looked up and met his eyes. She heard him curse softly as he saw the scratch on her cheek in the torch light from the torch above them on the column.

“I am going back to the inn,” she said. I am not going back in there. I am not sitting there and pretending that I am okay. I need to be alone and to mourn the loss of my sister. Because there is no doubt about it. She is not my sister any longer; if she ever was.

“I will get one of the guards to accompany you. And I will tell Uhtred,” Beocca said. He looked at her. “Lady Stella is not what she seems, is she?”

Aisling shook her head. “No, she is not. She is a cold hearted woman and you should keep your eye on her. And do not trust her.”

Beocca nodded. Aisling pushed herself away from the column. She followed him to the gates of the palace. She winced as her hands ached. She would need to wash them and tend to them. And then after, she was climbing in her bed and ignoring the world until it was time for all of them to leave to go back to Coccham.

***

Finan took the stairs up to Aisling's room in the inn two at a time. He walked down the hall to the end and knocked on her door. He leaned there and waited. He heard the door being unbarred and then opened. He cursed when he saw Aisling's cheek. He pushed his way into the room and closed the door behind him. He cupped her cheek in his hand. She pulled away and pulled her robe around her more.

“I am fine,” she said softly. “I just want to get some sleep, so-,” she started no doubt about to kick him out.

“I am not leaving you,” he said.

She rolled her eyes but didn't fight him. She walked away and back to the bed. Finan barred the door again and walked over to the bed as well. He pulled off his tunic and tossed it on the chair in the corner. He saw Aisling pull off her robe and toss it aside leaving her only in a thin shift. She sat on the bed and then climbed in. Finan frowned when he saw that she had wrapped her hands in thin linen bandages. He sat on the bed and pulled off his boots and then his trousers. He tossed his trousers at the chair and climbed in bed beside Aisling. He didn't care about what Uhtred had said about being careful; he knew that Aisling needed him. He couldn't leave her alone. Not on that night.

“How did it go?” he asked as he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her against him.

“It went,” was all she said.

Finan felt how tense she was. He ran his hand along her side to her hip. He gently pushed up her shift and placed his hand on her skin. He stroked her hip and kissed her neck. He ran his hand up higher but Aisling grabbed his hand. She pulled it out from under her shift and linked their fingers together and held it to her chest.

“Get some sleep, Finan,” she whispered.

Finan held her close. “Talk to me, m'aingeal,” he whispered. “I know something happened, something that hurt you.”

He waited. He felt her lips on his hand. “You call me your angel, but right now, I don't feel very angelic.”

“What do you need?”

He kissed her neck again and waited. She rolled over and faced him. He pulled his hand away from hers and brushed the hair from her face. He kissed her forehead and felt her wrap her arm around his waist. She moved closer to him and pressed her face to his chest. He felt her tears moments later.

“Just hold me,” she cried softly. “I don't want to talk about what happened with Star right now. I'm not ready, but could you just hold me? I just need to be held.”

Finan nodded. “I won't let you go,” he whispered. He wrapped his arm around her and rubbed her back. “I spoke with Uhtred, apparently Alfred thinks you should marry me after all,” he said. He was lying but he needed her to laugh. He needed to hear her laugh or sassy comeback. Something to tell him that she was still her and that she would be okay.

“Oh, he did?” Aisling replied softly. He felt her fingers trace some of his scars. “And what lead to this sudden decision?”

Finan kissed her head and gently stroked her hair. “Well, he has decided to reward my loyalty to him and Uhtred. Plus, my charming personality must have helped.”

Finan waited. He felt Aisling place a soft kiss to his chest. “Oh, no doubt it was your personality. You must have charmed the pants right off of him.”

“I don't think he wears pants under those robes. I'm not going to check to be sure, but I am sure we could find one of the many serving girls he likes and they could tell us.” He smiled when Aisling snorted and shook her head. She pulled away and glanced at him. He wiped her tears away. She gave him a faint smile. He kissed her softly. “Tá tú, mo chroí,” he whispered. There you are, my heart.

Aisling pulled away and looked at him. He hated how more tears rolled down her cheeks. He held her close and let her nuzzle her face in his chest. He felt her hold him close, like she feared he would disappear if she didn't.

“You were right,” she said softly. Her voice was filled with pain. “No one can hurt you more than someone you have entrusted all your secrets to.”

Finan closed his eyes. I'll kill her. I will find Star and I will kill her for this. “Whatever she said, it does not matter, Aisling.”

“It matters, Finan, it matters and it hurts.”

Finan held her closer as she sobbed. He stroked her hair and muttered soft words in Irish to comfort her. She held him tight and cried herself to sleep. Finan could not sleep. He stayed awake and held her in his arms determined to be there and alert if she needed anything.

He was not going to leave her.

***

Aisling twisted her hair into a bun and tied it with a leather strip. She folded her clothing and placed them in her bag. She heard Finan's footsteps in the hallway of the inn and the door to her room opened. He walked in and she smiled as he pulled her in his arms. He was constantly touching her now; holding her, kissing her. It was like he knew she needed to feel loved.

“The horses are ready. And Hild found out why we have had a nice Aethelwold-less visit to Winchester,” Finan whispered to her his hand rubbing her stomach and hips.

“Did he finally drink himself into an early grave?” Aisling asked as she did the buckles up on her bag.

“No, Alfred apparently send him to Lord Odda's estate with Lord Odda. Alfred did not wish to provoke Uhtred.”

Aisling smiled. “I feel bad for Lord Odda though.”

Finan kissed her neck. “If anyone can handle themselves, it's Odda,” he said. Aisling turned around in his arms and looked in his eyes. She saw worry in his brown depths. He kissed her forehead. “Uhtred is giving you until tomorrow and then he wants the whole story of what happened with Star,” he said.

Aisling nodded. She took a slow deep breath. “Okay, then I guess I'll have the whole ride back to Coccham to prepare.”

She felt Finan's fingers brush her cheek. “I happen to know a very nice dense forest with a great looking tree on the way to Coccham that you could use to think under,” he said smirking.

Aisling laughed. She kissed him. “I don't remember doing much thinking the last time I was under that tree.”

Finan kissed her again and again. “But you did have a good time.”

Aisling nodded. “I did but I don't think Uhtred is going to fall for that again.”

“I am sure you could persuade him.”

“Oh, so now I have to persuade him, as well?” Aisling sighed. “I thought you were the one with the charming personality.”

“It doesn't work on Uhtred any longer. I think he has become immune.”

“Oh, so you are saying that there is a time when I too will be able to resist you and your charming personality?

Aisling laughed when Finan tickled her sides. “You? No, you will never be able to resist me and my charms.”

Aisling gripped his shoulders. “True, especially since the way you use your tongue is one of those charms.”

Hild cleared her throat from the doorway. “Am I interrupting?”

Aisling shook her head. “Not at all, is Uhtred ready to leave?”

“He is. Beocca came with this for you,” Hild said handing Aisling a folded parchment.

Aisling took it. She broke the wax seal and opened it. I hope to never see you again. Enjoy being Uhtred's problem, as long as Uhtred lives that is. He dies trying to take back Bebbanburg, along with all his men. Hopefully you will be one of them. Stella.

“What does it say?” Finan asked.

Aisling crumbled the parchment. She tossed it into the fireplace where the fire was slowly dying. It burned the letter up. She looked at Finan. “It's nothing important,” she grabbed her bag. “Let's go back home.”

Finan took her hand. “Home sounds good,” he said.

She looked at him smiling at her. My home is not a place. It's a person. It's Finan. Wherever he is, that is my home. And when Uhtred goes to take back Bebbanburg, I will be there. If we die, we will die together.

Chapter Text

Aisling dived into the water and sighed as the coldness of it hit her. She swam to the surface and treaded water in the middle of the river. The sun was barely coming up but she had been up most of the night with the pit in her stomach. They had arrived from Winchester the night before and Aisling had gone straight to her hut and gone to bed alone; despite Finan pulling his own version of the sad puppy face. She had needed to be alone to try and piece herself back together.

It hadn't worked.

She had tossed and turned for most of the night and paced the other half. She could not settle her mind or thoughts. And then the pain. She could not stop it and even when she had thought she had cried all her tears, more had come. She was grateful she had been alone. She did not need Finan or Uhtred or anyone to see how deep Star had hurt her. She felt broken and the pieces no longer fit together. She couldn't make them the fit. The only thing she could do was fake it. Fake being fine and normal until she actually felt that way again. She could try talking about it but she wasn't sure she could put into words how hurt she was and how hard it was becoming to stop the pain. It's because Star hit every one of my soft spots. Every single one of my insecurities was exploited by her and thrown in my face. And I can't stop myself from believing her. Even when Finan was holding me, I felt broken. God, I can't do this again. I cannot fix myself one more time. It hurts too much and I am tired. She went under the water and came back up to clear her mind again.

She turned when she heard a branch break. She saw Finan standing there. She smiled at him. He pulled off his tunic and his boots and then his trousers. He walked into the water and swam towards her. She opened her mouth but was stopped from talking by Finan pulling her into his arms. He kissed her deeply and she wrapped her arms around his neck.

“You didn't sleep at all,” he said pulling away from the kiss.

Aisling looked at him and raised an eyebrow. “Is that your way of saying I look like shit?”

Finan sighed. “No, I just know because I was up most of the night as well,” he leaned in and kissed her on the neck. “I have found that I suddenly do not sleep well without you in the bed beside me.”

Aisling felt her breath catch. “You don't?” she whispered.

He shook his head. “I don't,” she felt his hands on her waist as he pulled her closer to him. “I think it is something we need to fix.”

“And what exactly do you suggest?” she asked her heart pounding in her chest.

Finan kissed her again softly. “Live with me,” he whispered. He kissed her again his hands moving down to her hips and stroking her thighs. “Be with me, always,” he whispered as he kissed along her jaw.

Aisling hated how tears came to her eyes. She also hated how her first response was to push him away. She closed her eyes and nuzzled her face in his neck. Would I have said yes before Star's words? Would I have been braver? Or would I still feel like I am one step away from ruining this? No, I won't hurt him. I won't make him feel like Star made me feel; like he is not worthy of my love. But god, do I even know if I love him? Truly? She felt the tears rolling down her cheeks. She felt Finan's hands move up her back stroking her skin.

“Love?” he asked softly.

She took a breath. “I thought we were taking this day by day,” she whispered.

Finan was quiet. She felt his lips on her neck. “Do you know how much I hate the water now?” he whispered.

Aisling frowned. She pulled away and looked at his face. “What?”

She saw a flash of pain in his eyes. “I use to live in the water most of the time back in Irland. My mother use to say I must have been part fish because I didn't walk first, I swam,” he said. Aisling stroked his cheek when she saw the tears in his eyes. “I was like you, Aisling. If I needed to think, I needed to be alone, I needed to feel, I went to the water and swam. And Conall robbed me of that. After the slave ship, now, I,” Aisling hated the pain on his face. She rested her forehead against his. “I avoid the water. I would wash but I no longer swam for the sheer enjoyment of it. Until you,” he whispered. “I am here in this river with you because with you, everything I had come to hate about myself does not matter. All the pain and hurt I have felt and endured pales in comparison to how you looked at me that first time, how you still look at me.”

“How do I look at you?” she whispered. She brushed his tears away. He kissed her and she pressed her lips against his. The kiss was soft and tender as if Finan was trying to tell her everything she needed without the words.

“Like I am still that noble good man who only ever wanted to be loved for who he was without a crown, not what he could be with one,” Finan whispered.

“Finan,” she said softly.

“Aisling, you do not need to say it back. But I need to tell you,” he pulled away and looked into her eyes. “I love you, Aisling,” his voice got thick and Aisling closed her eyes at the want and desire echoed in it. “I love how you flirt with me, I love how loud you laugh, I love how you love others,” he kissed her cheek. “I love how my name sounds on your lips as you come, I love how your body fits next to mine in so many glorious ways,” Aisling dug her nails in shoulders and really, really wished that Finan could stop being so sexy about literally everything and turn her on so easily. “But most of all, Aisling, I love how you look at me. You do not see my mistakes, my past. You see the man I am now. The man I am trying to be and you,” she opened her eyes when he cursed. “You want me, for some unknown stupid reason. I am the one you want. You look at me like I am worthy of you. And I... I have never been looked at like that before.”

Aisling stroked his cheek. “You deserve and are worthy so much more than me,” she whispered.

Finan cursed more. “Whatever Star told you-.”

“Is partly true.”

“-is a load of shit, Aisling.”

“You don't know what she said.”

“I don't have to know,” Finan told her firmly. “I know you. I trust my heart with you. I do not trust her and neither should you.”

Aisling shook her head. She pulled away from Finan and swam to the bank. She heard Finan follow her. She wrapped a blanket around herself and dried herself off before she pulled on her short tunic and trousers. She heard Finan pulling on his clothing as well. He grabbed her arm and pulled her close to him. She looked up into his brown eyes and saw anger.

“Would you trust anything Conall said about me?” he demanded.

“Of course not,” she answered quickly. “And if I ever had the misfortune of meeting him, he would be leaving that meeting without his balls.”

Finan gave her a small smirk. “Than you know and understand why I will not trust what Star said about you. I do not care what it was, I don't have to know, I know you. I love you,” he told her his eyes staring into hers. “Do you hear me, Aisling? Is breá liom tú,” he told her. I love you.

Aisling let Finan cup her face with his hands. He kissed her. She gripped his forearms and kissed him back. Tears rolled down her cheeks and his. She let her tongue stroke his and kissed him over and over. She pulled away only when she needed to breath. Finan kissed her cheeks, her nose, and lastly her forehead. She leaned into him.

“Okay,” she whispered. “I'll live with you,” she added. “I can't-.”

“Shh, I said you did not have to say it back,” Finan told her. “I can wait until you are sure and ready. I will wait forever for you,” he pulled her in his arms. “After all, I have apparently waited a thousand years.”

Aisling groaned. “That was so cheesy,” she muttered.

“And what exactly does cheesy mean?”

Aisling sighed. “I'm not explaining it. I'm too tired to explain it. Remind me later.”

Finan kissed her temple. “Come on, let's go tell Uhtred what your sister said and then we can all forget it.”

Aisling nodded. I don't think I will ever forget it. But I can't let it touch Finan. It is my pain and my hurt. He has enough to deal with. I can handle this on my own. I have before. I can do it again.

***

Finan sat on the table beside Aisling as she told Uhtred and Gisela, who sat on chairs in front of them what her sister had told her. Finan gripped the edge of the table to stop himself from lashing out and hitting something.

“My memories made my mother's condition worse and she,” Aisling paused, “she killed herself.”

“Oh, Aisling,” Gisela said grabbing Aisling's hand.

Finan saw Aisling try and shrug it off but the pain was written all over her face. “Star blames me for it. I don't want to believe her but... What if she is right? What if talking about the curse made it real?”

“No,” Uhtred said firmly. “You sister wishes to cause you pain and nothing more. Your mother made her own choice, whether it was right or wrong. You were a child. It was not your responsibility to stop your mother.”

Finan wrapped an arm around Aisling's shoulders and pulled her close against him. “It's why Star had the cross and was in England. She wanted to bury the cross but she got blood on it and was brought here. She showed up outside of Coccham, but it was before Alfred gave it to you, Uhtred,” Aisling explained. “And I don't think it would have mattered if you were here or not. Star hates you and blames you as well.”

Finan saw Uhtred nod. “I would rather she blame me than you. You are blameless, lille rød. Do you hear me?” Uhtred told her.

“I hear you,” Aisling said. “I don't know if I believe you just yet.”

“You just need time,” Gisela said. She smiled at Aisling and held her hand tight. “Time to see that you are loved and nothing could change that. You are our family.”

Finan kissed Aisling on the head as she placed her hand on his thigh. “And you are mine,” she answered.

“Speaking of family,” Finan spoke up. “Aisling is going to be living with me,” he told Uhtred.

Uhtred raised an eyebrow. “No wedding?”

“No wedding,” Aisling answered quickly. “I need,” she paused. “Star said some cruel things that I do not wish to repeat right now. I am not ready for a wedding.”

Uhtred opened his mouth but Gisela shook her head. Uhtred closed it and nodded. Gisela smiled at them. “I am happy for you both. I am sure that there will be a wedding in your future.”

“In the far, far future,” Aisling said.

Finan frowned. “Just how long do you expect us to live in sin?”

Aisling looked at him. “I am not going to answer that right in front of Uhtred. He's likely to marry us himself.”

“I am considering it,” Uhtred added.

Gisela stood. “Come,” she said to Aisling. “There is a little boy who was not very happy you went straight home last night. I believe he is still pouting.”

“Oh, so like his father then,” Aisling said as she stood and climbed off the table.

Finan smiled as Uhtred pinched Aisling as she walked by with Gisela and headed up the stairs to Young Uhtred's room. Finan sighed and ran a hand over his hair.

“How bad is she taking it?” Uhtred asked as he leaned forward in his chair.

Finan looked up. “She won't tell me everything but I know that Star used Aisling's worse fears, that she cannot love or will mess it up, and threw it in her face. That along with Star's anger and placing the blame for their mother's death squarely on Aisling's shoulders, I...” Finan scratched his beard. “I am surprised she is holding it together this well.”

Uhtred cursed in Danish. “Is that why there is not to be a wedding?”

Finan nodded. “I told her I loved her, Uhtred, and she,” Finan leaned in closer so his voice would not carry. “She acted like I deserved better than her. And she could not say it back. Like she was scared she did not know her own heart.”

“I have the sudden desire to ride down to Lord Athelhelm's estates and kill his wife,” Uhtred said.

“So do I but we cannot do it. Aisling has not come out and said that Star has threaten you or us. And even if she did, you cannot attack one of Alfred's aldermen without a just reason.”

Uhtred huffed. He leaned back in his chair. “I guess we must take our anger out somewhere else.”

“You have a place in mind?”

Uhtred nodded. “Mercia. The raiding is getting worse and Lord Aethelred has not done anything about it. He is on his other border fighting Danes.”

Finan thought about it. “Have you discussed this with Alfred?” he asked.

Uhtred shook his head. “Not yet. I have been thinking of sending out a couple of scouts to see if we could track where the Danes are raiding on this border.”

Finan nodded. “If we sent scouts and got confirmation there are Danes on this border, than Alfred could not tell us to not defend it.”

Uhtred nodded. “That is what I was thinking. Tomorrow, we can begin planning for that. Right now, I was thinking I should give Aisling her sword and she should begin training with it.”

Finan smiled. “She should. The sooner she is ready to go out with us, the better she will feel. It will give her something to look forward to and the Danes are the perfect target for her to unleash her anger at.”

“They are,” Uhtred said. He stood and walked closer to the table. He leaned against it next to Finan. “You do wish to marry her, right?”

Finan nodded. “I would marry her tomorrow if she agreed. Maybe before she would have but now,” Finan shrugged. “I promised her we would take it day by day and I will for her.”

Uhtred smiled. “It is good to see you happy, Finan. I had worried you would end up like Sihtric, in love with a whore.”

Finan groaned. “Is he still going on about her?”

Uhtred nodded. “He was in here early this morning asking that the next time we go to Winchester, he comes. Apparently is has been forty-five days since the last time he has seen her.”

“He counted?” Finan asked and laughed.

“He has,” Uhtred answered. “I am starting to think that it could be possible that he is serious about this.”

Finan smirked. He shrugged. “I mean, it is his life, lord, and as long as the whore loves him back, are we really the ones to tell him he can't love her?”

Uhtred huffed. “No, I guess not. And it will only get worse once he hears of you and Aisling living together.”

Finan patted Uhtred's shoulder. “I am glad that you have to deal with that and I do not.”

Uhtred gave him a hard look. “Perhaps I should make you my second in command officially and make you help me make these decisions.”

Finan shook his head. “No, lord, I am fine with how things are.”

Uhtred nodded. “You're right. I should make Aisling my second in command.”

Finan snorted. “Good one, lord.”

“I am not joking.”

“Oh, you are. I don't think Alfred could handle two Ragnarsons in charge. I mean, look at the chaos you and Ragnar caused.”

Uhtred smiled fondly. “It was fun though.”

Finan stood and climbed off the table. “You and I have very different ideas of fun at times. I am going to go check on the guards and I will be back.”

Uhtred nodded. “I am sure Aisling will be occupied most of the day with Uhtred.”

Finan smiled. “Are you jealous that your son missed her more than you?”

Uhtred looked around. He nodded. “Just a bit.”

Finan laughed. “Your secret is safe with me, lord.”

Finan walked out of the hall and towards the gates where he knew he would find Sihtric. He did need to hear how things went with the guards while they were gone and if anything needed to be addressed by him or Uhtred. He tried to keep his mind on that and not on Aisling. He was worried about her. He had decided that all he could do was love her through this. He would let her know he was there for her always and that she could lean on him.

Maybe she would come to realize that she did love him and they would be married. He wanted forever with her. He was certain of it.

***

Aisling held Young Uhtred on her lap so he would eat his meal. She stroked his hair and listened as he babbled on about his days, most of which she wasn't sure she understood correctly, since she had been gone. She turned when Finan sat beside her on the bench. She smiled when he reached out and tucked some of her hair behind her ear.

“Uncle Finan,” Young Uhtred said. He held out his spoon with some vegetables on it. “Want some?” he asked.

Aisling bit her bottom lip to not laugh as Finan eyed the spoon. “No, I am fine, little man,” he said gently pushing the spoon aside.

“Rusty?” Young Uhtred offered the spoon to her.

“No, you eat it, Uhtred,” she said softly.

The little boy nodded. Aisling looked at Finan again. “Any trouble with the guards while we were gone?” she asked.

He shook his head. “Everything was quiet. Uhtred is thinking of sending out scouts to follow the Danes though.”

Aisling nodded. “Have they been raiding again?”

“Not since the last raid but I am sure they will come back. And we cannot go to Alfred and get permission to attack them without proof they are there and will be back.”

Aisling stroked Young Uhtred's hair. “Would you be one of the scouts sent out?” she asked softly.

She looked at Finan. He reached out again and gently took a piece of her hair in his fingers and rubbed it. “It's possible,” he admitted. “We usually send Sihtric, but Uhtred may send me or a few of us.”

Aisling felt her stomach twist again. He could go out there and he might not come back. He could die not knowing that I love him. Fuck. Am I really going to tell him I love him just so he knows it just in case? Is that really what I want? Is it what he would want? She felt Finan's thumb on her jaw. She reached up and took his hand.

“I can see you thinking hard,” he said. “Stop. Nothing has been decided yet. You will be the first to know once it is all decided.”

She nodded again. “Okay.”

Finan sighed. “I will not die.”

She snorted. “You cannot control that.”

“Oh, but I can,” Finan answered. “They use to call me Finan the Agile in Irland. I can dance around death on the battlefield.”

Aisling looked at him and realized he was actually serious. She started laughing. Young Uhtred laughed as well. She laughed until she got tears in her eyes.

“And what is so funny?” Gisela asked as she walked in with Uhtred, who was carrying a long bundle wrapped in a blanket.

“Aisling apparently thinks my nickname is funny,” Finan said.

“I am sorry,” Aisling said still chuckling. “But 'They call me Finan the Agile because I can dance around death on the battlefield',” she said with a mock Irish accent. “It is too much.”

Gisela laughed. “That's a pretty good accent,” she said.

“It was not pretty good,” Finan said.

“You wanted to see us, lord,” Sihtric said as he, Hild, and Clapa came into the hall.

“Yes, I wanted Aisling's family here for this,” Uhtred said.

Aisling frowned. She let Finan take Young Uhtred from her lap and hold him in his arms. Gisela moved the bowl of food away and Uhtred placed the long bundle in front of her. He pulled the blanket open and Aisling saw the scabbard. She reached out for it but stopped.

“Is this...” she trailed off.

Uhtred placed his hand on her shoulder. “It is yours, Aisling. As a member of my family, you deserve only the best.”

Aisling looked at the stone at the end. Tears came to her eyes. She picked up the scabbard and looked at the locket of it. She ran her thumb over the Celtic cross itched into the gold there. She turned and looked at Finan. He smiled.

“Uhtred paid extra for it,” Finan said.

Everyone sucked in a breath of shock. Aisling looked around and then looked at Uhtred. He smiled at her. “I never pay extra for anything,” he said.

Aisling smiled and laughed. Her fingers ran over the scabbard feeling the newness of the leather. She gripped the hilt and pulled the sword out. She eyed the runes around the hilt and more tears came to her eyes. She looked at the blade and couldn't believe it. It looked like Serpent-Breath. She turned and looked at Uhtred.

“You did not-,” she started.

“No, I did,” he said. He pulled her close and hugged her. Aisling dropped the sword and the scabbard on the table and hugged Uhtred back. Oh man, he gives great hug. He is holding me tight and so softly at the same time. Uhtred pulled away and cupped her face in his hands. He placed his forehead against hers. “You are a Ragnarson. Ragnar said it and I will say it as well. I claim you as my sister. To the Saxons and Alfred you will be my cousin, but to us, those here in this room and to Thyra and Ragnar, you are our sister.”

Aisling closed her eyes and let more tears fall. She opened her eyes and smiled when Uhtred kissed her on the forehead. She pulled away and wiped her tears away. She smiled when she saw the men and Gisela smiling at her. Finan held Young Uhtred close and was smiling at her. Aisling pulled away from Uhtred and took her sword again.

“So, every good sword needs a name right?” she said.

“That they do,” Uhtred said.

Aisling looked at Finan. “What is the name of your sword?” she asked.

Finan smiled. “Soul-Stealer,” he answered.

“I call my axe Tove!” Clapa said.

Aisling raised an eyebrow. “You named your axe, dove?”

Everyone stared at her. “Since when do you speak Danish?” Uhtred asked.

“I don't, I just know some words,” Aisling looked down at her sword. She stepped away from everyone and swung it around. She smiled at looked at the stone as she swung it around. She held it in her hands. She smiled and looked at them.

“Fíodóir aisling,” she said.

Finan smiled. “Dream-Weaver,” he translated.

“You are really naming your sword after yourself?” Sihtric asked.

“Well, I could name it Sihtric's Worst Nightmare, but I think that's kind of long,” Aisling answered.

She saw Sihtric roll his eyes. She took the scabbard and slid the sword back into it. She held it in her hands. She looked up at all of them.

“I will use it to protect all of you,” she vowed.

“First, you must train on how to use it,” Uhtred said.

Clapa laughed. “Poor Sihtric, she is going to cut you!”

Aisling laughed. She shrugged. “I promise to be gentle,” she said.

“That's what you said about the staffs and both of us still got black and blue.”

“You got more bruises than she did,” Clapa said.

“Wait,” Finan looked at Aisling and then at Sihtric. “He got more bruises than you?” He raised an eyebrow not saying that he had seen her body and couldn't believe that Sihtric had more than her.

“Yes, I did,” Sihtric said. “Aisling here, hits very very hard.”

Aisling smiled. “What can I say, it's the Irish in me.”

“That's my girl,” Finan said smirking.

Everyone groaned. Aisling laughed. She looked around the hall and leaned against Uhtred when he wrapped his arm around her shoulders. This was her family. They will build you up and love you. Star is not your sister. Thyra is. And Gisela. Uhtred is your brother. And these men care for you. Hild cares for you. And Finan, that man loves you. Aisling took a slow breath. Maybe, she could heal from the pain her sister had caused her.

***

Finan carried the wooden crate into his house. He smiled when he found Aisling sitting on the floor folding her clothing and placing it into the long wooden chest where he kept his clothing. He placed the crate on the table and closed the door and barred it.

“That's it, all your things are here,” he said.

He saw Aisling turn and look at him. She smiled. She placed her last tunic inside the chest and closed it. She stood and walked over to him. He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her. She kissed him back. He ran his hands up her tunic and placed them on her bare skin.

“Finan,” she said pulling away.

“Yes, Aisling,” he answered.

“You are my home,” she whispered.

Finan looked at her. He took in her words. He smiled. “And you are mine,” he answered.

She nodded. She rested her head on his chest and held him close. “I can't say, you know, yet,” she whispered, “but I need you to know that I do feel something deep for you.”

Finan held her tighter. “I told you that I could wait.”

“I know you did,” Aisling pulled away and looked up at him. “But I still needed you to hear it, okay? Just in case the worse happens.”

Finan cupped her face in his hands and stroked her cheeks. Her ocean blue eyes looked into his brown ones. He could see his present and his future in them. He kissed her deeply. She kissed him back and he smiled against her lips when she began to pull at his tunic.

“Are you trying to get me naked?” he asked.

She nodded. “Oh, most definitely. How about we institute some house rules. Rule number one, clothing is very much optional,” she said running her hands under his tunic and stroking his stomach.

Finan laughed and kissed her again before pulling away and pulling his tunic off. “Rule number two,” he said as he pulled her tunic off, “the first thing we do every morning is greet each other with a kiss.”

“Just one?” Aisling asked as she pulled Finan close.

Finan gripped her ass and lifted her. She wrapped her legs around his waist and her arms around his neck. He turned and sat on her on the table and kissed her. He felt her hands run down his chest to his trousers. She made quick work of the ties. Finan ran one hand along her side and stroked her breast and nipple while his other hand slid further down to her trousers.

“At least one,” he said pulling away from the kiss and kissing along her jaw.

Finan moaned as Aisling slipped her hand into his trousers and stroked him. He pulled the ties of her trousers and began to pull them down.

“Rule number three,” Aisling said as she lifted one ass cheek at a time so he could pull off her trousers, “We never go to bed angry.”

Finan raised an eyebrow. “And why exactly would we be angry at each other?”

Aisling huffed. “Do I need to remind you of the Aethelwold argument?”

Finan pulled Aisling's trousers off and tossed them aside. He pulled his off as well. “That was because you kissed him.”

“And you walked away.”

Finan sighed. He stepped close to her and kissed her neck. He pressed her down so she was laying on the table. He stroked her breasts and her sides softly with his fingers. “You're right,” he whispered. “Rule number four, we don't leave in the middle of an argument,” he said.

He felt Aisling's fingers rake over his head and stroke the skin of his shoulders. He ran one hand down her stomach and to her folds. He found her wet and ready. He slipped one finger inside of her and then another. He placed messy kisses on her chest and sucked her nipples as he stroked her.

“Rule number five,” Aisling said her voice thick and trembling. Finan smiled against her skin as she moaned and arched her hips against his hand. “We, talk about,” she paused and her fingers dug into his shoulders, “any major decisions together.”

Finan kissed down to her hips and began kissing along one thigh. He stopped and watched Aisling. Her eyes were closed and she was gripping the edge of the table. He felt her walls clench around his fingers telling him she was close. He began to rub his thumb on her clit in circular movements.

“Rule number six,” he said watching her as she came close to the edge, “no secrets.”

Aisling groaned. “Why do I think that one is about me more than you?”

Finan laughed. He began to stroke her faster. She came moaning his name. He kissed down her other thigh and then placed his mouth on her. He began to lick her folds and suck her clit. He placed his hand on her stomach to hold her down as he continued to stroke her with his fingers.

“Rule number seven, we definitely praise the Devil's Tongue in this house,” Aisling moaned as she arched her hips and pressed herself more against his mouth.

Finan smiled and kept licking, sucking, and stroking her. He felt himself dripping precum and he arched to be inside of her. He loved watching her come though. He sucked on her clit and Aisling's legs trembled. Her fingernails raked his head and she arched her back.

“Sweet Jesus Christ,” she moaned as she came again. Finan heard her breath hitch and she moaned his name.

Finan licked her a couple more times before pulling his face away from her and kissing her thighs. He slipped his fingers from her and licked them clean. Aisling moaned as she watched him. He placed his hands on her hips and gently pulled her closer to him. He kissed Aisling when she sat up and wrapped her arms around him. He felt her legs wrap around his waist. He reached in between them and positioned himself at her entrance. He slid inside of her and both of them moaned.

“You are much too good at that,” Aisling said as she kissed his neck.

Finan gripped her hips and laughed. “How about rule number eight is we always compliment each other on what we're good at,” he suggested his beard rubbing against her neck as he placed messy open mouthed kisses there.

Finan moved his hips with Aisling's. He knew he wasn't going to last long and he could feel her walls clenching around him already. He let go of her hip with one hand and grabbed the table as he began to move quicker and harder.

“Oh god,” Aisling moaned as her fingers dug into his side.

“Call me Finan,” he answered as he nipped at her ear and neck.

Aisling laughed and held him tighter. He felt her legs tighten around him. He felt her whole body shudder as she came for the third time. She sobbed and he held her close to him. His hips jerked one last time and he came inside of her. He kissed her softly and gently as the aftershocks rocked both of them. He brushed her tears away and smiled when she opened her eyes and looked at him. Her eyes were glazed over and she hummed softly.

“You okay?” he asked her softly.

She nodded. He held her close and felt her rest her head on his chest. He stroked her hair. He grabbed her close when the leg of the table suddenly gave and the corner collapsed. He laughed as did Aisling. He set her on her feet and she hugged him.

“Rule number nine is we never, ever, tell anyone how our furniture breaks,” she said laughing.

Finan nodded. He swung her up in his arms and carried her to the bedroom. He laid her on the bed and climbed in beside her. He pulled the furs around them and held her close. He kissed her slowly and softly.

“Number ten is, I am yours and you are mine,” he said softly.

“That's not really a rule,” Aisling answered stroking his cheek.

“It is for us,” he said. He kissed her nose. “I don't need the words, Aisling, just knowing you are mine for now is enough.”

He smiled when she pulled him closer. “I will always be yours, Finan. I gcónaí,” she said. Always.

He kissed her neck. “And I will always be yours, my beautiful dream.”

She laughed. “I am not a dream.”

Finan tucked her against his side and ran his hand down her back. “No, you aren't and I am so thankful for that.”

He nuzzled his face in her hair and felt her kiss his chest. He held her tight in his arms as he slowly drifted off to sleep.

“Oh, number eleven is you have to get the furniture we break fixed,” she muttered.

Finan smiled. He held her closer but didn't say anything. They drifted off to sleep in each other's arms.

Chapter Text

Aisling groaned as Finan pulled her closer to him. She pulled her pillow from under her head and placed it over her head to ignore Sihtric banging on the door.

“Tell him if he doesn't stop, I am going to give him another hole in his head,” Aisling said.

Finan laughed. She felt his lips on her neck. “You have known for two days that we were leaving early,” he whispered as he ran his hand down her stomach.

“Knowing it and experiencing it are two vastly different things,” she muttered.

Aisling let Finan kiss her neck again before she tossed the pillow aside. She rolled over and kissed him deeply. She smiled against his lips as he kissed her over and over. She pulled away and stroked his cheek.

The past two months had been perfect. She had never been happier. Finan and her had grown so much closer. Ailsing herself had been working hard on trying to overcome the pain Star's words had caused and on most days, she did. She did still have those moments though and Finan was always there to pull her close and hold her. And everything in Coccham had settled. Gisela's pregnancy was doing well, she no longer felt like throwing up every morning. Uhtred had tried, numerous times with several visits to Winchester after more raids, to get Alfred to do something but the king was still not convinced that Lord Aethelred would not fix the problems. So Sihtric and Rypere had been sent out to scout two weeks ago and Sihtric had come back two days before with news. So now, Uhtred, Finan, and Clapa would be going out to battle. And Aisling was staying behind because Uhtred had deemed her not quite ready; to which Young Uhtred had been the only one cheering.

“I wish you were coming with me,” Finan said. “There are so many trees on the way to Mercia,” Finan added kissing her nose.

Aisling laughed. “I am sure that is the real reason Uhtred is making me stay behind.”

She wrapped her arms around Finan when he pulled her close and kissed her deeply. She cherished these moments with him. She felt so loved and wanted in his arms. She kissed Finan again and smiled against his lips as his hands ran down her sides and gripped her hips pulling her body closer to his. She raked her hands through his short hair and down to his shoulders. 

“Do not make me go get Uhtred!” Sihtric yelled kicking the door.

“Would you let them have their goodbyes? Have you not ever loved someone?” Clapa yelled at him.

“The both of you need to get out of the street and stop waking the whole town!” Hild yelled at them.

“I have missed Hild,” Finan said as he pulled away from the kiss.

“She is going back to Winchester when you come back,” Aisling said. “I think she has made her decision about going out to battle.”

Finan hummed. He kissed her forehead. “Come on, I am not leaving this bed without you because I know if I leave you here, you will pull the furs over your head and not climb out of this bed until I come back.”

She frowned. “So, you think you know me, huh?”

Finan smiled and Aisling felt her heart beat quicker. “Oh, I know every little thing about you,” he answered his voice lower.

Aisling placed her hand over his mouth when he leaned in closer. “We both know that you do not have the time to start anything.”

He groaned. “Are you really going to make me leave you behind without a proper send off?”

Aisling shook her head. “That is exactly what you told me last night and earlier this morning.”

Finan smiled. “I had to try.”

Aisling shook her head. She sat up and climbed out of bed. She sat back down and groaned. She placed her head in her hands and took a slow breath. For a moment, the room had spun and she had felt like throwing up. She waited hoping the feeling would pass. 

“You okay?” Finan asked as he got dressed from the other side of the bed.

“Got up too fast,” Aisling muttered. “Felt a bit light headed and nauseous.”

She sat there for a moment. It passed. She stood slowly and pulled off her night shift. She grabbed the dress she had placed on the chair the night before. She pulled it on and smiled when Finan walked up behind her and did up the ties on her shoulders. Once he was done, he wrapped his arms around her waist and placed his hands on her breasts. She laughed as he kissed her neck and pulled her against him gently kneading her breasts and making her wish that they had more time before he had to leave. 

“I am going to miss you,” he said.

“Me or my boobs that you have a firm grip on?” she laughed.

“All three of you,” he said.

Aisling snorted. She pulled away and slipped on her shoes. She leaned against Finan when he wrapped his arm around her shoulders. She wrapped her arm around his waist and walked with him out of their room. Our room. It truly is my home as well now. Finan has gone out of his way to make sure I have space for my things and he encourages me to put up things I like and plant my herbs on the window.

“Promise me you will be safe,” Finan whispered to her as they walked to the door.

Aisling looked at him. “You are the one riding into danger,” she said.

“I am but you are the one who has a knack for finding trouble.”

“I do not.”

“You do.”

“I don't.”

Finan pushed up the bar on the door and opened it. Sihtric stood there. “You do,” he said to Aisling.

Aisling shook her head and walked out. She shoved Sihtric. “You don't even know what we were talking about.”

“I don't need to. I know you,” Sihtric countered.

Finan sighed. “I would watch it, Sihtric, she could still,” he stopped talking as Aisling tripped Sihtric and he fell face first into a puddle of mud. Finan huffed. “Get back at you,” he finished.

“I thought you knew me. Shouldn't you have seen that coming?” she asked.

“Finan, your woman gets on every one of my last nerves,” Sihtric said.

Aisling laughed as Finan smiled. “My woman happens to be Uhtred's sister.”

“I'll meet you two at the hall,” Aisling said.

She kept walking. She walked past the stables and covered her nose. It smelled even worse than usual that morning. She quickly hurried by and made it to the hall. She walked in and smiled when Young Uhtred ran over to her and hugged her legs. Aisling ruffled his hair and he was off again before the maid in charge of him caught him. Aisling laughed. She walked over to the table and sat down. Gisela sat beside her.

“You look tired,” Gisela said.

“Well, Finan decided he wished to say goodbye to me a couple of times last night,” she answered.

Gisela smirked. “Uhtred as well.”

Aisling made a face. “Ew, that's my brother,” she said.

Gisela laughed and shook her head. “You say that every time and yet you still ask for details.”

Aisling shrugged. “I mean, I'm still curious.”

“Curious about what?” Uhtred asked as he walked down the stairs carrying his sword with him.

“Nothing,” Aisling said. She sat back in the chair. “Finan and Sihtric are outside waiting for you. Do me a favour, bring Finan back alive please.”

Uhtred smiled. “But not Sihtric?”

Aisling shrugged. “I mean, he has been more annoying than usual lately and I have been training more with Hild so,” Aisling moved her hand back and forth. “I'm fine with it either way.”

Gisela shook her head. “You like him and he likes you.”

“Who likes Aisling?” Finan asked as he walked in the hall with Sihtric. “Do I need to do something about it?”

“Sihtric,” Uhtred answered. “And from the looks of it,” Uhtred said as Sihtric walked into the hall with mud on his armour, “I would say you already did something about it.”

“No, that was me,” Aisling said.

“Yes, lord, this was your sister.”

Uhtred sighed. “Why is it Aisling is only ever my sister when she does something wrong?”

“Oh, you know why, husband,” Gisela answered smiling.

“The horses are ready, lord,” Clapa said as he walked into the hall. He walked over to Aisling and handed her some flowers. “I picked these for you, Lady Aisling.”

Aisling smiled. Clapa was constantly picking flowers for her. She took them and saw Finan roll his eyes, like he did every time. “Thank you, Clapa. I will put them on my table,” she said.

“Our table,” Finan corrected pointing at Clapa, “she has a man, big guy.”

Aisling shook her head. “Everyone knows that we live together, Finan, you do not have to keep reminding Clapa every time he brings me flowers.”

“I need to remind everyone, especially the men,” Finan said.

Aisling smiled. She saw Uhtred nod at the men meaning it was time to leave. She stood along with Gisela and walked out of the hall with the men. Their horses were waiting outside. She laughed when Finan wrapped his arms around her and pulled her against him. She kissed him and wrapped her arms around his neck. He held her close and she made she to imprint everything about him just in case. His scent, lavender and smoke, the smile on his face that made the skin around his eyes crinkle, and how warm and strong his body felt against hers. 

“I'll come back,” he told her as he kissed her cheek.

She pulled away and nodded. “You know in Sparta, the women would say to their men, 'Come back with your shield, or on it.' I want you come back with your shield.”

Finan nodded. He kissed her neck. “This isn't Sparta, but I will listen to you.”

Aisling stroked Finan's cheek. “The line is actually 'This is Sparta' but close enough.”

Finan smiled and shook his head. “I love you, Aisling.”

Aisling felt tears come to her eyes. She kissed Finan again gently at first and then deeper allowing her tongue to gently stroke his. He kissed her back and slowly pulled away. She sighed and let go of him completely. She missed him already and ached to have him back in her arms. She smiled when Uhtred stepped over to her and hugged her. She hugged him for a moment and let him go.

“Stay safe,” she told him.

“I will,” he smiled and kissed her on the forehead.

Aisling stepped back and wrapped her arm around Gisela's waist. Gisela did the same with her. They stood and watched as their men climbed their horses and rode off. Aisling rested her head on Gisela's shoulder. Aisling watched as Finan and Uhtred rode out through the gates. She was grateful that Finan did not look back. She didn't think she would have been able to hold it together it he looked back at her. 

“I don't like this part,” she said softly.

Gisela kissed her head. “I don't either. But, we do what we must.”

“Aisling, how about we train a bit?” Hild asked smiling at them.

Aisling nodded. “Of course, I will take little Uhtred with me and give you some time to rest, Gisela.”

Gisela hugged her. “And that is why you are my favourite Ragnarson.”

Aisling laughed. “I will tell Uhtred the moment he comes back that I am your favourite.”

Gisela laughed and winked. “I have my ways of making him not care.”

Aisling and Hild laughed. Aisling wrapped her other arm around Hild's waist and the three of them walked into the hall. Aisling told herself not to worry about Finan. He was a warrior and had been one for most of his life. Riding into battle was nothing new to him. He knew what he was doing.

***

“Finan, what are you doing?!” Uhtred yelled at him from halfway across the open field.

Trying not to die, Finan thought as he slid in the mud and passed all the Danes. He was suddenly grateful that it had been raining for two days straight. The ground was soaked and slippery which made battle conditions horrible but Finan was using it to his advantage on this day. He slashed at the Danes legs as he slid past and smiled as some of them fell.

“Need a hand?” Sihtric asked as he held out his hand to Finan when Finan stopped beside him.

Finan grabbed his outstretched hand and allowed Sihtric to pull him up. Finan almost slipped again in the mud but he stood tall. He grabbed the dagger from his belt and threw it killing a Dane. Finan turned and smiled when he saw Uhtred and Clapa kill the last of the Danes. Finan turned back and saw some Danes riding away on horses. Finan took a slow breath. He looked down at his trousers and tunic and groaned. He walked over to the Dane that he had killed with his dagger and pulled it out of the Dane. He walked back to Sihtric.

“I look like I was rolling around in the mud,” he said.

Sihtric laughed. “Is that not what you were doing?”

Finan shook his head and shoved him. He walked over to where Uhtred was. They had been away from Coccham for almost two weeks. Finan was hoping that Uhtred would not tell them to follow the Danes that took off. He wanted to get back to Coccham and Aisling.

“How many got away?” Uhtred asked as they met amongst the dead Danes.

“About five,” Sihtric answered.

“Are we going to follow?” Finan asked.

Uhtred looked around. He nodded. “To make sure they head far enough in land away from the border. And hopefully they will not come back.”

Finan sighed but nodded. “All right, lord.” So much for getting back to Coccham and Aisling soon.

“I think someone misses Lady Aisling,” Clapa said laughing.

“Of course I miss her. She is prettier and smells nicer than you lot,” Finan said.

“She is not prettier than me,” Uhtred teased with a huge smirk on his face.

“I agree with lord,” Sihtric added. “Aisling is all right at best.”

Finan began to walk to where they had left the horses. “The both of you are blind. Too many hits to the head with a shield. Aisling is clearly very beautiful.”

“She is,” Clapa said.

Finan pointed his sword at him. “Hey, that's my woman.”

“I was just agreeing that she was beautiful!”

Sihtric and Uhtred laughed. Finan pointed his sword at Clapa again. “I have my eyes on you.”

Finan heard Clapa laugh with Uhtred and Sihtric. He walked towards the horses and wiped his sword on the only last clean spot on his tunic. He placed it back in the scabbard. I guess I will be away from Aisling for a bit longer. I hope she is all right and happy. And I pray that she is not dwelling on the pain from what Star had said. She has seemed better but I was there with her. Please, do not let her drown in the pain without me there. Finan reached up and grabbed the Celtic cross. He had been wearing it out since he had been away from Aisling. He gripped it tight and closed his eyes. Please, let Aisling know that I love her. Please, do not let her be dwelling on the lies that her sister told. Let her be safe and at peace. He opened his eyes and kissed the cross, as if he was sending a kiss to Aisling.

“Finan, hurry up!” Sihtric yelled.

“Come get you own bleeding horse!” Finan turned and yelled back.

“See, lord,” Sihtric called loud enough for Finan to hear. “He is living with your sister and now he believes he can put on airs!”

Finan laughed. “Sihtric, when we get home, I am going to have Aisling kick your ass!”

“And do your dirty work for you?” Uhtred asked laughing.

Finan nodded. “But of course, I am putting on airs, am I not? A lord would have someone else do his work for him.”

He smiled and laughed as everyone else laughed as well. Finan turned back and walked over to the horses. He undid their reins from the trees and pulled them out. Finan lead the horses over to the others. He could feel the tiredness begin to set in. He knew that the ride was going to be long and hard but it had to be done. He stood taller and straighter. Put it away. Push the tiredness away and don't think about it. Get on your horse and ride. You have been in worse spots. Just push through it and get it done. Soon, you will be back on your way home to Coccham and Aisling. And then you can sleep for three days with her by your side.

Finan smiled at Uhtred as he handed him the reins of his horse. He threw Sihtric's reins at him and the Dane rolled his eyes. Finan handed Clapa his reins and then climbed on his own horse. Finan looked around at the bodies they were leaving behind. They're be someone else's problem.

Finan rode beside Uhtred as they rode off. He sighed and focused on finishing what they had started; getting the Danes away from the border.

***

Aisling rubbed her eyes and groaned. She had taken a short nap but she still felt drained and tired. It seemed no matter how long she slept or rested, she still felt drained. Maybe I am coming down with a cold or something. Geez, how do people survive the common cold here? I mean, there are no over the counter cough medicine with the good drugs to help. She heard someone walk up to where she laid with Young Uhtred. She opened her eyes as Hild peered down at her. She felt Young Uhtred sleeping with his head on her stomach. She stroked his hair as Hild sat down beside her.

“Gisela was looking for you,” Hild said.

“I'm sorry,” Aisling said as she sat up. She moved Young Uhtred so that his head was resting on her lap. He didn't wake up, he just snuggled down more to gt comfortable again. “I've been tired a lot lately.”

She ran her hands through her hair to get all the twigs out. She was laying in a small patch of grass just behind the hall and the garden. She had been gathering some of the last of the vegetables and herbs, along with chasing Young Uhtred around. Then she had decided a little break and the little boy had agreed for a price; the price had been Aisling recounting the Robin Hood story. She turned and saw Hild watching her.

“What?” Aisling asked her.

“You've been tired, complaining of feeling nauseous most mornings, and you mentioned a couple of days ago when we were washing that your breasts are tender,” Hild said softly. “Aisling, when was the last time you bled?”

Aisling looked at Hild. Is she suggesting? No, she can't be. “I'm not with child,” she said firmly.

Hild placed her hand on Aisling's shoulder. “When,” she whispered.

Aisling closed her eyes. She thought back and felt her hands shake. It was before Finan and I began having sex. Oh god. I didn't even think. No, this is not happening. I can't be. Not yet. Not this soon. She felt Hild take her hand. Aisling opened her eyes and tears began to roll down her cheeks. Suddenly all her fears of not being good enough rose to the surface. She was not ready to be a mother. She could not have a child at this moment. 

“I can't,” was all she could say.

Hild gave her a soft smile. “I think you are, Aisling. I think you and Finan are going to have a child.”

Aisling wiped her tears. “I can't be. I'm not ready. And Finan, he,” Aisling cursed softly. “He is going to want to marry me. And I cannot do that to him.”

Hild squeezed her hand. “Aisling, look at me,” Hild said softly. Aisling met her eyes. “Finan loves you. He will not see you marrying him as you doing something horrible to him. He wants that. He wants you. And this child,” Hild smiled at her. “This child will be loved.”

Aisling let more tears fall. “Hild, I can barely love myself sometimes. How am I going to love this baby? I do not want my child to feel what I have felt. I can't,” Aisling sobbed.

“Shh,” Hild hugged her close. “Listen, Aisling, you can do this.”

“I can't. There has to be a way to rid,” Aisling stopped. She pulled away from Hild. She felt a pain in her chest at the thought of it. She could not be a mother but the thought of not having Finan's baby hurt as well. “There has to be something I can do to not have it.”

She saw the pain on Hild's features. “There is always a way, Aisling but if you do that, we may lose you. And if you live, you may lose Finan.”

Aisling let Hild pull her close. She rested her head on the other woman's shoulder. I could bleed to death. That is what she is not saying. And even then, I may still be pregnant. It is not an exact thing in this period. And it won't be for a very long time. But women who had no other choice do it anyway. But I have another choice. I promised Finan no secrets and that we would make decisions together. I can't just take this one away from him. Even though I know that he is going to want this baby. He will ask me to marry him and I will probably say yes. I am going to be a horrible mother. My child must already know that I don't want it. Fuck, Star was right.

“I am going to mess this up,” Aisling sobbed into Hild's shoulder.

Hild rubbed her back. “No, you won't,” she said firmly. Aisling let Hild pull away. The other woman wiped her tears and Aisling saw her smile. “You are a strong woman, Aisling. Yes, you have had pain and hurt in your life but you have kept going. Do not let what Star said weigh you down. You can't let her win. You were so happy before. We all saw it. You laughed so much and teased Finan relentlessly. I do not know if I could have done the same if I would have been in your shoes, transported to a time and place I did not know,” Hild said.

Aisling looked at Hild. “I do know it though,” Aisling whispered. “I have done so much research and read so many books that being here, this far back in time, it feels like home.”

Hild smiled. “And it is home, Aisling. And we are your family. And Finan, well that smug Irish bastard as you are so fond of calling him, is yours. I believe he was the moment he pulled you from the river.”

Aisling smiled. “He has told me that a few times before.”

“Than believe him, believe me, and more importantly, believe your heart. Do not believe the words of a woman who only wished to cut you down and hurt you. She does not know you, and she never did. Do not let her words taint what you are building here in Coccham. Do not let them stop you from loving Finan,” Hild said.

Aisling let more tears fall. “I am so scared of not being enough, Hild. I was never good enough to earn the love of my parents or Star. How am I supposed to be good enough for Finan? The man was a prince. An actual freaking prince. And I'm just some peasant girl with nothing to offer him.”

Hild snorted. “First off, you know the story, Finan was not actually that great of a prince. He ran off with his brother's wife and wanted absolutely nothing to do with the crown and its responsibility. So, as long as you do not run off with someone's husband, I believe you have plenty to offer Finan.”

Aisling laughed. She felt Young Uhtred hug her tight. He sat up as he woke up and leaned against her side. “Rusty, what's funny?” he asked rubbing his eyes.

“Nothing, Uhtred,” she said softly.

The little boy looked at her. “Why are you sad?” he asked as he wiped her tears away.

Aisling smiled. “I miss Uncle Finan.”

Young Uhtred stood. He wrapped his arms around Aisling's neck and kissed her on the cheek. “It's okay,” he said.

Aisling smiled. She held him close. She looked at Hild. Hild held her hand. “Wait until you speak to Finan,” Hild said. “Do not make any decision until then. And do not let your sister's words echo in your mind any longer. You are good enough, Aisling. We all know that and see it.”

“I love you, Rusty,” Young Uhtred said placing another kiss on her cheek.

She laughed and Hild smiled. “Out of the mouths of babes,” she said.

Aisling closed her eyes and held Young Uhtred close. She thought about what Hild had said to her. She is right. You need to stop focusing on what Star said. Star just wanted to hurt you. You know she was wrong. You are enough. Look at the little boy in your arms. He thinks you hang the moon. You are enough for him. And you are enough for Finan. And you will be enough for this baby. You need to believe that. She so desperately wanted to believe it. And most of her did.

But a tiny little voice in her whispered that it was lies. She was not good enough.

***

Finan jerked awake when Sihtric slapped him on the chest. Finan blinked his eyes and looked around. He smiled when he saw the walls of Coccham. He rubbed his eyes and cursed.

“I said not to let me fall asleep,” he told Sihtric.

“We decided we needed some quiet,” Sihtric said.

Finan rolled his eyes. He looked ahead and thought of how beautiful Coccham looked as the sun set. They rode into gates. Finan looked ahead at the hall. He watched as Gisela, Hild, and Aisling came out. It had been almost four weeks since he had seen her. Is it possible that she has gotten even more beautiful?I have missed her touch and her smile. God, I need to hold her.

“Women of Coccham, we are back!” Finan yelled.

“Did you lose a battle with the mud, Finan?” Gisela asked as he rode closer. Finan had tried to wash most of the mud off of himself but of course, it had been a quick hurried job so he still had patches of dried mud on his tunic and trousers.

“I did, lady, but I will get it next time,” he said smiling.

He dismounted his horse and tossed the reins at one of the stable boys. He turned and caught Aisling in his arms as she ran towards him. He wrapped his arms around her waist and swung her around. He buried his face in her hair and closed his eyes taking in her scent. She smelled of Gisela's lavender soap and spices, meaning she had been helping out in the kitchen. He stood still and held her tight against him. They breathed as one. Finan pulled away and kissed her. She cupped his face in her hands and kissed him deeply. He kissed her over and over. He placed her on her feet and kissed her again. 

“I missed you,” she said in between kisses.

“And I you,” he said. He pulled away after several kisses and stroked her cheek. “You are so much more beautiful than I remember,” he said.

She blushed. “Funny, I remember you being cleaner,” she said.

Finan smiled. “I can fix that. Would you like to join me for a moonlight swim?” he asked.

“I'm sorry, but I cannot allow that,” Uhtred said as he walked over to them. “Not until I get my own welcome back.”

Finan let go of Aisling and watched as she hugged Uhtred. He turned away from them when Hild placed her hand on his arm. He saw worry on her face.

“Did something happen?” he asked softly as he stepped back to speak with Hild. 

“Yes and no,” Hild said. “Aisling will tell you. Just be patience with her.”

Finan raised an eyebrow. “She is well, is she not?” he asked.

“She is,” Hild smiled and patted his arm. “Or she will be once you know.”

Finan frowned and went to say more but Aisling took his arm. “Come, let's go for that swim,” she whispered.

He nodded. He wrapped his arm around her shoulders and pulled her against him. He kissed her on the head. He felt her wrap an arm around his waist. She laughed as some dried mud flaked off.

“Perhaps you should just jump in fully clothed,” she said.

“And keep you from looking at my body? I don't think so,” he answered.

He felt Aisling hold him tighter. “You weren't hurt, were you?” she asked.

He lead her outside of the gates and towards the river. “No, I wasn't hurt. How have you been?” he asked softly.

She sighed. He pulled her to a stop by the river bank. “Let's get in the water first,” she said.

Finan pulled her in front of him. He looked down in her blue eyes. He saw worry in her eyes. He reached up and stroked her cheek. “You can tell me anything, Aisling.”

“I know but I don't know how I feel about this news,” she whispered.

He kissed her nose. “All right, so into the water we go. We'll freeze.”

She smiled. “I am sure you can keep me warm.”

He smiled. He kissed her. She kissed him back and pulled away. She pushed him back and he sighed. She pulled off her dress and kicked off her shoes. She pulled off her shift before she jumped into the river. Finan pulled off his boots, his sword belt, his leather armour, and his tunic. He was took off his trousers and jumped into the river as well. He swam towards Aisling and pulled her in his arms. She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him closer. He ran his hands down her back. The water was not too cold yet which meant they could swim for a while yet.

“Finan,” she whispered looking in his eyes. “I'm with child,” she said.

Finan looked at her. He blinked. “Are you sure?” he asked.

She nodded. He saw the tears roll down her cheeks. “I am. I'm so scared. I,” he wiped her tears away and hated how she looked away from him. “I'm scared I won't know how to love our baby.”

Finan wanted to celebrate and cheer for joy. He was going to be a father. He was going to have a child with the woman he loved. He saw the pain and fear in Aisling's eyes though and he knew he could not push her. He pulled her closer and held her tighter. She cried in his neck. He kissed her shoulder and stroked her hair.

“I was scared the first time as well,” he answered softly. “I still am. And now,” he kissed her neck, “it is worse. I have abandoned my other children, my sons. I swore to love and protect them. And I didn't. I'm scared I will do it again.”

“Finan,” she pulled away.

“No, hush, for a moment, let me finish,” he told her stroking her cheek. “I cannot imagine the fear you must have. I grew up with love from my mother at least. My father, I am sure he loved me but he choose to show it differently. My mother though, she loved us boys with everything she had. And my grandmother until her death. I had love as a child and I am still scared of being a father. But you, mo álleacht, you did not have that. You had your grandmother but I doubt it helped much when it felt like everyone else in your life found you lacking.” He saw Aisling nod. He rested his forehead against hers. “You aren't, Aisling. You aren't lacking in anything. You may not feel perfect, and you are not perfect to everyone, but for me, an exiled prince from Irland, you are perfect in every single way.”

He kissed her softly. She kissed him back. She pulled away and looked in his eyes. “I want to be good enough for you. I want to be good enough for this baby. I,” she closed her eyes, “I'm ashamed that my first thought was to rid myself of our baby.” He held her tighter. He didn't interrupt her. He waited. She opened her eyes and looked at him. “Hild told me I should at least wait and speak to you. And she was right. We promised no secrets and that we would talk to each other about major decisions. I could not do that without telling you.”

“And now?” Finan asked his voice soft. He did not want to get angry at her. He did not want to fight with her. He was scared she would still wish to end the pregnancy. And if she did that, there was a chance he could lose her as well. He had heard the stories in Irland about young women who took herbs and tea to rid themselves of unwanted children. It usually ended badly for everyone involved; even if the woman in question lived. He would not judge her though. He had learned that women who made that decision did so because they felt there was no other choice to be made. He wanted to tell Aisling she had another choice, him, but he waited to hear what she felt and thought. He would not try to push her into having their child if she was not ready. He loved her too much for that.

“I've had some time to think,” she whispered. “And I realized that I cannot keep running away from this fear. If I do, I will just be running away from you and what could be a happy life together. I have to try and do this. And,” she stroked his cheek, “it is your child, Finan. And I have realized that, I may,” she kissed him gently, “in fact be in love with you and the thought of not carrying your child, it hurt so much more than anything my sister could say.”

Finan smiled against her lips as he kissed her again. He kissed her over and over. “I love you as well,” he answered.

She smiled against his lips. "I love you," she said in between kisses and laughed when he kissed her again and again. “I am sorry that-," she started to say as she pulled away.

“Hush, no sorries,” he kissed her again. He pulled away and smiled at her. “Come on, let's get you out of this water and into bed.”

Aisling snorted. “You getting me into bed is what got me knocked up,” she said.

Finan smirked. “There was also the tree, the table, the chair, the floor, that one time in the hall-.”

“Are you really going to name every place we have had sex?”

Finan shrugged. “If I have enough time.”

He laughed when Aisling shoved him. He let her go and watched as she swam back to the bank. She climbed out. He swam over and followed her out. He pulled on his trousers and boots and grabbed his tunic, sword belt, and leather armour. He watched as Aisling pulled on her dress and slipped on her shoes. She grabbed her shift. She turned and looked at him. He placed his hand on her cheek.

“We'll do this day by day, Aisling,” he said. “And we will do it together. I believe we can do anything if we do it together. And just to let you know, I want this baby. I want a child with you because to me, you are good enough, you are more than good enough. You are my angel, my love, and my heart.”

She nodded. She reached up and held his hand. “I am trying so hard to stop listening to that voice inside of me that keeps telling me I am not good enough. Everyone around here has clearly decided that I am good enough. And everyone can't be wrong.”

“Uhtred is usually wrong but this once, he is right,” Finan said.

Aisling smiled and shook her head. “Just this once?” she said.

Finan nodded. “Just this one time. Don't tell him though, it may go to his head.”

He pulled her against his side. She wrapped her arm around his waist. She glanced up at him. “I thought for sure the moment I told you about the baby, you would ask me to marry you.”

I want to. I want to ask you right now to marry me and give our child a name. But you are still so scared. We will go slowly. And I will show you that you are loved and wanted here. And needed. Maybe, it is something that I should give you control over.

He kissed her on the head. “Not yet,” he said. “How about when you feel like you are ready, you ask me to marry you,” he suggested.

Aisling looked at him. “Are you sure?”

He nodded. “It will give you some control, Aisling. Plus, you know that I want to be with you, I want to be your husband. You do not have to worry about me saying no.”

“I have noticed you have not said no to me since you walked out on me after our kiss,” she said.

Finan held her closer. “I learned from my mistakes.”

She laughed. He ran his hand down her side. He gently placed it on her stomach. He felt her place her hand over his. She didn't say anything and he didn't either. He thought about his child growing in Aisling.

Please let this time end differently. Please let me be able to raise this child into an adult. Please god, let me be a better father to this child than I was to my sons. And please help Aisling see just how much she is loved and how lucky our child will be to have her.

Chapter Text

Aisling pulled her cloak around her and walked as quickly as she could to the hall. She pushed open the doors and smiled when the warmth of the large fires greeted her along with the cheers from everyone. Aisling laughed. She walked into the hall and closed the doors behind her. She pulled off her cloak and smiled at Sihtric as he took it from her.

“We were worried you had decided to stay in bed,” Sihtric said.

Aisling placed her hand on her rounding stomach. By her calculations, she was almost five months along, possibly more or less given a couple of weeks. “Not today,” she said smiling. “Plus, I woke up with no morning sickness.”

“You aren't going to hit me because you are feeling better, are you?” Sihtric asked. Aisling shook her head. Sihtric hugged her. “Happy Yule,” he said.

Aisling hugged him as well. “You're just happy about it because I haven't been kicking your ass at training.”

Sihtric pulled away and smiled. “That could be true. Oh, Finan is over there,” Sihtric said as he pointed to the corner table. “He is charming Thyra and Beocca.”

Aisling snorted. “I don't think he'll ever be able to charm Beocca. Where are Gisela and Uhtred?”

“Lady Gisela was feeling, ah,” Sihtric held his hands out in front of his stomach.

Aisling nodded. “Fat?” she asked. Gisela was seven almost eight months pregnant and Aisling had noticed lately that Gisela seemed to be over the fact of being pregnant. Not that Aisling blamed her, it was not fun to be pregnant in the snow and cold. Dresses barely fit let alone the outer clothing like cloaks and warmer boots.

Sihtric nodded. “Yes, that. So lord is up there with her convincing her to come down. I am sure that he can do it.”

Aisling nodded. She felt little hands pull on her dress. She looked down and smiled when she saw Young Uhtred there. He placed his hands on her stomach.

“Baby?” he said smiling.

Aisling went to pick him up. “I don't think so,” she heard Finan say walking over. He bent down and swung Young Uhtred up in his arms. “You picked him up yesterday and had a sore back all night,” he said.

Aisling sighed. “I want to hold my nephew,” she said.

“And you will, once you are sitting down and comfortable.”

“Uncle Finan hardass,” Young Uhtred said.

Aisling laughed. Finan turned and looked at the boy. “I am. Now, let's go and sit down. Come on, Rusty,” Finan said holding out his hand. “I got a nice comfortable seat ready for you.”

Aisling took his hand. She smiled at him. He smiled back. Ever since learning about their baby, he had been looking after her. He never hoovered or pushed too much but he was there ready to hold her, rub her feet or back, get her bread or something else to eat if she was hungry, and he was definitely always ready to make love to her when she jumped him because of her damn hormones getting out of control. He was so loving and would spend hours rubbing her stomach and talking to the baby. Aisling felt herself falling even more in love with him.

“Oh my, Uhtred wasn't lying,” Beocca said as Finan lead her over to the table. He saw her rounding stomach. “You are with child.”

“I am,” Aisling said. She felt Finan squeeze her hand. “And we are very happy about it.”

“You look beautiful,” Thyra said as she stood and hugged Aisling. Aisling hugged her as well. Thyra pulled away and placed her hands on Aisling's stomach. “I cannot wait to meet this one,” she said smiling.

“Finan can't either,” Aisling said as she pulled away and sat beside Finan. He had placed a cushion on the bench for her. Once she was seated, Finan placed Young Uhtred in her lap. The boy placed his hands on her stomach and started babbling away. Aisling smiled and stroked his hair.

“So, when will you be wed?” Beocca asked.

“Beocca,” Thyra said smacking him on the arm.

“What? She is with child, she should be wed.”

“If I am Christian, but I am Dane, Beocca, so I have no need to be wed to have my child,” Aisling said.

Finan smiled when Beocca looked at him. “Do not point your judgment my way, Father. I have told her when she is ready to wed me, all she has to do is ask.”

“Your child will be a bastard,” Beocca said.

“Technically wasn't Jesus himself a bastard?” Aisling asked. “After all, Mary was married but not to Jesus' real father, therefore he is a bastard in a sense, is he not?”

Thyra snickered while Finan sipped his ale. Beocca pointed his finger at Aisling. “You, my child, are too smart for your good.”

Aisling shrugged. “Most of the time I don't think I'm smart enough.”

Finan leaned in and kissed her on the head. “You, m'aingeal are definitely smart enough. You are smarter than me,” he told her.

“What does he call you?” Beocca asked.

“My angel,” Aisling and Finan answered together.

“Have you thought about names for the babe?” Thyra asked.

“I have decided, but Finan here,” Aisling elbowed him, “says he has decided but he will not tell me.”

“Tell me,” Thyra said.

“If it's a boy, Finn,” Aisling said. “For his father,” Aisling looked at Finan, “and for the great Irish hero, Finn MacCool.”

“And if it is a girl?” Beocca asked.

“Finan has a name picked out, that he apparently loves but he is not telling me,” Aisling said.

“I am telling no one,” Finan said. He kissed her on the head again. “I am going to go get you some food.”

“I will join you. Perhaps I can talk you into the value of marriage,” Beocca said standing as well.

“Finan, be sure to tell Beocca how many times you have actually been married,” Aisling said smiling.

Thyra laughed as Beocca shot Finan a sharp look. Finan gave Beocca a sheepish look as they walked away. Aisling looked down and smiled at Young Uhtred as the boy kissed her stomach and then climbed off her lap and took off. Thyra reached across the table and took Aisling's hands in hers.

“Uhtred spoke a bit about what happened in Winchester with your sister. And when we came, Gisela told us more of your fears,” Thyra said.

Aisling felt tears come to her eyes. “I still sometimes wake up and not feel good enough. Finan has been so loving and patience,” she blinked away her tears. “He loves me so deeply.”

Thyra smiled at her. “I know something about healing. It can take a lot of time, but I have found that what helps is having someone to talk to who will not judge you, is the best thing.”

Aisling looked over at Beocca and Finan getting plates of food. She looked back at Thyra and squeezed her hands. “You love him,” she said.

Thyra blushed. “I am taking things slow. I want to, but it is hard.”

Aisling nodded. “I know. But Hild told me once to trust my heart. So, trust your heart, sister. I know it will lead you down the right path.”

Cheers rang out in the hall. Aisling turned and saw Gisela and Uhtred walking down the stairs. Gisela was glowing. Aisling waved and cheered along with Thyra. Aisling turned back and looked at Thyra.

“Looks like the Ragnarson family will be getting two new members next year,” Thyra said.

Aisling nodded. “It is. And since you are here, I guess it would be the best time for a wedding,” she said.

Thyra smiled. “Are you following your heart?”

Aisling nodded. “I am,” she squeezed Thyra's hand. “I would be honoured if you helped me pick out dress.”

Thyra nodded. “I would also be honoured. But first, I believe you have a husband to ask.”

Aisling turned and saw Finan laughing and cheering. She smiled. “I do, but that is going to be a moment for only us,” she said.

***

Finan sat with his back against the wall astride on the bench. Aisling sat in front of him with her back against his chest and her legs stretched out on the bench. They were listening to Sihtric sing a traditional Danish saga song. Finan had his hands on Aisling's stomach. He rubbed it every once and a while. He felt Aisling wrap an arm around his arm.

“Comfortable?” he asked her kissing her head.

“Very,” she answered. She took his hand and moved it to her lower abdomen. “You feel that?” she asked softly.

Finan kept his hand there. He smiled when he felt it; a gentle tap. He felt tears come to his eyes. “That's our babe,” he said softly.

Aisling nodded. “It is. I felt fluttering on and off for the past week but I couldn't feel them when I pressed my hand to my stomach. Until earlier today.”

Finan rubbed her stomach and kissed her neck. He buried his face in her hair. “I love you,” he told her.

“I love you,” Aisling whispered. “And,” she turned and looked at him. Her blue eyes looked into his brown ones and he saw love reflected in them. “Marry me,” she whispered.

Finan felt his breath catch. “Are you sure?” he asked.

She nodded. She held his hand on hers. “I am. I am trusting my heart.”

Finan kissed her gently. She kissed him back and ran a hand over his hair. “Then yes,” he said kissing her again. “I will marry you. When?” he asked.

“The first day of the new year,” Aisling said. “Let's start the new year off as husband and wife.”

Finan nodded. He kissed her again. “Uhtred and Beocca are going to be so happy.”

Aisling laughed. “Yes, because that is why I am doing this. To make them happy.”

Finan held her and laughed. He looked up and saw Sihtric looking at them as he sang. Finan rubbed Aisling's stomach. “I think we're annoying Sihtric,” he whispered.

“It's payback for all the ways he annoys me,” she whispered back.

Finan kissed her temple and smiled. He felt her turn back and watch Sihtric finish the song. He felt her take his hand. Sihtric bowed and walked over to sit down. Finan watched as Aisling turned and looked at him. She nodded. He smiled. He pulled away from her and stood. He helped her up. She held his hand and he shouted to get everyone's attention.

“I have something to say!” he yelled.

“It's twins!” Clapa yelled.

“You shut your mouth, Clapa!” Aisling yelled back smiling.

Everyone laughed. Finan smiled. “Aisling and I are to be wed!”

“Praise God!” Beocca yelled.

“You mean gods!” Uhtred shouted.

“Congratulations!” Gisela said as she stood and held up a mug. “When?”

“The first day of the new year!” Aisling yelled.

“It will be a Christian wedding,” Beocca said.

“It will not,” Uhtred countered.

“It will be both and neither!” Finan yelled to quiet them both. “It will be whatever my love desires,” he added looking at Aisling. Aisling blushed. Finan pulled her close and kissed her. Everyone cheered. Finan pulled away. “All right! Shut up!”

Everyone laughed. Finan smiled at Aisling. He heard everyone turn away and begin talking amongst themselves. He stroked her cheek. “Are you ready to go home?” he asked.

Aisling nodded. “I am,” she said.

“Then let's get you home and to our bed so you can rest.”

Finan let her go and followed her as they walked to the front of the hall. He grabbed her cloak and his own. He helped her put hers on and pulled his on. He pulled open the hall doors and lead Aisling out. He closed the doors behind him and wrapped his arm around Aisling and held her close as they walked back to their home. She snuggled close to him to keep warm.

He pushed open the door to their home and Aisling walked in. He closed the door and barred it. He went over and put another log on the fire, glad that it had not died. He stoked the fire a bit with a poker before turning to Aisling. She was in their bedroom pulling the furs off the bed. He walked over to her and pulled her cloak off for her. She smiled at him in thanks. He carried her cloak back to the main room and hung it on a hook on the wall. He added his own cloak to another hook and walked back into the bedroom.

He found Aisling pulling off her dress. She sat on the bed and he pulled her boots off for her. While he was kneeling on the floor, he leaned in and kissed her belly.

“Mo leanbh milis, I cannot wait to meet you,” he said stroking Aisling stomach. “I can already tell you are strong, which you must get from your mother,” he added. Aisling laughed. He kissed her stomach again. “I love you, mo cheann beag.” He looked up and met Aisling's eyes. “And I love you as well.”

She smiled at him. He stood and kissed her gently on the lips. She kissed him back. She pulled at his tunic gently. “Take this off and come to bed,” she whispered. “You child only settles down for you and your awful singing voice.”

Finan smiled. “Obviously, our child does not think my voice is that horrible.”

“They are still inside of me and have the luxury of the padding my body provides to soften your off key mess of a voice.”

Finan kissed her nose. “Keep telling yourself that.”

She rolled her eyes and climbed into the bed. He pulled off his tunic and walked around to the other side of the bed. He tossed his tunic on a chair and sat on the bed. He pulled off his boots and placed them by the side of the bed. He stood and pulled off his trousers and tossed them on top of tunic. He climbed into the bed and pulled Aisling in his arms so her back was up against his chest. He rubbed her stomach with his hand. He placed his hand on her lower abdomen and smiled when he felt another gentle tap. Aisling placed her hand over his.

“Was today a good day?” he whispered kissing her neck.

Aisling nodded. “It was. I have been feeling better lately, not dwelling so much on my fears. I've been thinking more of our child. What will they look like? Will it be a girl or boy? You know, those things.”

Finan held her closer. “Good, I am glad you are doing better. All I want is for you to enjoy this time and feel at ease.”

“I am trying, Finan. I am glad that you are the one I am sharing this with.”

“So am I. I think we both know Aethelwold would not have been as understanding,” Finan teased.

Aisling groaned. She elbowed him. “Must you always bring him up.”

“You kissed him.”

“I was trying to prove to myself he was not the prince of the prophecy.”

Finan rubbed her stomach and felt her take his hand in hers. “What would have done if he was?”

“Probably thrown myself back in the river,” Aisling muttered.

Finan laughed. “I would have just saved you again.”

Aisling squeezed his hand. “Then I would have killed Aethelwold.”

Finan kissed her neck. “Always so violent.”

She laughed softly. “Goodnight, Finan.”

“Goodnight, my love,” he whispered.

Finan rubbed her stomach and began singing the Dinnseanchas, which his mother had sang to him. He sang softly and gently. He felt Aisling snuggle closer to him. He was happy and these moments were everything to him. I am holding my family in my arms. And I have never felt such love and had so much love to give. Perhaps the tattoo on Aisling's back is right; destiny is all.

***

Aisling cursed. She looked down at the only blue dress she owned. She turned and looked at Gisela, Thyra, and Hild. She could not pull the bodice closed.

“Look at this,” she said. “It doesn't fit any longer,” she felt tears come to her eyes.

“Shh, it's all right,” Thyra said as she stepped forward. “That we can fix,” she said as she hugged Aisling. “You will have your blue wedding dress.”

“Why does it have to be blue?” Hild asked as she stepped forward to help Aisling out of the dress.

“Blue was, is, ah will be a lucky colour for Irland,” Aisling answered as she pulled away from Thyra. “So I thought I could wear a blue dress. The only white dress, which is what brides wear in my time, that I have is the one I arrived in.”

“Oh,” Gisela smiled. “Wait here,” she said as she turned and walked out of her and Uhtred's bedroom and into the hall.

Aisling looked at Hild and Thyra but they both shrugged. Aisling stepped out of the blue dress and smiled as Hild helped her into her other dress. Aisling rubbed her stomach and tried not to stress out. They had five days until the new year and Aisling wanted everything to be perfect. Finan had sent Sihtric off with Beocca back to Winchester to visit the blacksmith for a traditional Irish bell, Uhtred's gift to them, and something else that Finan refused to tell her about. Uhtred was also involved making sure there was enough ale and food for everyone. Clapa planned to take a few men to go hunting a day before to ensure there was fresh game for the feast. Aisling felt like everything was coming together but it did bother her that most of her family insisted on taking care of everything for her. And Finan, the man had made a list and told it to everyone but her. Her only item was to get her dress and a horse shoe to carry. Oh, and write her vows, which Aisling honestly was most worried about.

How do I put into words how much I love Finan? Maybe I'll just sing him some boy band songs, I mean, it's not like he'll know I stole the words or anything.

“You are making your worried face,” Hild said.

“I was not aware I had a worried face,” Aisling answered.

“Finan described it to us,” Thyra added smiling. “That man knows you so well.”

Aisling smiled. She turned when Gisela walked back into the room. She carried the white dress Aisling had arrived in. Gisela smiled. “It is still stained, but I was thinking, we could use the material for your bodice. That way your wedding dress will represent where you came from and your home now,” she said.

“But can it be done in five days?” Aisling asked softly.

“I will ensure it is done in five days. Now, come here, how would you want the white incorporated?”

Aisling smiled. She huddled with Gisela, Hild, and Thyra with the two dresses and started designing what would be her new dress.

Hours later, she left the hall feeling much better about her dress and headed back home. She stopped when she saw Finan and Uhtred standing in the middle of the street in front of her home with Finan. They were waving their arms around and Finan was drawing something in the fresh snow. Aisling shook her head and walked over to them.

“And just exactly are you two up to?” she asked as she stood beside Uhtred.

“Oh, nothing,” Uhtred said as Finan used his boot and wiped out the drawing in the snow.

“Uh huh,” Aisling eyed them both. “You two are up to no good.”

“Who us?” Finan asked faking innocence.

“Yes, you. Well, I will leave you to it. I am going to lay down.”

“Are you all right, milseán?” Finan asked.

Aisling smiled at Finan calling her sweetheart. “I am just tired. The dress I wanted to wear did not fit properly and it was,” Aisling sighed. “I'm just tired.”

She caught the look Finan sent Uhtred. Uhtred nodded. She smiled when Uhtred pulled her in his arms and held her tight. “Go and rest. I will take care of everything else,” he said.

Aisling rested her head on his chest. “I wanted to ask you, where I come from the father of the bride walks her down the aisle but, since my father is not here and I wouldn't ask him anyway,” Aisling pulled away and looked at Uhtred, “would you walk me down the aisle and give me away to Finan to be married?”

She saw Uhtred's eyes fill with tears. He leaned in and kissed her on the forehead. “It would be my honour. Of course, I must first speak to Finan and make sure he is the right man for you,” Uhtred's eyes twinkled and he winked at her.

Finan shoved him gently. “Lord, the gods have already deemed me her future, isn't that good enough?”

Aisling laughed as Uhtred looked at Finan. Aisling saw Uhtred made a serious face. “I will pray and get back to you.”

Uhtred smiled at Aisling and walked away. Aisling wrapped her arms around Finan and pulled him close. “I am sure it will work out in your favour,” she teased.

Finan smiled down at her. He tucked some of her hair behind her ear. “Is everything all right?” he asked her softly.

She nodded. “They will be,” she answered.

She walked towards the house with Finan following her. She pushed open the door and walked into the main room. She smiled when she found it nice and warm. She pulled off her cloak and hung it on the hook. She walked over and pulled a chair from the table and sat in front of the fire. Finan closed the door and hung up his own cloak. He walked behind her and began massaging her shoulders. She leaned back and sighed in contentment.

“What happened?” he asked softly as his thumbs rubbed her neck and into her shoulders relaxing the muscles.

“The dress I wanted to wear didn't fit because my boobs are bigger and so is my ass. I shouldn't have waited so long to ask you to marry me,” she muttered.

“You are beautiful,” Finan told her.

Aisling sighed. “You're going to be my husband and you are the father of my child, you are supposed to say I am beautiful.”

Aisling felt Finan's hands move along her shoulders and down to her chest. He slowly undid the ties on the front of her bodice and slid his hands inside. She leaned further back in the chair as Finan leaned over and kissed her neck. He took a breast in each hand.

“You're right, they are bigger, but they are still beautiful,” he whispered in her ear. He gently stroked them and ran his thumbs over her nipples. “Seeing your body change as it gets ready to welcome our child, it's beautiful to me, Aisling. And it makes me so hard.”

Aisling groaned as she felt her core ache. She reached up and ran her hand over Finan's hair as he nipped at her ear. “How can you make me wet just by whispering in my ear?” she said.

“It's a gift,” he answered smugly.

Aisling moaned as Finan kissed her neck and kneaded her breasts gently. He pulled away and slowly pulled his hands away from her skin. She whimpered at the loss of his touch. She watched as he walked around her and kneeled in front of her. He placed his hands on legs and pushed her dress up. He gripped her thighs and slowly pulled her forward in the chair so he could spread her legs more. She watched as Finan pushed her dress up and she lifted her ass so he could push up higher. She felt him place soft kisses on her inner thighs.

“I can barely keep my hands off of you now that your stomach is rounding,” he said in between kisses. “I would bed you every night and morning if you let me,” his lips moved closer to her core. “And an added bonus is everyone knows you are mine,” he growled as he licked her.

Aisling moaned. “Fuck,” she let her head fall back.

Finan licked her and sucked. She moaned and sucked in a breath. Ever since getting pregnant, she had become more sensitive and coming had become so much easier. Finan knew and he had taken to whispering some dirty filthy things in her ear before, during, or even after they made love. It drove Aisling mad but she was not going to tell him to stop. In fact, she was hoping he kept it up after the baby came. His accent whispering filthy things in her ear turned her on so much.

“Finan,” she moaned as he licked and sucked on her clit. She reached down and dug her nails into his neck. She came moments later.

“Not going to lie,” he whispered as he kissed her inner thighs. “I do love how easy you come now. I may have to keep you with child all the time.”

“You shut your whore mouth,” she muttered as she felt his hands push up her dress more. She slowly sat up and helped him pull if off. He pulled off her boots as well and tossed them aside.

Finan laughed. “Whore mouth?” he leaned in and kissed her and she tasted herself on his lips and tongue. Aisling pulled at his tunic needing to feel his skin against hers. “Have you been talking to Beocca again?”

“Finan, let's not talk about priests right now,” she said as she pulled away and pulled the tunic over his head. “I want you naked. Now.”

“You wish is my command,” Finan answered.

Aisling watched as he stood in front of her. He pulled off his boots and undid the ties of his trousers. He took them off and Aisling bit her bottom lip. He was gorgeous. Her eyes moved from his chest hair, down the sparse trail of hair that went down his chest to his stomach, past his belly button and to his cock. She licked her lips as she took him in; he was thick and long and god help her but she really spent far too much time thinking about him lately. Finan laughed and stepped closer to her again.

“I have to say, I have never been looked at like that before,” he said as he gently pulled her up from the chair.

“And how is that?” she asked as she stood. Finan sat in the chair and she placed her hands on his shoulders to steady herself. She straddled his lap and moaned as he positioned himself and slid inside of her. His hands gripped her ass and pulled her hips forward making him slide deeper.

“Like I am a the last piece of cake and you're starving,” he whispered in her ear. “And for the record, your ass feels exactly the same,” he said as he grabbed an ass cheek in each hand.

Aisling laughed. She kissed his neck and moved her hips against him. “I don't think I believe you on either account,” she said.

Finan kissed her neck and shoulder. She moaned when he bit down on her shoulder. She felt his fingers dig into her ass cheeks as he moved her hips faster. She moaned and felt the pressure building. She gripped his shoulders and began to move herself up and down, needing more.

“That's it, leannán,” he whispered in her ear, “look at you riding me hard and fast. Your breasts bouncing up and down. You are a beautiful sight,” he said as his hands moved up to her waist to help her move.

“Oh fuck,” Aisling moaned.

“You are so fucking beautiful,” he said. “You are always beautiful, but my god, there is something truly sinful about how you look when you ride me. About how you take all of me, every single time, with every stroke of your hips. I can feel you all around me, burning, aching to have me fill you over and over.”

Aisling came yelling Finan's name. She felt him come moments later emptying himself inside of her. She rested her forehead against his shoulder and felt his hands rub up and down her back. She closed her eyes and willed the feeling to come back into her legs. She laughed a little when she felt Finan's hands move back up to her breasts.

“What are you doing?” she asked her breath catching.

“Comparison,” he muttered as he weighed her breasts in each hand and then moved his hands back to her ass cheeks. “Huh,” he said softly. “You were right, your ass has gotten bigger.”

Aisling pulled away. She kissed him deeply. “You are too much sometimes,” she said as she felt his arms come around her waist. She wrapped her arms around his neck and her legs around his waist. He lifted her up and carried her to bed. She felt her rounding stomach rub against his. He stood in the bedroom for a moment. He looked down at her stomach and smiled. She met his eyes when he looked at her.

“I meant it, Aisling,” he said softly. “Seeing you carry my child, it turns me on. You never have to worry about me thinking you are not beautiful. Because you are, and you always will be to me.”

She felt tears come to her eyes. “I needed to hear that,” she said.

“I am here to say it whenever you need to hear it.”

Aisling kissed him as he placed her on her feet. She pulled away from him and climbed into the bed. She pulled the furs around her and listened as he walked back into the main room to bar the door and grab their clothing. She laid on her side and closed her eyes. She drifted off to sleep hearing Finan humming some Irish folk song that had probably been long lost to history. It calmed her and she was happy.

***

Finan paced. He stood at the gates and couldn't stop himself from needing to pace. The wedding was in two days. Sihtric and Beocca were due to come back today. Finan needed them to come back. He needed to make sure that the rings he had sent them to get made would fit. He turned and stopped when Gisela stood in front of him. She eyed him.

“You need to calm down,” she said softly.

“Sorry, lady-.”

“Call me lady one more time,” she said raising an eyebrow. “You are marrying Aisling, you will be family, Finan, call me Gisela.”

Finan looked around. “Even when lord is around?”

She nodded. “Yes, and do not call Uhtred lord anymore.”

“I don't think he would like that.”

“I will speak to him. You are to become his brother by marrying his sister. I think he can learn to live with it.”

Finan nodded. He leaned against the gates. “How is Aisling?” he asked. He had left her with Gisela, Hild, and Thyra earlier that day for the fitting of her dress. Finan really hoped Gisela wasn't there now because something had gone wrong.

Gisela smiled. “She is happy with the dress. I am happy she is happy,” Gisela stepped closer to Finan and pulled her cloak around herself. “Uhtred is also happy she is happy. He was very worried for a while there.”

Finan nodded. “Is that the real reason I was sent off riding all over Wessex and not your morning sickness?”

Gisela nodded. “It was. Aisling was so sad after you pushed her away. Then she got angry and I think her anger worried Uhtred more than her tears.”

Finan snorted. “Maybe because her anger is very much like his anger.”

Gisela smiled. “It is, isn't it?” she crossed her arms around her belly. “One thousand years, and countless generations and new bloodlines separates them, but there are still things they do that make it seem like they are siblings.”

“Aisling is a fearless fighter like Uhtred,” Finan said. He had taken over training her when he had found out about the child; granted they had stopped for the winter. But when he had been training her, he had noticed the same fearless and borderline recklessness in her that Uhtred had.

“They both had that same little smirk when they are being little shits,” Gisela added.

Finan laughed. “Oh yes, that one. It drives Sihtric mad when Aisling has it, because he knows he is going to be receiving end of whatever trouble Aisling is about to cause.”

Gisela laughed. “Oh, and we cannot forget the brooding and pouting.”

Finan nodded. “Oh yes, those two things they very much have in common. Especially the brooding. They both get the same look on their face and they both stare at the stars when they do it.”

Gisela snapped her fingers. “Yes,” she said. “Also, let us not forget, their automatic need to do the exact opposite of whatever Alfred tells them to do.”

Finan laughed. “They do have that in common, don't they?”

Gisela nodded. “The minute Alfred decided Aisling should get married, she decided she wasn't going to do it, which I understand. I can only imagine the poor selection of men that was put in front of her.”

Finan laughed in agreement and then sighed. He was silent for a moment. “They are also both loyal and so protective of who they love,” he added.

Gisela smiled. She placed her hand on his arm. “And they both choose you to stand beside them for whatever battles come their way.”

Finan looked at her. “For very different reasons,” he said.

“It may have been for different reasons, Finan, but you did save them both. You saved Uhtred when he was on the ship by giving him a reason and some small hope to stay alive and keep fighting. And you saved Aisling when you pulled her from the river but also when you showed her that she could love and be loved in return.”

Finan blushed and felt tears come to his eyes. “You make me sound like a hero, lady.”

Gisela squeezed his arm. “Maybe that is because to Uhtred and Aisling, you were one. You were strong for them when they needed you the most. Like I said, one thousand years separates them but they still both managed to find the same one man when they needed to be saved.”

Finan smiled. “Destiny,” he said.

Gisela laughed. “Perhaps, but it may also just be some luck as well,” she leaned in and smiled at him. “And for the last time, call me lady one more time and I will have Aisling beat you.”

Finan looked at Gisela. “You know, you are also Aisling's blood. And she gets the very distinct dislike of people calling her lady from you.”

Gisela smirked. “She does, and she also gets her intelligence from me.”

Finan gave her a look. “Does she? I mean, you married Uhtred.”

Gisela laughed. They both turned when they heard Uhtred clear his throat. “Am I interrupting something?” he asked raising an eyebrow.

“Oh, and there is another look they share,” Gisela said.

“Yup, that annoyed raised eyebrow of slight judgment,” Finan said.

Uhtred looked at them both. “What are you two going on about?”

Finan smiled. “Family things,” he answered.

Uhtred looked at Gisela. She walked over to him and gave him a kiss on his cheek. “We were discussing how much you and Aisling have in common, even though a thousand years and generations of new blood separate you.”

Uhtred smiled. “She is like me, is she not?”

Finan snorted. “You say that like it's a good thing.”

Gisela laughed. She smiled at Finan and walked away towards the hall, where Finan hoped Clapa was back from the hunting trip and was beginning to decorate the hall with flowers. Uhtred walked closer to him and leaned against the gate beside him.

“I just came from seeing Aisling in the hall,” Uhtred said. “She is happy, probably the happiest I have seen her since being here.”

Finan smiled and was relieved. “Good.”

Uhtred looked at him. “I have decided you can marry her, but I want a couple of things first.”

Finan sighed. “My oath of fidelity?”

Uhtred snorted. “I am not Alfred,” he answered. “No, I wish to have some Dane traditions incorporated into the ceremony.”

Finan nodded. “Okay, like what?”

“Well, first I will pay you a bride price for Aisling.”

“Uhtred-.”

“No, it is for her. I will not take no for an answer, Finan.”

“Fine, how much?” he asked.

Uhtred shrugged. “I do not know, we will find out the day I take back Bebbanburg.”

Finan laughed. “Oh, I see now. I will have to wait for this bride price.”

Uhtred nodded. “I believe Aisling is worth it, is she not?”

“Oh, she most definitely is.”

Uhtred nodded. “There is also the exchange of swords, I believe it would be a nice touch. Your rings would be tied on the hilts of the swords.”

Finan looked at Uhtred. “Why is is everything Danes do involve swords?”

Uhtred smiled. “Because we are smarter than Saxons and know that peace usually comes with a cost.”

Finan laughed. “Is that it?”

Uhtred nodded. “You two are already having a handfasting ceremony and there will be a feast. Thyra is taking care of Aisling's bride crown,” Uhtred paused, “and I do believe is it a little late to have the maidenhood rituals to wash away Aisling's maidenhood,” he glanced at Finan.

Finan smirked. “Just a tad,” he said.

“And since you are to married on New Year's, it is Frigg's day, so you are lucky that way.”

Finan nodded. “So this wedding is going to be Irish, Danish, and have a Christian priest,” he laughed. “I believe we have covered all the gods.”

Uhtred laughed. He patted Finan on the shoulder. “I think it will be beautiful,” he nodded outside the gates, “and it will have some rings after all.”

Finan turned. He was relieved when he saw Sihtric and Beocca riding towards Coccham. He laughed and bent over resting his hands on his thighs. He looked over at Uhtred.

“I was real worried we were going to have to do the wedding without the priest and rings,” he said.

Uhtred nodded. “I noticed. Now, you can focus on what you are going to wear.”

Finan paused. “Shit.” He had known he had forgotten something on the list, but he only realized now that it was his own wedding attire.

Uhtred patted his back. “I am sure we can find a nice clean tunic to wear.”

Finan laughed. “I was running around making sure that everything would be perfect for Aisling and I forgot about me.”

Uhtred laughed. “It tends to happen when one is in love.”

Finan laughed. He stood and sighed. He took slow calming breaths. Everything is planned and in the process of being finished. Uhtred will no doubt help you find the best tunic and Sihtric is back with the rings. You will marry her and it will be perfect. And then you will spend the rest of your life with her. Finan felt a calmness wash over him. He was going to marry the woman he loved. And in a few months, they would have their child. He was finally getting the family and happiness that had eluded him.

***

Aisling closed her eyes. She felt Thyra rub her shoulders. She opened her eyes and looked at the mirror Gisela had. Aisling felt tears come to her eyes as she saw herself in her wedding dress with the bride crown. Gisela and Thyra had used Aisling's white dress as trim in in the front of her blue dress to make the bodice bigger. They had also added white along the bottom of the skirt and in two small panels in the back. Hild had drawn a four leaf clover and used some of the white fabric to embroider it on the back of the bodice. Aisling thought it looked beautiful. Her eyes went up to the bride crown Thyra had made with the primrose, wood sorrel, butterbur, and laurel that Clapa had collected. Aisling had seen the hall as she had walked into it this morning and those same flowers were everywhere along with sweet violets and branches twisted together in garlands and arches.

“You look beautiful,” Thyra told her.

Aisling smiled. “Only because of you three,” she said as she turned and looked at Hild, Thyra, and Gisela. “Thank you all for helping me.”

“It was nothing,” Hild said. “You are the one doing us a favour by marrying Finan.”

Aisling laughed. She hugged Gisela when the woman stepped forward and hugged her. “You are family, it is what we do for our own.”

Aisling nodded. She pulled away and reached up to straighten her necklaces. Her fingers touched the Serpent-Breath stone. She looked across the room, and there was the actual amber stone on the end of Uhtred's sword, resting on a chest. I don't know why I still wear this. Maybe it's because it feels like it is a part of me. No matter that now, I can look at the stone and sword every day. But whenever I take it off, I feel naked almost. She smiled when the door to the room opened.

“I have Finan's sword and his ring, so it is time,” Uhtred said standing in the doorway.

Aisling nodded. She took the flowers with the horseshoe, open side up from Hild and held them in her hands. She walked over to Uhtred. He stood there for a moment and looked at her. He reached out and pulled on a curl from her hair. She saw the tears coming in his eyes.

“You are so beautiful,” he said.

Aisling felt the tears come as well. She grabbed Uhtred's hand when he leaned in and kissed her on the forehead. “Thank you for walking me down the aisle.”

Uhtred pulled away and smiled at her. “Lille rød, you are my sister, I would do so much more for you if you asked it.”

Aisling nodded. She smiled. “Let's go.”

“Wait, we will go first,” Gisela said.

Aisling stood aside as did Uhtred as Gisela, Hild, and Thyra left the room to go stand in the hall with the others. Aisling took a slow breath and took Uhtred's arm when he offered it. She walked out of the room beside him and down the hall to the stairs.

“Finan has been a nervous wreck,” Uhtred told her. “He has been sniping at everyone, and I do believe if it weren't his wedding day, Sihtric would have dragged him outside and tossed him in the snow.”

Aisling laughed. “He just wants everything to be perfect today. I believe he said something about this being his last wedding, so it has to be perfect to last.”

Uhtred snorted. “It better be his last wedding or he is going to meet his god much sooner than he thought.”

Aisling smiled. She bumped her shoulder against Uhtred's. “I wouldn't talk about how many weddings Finan has had when you yourself have had two.”

She saw Uhtred roll his eyes. He lead her down the stairs and she heard the Irish harp start playing. She walked down with Uhtred and saw all the people she loved in the room. She looked to the front of the room and saw Finan standing there with Beocca, under an arch that Clapa had created from branches, laurels, and a bunch of ribbons. She saw Finan turn and looked at her. She sucked in a breath. He was wearing one of Uhtred's tunics, the navy blue one. It was much tighter on Finan, showing off his muscular arms and chest. He wore brown trousers and a simple leather belt. I am definitely climbing him like a tree later. Oh yeah, I am going to have my way with my husband because he is looking so damn fine. Huh, this is why I am pregnant. I cannot keep my hands off of him. But in my defence, look at that man. Who could?

Aisling and Uhtred reached the bottom of the stairs. Uhtred leaned in and kissed her cheek. “You can still say no,” he teased.

Aisling elbowed him. She saw Finan's eyes on her and that he had tears rolling down his cheeks at the sight of her. “No, he is what I want,” she answered.

Uhtred nodded. He walked her down the aisle. Aisling kept her eyes on Finan. The walk felt both too long and much too short at the same time. They reached the front and Uhtred took her hand and handed it to Finan. Aisling felt Finan's hand tremble slightly. She felt his hand tight. She handed her flowers and the horseshoe to Uhtred, who took them and stood off to the side beside Gisela. Aisling took Finan's other hand and held it tight.

You're okay, we got this, she mouthed to Finan as she squeezed his hands.

You are so damn beautiful, he mouthed back.

“Today, we are here to marry Finan the Agile,” Aisling hated that she snorted a laugh causing Finan to glare at her slightly, “formerly of Irland, now of Wessex, and Lady Aisling of Coccham. Now, they have rightly or wrongly,” Beocca eyed them both, “ decided to have an Irish and Danish traditional wedding, so they will be hand fasted and exchange swords. I will however, with their blessing, say that in the eyes of the Christian God, I bless this marriage and any child,” Beocca eyed Aisling's stomach causing everyone to laugh, “that will be born to you two. Now, first is the exchange of swords. Finan,” Beocca said.

Aisling watched as Finan turned and Clapa handed him Dream-Weaver. She saw a leather cord tied around the hilt with a ring on it. Finan let go of her hands and took the sword. She saw his fingers tremble as he pulled off the cord and untied it. He handed the sword to Aisling.

“I give you this sword, Aisling, to symbolize that my family is now your family. This sword comes with the promise that I will defend you and yours whenever and wherever the need may arise. You are mine now and I am yours,” he said. Aisling took the sword and handed it to Sihtric. She turned back Finan and he took her left hand. “And this ring symbolizes my promise of everlasting love and loyalty,” he said.

Aisling felt tears come to her eyes as she looked at the ring. It was a gold Claddagh ring. It was simple looking, the two hands holding the heart and the crown above, were not big but Aisling did not need them to be. She watched as Finan slid it on her finger, with the heart turned inwards on her left hand ring finger meaning that she had found her true love. She looked up and met Finan's eyes. She smiled when he reached up and wiped her tears away.

“Aisling,” Beocca said.

Aisling turned and took Finan's sword from Sihtric. She pulled the ring from the hilt and undid it the leather cord and pulled it off. She handed the sword to Finan. “I give you this sword, Finan, to symbolize that my family is now your family. This sword comes with the promise that I will defend you and yours whenever and wherever the need may arise. You are mine now and I am yours,” she repeated Finan's words. He took the sword and handed it to Clapa. Aisling took his left hand and placed the Claddagh ring, identical to hers, on his left ring finger. She made sure the heart was turned inwards. “And this ring symbolizes my promise of everlasting love and loyalty,” she said.

She reached up and wiped away Finan's tears. I love you, he mouthed to her. I love you, she mouthed back.

“All right now for the hand fasting. Rat boy,” Beocca said turning to Sihtric. Aisling and Finan both laughed. Sihtric sighed but said nothing. He handed Beocca the white fabric; it was what was left of the dress Aisling had been wearing when Finan had found her. Gisela had thought it would be perfect to use it to bind them together. Finan and Aisling placed their hands together, laying them on top of each other and Beocca began wrapping the fabric around their hands. “Now, normally I would say something nice like a prayer of something. But since we are doing this the very non-Christian way, Finan and Aisling have decided to say their own words. Finan, would you like to start?”

***

Finan looked at Aisling. She looked so beautiful. He blinked and tears rolled down his cheeks. He had tried over and over to prepare what he was going to say to her, but honestly nothing felt right or good enough. Now, looking into her blue eyes, he hoped that he could find the words to tell her how much she meant to him and how much he loved her.

“Aisling, I had sworn never to love again,” he started. “I was on that slave ship and I swore that I would not love again as love had brought me nothing but sadness. But the gods-”

“Or God,” Beocca spoke up.

“Beocca,” Uhtred said eying him.

Finan smiled as Beocca held his hands up. Finan looked back at Aisling. “But then the gods, or God, dropped you right in front of me. We were right here in this hall the very first time I looked into your blue eyes. And I began to fall right there. Your eyes are the colour of the sea on the coast of Irland. They called me home, they called me to you. You are my home, Aisling. You are the one I will always come back to, always love, always want. I have nothing but my heart to offer you, and I feel it is not enough. But I promise you, you will always have my love and my protection. I now know, you were the one I was waiting for all along. You are my anamchara,” he said. Soulmate. “I love you,” he finished.

He saw the tears rolling down Aisling's cheeks. He ached to wipe them away. He saw Beocca smile. “Aisling, your turn,” Beocca said.

Finan looked at Aisling. Aisling's blue eyes looked into his brown ones. “I had come to terms with never having any of this,” she said her voice soft, “I never thought I would have a family who loved me, a man who wanted and loved me, or a child of my own. I kept telling myself that my books and my research would fill my life. I would be content. And then I landed here and opened my eyes to find you, Finan, you sexy Irish bastard,” everyone including Finan laughed, “holding me close. My first reaction was to tell myself to keep my clothes on around you, but of course you had already taken my dress off,” again laughter. Finan smirked and shrugged. “And I felt the same way you did. The moment my eyes met yours, I felt myself being pulled to you. I wanted you then, and I will always want you. I have a family now, and a child on the way, and I know I would not have those things without you and your love. Your love has healed me and helped me realize I am enough and I can be loved. You were the one I was waiting on as well. I will always be yours, Finan, and I love you,” she finished.

“And with that, I declared you two wed,” Beocca said.

Finan leaned in and kissed Aisling. Sihtric rang out the bell Uhtred had gotten them which was meant to chase off the evil spirits wishing them harm. He smiled when Aisling kissed him again. He felt Beocca undoing the hand fasting and once his hands were free, Finan cupped Aisling's cheeks in his hands and brushed her tears away. He felt her hands pull him closer.

“God, you are beautiful,” he told her pulling away.

“And you look very sexy,” Aisling answered. “Think we could have a few moments alone?” she asked smirking.

Finan wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close. “We most certainly can,” he whispered.

“All right,” Uhtred yelled, “the feast will be ready soon, let's get the tables up and everyone there is plenty of ale!”

Finan took Aisling's hand and pulled her down the aisle. He waved and smiled at everyone and pulled her towards the stairs. He pulled her up them as quickly as she could go. He pulled her down the hall to a spare bedroom and pulled her inside. The moment the door was closed behind them and bared, he pulled her in his arms and kissed her over and over.

“You are my wife,” he said as he backed her up so her back was against the door.

“I am, and you are my husband,” she answered. He felt her hands make quick work on the ties of his trousers.

Finan kissed her neck and undid the ties on the bodice of her dress. He pulled the bodice until Aisling's breasts were exposed. He kissed down to them and licked her nipples and sucked on them. He ran his hands down and pulled up her dress. He felt Aisling hold her dress up for him while his hand found her core. She was already wet. He slipped a finger inside of her and rubbed her clit with his thumb. Aisling whimpered.

“Finan, I need you inside me,” she moaned.

Finan felt himself throb at her voice. He slipped his finger from her and quickly freed himself from his trousers. “Hold on to me, love,” he said softly.

Aisling wrapped an arm around his neck. He wrapped his arms around her waist and lifted her up. She wrapped one leg around his waist. He reached in between them and moved himself so he could sink himself inside of her. He moaned as she did as he pushed inside of her and her warmth throbbed and stretched around him. Finan lifted Aisling's other leg and she wrapped it around his waist as well. He pressed her back against the door and she reached out and grabbed the side of the door for leverage.

“Fuck, Finan,” Aisling moaned as he began thrusting into her.

Finan griped her ass and moved her hips with his. He kissed and bit her neck feeling her press her body against his. Her fingers grabbed his tunic and held it tight in her hands as he kept up a quick and merciless rhythm. His fingers dug into her skin as he felt her walls begin to spasm around him. His pace became frantic. He was so close to coming.

“Oh, fuck me, husband,” Aisling moaned as she came. Her fingers raked through his hair.

“I am, wife,” he answered as he came emptying his seed inside of her. He moaned as she milked him, clenching her walls around him. He buried his face in her neck and held her against him, even when his now limp cock slipped from inside of her.

“If I would have known it would be this good, I would have married you the moment I woke up with my face in your chest,” Aisling muttered as she placed soft kisses on his cheek and neck.

Finan laughed. He placed her back on her feet. He pulled her dress down and smoothed it for her. He placed his hands on her stomach. “I should not have pulled away from you after we came back from Dunholm. Perhaps we would have got here sooner,” he said.

“I do not blame you, Finan. I love you,” she told him.

“I love you as well.”

He kissed her and wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close. He kissed her over and over. He jumped when he heard banging on the other side of the door. He pulled away from Aisling. He felt her tuck him back into his trousers and she began to do up the ties.

“Yes?” Finan asked.

“The feast is going to start soon,” Sihtric said. “Uhtred is demanding that the bride and groom be there.”

“We'll be there shortly,” Aisling answered.

“We will?” Finan asked.

Aisling elbowed him. Finan laughed. “We'll be down, Sihtric.”

“I'll tell Uhtred,” Sihtric answered.

Finan stood back. He reached out and began to do up the ties on Aisling's bodice. He gently caressed her breasts as he tied the bodice up. Aisling sighed and moaned once he was done. He leaned in and kissed her again.

“You are mine,” he whispered as he kissed along her cheek and neck.

“And you are mine,” she answered.

Finan ran his hands along her stomach and down to her dress. “I think we're going to be a little late,” he said as he lowered himself down on his knees.

“Finan,” she moaned.

“I need to please my wife some more,” he said.

He lifted her dress and moved his head under it. He lifted one of her legs and hooked it on his shoulder. He buried his face in her core, even though she was still leaking his seed down her thighs. He licked her and sucked her.

“FINAN!” she yelled.

He had a feeling that they would not be bothered again for a while.

***

Aisling opened her eyes and reached out behind her. She frowned when she didn't feel Finan in bed with her. She sat up and blinked her eyes. She looked around their room but he was nowhere to be found. She listened, knowing that something had woken her. She heard sobbing coming from the main room. She climbed out of bed and pulled her robe over her shift.

“Finan?” she asked as she walked into the room.

She found him sitting on a low stool by the fire. He turned and looked at her. She saw the tears rolling down his cheeks. She went over to him and wrapped her arms around his shoulders. He buried his face in her stomach.

“What happened?” she asked. They had only gotten back from their wedding feasts a couple of hours before. Aisling had been so tired, she had fallen asleep as soon as her head had hit the pillow.

“I didn't want to wake you,” he said his hands holding her hips.

“Well, I am awake now, so tell me. Why did I wake up to my husband not in my bed?” she whispered as she stroked his hair and neck.

She watched as he looked up and met her eyes. “I had a nightmare,” he whispered. “I should have known. Today, I was,” he looked away. “I was so happy today. I have you, you are my wife and we have a child on the way,” Aisling felt him kiss her stomach, “I should have known that the nightmares would come. They always come with I least expect them.”

Aisling felt her heart break for him. She kneeled in front of him. She reached out and cupped his face. “Come back to bed, Finan,” she whispered. “Let me hold you.”

She watched as he looked at her. She saw sadness in his eyes. “I couldn't save her, Aisling, and now she is haunting me on my happiest day.”

Aisling wiped his tears. “Finan, she is dead. Was it fair that she had to die just because she loved you? No, but that was not your fault. She choose to love you. She choose to run away with you. And you loved her. She is not haunting you, my love, she is at peace. She is in heaven and at peace. You are happy and you are scared that this will be taken away again,” she took his hands and held them on her stomach. She smiled when she felt their kick. “You feel that? Our child is telling you to be happy, to not be afraid. You will not lose us. I am here and I am going to be here by your side until we are both old and grey and ugly.”

She watched as Finan looked at her. He rubbed her stomach. “You will never be ugly.”

She smiled. She leaned in and kissed him. “Do not hide your pain and fears away from me, Finan. I am your wife, I can handle it.”

She felt his hands still on her stomach. “I did not want to ruin this day.”

“It is not ruined, Finan. Nothing could ruin this day for me. I married the man I love. I got married period. If I would have stayed in my time, I would have never let anyone close enough to marry me. I would have been alone. But here, with you,” Aisling smiled at him, “I could not let such a wonderful kind man get away from me.”

Finan laughed. Aisling wiped his tears away. He stood and she stood as well. She wrapped her arms around his waist and kissed his bare chest. She looked up at him as he looked down at her.

“You would be the only person who still believes I am wonderful,” he answered.

“And you were the only person who thought I was able to love,” Aisling answered. “We are evenly matched. Now, come to bed. Our child wishes to hear you sing.”

“Just our child?” Finan whispered as he leaned in and kissed her cheek.

“Yes, just our child. I told you, you are a horrible singer.”

She laughed as Finan poked her side and tickled her. She held him close and was relieved to see a smile on his face. She kissed him deeply and held him close.

I will not let his nightmare or the ghost of his past ruin this day. I am loved and married to the man who holds my heart. Nothing is going to ruin this day, ever. I will make sure that Finan remembers that as well. We will be happy. I can feel it.

Chapter Text

Finan was really enjoying this last bit of Aisling's pregnancy. Mostly because she was done with being pregnant, the babe was due to come any day and after helping Gisela deliver little Storria three months ago, Aisling wanted their child out. And apparently he could help her with this by making love to her; which Finan was all too willing to do. The past couple of weeks especially had seen Aisling pull him into their bedroom and house almost every day for him to pleasure her.

“Oh god,” Aisling moaned as she came. He watched her come and it was so beautiful to him. The way she closed her eyes and bit her lip and became breathless. She let her body fall on his.

He held her close and helped her on her side knowing it was more comfortable for her that way this late in her pregnancy. He kissed her head and gently stroked her skin. “You are so beautiful,” he told her.

She hummed and kissed his chest. “I feel very unbeautiful most of the time now,” she answered.

Finan stroked her back and ran his hand down to her ass and gripped an ass cheek. “You are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen,” he placed his other hand on her stomach. “I hope that our child finally decides to join us though. I want to hold them.”

He felt Aisling smile against his chest. “Tell me the name you picked if it's a girl,” she whispered.

Finan smiled. “Let us see if it is a girl first,” he said.

“Aren't you worried I will hate it?”

Finan shook his head. “No, I believe you will like it.”

“Well, maybe I have a name I like that I wish to name our daughter, if we have one,” she said.

Finan looked at her. Her blue eyes looked at him. She had a small smirk on her face, telling him she was teasing him. Her eyes though, they shone with love and laughter and he fell in love all over again. He reached up and stroked her cheek. “And what name do you like?” he asked.

“I'll tell you mine, if you tell me yours,” she said.

He smiled. “So, you want me to go first, right?”

“It would make the most sense.”

“Oh, it would, would it?”

Finan kissed Aisling's neck and let his hands stroke her breasts. He ran a hand down to her core. He gently cupped her and smiled when she moaned.

“Now, why do I have the feeling that you are just trying to find out the name I picked,” he said softly. He slipped a finger inside of her, then another. He began to stroke her.

“What are you doing?” she moaned as she pressed her hands into his chest.

“I am doing what you asked me; to help you go into labour by making you come over and over,” he answered.

Finan smiled and kissed her. He moaned as her fingers dug into his chest. He winced when he felt her nails rake his skin. He rubbed his thumb against her clit and smiled as she moaned. He let his other hand stroke her breasts and he ran his fingers gently over her nipples over and over.

“You are playing dirty,” Aisling moaned.

Finan kissed her and smiled against her lips. She wrapped her arms around him and held him as close as she could since her belly with their child got in the way. He pulled away when he heard Aisling hiss in pain. He moved his fingers from her. He looked at her face and saw her wincing.

“Aisling?” he asked softly.

“I think our babe has finally decided to show up,” she muttered.

Finan helped her sit up. He rubbed her back and shoulders. “Are you sure?” he asked.

Aisling nodded. “I have been having contractions on and off for the past month. But this one felt different. It feels harder," she looked at him, "I have a good feeling about today or tomorrow.”

Finan smiled. He held her and kissed her head. He felt her hold his arm around her. “I should go and get Gisela,” he told her.

“Stay with me a little longer,” Aisling said softly.

Finan held her tighter. He rested his head on hers. “Nothing is going to go wrong,” he whispered to her. “You will be fine and so will our child.”

“Tell me the name you picked,” Aisling said. “Please.” Her voice was soft and pleading.

Finan sighed. “Why can I never say no to you?”

Aisling turned and smiled at him. She nuzzled her face into his and Finan kissed her nose. “Because you love me,” she whispered as she kissed his cheek.

Finan nodded. “I do,” he said. “Did you really pick a name if it is a girl?” Aisling nodded. “All right, how about we say the name at the same time?”

Aisling nodded. “All right. On three.”

“One, two, three,” Finan counted.

“Aoife,” they both said at the same time. Finan and Aisling looked at each other surprised. “It was my mother's name,” Finan said.

“It was my Nan's name,” Aisling answered. Finan saw the tears come to her eyes. “It has to be Aoife. If we have a daughter,” she said.

Finan nodded. He placed his hand over her stomach. “If it's a girl, we will name her Aoife, because she will no doubt be as beautiful and radiant as her mother.”

Aisling snorted. “You and that mouth is how I got pregnant.”

Finan kissed her cheek. “I do not remember you objecting.”

“Have you seen you?” Aisling laughed. “I don't think any woman would say no to whatever you were offering.”

Finan smiled. “I am glad you find me so desirable.”

Aisling looked at him and nodded. He kissed her lips softly. She hugged him and he held her tight. He would stay with her as long as she wanted. Or at least until Gisela kicked him out. He rubbed her back and felt her hands on his back.

“Sing to me,” she whispered.

“I thought you hated my voice,” he answered.

“I may have lied.”

Finan smiled. He began singing her an Irish drinking song. She laughed as she listened to the words. He laughed with her but kept singing. He closed his eyes and held his family in his arms. He would be meeting his child soon and he prayed everything went well.

***

Aisling yelled as the contraction came. She sat on the edge of the bed and had a tight hold on chair in front of her. She closed her eyes and breathed. She heard Gisela coaching her. The contraction passed. She opened her eyes and looked at Gisela.

“I need a rope or Finan,” she told Gisela.

Gisela looked at Hild, who was back from Winchester, and they shared a look. “Why?” Hild asked carefully.

“It is easier to deliver a child, when the woman is squatting,” Aisling said. “Gisela did not have that problem because she just sneezed and Storria was born,” she added.

Gisela smiled. “Uhtred was my first one and he took forever and was a hard delivery.”

Aisling groaned. “This child is not going to do that.”

Gisela laughed. “You cannot control that.”

Aisling groaned again. “I want to squat.”

“All right then, I will go speak to Uhtred and Finan,” Hild said.

Aisling nodded. She rubbed her stomach moving the shift. She looked at Gisela when the other woman sat beside her. Gisela took her hand and held it tight.

“How are you feeling?” Gisela asked.

Aisling sighed. “Like I really wish there were some good drugs.”

“Walking and thinking of other things helps,” Gisela suggested.

“Can I come in?” Aisling heard Finan ask as the door opened.

Aisling looked at him and nodded. Gisela moved and Finan walked over and took her spot. Aisling leaned against him. She had already been in labour for hours. She felt him rub her back and her stomach. She grabbed his hand and held it.

“Hild is with Uhtred looking to see if they can find you a rope,” Finan answered.

Aisling nodded. “I know, you probably think it is weird,” she answered.

Finan kissed her temple. “My first wife had to do it for our last son,” he whispered. “It was a hard labour and he would not come out. The midwives kept saying they may have to cut him out.”

Aisling turned. She looked at Finan. “Listen to me, mo phrionsa, I am not in trouble. I am just using my weird history nerdiness to make the delivery easier on me and the babe,” she placed her hand on his cheek. “Do you hear me?”

Finan nodded. “I hear you.”

“Okay,” she said. She winced and reached out for his hand as a contraction hit. “Sweet Jesus Christ, next time I do this I am going to need some really good drugs.”

Finan laughed. “Already planning next time?” he said smirking.

“Again, have you seen you?” Aisling cursed in Irish. “I am going to find some herbs and make some awesome pain killing tea. This is ridiculous.”

“Finan, rubbing her back may help,” Gisela suggested.

Aisling placed her arms on the back of the chair and leaned forward. Finan moved and sat behind her on the bed. He began to rub her lower back gently. Aisling moaned as his fingers dug deep into the skin. She felt Finan kiss her neck and shoulders. She took slow deep breaths.

“Talk to me,” she told Finan.

“About what?” he asked.

“Anything, I don't care, just something.”

Finan was quiet. “Tell me about your life,” he said. “I want to know what the world is like a thousand years from now.”

Aisling groaned. “I would rather not.”

“Why? Is there something you don't wish me to know? Perhaps you left some man and don't want to share it,” Finan teased.

Gisela snorted. “More like a teacher that she was sleeping with.”

“Gisela!” Aisling said lifting her head and looking at her.

“Wait, a teacher?” Finan asked as his hands stopped.

“I'll leave you two alone,” Gisela said.

“Oh, sure now you leave,” Aisling muttered.

Gisela gave a little smile and left the room. Aisling felt Finan go back to rubbing her lower back. She sighed and sat up more as the contraction had passed. She felt Finan run his hands along her sides and rest them on her stomach.

“I,” she closed her eyes, “I was using him to get access to a site he was in charge of. On this site, they had found Dane daggers and I needed one to break the curse.”

She felt Finan kiss her neck. “So, you seduced him,” he said.

“I did.”

“And then you broke the curse and left that poor man behind to mourn your loss,” Finan said. “He will never be the same. He will never move on.”

Aisling snorted. “You can stop.”

Finan sighed and tutted her. “That poor man is going to die alone because you just left him there. Without a word of goodbye.”

Aisling glanced over her shoulder at her husband. “I left him a note telling him I wouldn't be seeing him the next week in Rome like we planned and that I may have taken a parting gift.”

Finan met her eyes and laughed. “He was going to take you to Rome? To what? Pray?”

Aisling giggled. “In my time, Rome is not owned by the church anymore.”

“What?”

Aisling nodded. “People visit there and look at the Roman ruins-.”

“Wait, the ruins still stand?” Finan asked rubbing her stomach.

“Yes, they do,” Aisling sighed. “So much history there. I didn't go, that was my chance and I missed it. And now I am here.”

She felt Finan lean closer to her. “You sound sad about that?”

Aisling nodded. “I am sad about missing out on seeing that history up close,” she kissed his nose. “I am not sad about being here and being your wife.”

“Even if I got you with child?”

Aisling nodded. “I was not exactly an unwilling participant.”

Finan smiled. “You were very willing.”

Aisling smiled as well. She leaned in and kissed him. He kissed her back slow and gently. He pulled away when she did and winced as another contraction hit her. She felt him go back to rubbing her lower back. She moaned and rested her head against his shoulder closing her eyes.

“Does this help?” Finan asked.

She nodded. “A bit,” she opened her eyes and looked at him. “Stay.”

Finan looked at her. “Are you sure?” he asked softly.

Aisling nodded. “I want you here with me. And in my time, the fathers are allowed to be there when their child is born.”

She watched Finan. He looked at her and bit his lip. She could tell he was thinking about it. She turned away and did her slow breathing to help with the pain. She felt him massaging her back. She turned when Hild and Uhtred walked into the room with a rope.

“Will this do?” Hild asked.

Aisling nodded. “It has to be put over a weight bearing beam,” she said groaning. “Uhtred, could you,” she gestured.

“I will,” Uhtred looked at her. “You know that this is-.”

Aisling cursed. “I am very aware that I am being very odd. What else is new?”

“I was going to say smart,” he said.

She smiled at him. “Sure, you were.”

“All right,” Gisela said. “There are far too many people in here.”

“Too bad, they are staying,” Aisling answered. She placed her hands over Finan's when he rubbed them around her stomach. “At least Uhtred is staying until he sets up the rope for me. And Finan, my husband is staying period.”

“I don't-,” Gisela started. Aisling shot her a glare. Gisela nodded. She smiled. “That look is all Uhtred,” she said.

Uhtred laughed. He took the chair from in front of Aisling and climbed on it holding to rope. “No, wife, that look is all you.”

“I have to agree,” Hild added.

Aisling laughed. She looked at Finan. “What do you think?”

“I think I am going to keep my opinion to myself or Gisela may just drag me out of here,” he answered.

Aisling laughed. She felt him kiss her neck. She closed her eyes. You can do this. Finan is with you and he will give you strength. And you will both meet your child. She held Finan's hands. She felt him squeeze her hands. She felt safe with Finan there. And she knew her child would feel the same way; after all, their child always seemed to calm down whenever they heard Finan's voice.

“There we go,” Uhtred said as he let the rope drop and hang by the bed. He stepped off the chair and moved it back in front of Aisling. Gisela immediately grabbed a damp cloth and wiped it down, having heard Aisling give an entire speech about how washing prevents germs and germs were bad. I felt like Claire in Outlander but I doubt I did that great of a job considering I am not a doctor or nurse.

“Thank you, Uhtred,” she said.

“Anything for my sister. Now, I will go drink some ale and wait for news,” he said.

Aisling nodded. She closed her eyes and cursed as another contraction hit. She smiled as Finan began whispering comforting words in Irish to her. She leaned against him and took in his comfort. Together they could do this.

***

Finan kneeled behind Aisling and helped support her weight as she held the rope and squatted. He kissed her shoulder and muttered soft prayers under his breath. He held his hands on her hips holding her. He looked at Hild and she smiled.

“Fuck!” Aisling yelled and screamed.

Finan looked over Aisling's shoulder at Hild, as Hild kneeled in front of Aisling with her hands in between Aisling's legs. Hild moved her arms and Finan saw his child in them. Gisela quickly leaned over and wiped the baby's face and cleaned their mouth and nose out. Finan felt tears come to his eyes as the baby cried. He sat back on the floor and held Aisling in his arms.

“You have a beautiful baby girl,” Hild said.

Finan looked at Aisling. She was crying. “Aoife,” she said.

He nodded. He kissed her softly. “Our little Aoife,” he answered.

“I'll get the baby cleaned up,” Hild said. “Finan, perhaps you could help Aisling in the bed and Gisela will clean her up.”

Finan nodded. He wrapped his arms around Aisling and lifted her slowly and carefully. He placed her on the bed. He kissed her and felt her kiss him back.

“I am going to go and-,” he started.

“Here, hold her,” Hild said.

Finan looked down as Hild placed Aoife in his arms. He heard Hild and Gisela helping Aisling clean up and deliver the after birth but it was background noise. His eyes were on his daughter.

She had a head of his dark hair. Tears came to his eyes. He gently reached up and stroked her soft hair. Aoife opened her eyes and looked at him. She has Aisling's eyes. My daughter has her mother's ocean blue eyes. And she has five fingers on each hand and five toes on each foot. She is perfect. By the gods, my baby girl is perfect.

“Finan?” Gisela asked placing a hand on his arm.

Finan looked up at her tears rolling down his cheeks. “She is perfect, Gisela. My daughter is perfect.”

He saw Gisela smile at him. “She is. Now, perhaps we should let her mother hold her,” Gisela suggested.

Finan nodded. He walked over to the bed where Aisling was attempting to get comfortable in a clean shift. He sat beside her and placed Aoife in her arms. He wrapped his arm around her shoulders and kissed her head.

“She is perfect, Aisling. You gave me a perfect baby girl,” he told her.

Aisling laughed softly. Finan watched as she reached out and stroked their daughter's hair. “She has your hair,” Aisling said softly.

“But she has her mother's beautiful eyes,” Finan said.

He felt Aisling reach out for his hand. He gave it to her. He held her hand and kept staring at his daughter. He turned when Hild cleared her throat.

“I will go tell everyone you have a beautiful daughter,” Hild said.

“Aoife,” Aisling said turning to look at Hild. “Her name is Aoife.”

Hild smiled. “Aoife. It's beautiful. Do you two need anything else?”

“Finan, you haven't eaten anything,” Aisling said softly looking at him.

He looked at her. “I'm fine,” he said.

He felt Aisling squeeze his hand. “Go get us both some food, and get some fresh air.”

He kissed her on the head. “Why do I think you are trying to get rid of me now?”

Aisling gave him a soft smile. “Because I am. I need to have a little talk with our daughter. Okay?” she asked.

He nodded. “All right, I will be right back.”

Finan lead Gisela and Hild out of the room. He stood by the door and waved them towards the front door. Hild rolled her eyes but didn't say anything. Gisela gave him a smile and left closing the door behind her. Finan leaned against the wall and listened to Aisling with their daughter. He didn't want to feel like he was spying on his wife, but he was worried about her feelings. She had seemed better the last few months of her pregnancy but he knew that Star's words had cut deep.

“Oh, your daddy was right, you have my eyes,” Aisling said laughing. “There's two of us now,” she said her voice going soft. He heard Aisling cry softly. “Aoife, I am so sorry for not wanting you in the beginning. You are so beautiful and so perfect. Those feelings were more about me than you, my sweet girl.”

Finan closed his eyes. Tears rolled down his cheeks. He listened as Aisling went on. “See, your daddy loved you and wanted you from the moment he knew about you. Your daddy loves so much and so deeply, Aoife. And you want to know a secret? His love put me back together,” Aisling whispered.

Finan smiled a bit. “See, my daddy and my mommy, they didn't love me like a child should be loved. And I grew up feeling that every day of my life. It's why I was so scared when I found out about you. I didn't want you growing up that way. I was scared I couldn't love you because my parents didn't love me. But your daddy, he knew. He knew that I could love you, and baby girl, he was right. I look at you now, and I love you so much,” Aisling cried.

Finan pulled away from the wall ready to go back in the room. He stopped when he heard Aisling laugh softly. “Yeah, I love you, Aoife, and I love your daddy. That man is such a good, kind, loving man. We are lucky that his ours, sweetie. He is never going to leave you, he is never going to make you think you aren't good enough, and most importantly, he is always going to love you and be there for you. And so am I. I promise you, Aoife, I am going to be a better mother to you than my mother was to me. You are going to know your worth, Aoife and you are going to know we love you.”

Finan turned and walked to the doorway. He leaned in it. He watched as Aisling looked up and met his eyes. She looked away and wiped her tears away.

“How much did you hear?” she asked softly.

Finan walked over to the bed. He sat on the side of it. He leaned in and kissed Aoife on the head. “I heard all of it,” he answered softly. He looked up and brushed away Aisling's tears. “I love you, Aisling. I love you but I did not have to put you back together, you were whole.”

Aisling looked up and met his eyes. She gave him a sad smile. “Let's agree to disagree about that. Do you want to hold her?”

Finan looked at her. “I want to hold you both.”

Finan moved and sat beside Aisling on the bed. He wrapped an arm around her shoulders and his other arm under Aoife, who was being held by Aisling. He kissed Aisling on the cheek. She rested her head on his shoulder.

“Are you happy?” she asked him softly.

Finan rubbed her shoulder. “I am very happy,” he answered.

She nodded. “Thank you for staying with me.”

“You never have to thank me, for anything Aisling. You are my wife. It is my duty to be there for you. Not to mention, I also love you,” he added. He kissed her lips when Aisling turned and looked at him. “I love you and will do anything you need me to.”

Aisling nodded. She pulled away and looked at him. “I need you to do something else for me.”

“Name it.”

Finan looked in her eyes. She looked slightly worried. “Don't keep me from following you into battle just because of Aoife. I am a mother but I was also training to be a warrior and,” she looked away from him. “I think we both remember how it ended one time when I came back,” she whispered. “Time being a freaking circle and all.”

Finan brushed the hair from her face. He gently took her chin and made her face him. He rested his forehead against hers. “I will not keep you from fighting beside me if you feel the need to do so. I have seen you training, it would be a waste to keep you here when your skills were improving so much and showed that you could be a great warrior.”

She nodded. “I just needed to make sure. I don't like the idea of you riding off and... Dying during some battle if I could have helped you.”

Finan smiled. “I don't like the idea much anymore either,” he kissed her gently on the lips. “But right now, there are no battles. Let us focus on our daughter.”

“I can do that,” Aisling said. “God, I can't believe we made her. She is so perfect.”

Finan kept his eyes on Aisling. “Yes, she is,” he whispered.

He held his family close. He was happy and content. Please let this last. Please God, or gods, whoever will listen, let this happiness last for us. I need it to. I cannot live through more loss. I cannot.

Chapter Text

Aisling swung Dream-Weaver with all her might and smiled as it slammed into Sihtric's shield. She yanked it back and pulled up her own shield to block Sihtric's sword. She swung her shield around and moved right when he did. Sihtric slammed his shield against hers in an attempt to over power her. She pulled her shield back a bit and he moved forward. She did this a bit at a time before yanking her shield back and swinging it. It slammed into Sihtric's side causing him to lose his balance. He fell on his side on the ground. She swung Dream-Weaver around and pressed it gently in his gut.

“And dead,” she said as she tossed her shield aside.

Sihtric groaned. “I cannot believe I fell for that. I forgot about you faking me in,” he muttered.

Aisling laughed. She was feeling more and more like the person she had been when she had first arrived in Coccham a year before. I can't believe it's be almost a year and a half. I am married now, and have a four month old baby. Time sure does fly. She turned when she heard Finan cooing. She smiled and saw him carrying Aoife in a baby wrap. She wiped the sweat from her forehead and walked over to them. Finan looked up and smiled at her.

“I was just telling Aoife about how her mommy beat Uncle Sihtric again,” he said.

Aisling placed Dream-Weaver back in the scabbard that she wore on her waist on a belt. She shook her head. Watching Finan speak to their child in Irish and carry Aoife around wrapped around his body was really turning her on. This man was a hardened warrior, he had killed people in battle, but yet one little baby girl turned him to mush and he always pouted whenever someone took Aoife from him; even if it was Aisling herself to feed their child.

“I thought Aoife was going to stay at the hall with Gisela and the wet nurses while you helped me train,” Aisling said as she crossed her arms on her chest. She winced a bit. She had had difficulty with breastfeeding Aoife, from clogged milk ducts to what Aisling thought was mastitis but couldn't be sure. It had made her a tad bit hysteric about Aoife getting enough to eat, which lead to Aisling producing less milk so Finan had swooped in and went to Uhtred and Gisela who had gotten a wet nurse for Aisling and one for Gisela so that Aisling would not feel like a failure as a mother. And it had helped. Aisling had stopped being anxious about her daughter not getting enough to eat and had gone back to enjoying her child, which meant that she was producing more milk and she was able to feed Aoife, from time to time at least.

“I couldn't leave her there,” Finan answered softly.

Fuck. He needs to put that face away or I am going to be pregnant again in no time. Jesus, does he even know how sexy he looks? God, help me. I need some self control and fast.

“Finan, she would be fine. You promised to train me,” Aisling said.

“You did fine without me,” Finan countered.

Aisling shook her head. She walked closer to him and pulled the fabric back so she could see her daughter. She reached in and stroked Aoife's cheek. Aoife graced her with a smile. Aisling smiled.

“She is always smiling and happy with you,” Aisling said looking up at her husband. “We have a definite Daddy's girl on our hands.”

Finan smiled. “You want to know a secret?” he said.

“What?” Aisling asked.

“I always wanted a daughter. Sure, I knew I needed a son, better two, to be my heir in Irland but I always wanted a daughter as well. A little girl who loved dresses and cakes and not going to war,” Finan said as he looked down at Aoife. He sighed. “I never thought I would have one,” he looked at Aisling, “I did not think I could have happiness again.”

“Finan,” Aisling reached up and cupped his cheek, “we talked about this. What happened wasn't your fault. You are punishing yourself for nothing. You did not deserve what happened to you and neither did Ciara. But that was then. We are here now. I am here. Aoife is here. And we both need you.”

“I don't know,” Sihtric said as he walked over. “Aisling, you seem plenty capable of defending you and Aoife. I don't think you need Finan at all,” he said.

Aisling kicked at Sihtric and he took off. She shook her head. She turned back and saw Finan watching her. He had a smile on his face. And suddenly I need a new pair of trousers. Fuck.

“I came here because Uhtred wishes to speak to you,” he said softly.

Aisling looked at Aoife and took her little hand. She smiled when Aoife wrapped her hand around one of Aisling's fingers. Aisling made a face and her daughter laughed. She looked back up at Finan and saw that he had been watching her with a soft look on his face. She smiled and looked back at their daughter.

“And what does Uhtred need me for?” she asked softly. Things between her and Uhtred had gotten a bit frosty when Aisling had allowed Finan to have Aoife baptized. Aoife was Finan's child but Uhtred also saw her as his family, which put her under his protection, which apparently meant she should be pagan. Aisling hadn't cared really one way or another and that had annoyed Uhtred even more. I should have known this would happen. Uhtred doesn't care which god Finan prays to but I am his blood and so is Aoife. That matters to him. Although from the look on Gisela's face, I bet he is rethinking that right about now.

“He wishes your opinion on certain matters,” Finan said as he bounced Aoife in his arms as she started to fuss.

Aisling snorted. “Sure, cause he was really interested in my opinion two months ago when we had Aoife baptized.”

Finan sighed. “You know, both of you are so damn stubborn. Gisela and I-.”

Aisling glanced at him. “Gisela and you? Have you started a self help group? What do you call it? Support for the Spouses of the Stubborn Ragnarsons?” Finan gave her a blank look. She waved her hand. “I'll explain it later,” she muttered.

“Gisela and I both agree that this has gone on long enough. Aoife is baptized, it's done. You and Uhtred are the ones that dragged it out with the stern looks and snide remarks about the gods and God. So how about you actually talk to him.”

Aisling glanced at her husband. “Did you have this conversation with him?”

“No, but Gisela did.”

Aisling sighed. She turned and lifted Aoife in her arms when her daughter started crying. She held Aoife close and reached over and undid the ties on her vest. She smiled when Finan reached out and helped her. She placed Aoife to her breast and winced as her daughter began to fed.

“Still painful?” Finan asked softly.

Aisling nodded. “Less painful than the other one. I am beginning to see why the infant mortality rate was so high,” she looked down at her daughter. Aoife's blue eyes took her in. “But she was worth it and more,” she answered.

She smiled when Finan pulled her closer. He wrapped his arms around her shoulders and stroked her hair. She felt him kiss her on the forehead. Aisling had noticed since Aoife had been born, he felt the constant need to hold them both close. Like he feared when he was not holding them, he would lose them. Aisling turned and leaned her shoulder against his chest. She reached up and stroked his cheek with her free hand.

“Finan, we need to talk about this,” she whispered.

“What?” he asked.

“You constantly need to be holding me and Aoife. I am worried about you. I have noticed you haven't been sleeping that well either.”

“I'm fine.”

“M'fhear céile,” she whispered. “You are not fine.”

Finan gave her a soft smile. “I am fine. Now, let's head to the hall, we can't leave Uhtred waiting.”

Aisling looked down at Aoife. She was still eating. “In a few minutes, let's let Aoife finish eating first,” she said.

She felt Finan's hand stroke had cheek and run into her hair. She looked up and met his eyes. “I love you,” Finan told her.

“I love you as well,” she answered. “It's why I am worried about you.”

Finan kissed her on the temple. “Later, we will deal with this later,” he whispered.

We better because I am worried about you. And I am scared I know the reason you are acting the way you are. I don't know if I can help you get over it.

***

Finan walked beside Aisling into the hall. He made faces at Aoife, who was in Aisling's arms, and he loved the sound of his daughter's laughter. Aisling smiled as well as she leaned against him. He had his arm around her shoulders and he pulled her closer. He turned and saw Uhtred and Gisela waiting for them. Finan took Aoife in his arms and held her close while Aisling walked over and sat beside Uhtred at the table.

“You summoned me,” she said.

Finan glanced at Gisela and smiled when she rolled her eyes. Finan bounced Aoife gently in his arms. She laughed and reached up for his face. I never got these moments with my sons. Yes, I held them, and I tried so hard to love them but there was always that cursed crown and duty that hung over me. I would only be able to have handfuls of moments with them. I don't even remember what Rian's first word was. Did Niall crawl before he walked? And Sean, does he even know I exist or did Conall claim him as his own completely and he calls my bastard brother Father? I cannot ever get those moments back. I can never undo the pain I caused my sons. But I will prevent my daughter from feeling it. I will remember every moment with her. I will be there for her. Finan sat down at the table and blew raspberries on Aoife's stomach. Aoife giggled and laughed.

“I asked you to come,” Uhtred said. “There was no summoning involved.”

“I don't know, you are a lord, and don't lords usually summon.”

Finan sighed. “Your mother is being difficult and so is your uncle,” he told Aoife loud enough for Aisling and Uhtred to hear. “They are both stubborn, yes they are, yes they are,” he added tickling Aoife.

He turned and saw Aisling and Uhtred wearing identical looks of annoyance on their faces as they glared at him. Gisela covered her mouth with her hand in an attempt to hide her smile. Finan smirked at them both and turned back to Aoife.

“I may have been a tad,” Uhtred paused.

“Dramatic?” Aisling offered.

Uhtred snorted. “Not dramatic.”

“You stood right here in this hall and accused me of turning my back on my ancestors, when you sir, are literally my ancestor and you were the one turning your back on me, so, I think dramatic fits,” Aisling said.

Finan heard Uhtred curse in Danish and smiled. Aisling was still the only one who could get Uhtred to utter so many curses in the span of five minutes. Now he knows how we feel when we have to deal with him.

“Fine, I was dramatic. I did not realize that, with Finan being Christian, it was only right that your child with him would be baptized,” he said.

“Uh huh,” Aisling said. “That sounds more like Gisela than you.”

“Aisling,” Finan said softly. He gave her a pleading look. She sighed.

“Fine, you're right, I should have, well, come and actually talked to you instead of being snide about it,” she said.

“That sounds more like Finan than you.”

Gisela cleared her throat. “Good, now that that is out of the way, Uhtred actually has something he wants your opinion on.”

“Is it his hair?” Aisling asked.

“What is wrong with my hair?” Uhtred asked.

“Where to start?”

Finan snorted as he heard Uhtred attempt to kick Aisling under the table but Aisling lifted her legs up. He looked down at Aoife and saw his daughter watching him.

“Your mother and uncle are children,” he told her softly. She smiled at him. He smiled at her and felt his heart ache. She is so small and innocent. Right now she only thinks the best of me and nothing more. Will that change one day?Will she hate me like my sons undoubtedly do?

“You caught him again?” Aisling said bringing Finan back to the conversation.

“I did, or rather Clapa caught him this time,” Uhtred said. “My instinct is to hang him.”

“And Alfred is going to hate it,” Aisling said. Finan watched as she rubbed her forehead. “You have to give him a trial.”

“He is guilty.”

Finan saw Aisling lean back in the chair. She bent her leg under her and crossed her arms on her chest. Finan saw the lines come in her forehead. She was thinking hard and long. No doubt going over all the history she had crammed in there and trying to give Uhtred what he wanted. She sighed and cursed.

“Uhtred, there are laws,” she said softly. “We are in Wessex no matter if you are lord here or not. If you do not give that man a trial, Alfred will come here and he will be angry. And I am sorry, but that man has never liked you or trusted you just because you were raised by Danes. I think the best course of action here would be to give the man a trial and save yourself the headache of having the king drop by unannounced and unwanted.”

Silence echoed in the hall. Gisela spoke first. “Aisling's advice sounds right, husband. We would not want the king to come unannounced, who knows where he would find Aisling and Finan making love,” she said smirking.

Finan laughed and Aisling pointed her finger at Gisela. “I would not talk if I were you. Rypere caught you and Uhtred outside the wall three nights ago having some fun when you thought no one was around,” Aisling said.

Gisela shrugged. “It is not my fault my husband is insatiable.”

Finan laughed as Aisling made a face. “That is my brother.”

Uhtred smirked. He sighed. “I am going to hang him,” he said.

Aisling cursed. “Well, when Alfred shows up, I will let him know that I tried to talk you out of it,” she smirked at him. “At least, this time he won't be trying to marry me off.”

Finan sat Aoife on his lap and held her close. He focused on his daughter and didn't pay attention to Aisling and Uhtred still talking. Aoife held his finger in her hand. Finan could tell she was getting tired, he leaned down and kissed her head. He looked up and found Uhtred and Aisling watching him. He frowned.

“What? Is there something on my face?” he asked.

“You didn't mention that in a day we would be leaving to go fight raiders in Mercia,” Aisling said.

Finan shrugged. “It slipped my mind.”

Uhtred nodded. “Aisling, I was hoping you would be coming with us.”

And that I why I conveniently forgot to mention the raiders. I knew this day would come but I hate it still. I hate the idea of my wife going into battle, even if she is a warrior. Aisling is Uhtred's kin, and I have no doubt she can defend herself. I just wish she would prefer to stay here and be a mother and wife.

He watched as Aisling nodded. “I would love to,” Finan met her eyes when she looked at him again. “Is Aoife ready to be put down for her nap?” she asked him.

He nodded. “She is,” he said.

“I will take her,” Gisela said. “Storria and her sleep better when they are close, do they not, Aisling?”

Aisling nodded. “They do. Like twins,” she said.

Finan kissed Aoife on the head and smiled at Gisela as she walked over and took his daughter in her arms. He looked over at Aisling as she stood from the table.

“Do you need Finan for anything?” she asked Uhtred.

“I was-,” Finan started.

“No, you two can have some time together,” Uhtred said.

Finan nodded. He stood as well. He saw Uhtred eyeing him and he had a feeling that Uhtred also knew about his trouble sleeping. Finan walked beside Aisling as they left the hall. She took his hand in hers and held it. She leaned against him slightly.

“I want you to talk to me, Finan,” she whispered. He felt her fingers wrap around his. “We promised no secrets.”

Finan held her hand tight. I want to talk about it, but I cannot find the words. How can I tell you that I am terrified of this happiness? That being this happy and in love will not last. The last time I had this, my brother showed up and ripped it all away. He turned and kissed her on the head. He didn't say anything though. He was saving his words for when they were alone. He didn't know how she would react to what he had to say, or how he would either.

***

Aisling walked into the home she shared with Finan. She took off her sword belt and placed it on the table. She turned and saw Finan bar the door. He placed his hands on the door and leaned against it. Aisling could see the tension in his body. He did not want to talk about what was bothering him. Aisling could feel the pain rolling off of him. It's Ciara. She is still hanging over him. It has been worse since Aoife was born. He lost Ciara and their child. That was the last time he had been happy. And it was ripped away. And now he is terrified he will lose Aoife and I.

“Finan,” she whispered as she took a step towards him. “I am not doing this to hurt you. I can see and feel your pain. I have felt it since Aoife was born. I let it go too far though. I should have tried earlier to talk to you,” she said.

Finan turned and looked at her. He leaned his back against the door. She saw the pain in his eyes and the tears rolling down his cheeks. He looked at her. “I never had this much time to love and raise my boys,” he said softly. “I had duties,” he said the word with such hate and contempt. “Every milestone and moment I have with our daughter, I find myself wondering why I can't remember those same moments with my sons,” he wiped the tears from his face. “I love you, Aisling, and I love our daughter. I want you both so damn much. I just did not realize that I still had this pain hanging over me.”

Aisling waited for him to come to her. She wiped her own tears away. “I know all about pain, Finan. I have my own. I had made a nice little box to put it in when I was old enough and I honestly thought I had dwelt with it. But Star happened and that nice little box got blown up,” she said softly. She watched as he stepped closer to her. “But you were here,” she whispered. “You and your stupid understanding face and patience. You and that damn accent making sassy remarks and making me laugh. There was you and everything about you made me feel safe and loved. But you were hiding your own pain and hurt,” she said meeting his eyes. “I know that somewhere inside of you, you hate yourself still for what happened with Ciara,” Aisling's voice stammered over her name. God, she is dead. She is long dead and I am acting like she is this other woman or something. She is not a threat. It's Finan's pain and guilt that is hurting him. Ciara cannot hurt him any longer. “Finan, you need to hear me,” she said firmly. “I am not Ciara. I am a warrior, Finan, one you helped train. I am a warrior and I will fight beside you, but mo grá, I cannot fight an enemy I cannot see,” she finished.

She watched her husband. He looked down at his feet. “I didn't want my fears and pain to touch you. It is mine to deal with.”

“That's the problem, Finan, you aren't dealing with it. You are hiding and acting like everything is fine. I sleep beside you. I know you get four hours a night, maybe. I know you pace the floor. I know you have taken to drinking far too much to get to sleep,” she told him. He looked up and met her eyes. She raked a hand through her hair and looked at him. “I love you, Finan, what do you need me to do to help you?”

She waited. Finan looked up at her. “Your father never loved you, Aisling. Have you forgiven him for that?” he whispered.

Aisling blinked. She had not been expecting that. “Forgiven him?”

Finan nodded. “Yes. Have you forgiven him for not treating you like a daughter and for, abandoning you when your sister went missing.”

Aisling looked at him. She realized what he meant; he wanted to know if she had forgiven her father because he thought his sons would never forgive him for what he had done. “You did not abandon your sons, Finan.”

“I did.”

“No, you left them with their mother when you ran away with Ciara. Was it right? No. Your choice was wrong. But what Conall did to you, selling you as a slave, that was worse. He took your choice away from you. He took your sons away. He is to blame for them not having a father. Not you.”

Finan shook his head. “Do you really think they are going to see it that way? Your sister didn't.”

“Yeah, well, I give exactly zero fucks for what my sister thinks and how she sees things,” Aisling said plainly. “And right at this moment, I don't really care what your sons think of you either. They are in Ireland, Finan, I am here. Aoife is here. And you, you are here,” she said firmly. “You want forgiveness from them? Fine, get on a boat and go back to see them and ask them yourself for it. Tell them the story and see what they think. I can't give you their forgiveness, but I can get you to forgive yourself. And right now, you need that more.”

She wiped her tears away. Finan walked closer to her. He reached out for her. She hugged him tight around the middle. She held him tight and buried her face in his chest. She closed her eyes and felt his fingers digging into her sides. She stood holding him wishing she could just snap her fingers and make his pain go away. She wanted him to be whole and happy.

“You haven't forgiven him, have you?” he whispered.

Aisling sighed. She opened her eyes and pulled away. She looked into Finan's brown depths. “I have. I forgave him when Star went missing. I was old enough and I saw how much he loved Astrid and how hard he tried to be good enough for her. I know he tried for me too but it was all too much. So, one night I wrote a letter to him telling him I forgave him for the pain he had caused me but that I was not going to let him back in to cause more. And I burned it and moved on,” she told Finan. “And maybe, your sons have done the same thing. But there is a difference between our stories, Finan. My father, he would never be as broken up as you are about the pain he caused me. I don't think he has ever even admitted that he treated me differently. That is what makes you a good man,” she reached up and cupped his face in her hands. “You are still worried about your sons even after everything. You still love them.”

Finan pulled her closer. “I want to be better for Aoife. I need to be better for both of you.”

“No, you just need to be you,” Aisling told him. “We need you to be funny, sassy, loving, but most of all, we need you to be relaxed, at ease and rested. I don't need better and neither does Aoife. You are good enough, Finan, just the way you are.”

She kissed him when he leaned down and kissed her. She gently sucked on his bottom lip and stroked his tongue with hers. She wrapped her arms around his neck when he grabbed her ass and lifted her. She wrapped her legs around his waist and let him carry her to their bedroom. She felt herself get wet at the thought of being with Finan again. They had not made love since Aoife's birth. She had been healing and with her being so nervous and anxious about her breast feeding, Finan had not pushed her. She had made sure to give him a hand job here and there but it was not the same.

“How sore are your breasts?” he asked as he pulled away from the kiss.

“Why? You planning on having them bounce around?” she asked as she kissed along his jaw. She smiled when he laughed. She kissed down his neck. She nipped at the spot by his ear and his pulse point. He moaned. She smiled against his skin. “I have missed hearing that sound,” she whispered as she nipped him again.

“You are the only one who has ever made me make that sound in that particular way,” he said.

Aisling pulled away and looked into his eyes. She leaned in and kissed him softly on the lips. She felt his hands grip her thighs and ass. She rested her forehead against his after she pulled away from the kiss. They breathed as one and Aisling closed her eyes.

“I love you,” he whispered to her. “I love you so much, Aisling,” he said his voice thick with want and emotion.

She opened her eyes and looked into his. “I love you too, Finan. I love you and you are just right the way you are.”

He smiled his usual smile and Aisling felt relief flood her heart. “I'm perfect for you, huh?” he asked smirking that damn cheeky smirk that had made her fall in love with him. “Just like you are perfect for me,” he kissed her.

She ran her hand over his short hair. “Hmm,” she answered. “We are perfect for each other, look at our beautiful baby girl we created,” she said smiling.

She laughed when Finan dumped her on the bed. He laid his body over hers and she held him close to her. She laughed more when he tickled her sides. She hugged his sides with her knees and kissed him when he leaned in and kissed her. She pulled at his tunic. He pulled away and sat back and pulled it off himself. He looked down at her and smiled. He pulled off her boots, tossing them aside and then worked on the ties to her trousers. Aisling reached out and worked on the ties of his trousers. Once she had his trousers undone, she undid the ties of the vest she wore and shrugged it off. She tossed it aside and stole another kiss from Finan. He smiled against her lips and before he began to kiss down her jaw to her neck.

“Let me know if I'm hurting you,” he whispered as he gently nipped her neck and sucked on the skin below her ear. Aisling moaned as his hands gently found her breasts. He kissed down her neck to the skin in between them. He licked her skin and she arched her back against him. His hands gently stroked her breasts not squeezing too hard or pressing them too much. He was being so gentle but also giving her the touch she craved and needed.

He kissed down her stomach and pulled at her trousers. Aisling lifted her ass up so he could pull them down her legs. He stood from the bed and pulled them off and tossed them aside. He pulled off his boots tossing them aside and lastly his trousers. Aisling lifted herself up on her elbows and looked at him. She felt the ache in her core and she bit her lip.

“Like what you see?” he asked as he climbed back on top of her and placed soft kisses on her stomach.

“Always,” Aisling said as she ran her hands along his back and shoulders.

She opened her legs wider and Finan settled himself between them. He kissed down her lower abdomen. She felt him place soft kisses along the few stretch marks she had gotten from her pregnancy. He moved his face in between her thighs. Aisling lifted one of her legs over his shoulder and moaned as he licked her. He lapped up her wetness and she ached wanting more. His tongue swirled around her clit and he flicked it gently. Aisling pressed her hips against his mouth more. Her skin flushed and she felt her breath catch as Finan sucked her folds and her clit. She felt him add two fingers inside of her, stretching her and stroking her. She felt his other hand holding her hips down as they began to buck. She grabbed his hand and held it in hers as he continued to lick her and stroke her.

“Finan,” she moaned as she felt the damn break and her legs trembled and her whole body shuddered as she came.

She felt Finan gently slid his fingers from her and stroke the skin of her thighs. She took slow breaths and kissed him when his pressed his lips to hers. She tasted herself on his lips. She wrapped her arms around his shoulders and pulled him close. She felt his arms wrap around her and lift her. She felt him grab their pillows and place them behind her before laying her back down. Aisling smiled as Finan kissed her cheek.

“We'll go slow,” he said softly. “Slow and easy.”

“And if I don't want slow and easy?” she asked her knees coming up to hug his sides. Aisling felt him rub against her folds and she moaned.

Finan ran his hand down her side. “Then I will give you what you want,” he answered kissing her deeply.

“I want you,” Aisling answered. She smiled as Finan groaned. “So, husband, how about you get to ravishing me?”

Finan smiled at her and Aisling ran her fingers down his back. “God, I love you,” he said his hand squeezing her thigh.

Aisling ran her hands down to his ass and grabbed his cheeks. She looked down and watched as he moved his hand from her thigh and took himself in his hand. She moaned as he rubbed himself against her folds teasing her. She dug her fingernails in his ass cheeks and moaned when he finally sunk inside of her. She felt herself stretch and she push him deeper by wrapping her legs around his waist. She felt Finan's hand on her thighs before he reached out and took her arms and pulled them from around him. He ran his hands down her arms and held her hands in his palm to palm. He moved slowly setting a relaxed and easy rhythm. Aisling moaned as Finan moved their hands above her head and kissed her slowly. Fuck me, how can this feel so damn hotter than all the other times? Her nails dug into the back of his hands. He pulled away from the kiss and rested his forehead against hers.

“Are you okay?” he asked his voice barely a whisper. Aisling felt her walls clench around him at the sexiness of his voice.

“Mmm, yes,” she answered breathlessly. “But I need,” she huffed.

“I know,” he answered.

Aisling wrapped her arms around Finan's neck when he released her hands. She felt him lift her as he sat back on the bed. He was on his knees and she moaned as he slid in deeper as she sat on his lap. He wrapped his arms around her and held her so close. She kissed his neck and shoulder as he kept up the slow and steady pace. She could feel the tension building inside of her and she raked her fingernails down his back. He moaned and she felt him gently nip her shoulder and neck. For several moments, the only sounds in the room were that of their moans, kisses, and the sounds of their lovemaking.

“Aisling,” he whispered, “promise me I will always have you,” she felt his tears fall on her shoulder. “I cannot lose ya,” his accent got thicker with his emotion. “You are everything I have ever wanted and thought I never deserved.”

Aisling pulled away and looked at him. She wiped his tears away. She placed her hand over his heart trapping the Celtic cross between her palm and his skin. “You will always have me, Finan. Always,” she whispered. “You are my everything,” she added, “and you deserve my love and so much more.”

The kiss he pressed to her lips was messy and full of emotion but Aisling didn't care. Finan's hands gripped her hips suddenly and he began to quicken the pace. It didn't take much for Aisling's muscles to tense and her walls to clench around him. She felt the damn inside of her break and she saw stars as she came. She buried her face in his neck as he came spilling himself inside of her. She closed her eyes as the aftershocks went through her body causing her to shake. She held Finan tight and he held her just as tight. She felt tears rolling down her cheeks. Her husband's hands stroked her skin and she felt his kisses on her shoulder.

***

Finan held Aisling close to him. He closed his eyes and just felt her. Her breasts pressed up against his chest, her thighs against his, her face nuzzled in his neck, her hands as she stroked his skin. She breathed with him, her breath dancing on his neck. And she is yours. She is completely and utterly yours in a way that Aoiblinn and Ciara never were. You aren't a duty that was forced upon her, or an escape from a painful marriage. No, you are who she chose. She could have had anyone, she still could but she wants you. She loves you. She cares and worries about you in a way that no other woman ever has. She has trusted her heart to you even when she had every reason to turn and run. By gods, man, open your eyes and see her. She loves you and this time, it will not end like it did with Ciara. She will never allow it. Aisling was right, she is not Ciara. And I am no longer that foolish prince. No, I can have this. I can have her. He felt more tears come to his eyes as the revelation rocked him. He felt stupid for not realizing it sooner and letting his fears get his head. But there it was right in front of him. He could love Aisling. He could have her. Aisling was his, and only his.

“Finan?” she whispered her hand stroking his neck.

“I've been a fool,” he whispered.

Aisling laughed. “About what, because there are so many things you've done that are very questionable.”

Finan laughed. He pulled away and looked in her blue eyes. They still make me think of Irland, but that place is no longer my home. Aisling is. Aisling and Aoife. They are my home and my family. “You were right, I was letting my fears eat me. I,” he paused and smiled when he felt Aisling's fingers stroke his beard and cheek. “I was so scared I would close my eyes and find you and Aoife gone. It felt too good, being a husband and father again. To be your husband,” he said.

Aisling sighed. “I knew we should have lived in sin longer.”

Finan shook his head. He kissed her deeply. She kissed him back and smiled against his lips. He pulled away and gave her the smirk he knew made her weak in the knees. “I am trying so very hard to have a very serious conservation with you, wife.”

“I know, but I don't think we need to have it,” Aisling said. “I can see it in your eyes. I can feel it in the way you are holding me. You figured it out, Finan. You realized that you can have this, happiness, and that it will not be taken away,” she kissed his cheek, “I will end anyone who even thinks of taking this away from you.”

“And that is why you are my favourite wife,” Finan answered.

He smirked as Aisling pulled away and eyed him. He laughed as she went to tickle him. He dumped her on the bed and began to tickle her. She laughed and he held her close. He grabbed her hands and held them above her head. He leaned in and kissed her nose.

“I am your last wife,” she huffed.

“That you are,” he answered kissing her jaw. “Now, how about we take advantage of our daughter being at the hall and I continue to worship your body?”

He met Aisling's eyes. She smiled and his heart swelled with love. “I'm wondering what you are doing still talking instead of putting that tongue to good use elsewhere.”

He let go of her hands and she wrapped her arms around his neck. He kissed her and held her close to him again. Yes, this is where I belong. In her arms, in her bed, in her life as her husband. The past is the past and I will not relive it. I will let go of that pain and guilt. It will not touch her or our child. I will be here in the now for them. And I will be happy.

Chapter Text

“She loves me,” Sihtric said. Again, for what have been the hundredth time since they had begun the boat ride down the river to Mercia from Coccham. 

“She's a whore,” Finan said as if that was meant to explain everything.

Aisling kicked him from her spot across from him. “Hey now, don't go acting like her being a whore is wrong,” she looked at Sihtric, “she's probably lying because he's Sihtric.”

Soft laughter echoed on the boat. Aisling saw Uhtred turn and glare at them from the hull. She pressed her finger to her lips. She saw the men around her nod. She looked back and saw Uhtred nod. She looked across from her and saw Finan's eyes on her. She thought about how he had suggested she stay behind but had ultimately given into what she wanted; which was to fight by his side.

“You do not have to come,” Finan said as she did the buckle of her sword belt around her waist.

“Finan, you promised me you would not make me stay behind,” she answered.

“I am not making you, I am just merely pointing out that we have enough men, you do not need to come.”

“I am going. Someone needs to make sure that you do not die.”

“Oh, and only you, my wife is capable of that?”

“Yep, only little old me and my really shiny sword.”

Finan groaned but pulled her close and kissed her. “God, I love you, woman.”

Aisling felt the boat pull up to the shore. She gripped the hilt of her sword and the dagger Finan had given her. She stood as everyone else did. She smiled when Finan reached out his hand for her. She placed her hand in his and he gently pulled her to the hull of the boat and helped her out onto the bank. The men gathered around waiting until everyone was in place.

“We will go out,” Uhtred said pointing to the boat they had climbed out of and the other boat. He nodded to Rypere. “You stay here with the other men incase any Danes get past us.”

“Yes, lord,” Rypere said.

“Finan,” Uhtred said.

Finan nodded. He went first and Aisling went second with Uhtred behind her. She had been willing to go last but both her husband and brother had vetoed that; they wished her to be close to both of them incase she needed protecting. She followed Finan into the forest with Uhtred behind her.

“I love her and she loves me,” Sihtric started again.

“She loves your silver,” Finan said. Aisling poked him in the side and he swatted her hand away.

“Is that the name of his cock?” Clapa asked. Everyone laughed.

“No, that's called small thing,” Aisling said. Everyone laughed again.

“I wish to marry her,” Sihtric added.

“I feel sorry for her already,” Aisling answered.

Everyone laughed and crouched down in the trees when Finan gave the signal to stop. Aisling saw Sihtric glaring at her. She stuck her tongue out at him. She turned when she saw Uhtred smirk at her. She turned and looked out into the darkness. She did not see anything but she knew that out there were Danes and a village of people that needed saving.

“How many Danes?” Uhtred asked.

“About thirty,” Sihtric answered.

Aisling cursed as she heard fighting. She saw Finan turn and glance at Uhtred. “We're too late, they've already started attacking the village.”

“Then we take out their scouts at their camp and we wait for them,” Uhtred said.

Aisling saw Finan pull his sword. She stood back as Uhtred sent Clapa out with Finan. Uhtred held her back and waited several moments before he nodded and lead the way towards where Finan and Clapa had gone. Aisling followed and felt her heart beating in her chest. She followed closely behind Uhtred and saw the campfire. She saw the two bodies and Finan standing there alive and well. She released the breath she had not realized she had been holding. She saw Finan give her a smirk.

“It'll take more than a boy and an old man to kill me,” he said.

“It better. I have plans for you later,” Aisling said.

Finan raised an eyebrow. “Plans that involve clothing?”

“Plans that do not involve clothing.”

“Put the bodies up and we'll wait for the Danes in the trees,” Uhtred said, pointedly ignoring the conversation Aisling and Finan had been having.

Aisling helped Finan sit up the boy he had killed. She sighed hating how young the boy was but it couldn't be helped. She groaned and lifted one side while Finan lifted the other. They sat him up. Aisling kneeled in front of him and pulled the boy forward so he wouldn't fall back. She felt Finan stand behind her. She held her hand out, he handed her the boy's sword. She took it and stabbed it through the boy's tunic pinning the body down to the ground. She stood and sighed when Finan wrapped an arm around her waist and carried her with him over to a large tree.

“You know, I can walk,” she said as he set her on her feet beside him. She saw him look around the tree and nod at Uhtred.

“I know but Uhtred and I decided that you would stay close to me,” he said softly.

“Oh, and when did you decide this?”

“Just now,” Finan turned and looked at her. He smirked.

Aisling rolled her eyes. She put her hands on her sword hilt and the dagger again. She leaned back against the tree and looked out into the forest. She could not see much because the moonlight was being hidden by the dense forest. She felt Finan take her hand. She looked down and saw his Claddagh ring flash in the moonlight. She ran her thumb over it causing him to glance at her.

“You are not allowed to die,” she whispered to him.

He gave her a small smile. “Neither are you,” he whispered back.

Aisling squeezed his hand. He let his hand drop to grab his own seax and sword. But he stood close enough to her that his side was pressed against hers. She was glad he stayed close to her. She rested her head on the tree. You can do this. You can swing your sword and protect the men you care about. You can kill to protect Finan. After all, you are the blood of the Dane-Slayer and Uhtred has probably never hesitated a moment in his life. So, you don't either. She repeated that to herself over and over and waited.

***

Finan heard the Danes coming. He turned and saw Aisling pull out her sword. She nodded to him. He looked at her, memorizing every detail of her face. She gave him a smile. He did not see any nervousness or fear. He did not know if he should be relieved or worried about that. He turned away and looked over where Uhtred stood. Uhtred nodded. Finan pulled back. God, please protect Aisling. If you must take one of us, take me not my wife. Amen. He pulled away from the tree and followed Uhtred. He heard Aisling follow him.

“We kill every bastard one of them!” Finan yelled.

He ran towards the Danes. Uhtred pushed one towards him and he killed him. Finan turned and saw Aisling slash another one across the chest and shoulder beside him. Finan saw Uhtred fighting a Dane and he lunged over as Uhtred moved and stabbed the Dane in the stomach. He looked up as a dagger flew by him and landed in the shoulder a Dane racing towards him. Aisling ran past him and slashed the Dane in the stomach. Finan watched, his blood flowing mostly towards his cock, as Aisling jumped on the Dane and stabbed him right in the neck. She pulled her sword out and the dagger and stood. She turned and looked at him. He walked towards her and saw the blood on her face and vest.

He looked around as she did but they did not see anymore Danes. He put his sword and seax in their scabbards. He reached Aisling and kissed her deeply on the lips. She kissed him back. He looked her over and asked her without words if she was all right. She nodded telling him she was. He kissed her again.

“If we were alone right now, I would be taking you right here,” he growled at her.

She smiled at him. “I would not object to that.”

“You're a lady, your supposed to object,” he said placing a playful open mouth kiss on her lips.

She laughed and shoved him a bit. He moved in again and kissed her neck. “I would never object to you,” she frowned when she heard a moan. “That you?”

Finan frowned. “No. You?”

Finan saw her shake her head. They pulled away from each other and began kicking corpses around them. Finan kicked one and heard another moan. He whistled and Aisling walked over. Uhtred began walking towards them.

“Finan, take three bodies and hang them from the trees close to the river,” Uhtred said.

“We have a live one here,” Aisling said nodding towards the man.

Finan pulled the man up by the back of the neck. “Take what belongs to you and leave. You're safe now,” he yelled out to the villagers that had stayed around.

“You,” Uhtred pointed his sword at the man, “go back to whatever rat hole you crawled from and tell anyone who will listen that beyond Lundun the river Thames belongs to Alfred of Wessex and it's guarded by Uhtred of Bebbanburg,” Uhtred said.

Finan patted the man's head and shoved him down. He smirked at Uhtred. Uhtred smiled back.

“Lord, I am serious, I wish to wed her,” Sihtric said walking over to them.

Aisling, Uhtred, and Finan groaned. “Let him do it, Uhtred, just so he will shut up about it,” Aisling said placing her sword and dagger back in their scabbards.

“I'm with my wife,” Finan answered. “At least then we would have peace.”

“The bodies, Finan,” Uhtred reminded him.

Finan nodded. He watched as Uhtred walked away with Sihtric following him. Finan shook his head. He turned and looked at Aisling.

“You can go back to the boat,” he told her.

Aisling shook her head. “I'll help you, we'll get it done quicker.”

He laughed. “You just don't want to hear more about Sihtric's whore.”

Aisling sighed and looked up at the sky. “I swear, Finan, I have heard so much about her and Sihtric being in love with her and wanting to marry her, that if I hear him say one more thing about her, I am going to scream.”

Finan wrapped his arm around her waist. “I don't want to bring it up but,” he kissed her lips, “that was us.”

“That was not us.”

He nodded. “It was.”

She groaned. “Oh, god, it was,” she buried her face in his chest. “I hate us now.”

Finan laughed. He kissed her on the head and pulled away from her. “All right, let's get three bodies,” he said.

“One body,” Clapa said as he carried two men, one under each arm. “I will take these to the river.”

Finan watched him go. He looked back at Aisling. “Well, that certainly makes this easier,” he said.

“It really does. All right, which one you want?” Aisling asked.

Finan looked at the Danes. He saw a smaller one over by the trees. “That one,” he said.

He lead Aisling over to the body. She grabbed the feet and he grabbed the head and shoulders. They had not even gotten two feet before two of Uhtred's men, newer ones that Finan barely knew, ran up to them.

“Lady Aisling, let us take the body for you to the river,” one of them said. Finan eyed him and did not like how the blond haired, blue eyed man was looking at Finan's wife.

“Thank you, Orm, that would be very helpful. Clapa is there already with two bodies, we will meet you there,” Aisling said.

Finan stood back and watched as this Orm took the body with his friend and went off. He turned and looked at Aisling. She looked at him.

“What?” she asked as she began to walk towards the river.

“I think Orm wishes to do more for you than just carry a dead body,” Finan said.

Aisling glanced at him and smiled. “I know.”

He stopped walking. “You know?”

Aisling turned around and began walking backwards towards the trail that lead to the river. “Oh, I know. He literally tripped over himself the first time he saw me in Coccham, and I was six months pregnant.”

Finan looked at her. “And you didn't tell me?”

Aisling shook her head. “No, I wanted the poor man to live to see his next birthday.”

Finan growled walked towards Aisling. She turned and took off running. He chased her down the path. He watched as she ran towards the river and he followed her. He caught up with her and grabbed her around the waist. He turned her around and kissed her. She kissed him back wrapping her arms around his neck and pulling him close to her. He opened his eyes and glanced over and could see Orm watching. Finan ran his hands down to her ass and grabbed her cheeks. He pulled her hips closer to his and grinded his hips against her. Aisling pulled away from the kiss and moaned loud enough for Orm to hear. Finan was quite pleased with the scandalized look the man got on his face as he turned and walked away. He kissed Aisling again. He pulled away when she pinched his side.

“You did that on purpose,” she said eyeing him.

He smirked at her. “Would I ever do something like that?” she rolled her eyes and walked away from him.

Finan walked over to Clapa and helped him tie the men with ropes and string them up. He turned when he heard the men cheer. He smiled when he saw that Uhtred was holding Aisling's arm up. She had gotten her First Blood in battle and Uhtred wished the men to celebrate it.

“She fought bravely,” Clapa said.

Finan nodded. “She did,” he answered.

“She is a shield maiden.”

Finan watched as Uhtred hugged Aisling close and kissed her head. She is. And this time she walked away unharmed. But every battle she follows me into, could be her last. It could be my last. I know the risks and I wish she wouldn't take them. I made her a promise though, and I am not going to break it.

***

Aisling walked towards the hall. She was drained but she needed to get Aoife first before she went home and slept. Finan was with the men securing the boats and making sure that all the supplies that had not been used were put back and returned. Upon arriving back at Coccham, Aisling had just had time for a quick wash and change into a loose fitting dress Thyra had made her before heading to collect Aoife from Helga, the wet nurse.

“Rusty!” Young Uhtred yelled as he ran towards her.

Aisling smiled. She grabbed the boy and swung him around before picking him up. “Oof, what have you eaten today? Was it a horse?” she asked tickling him.

“Nooo,” Young Uhtred said as he laughed.

“All right, half a horse then,” Aisling said still tickling him as she carried him to the hall.

“Lady,” Helga said as she walked towards her with Aoife. “Lady Gisela and Lord Uhtred are in the hall with Lord Aethelwold,” she said.

Aisling placed Young Uhtred on his feet and took Aoife in her arms. Her daughter laughed and Aisling kissed her on the head. She looked at Helga and nodded.

“Thank you for letting me know. Could you take Uhtred here to play away from here?” she asked. She looked down at Young Uhtred. “I will come and play with you later, okay?” she said. The boy nodded and took off running.

Aisling carried Aoife towards the hall. As much as she did not want to deal with Aethelwold, she needed to know why he was here. He is no doubt stirring trouble. And whatever trouble he wants to start, is not going to end well. Especially for Uhtred. Aisling pulled open the door to the hall and walked in. She saw Aethelwold sitting at the head of the table. He looked at her and smiled.

“Lady Aisling, I heard you had married and had a child. Who is your lucky husband?” he asked smiling.

“Finan,” Aisling answered. She took some satisfaction in his smile dropping. “So, what brings you to Coccham, our ale?” she asked as she walked over and sat down at the table a few chairs away from him.

“Apparently, he has not drunk a drop of ale in ten days,” Uhtred called down from the stairs of the hall.

Aisling looked at Aethelwold. “I don't know if I believe that,” she said as she held Aoife on her lap.

“Believe it, lady. I have heard news of my future and I have decided that I must be sober to face it.”

“Uh huh,” Aisling turned and looked at Gisela as the other woman brought her a plate of food. “He's lying, right?”

“He must be,” Uhtred said as he walked down the stairs. “He claims the dead speak.”

Aisling looked at Aethelwold. “The dead?” she asked trying to keep her voice calm and normal. She saw Uhtred glance at her and knew she had not fooled him. But as long as she had fooled Aethelwold, that was all that mattered.

“Bjorn, a dead Dane, which I believe is the best kind of Dane,” Aethelwold said smiling. “He has seen the future. I am to be King of Wessex and Uhtred, King of Mercia. The three spinners have foretold it.”

Aisling held Aoife closer. It wasn't the three spinners, it was Erik and Sigefrid. They wished revenge on Uhtred. They are going after Lundun and Beamfleot. And the family history was real vague on how the hell Uhtred managed to recapture Lundun from them when they go to battle. Especially considering that some Lord Aethelred was in charge of the army and not Uhtred. Maybe the family decided to leave out the plan because they were angry Uhtred had been overlooked. I don't know but I don't like this one bit. If Aethelwold is involved there is definitely something fishy in the state of Denmark.

“So you believe in the old gods, then?” Aisling asked him.

Aethelwold laughed. “I will believe in any god that says I am to be king.”

Uhtred sat beside her at the table. She smiled as he took some of the bread from her plate and ate it. “And where did you meet this Bjorn?” he asked Aethelwold.

“Beyond Watling Street,” Aethelwold said.

Aisling cursed. “You went into Daneland,” she stated. She looked at Uhtred. He shrugged. Aoife reached out for him and Uhtred smiled. He took her in his arms and bounced her on his lap. Aoife laughed.

“I was invited.”

“By Alfred? Cause I doubt the king of Wessex would like you going into Daneland,” Aisling said as she picked at the apples on her plate.

“I was invited by an agent of Bjorn. Uhtred will be too. And as to Alfred, well, he will not even allow me to be an alderman of Wessex. I do not care what he thinks.”

“Do you wish him harm?” Gisela asked as she placed a plate of food down in front of Aethelwold.

“I do not. I wish him dead, but not harmed,” Aethelwold answered.

Aisling rubbed her forehead. Aethelwold is going to drag Uhtred down with him into the mud. Oh god, I wish I could kill him. Wessex would definitely be better off.

“Has anyone seen my gorgeous wife?” Finan asked as he walked into the hall. “She was supposed to come and collect our daughter.”

“Finan, your wife is here,” Aethelwold said.

Aisling turned and looked at Finan. She saw the look on his face. He was annoyed Aethelwold was there. Aisling stood from the chair and walked over to him. She wrapped her arms around him and smiled up at him.

“I know you want to kill him, but be nice,” she whispered.

Finan placed a soft kiss on her lips as he glared at Aethelwold. “I just want to hit him once, and then I will be nice,” he whispered back.

“Yes, but if you hit him, than I'll be jealous and I'll have to hit him.”

Finan looked down and met her eyes. “Fine, I will be nice,” he kissed her again, “but you owe me.”

Aisling nodded. “I definitely do.”

Aisling let Finan take her hand and pull her towards the table. He sat in the chair she had been in and pulled her into his lap. She wrapped her arm around his shoulders and smiled at him. Finan placed his hand on her thigh and looked over at Aethelwold. Aisling bit the inside of her mouth not to laugh; Aethelwold looked like he had swallowed his tongue.

“So, Lord Aethelwold, what brings you back to Coccham?” Finan asked as he took a slice of apple and ate it. He fed the rest of it to Aisling.

Aisling heard Gisela snort and she smiled. She saw Uhtred hold Aoife up to hide the smile on his face from Aethelwold. Finan was definitely rubbing it in Aethelwold's face that Aisling was his wife. Aisling stroked Finan's neck.

“I was bringing news to Uhtred. And if this news comes true, you may not have a wife any longer,” Aethelwold said.

Finan laughed. “Oh, but you would?”

Aethelwold nodded. “Yes, I would. After all, peace treaties and alliances are sealed with marriages.”

“Too bad I would never make either with you,” Uhtred answered. Aisling looked at him as he held Aoife up and smiled at her. “Right, lille en?” Uhtred said to Aoife.

Aisling smiled. She looked over at Aethelwold. “And I don't think this Bjorn is telling the truth. I mean, there are far more qualified men to be king than you.”

“Like who?” Aethelwold said.

Aisling looked at Finan. “My husband,” she said. She winked at him to play along. Finan smirked. He was definitely willing to play along with any game that would annoy and or get rid of the rat prince. 

“Finan? King of Wessex?” Aethelwold laughed. “An oathman a king?”

Aisling shrugged. “I don't know, I think he'd be a great king.”

“I couldn't do worse than you,” Finan said looking at Aethelwold.

Aethelwold pushed his chair back and stood. He was still laughing. “I am going back to Winchester. I am so glad I came. It feels good to laugh, and you Lady Aisling, are very funny.”

Aisling held her tongue as Aethelwold walked past and out of the hall. She turned and watched him leave. The moment he was gone, she rested her head on Finan's shoulder and groaned. She felt Finan hold her closer.

“I detest that man,” she said.

“Oh, we all do,” Gisela answered.

“So, what was he going on about?” Finan asked as he rubbed Aisling's thigh. “Being King of Wessex? I mean, Alfred is never going to name him aethling.”

“No, but he believes a dead Dane Bjorn rose with a message that Aethelwold will be King of Wessex and I will be King of Mercia,” Uhtred answered.

Aisling took Aoife from him and held her on her lap. Finan smiled at their daughter and kissed her on the head.

“Uhtred, if you do not wish to be an oathman to Alfred any longer, we can go North, to my brother or Ragnar,” Gisela said.

“Yes, let us all go to the man who sold Uhtred as a slave,” Aisling said softly.

Gisela sighed. “He made a mistake.”

“A mistake?” Aisling snorted.

Finan kissed her softly. “It all worked out. And this decision is really Uhtred's,” he said.

“And I have decided not to listen to him,” Uhtred answered.

“Good, because it was a trap from Erik and Sigefrid anyway,” Aisling said. She felt Uhtred's eyes on her. She looked at him. “The family history spoke of this. The brothers are going to attack Lundun and they take it. You and Lord Aethelred get it back, I do not know how, the damn histories left that out. All I know is you were not in charge of the army,” she said.

“I wasn't?” Uhtred asked.

“No, you weren't. Lord Aethelred was, is? Damn time travel, do I use present tense, past tense? Future tense? What would future tense be? I mean-,” she stopped when Finan placed his hand on her mouth.

“Well, that hasn't happened in a while,” he said smirking. “Breath, love, and slow down.”

Aisling took a slow breathe and nodded. Finan moved his hand and tickled Aoife. Their daughter laughed. Aisling rubbed Aoife's back and looked at Uhtred.

“The history didn't say much more. I mean, it was written by your great grandson, and others added to it, so it is not a firsthand source. But with Aethelwold and his dead Dane story, it is making a bit more sense. If Alfred hears about this, it would explain why he puts this Aethelred in charge.”

Uhtred groaned. “I am going to bed. I will deal with this later.”

“No, you won't,” Finan, Aisling, and Gisela told him.

Aisling saw Uhtred roll his eyes. He stood from the table and walked to the stairs. Aisling turned and looked at Finan. He was watching her. She kissed him on the cheek. She felt his hand grip her thigh.

“Let's get home and get some sleep as well,” Aisling said.

“How was Aoife?” Finan asked Gisela as she stood and walked over to them.

Gisela smiled. “She was the perfect child, which was surprising considering who her parents are.”

Aisling looked at Finan. “Did she just say we are trouble?”

Finan nodded. “I think she did.”

“Oh, I did,” Gisela said. Gisela leaned down and kissed Aoife on the head. “It is so very surprising how two trouble makers like you, could make such a sweet baby.”

Aisling smiled as Gisela walked away. She looked at Finan. Finan smiled at her as well. They both looked at Aoife as she looked at them.

“Honestly, how did she turn out to be so sweet?” Finan asked.

Aisling shrugged. “I mean, my Nan was pretty sweet and kind. Maybe it just, I don't know skipped a couple of generations.”

Finan leaned in and kissed her gently. “Maybe.”

Aisling rested her forehead against Finan's. She smiled when Aoife laughed. She turned and looked at her daughter. She felt tears come to her eyes.

“Love?” Finan asked as he stroked her cheek and brushed her tears away.

She looked at him again. “I am so happy but I am worried. I don't think the peace we have had is going to hold for much longer. And that is going to mean war and battles and,” she sighed. She looked back at Aoife. “Our baby girl's life could change forever.”

She felt Finan's hand grip her thigh more. “It could but it won't. She is not going to lose either of us.”

“You can't control that.”

“Oh, I can,” Finan said looking at her. “I'm Finan the Agile, remember?”

Aisling smiled. “That you are.”

Aisling rested her head back on his shoulder. Finan and her watched Aoife as she laughed and babbled at them. Aisling closed her eyes and took a slow breath. I will cherish these moments. And I will hold them close. And for the first time in a long time, I think I am going to start praying. To any god that will listen. I cannot lose anyone to this war or to any battle. I finally have a family and I refuse to lose any of them.

Chapter Text

Finan rubbed the sleep from his eyes. He heard Aoife fussing from her bassinet. He sat up and climbed out of bed. He walked over and smiled down at his daughter. She was kicking her little feet and was clearly angry. He picked her up and held her in his arms. Her blue eyes looked up at him and her cries stopped.

“What's all the fuss about?” he asked softly as he carried her back to the bed. He sat down on the side. He glanced over and saw Aisling still sleeping. He turned and pressed his back against the wall. He pulled the furs back around him and pulled his legs up and rested Aoife on his knees. She looked at him and he held her little hands in his. “The sun is not even up yet,” he whispered to her.

Aoife just looked at him, like all she wanted was to be held. Finan smiled at her and rubbed her little hands with his fingers. It had been a week since the raid and since Aethelwold's visit. Finan glanced over at Aisling and knew she was still worried about it. He had noticed she had not been sleeping as well and she had been spending more time training, even though everyone told her she did not need to. Uhtred had noticed as well but he had yet to say anything to Aisling. Aoife pulled on Finan's finger to get his attention again. Finan smiled.

“I think your momma is right,” he told his daughter, “you are a Daddy's girl.” Aoife babbled at him and laughed. He smiled. “Let's keep it down, your momma needs her sleep,” he said. “She's been training hard, even though she doesn't need to. She is already a fierce warrior.”

“Like Xena?” Aisling whispered.

Finan glanced over at her. She rolled over and looked at him. She brushed her hair from her face and rubbed the sleep from her eyes. She smiled when she saw him with Aoife. He could see the bags under her eyes.

“I didn't want to wake you,” he said. “She was fussing,” he added.

“I heard her,” Aisling said. “Is she hungry?”

“I don't think so,” Finan smiled. “I think she just wanted to be held.”

Aisling smiled. “She wanted to be held by her father,” she corrected.

Finan sighed. “All right, you might have a point there.”

Aisling sat up in bed and leaned against the wall beside him. She reached out and tickled Aoife. Finan smiled as their daughter laughed. Aoife reached for Aisling and Finan handed her over. Aisling held Aoife in her arms and immediately Aoife reached for Aisling's breast. Finan helped Aisling pull her shift up and Aoife began to suck. Finan was glad when he saw that Aisling didn't wince in pain. He reached out and stroked Aisling's cheek. He smiled when she blushed.

“You know, sometimes it feels weird to have you watch me feed her,” Aisling said.

“Why?” he asked as he nuzzled his face in her hair.

Aisling shrugged a bit. “I don't know, I think it's just how in my time breasts are viewed more as something sexual and not as a food source for infants.” Finan frowned. He saw Aisling meet his eyes. She laughed. “Never mind, it's hard to explain to someone from this time, I guess.”

Finan kissed her on the head again. “I just think you look so beautiful feeding our child,” he whispered.

Aisling laughed again. “You think everything about me is beautiful.”

Finan smiled. He wrapped his arm around Aisling's shoulders and rubbed her arm with his hand. “That's because everything about you is beautiful.”

Aisling shook her head. She moved Aoife to her other breast. Finan stroked his daughter's dark hair and was content. He looked up and saw Aisling smiling at him.

“I like seeing you like this,” she said.

“Oh, you do?” Finan said.

“I do. You seem more at peace now and lighter,” she answered. She looked down at Aoife. “I was worried about you for a long time.”

Finan held her closer. “I know. And I should have spoken up sooner. Which is why,” he waited for Aisling to meet his eyes, “I am going to say something about you worrying about Aethelwold and the brothers. It is out of your hands, Aisling. You cannot control what they do.”

“No, but I could control Uhtred if I could tell him more. But I can't because I don't know more. And I am worried because I have this horrible feeling that Uhtred is going to go see this Bjorn and we both know that Alfred will find out about it. Alfred has spies everywhere.”

Finan sighed. “I have the same feeling but we both know that there is no stopping Uhtred when he gets something in his head. And who knows, if he goes and sees Bjorn, maybe he'll get to the truth of the matter.”

Aisling snorted. “When has Uhtred ever gotten to the truth without causing chaos for everyone around him?”

Finan smiled. “Never.”

“Exactly.”

Finan saw that Aoife was finished. He reached out and took her to burp her. He held her on his shoulder and gently rubbed her back and patted it. He watched as Aisling pulled her shift off and tossed it aside. She pulled the furs up to her chest and leaned against him more. He heard Aoife burp. He waited until she had burped a couple more times before he climbed out of bed and carried her back to her bassinet. He placed her in it and smiled at her. He saw Aoife's eyes closing and knew she would be falling back to sleep. He turned back to the bed and saw Aisling sitting there smiling at him.

He walked back to the bed and climbed back in. He sat with his back against the wall and wrapped his arms around Aisling when she climbed into his lap. He kissed her and ran his hands down her sides. He smiled against her lips as he felt her hands ran down his chest. He could feel the heat between grow with every stroke of her fingers on his skin. She pulled away from the kiss and kissed along his jawline. She stopped and sucked and nipped at his pulse point. Finan moaned. He ran his hands to her thighs and stroked the skin there. His heart began to race and he smiled when he heard Aisling's breathing begin to hitch. Every place her lips and fingers touched burned on his body and he wanted more. 

“We should be getting more sleep,” he said as Aisling kissed down his neck to his collarbone.

“We'll sleep better after,” she said softly as she pulled away and smiled at him.

He smirked and reached up to stroke her cheek. “Hmm, I think you just can't keep your hands off of me.”

Aisling smiled at him. She took his hand and took his index and middle fingers. She put them in her mouth and sucked them. He felt the blood rush directly to his cock.  He moaned as her tongue swirled around them before she pulled them from her mouth and placed his hand and fingers against her core. “You have no idea the self control that I have to exercise every day being married to you,” she kissed him gently as she let her fingers stroke his chest. He moaned as she gently pinched his nipples. “There are days when all I want to do is stay in this bed with you, having my way with you,” she whispered.

Finan felt himself grow harder at her words. He moved his fingers in between her folds and began stroking her gently. He felt how wet she was and he leaned in and kissed her deeply. “And how would you have your way with me?” he whispered as he kissed along her jaw.

“Hmm,” Aisling ran her hands down his chest. “First, I would kiss and lick your nipples,” she answered.

Finan closed his eyes and rested his head on the wall as Aisling leaned down and kissed his nipple and licked it. She sucked on it and he moaned. She moved on to the next one. He slipped his fingers inside of her and rubbed his thumb against her clit. He gripped her thigh with his other hand as Aisling gently moved her hips, rubbing herself against him. He moved his fingers from her and gripped her other thigh as she moved, her folds rubbing against him. He began to feel much too warm and as if his skin was fire. His heartbeat faster and faster.

“Aisling,” he moaned sinking deeper into the pillows and the bed.

“I was going to say that next I would make you moan my name, but you beat me to it,” she whispered as her fingers danced along the scars on his arms.

Finan laughed softly. He felt Aisling kiss his throat and neck. He ran his hands up her thighs to her sides and jerked his hips up as she moved her hips quicker. He felt her hand reach in between them and she stroked him a couple of times, her thumb gently rubbing circles around his tip before she slipped him inside of her. She sunk down on him and he moaned as her warmth engulfed him. He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close. He placed messy kisses along her neck and shoulder. He moved his hips against hers creating a steady rhythm.

“And I would ride you long and hard,” she whispered as she nipped his ear lobe. “Until you came moaning my name.”

Finan ran his hands down her back and gripped her ass cheeks in his hands. “And how about you moaning my name?” he asked as he nipped her neck.

“Mmm,” Aisling moved her hips faster. “I'll consider it.”

Finan felt himself getting close and he didn't want to leave Aisling behind. He moved a hand and reached in between them. He gently rubbed her clit. She bit his pulse point on his neck. He wrapped his arm around her waist and turned dumping her on the bed. She wrapped her legs around his waist and he kissed her neck as she raked her fingers down his back. He ran his hands down to her hips and quickened the pace. Aisling arched her back and Finan watched as she began to rub her clit herself.

“Finan,” she moaned coming a moment later.

Finan managed a couple more thrusts before he came. He felt Aisling's arms come around him as he shuddered and released inside of her. He pulled her close and rested his forehead against hers as their bodies shivered as they rode out the waves of pleasure. Finan huffed softly and kissed her nose. Aisling smiled and ran her hands down his back.

“I got you to moan my name,” he said placing soft kisses on her nose and jaw.

Aisling chuckled. “You did.”

Finan ran his hand down her side and kissed along to her neck. “Let's see if I can get you to do it again,” he whispered in her ear.

“I thought we needed our sleep,” she whispered.

“We'll sleep eventually.”

Finan smiled as Aisling laughed. He placed messy open mouthed kisses on her shoulder and down to her breasts. He had every intention of making her moan his name over and over.

Even if it meant getting no sleep.

***

Aisling walked down the street of Coccham. She had taken a quick swim in order to wake herself up. She smiled thinking about how her and Finan had spent most of the early morning hours making each other moan and come. That man has stamina and I am going to have to make him go all night more often. Granted, if I do it too often, I may not be able to walk the next day.

She walked towards the hall running her fingers through her damp hair cursing herself for not bringing her brush with her. She reached the hall and stopped when she saw Finan and Uhtred walking towards it. Finan stopped and waved at her. She walked towards him and saw the extra horses and priests.

“Do I need to ask?” she asked as she reached him.

Finan wrapped an arm around her shoulders and pressed a soft kiss to her lips. “You were right, Alfred has arrived no doubt because of the thief Uhtred hanged.”

Aisling sighed. She pulled away and pressed a hand to Finan's chest. “Then let us go and make sure Uhtred does not face the music alone.”

Aisling walked in the hall ahead of Finan. She smiled at Steepa at the door. She saw Alfred sitting at the head of the table with who she assumed was Lord Odda beside him. She saw him look up and smile at her. He noticed Finan behind her and frowned a bit.

“I believe congratulations are in order,” Alfred said. “Since the last time we saw each other, you lady Aisling have married and had a child.”

“I have, lord king,” Aisling answered. She smiled when Finan stood beside her and wrapped an arm around her waist. “It was a love match with Finan,” she said.

“You do not hear much about those. Love rarely has anything to do with marriage,” Lord Odda said.

“No, you do not,” Alfred said glancing at Uhtred.

Aisling saw Uhtred shrug and smiled. “It was either Finan or a convent and I love my cousin too much to see her go,” Uhtred answered.

“And we respect the Christian god too much to force him to endure Aisling,” Gisela teased.

Aisling laughed. She walked over and sat down beside Gisela, who had sat beside Uhtred. She smiled as Finan walked over and sat beside Lord Odda.

“I have not met you,” Lord Odda said, “but I did hear a lot about you from others, Lady Aisling.”

“It is all lies,” she said.

Lord Odda laughed. He looked at Uhtred. “I like her.”

Uhtred smiled. “We all do.”

“I heard you hanged a man,” Alfred said.

And so much for the chitchat, Aisling thought. She looked across the table and saw Finan smirk at her. She smiled back.

“I did,” Uhtred answered.

“Did he have a trial?”

Aisling saw Uhtred glance at her. Finan coughed to cover up a laugh. Aisling gave Uhtred a look that said 'I told you so'. Gisela smiled and Uhtred turned back to look at Alfred.

“No, he was caught in the act and he had done it twice before,” Uhtred said.

“Uhtred, we are in Wessex. In Wessex, we have laws and a man must have a trial before you find him guilty. If you wish to remain an alderman of Wessex, you will adhere to those laws and uphold them. This is not Daneland, and we will not act like Danes.”

Uhtred was silent. “Yes, lord king.”

“Good,” Alfred said. Aisling saw him look at Uhtred. “I have heard that Aethelwold was here, last week I believe.”

And here we go. The real reason for this visit. Alfred knows he needs Uhtred but he doesn't want to admit he needs Uhtred and he doesn't want to trust Uhtred. Ah, what a mess.

“He was, lord king,” Gisela said.

“Yes, he kept saying he was sober,” Aisling added. She shrugged. “Not that I believed him.”

“He has been saying that for a while,” Alfred said. “Did he happen to mention anything else?”

Aisling looked at Uhtred. She wasn't going to be the one to tell the King of Wessex that his nephew was still scheming. Nope, let Uhtred handle that. Granted, I doubt that Uhtred will be very tactful about it. I mean, Uhtred probably can't even define tact let alone use it. Aisling caught Finan's eyes on her. He winked at her and she blushed.

“No, he did not mention much else. Why?” Uhtred asked.

“He took a trip to Daneland,” Lord Odda said.

“Daneland?” Aisling asked playing dumb and stupid. Because everyone here loves a woman who knows nothing.

“It's the land I had gifted to the Danes,” Alfred answered gracing her with a soft smile.

Aisling nodded. She saw Finan shake his head at her. Her husband knew exactly what she was doing. She smiled at him.

“No, Aethelwold did not mention Daneland,” Uhtred lied.

Alfred nodded. “All right,” he stood. “Uhtred, show me around Coccham and the changes you have made to the village.”

Everyone stood. “I would be honoured, lord king,” Uhtred said.

“And perhaps we can also talk about a recent raid in Mercia,” Lord Odda said.

“You mean the one we stopped, lord?” Finan asked smirking.

“Yes, that one,” Alfred said.

Aisling stood back as Uhtred followed Alfred as he walked by her. Lord Odda walked towards the door on the other side of the table. Finan, made it a point to walk around the side of the table she stood at. He stepped close to her and kissed her on the lips softly. He placed his arms around her waist and Aisling placed her hands on his chest. 

“Here's to hoping that Uhtred doesn't get himself exiled,” he whispered.

Aisling laughed. “You better hurry up then. I am sure that only your sweet talking Alfred will keep Uhtred out of trouble.”

Finan smiled at her. She slapped his ass as he jogged out of the hall. She turned and smiled at Gisela when the other woman walked over to her.

“You know, Uhtred and Finan will not hide from Alfred that you were with them,” Gisela said. “They were both proud of how well you fought.”

Aisling blushed a bit. “I know, and I do not care what Alfred thinks. I am just glad that I can be of some use here.”

Gisela wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “You do not have to be of use for us to love you, Aisling. You are our blood.”

Aisling smiled. She rested her head on Gisela's shoulder. “I know. Now, let me help you in the kitchen. No doubt we will need to prepare a mountain for food. It seems like Alfred brought every single priest there is in Wessex.”

Gisela laughed. “Probably.”

Aisling let Gisela lead her to the kitchen. She quickly braided her hair as she went knowing there would be a lot of work to do in order to feed all the extra mouths Alfred had brought with him.

***

“You mean to say, you let your wife come with you to stop this raid?” Lord Odda asked Finan.

Finan smiled and nodded. “I did, lord. Aisling fought bravely and killed a man,” he said his voice full of pride. He may not want Aisling to go out to battle, but he was still proud that she could fight and defend herself. And she looks incredibly beautiful doing it. It was such a turn on.

“And you allowed this, Uhtred?” Alfred asked.

Finan saw Uhtred smile. “It was my idea, lord king. I did not wish my cousin to feel less than. She is my blood, after all.”

“Hmm,” was all Alfred said.

Finan caught the look Uhtred sent him. Finan nodded. Alfred does not approve but Aisling is married to me and she is under Uhtred's protection. There is not much he can do to stop us from allowing Aisling to fight.

“Uhtred, what is that?” Alfred said pointing to Hild's little chapel hut.

“It's a place of prayer,” Uhtred said.

“It is a church,” Alfred said.

Finan snorted as he looked away. People in Irland had chicken coops that looked better than that church. He met Lord Odda's eyes and smiled.

“Lord, the trader is here,” Clapa said as he approached them.

“Perhaps, lord king, you would like to pray before supper while I deal with the trader,” Uhtred suggested.

“Yes, that would please me,” Alfred said.

Finan walked over to Clapa and stood by the big man as Alfred and Odda walked away. He looked at Clapa. “Was the trader alone?” he asked.

Clapa shook his head. “No, he was not.”

Finan sighed. No, of course he was not alone. Out of all the damn times for Godwine to do something stupid, he picks the one time the king visits unannounced. Finan turned when Uhtred walked over to them.

“Clapa says that Godwine did not come alone,” Finan said.

Uhtred sighed. They began walking towards the docks. “How many men?” Uhtred asked Clapa.

“I saw three on the boat with him. Warriors,” Clapa added.

Finan walked over to the dock and stood there. Uhtred stood beside him with Clapa on the other side. They watched as the boat came closer and docked. Finan placed his hands on his sword and seax. He eyed Godwine as the man climbed off the boat. Oh, yes, he looks very nervous. This is not going to be good. Not at all.

“Godwine, I was expecting you days ago,” Uhtred said as he sat himself on the dock. “Are you carrying the axe heads?”

“Yes, I am, lord. Made from Frankia and can split an oak tree,” Godwine answered.

“How many?” Uhtred asked.

“As many as you need, lord.”

Finan heard Sihtric walk up next to him. Finan kept his eyes on Godwine and the boat. Uhtred stood. Finan gripped the hilts of his sword and seax tight just waiting for trouble to come. 

“My man saw warriors aboard your ship,” Uhtred walked slowly towards Godwin, “is this true?”

“Three man only, lord, north man. One of them wishes to speak with you.”

“Can I trust this north man?”

Finan saw Godwine pause. “He says that you know him. His name is Erik and he has a brother, Sigefrid.”

Finan saw Uhtred stand still and look around. He turned back and looked at him. “Finan, first sign of trouble, fire the ship,” Uhtred ordered.

“There'll be no need for fire, lord,” Godwine called after Uhtred as Uhtred walked over to the boat.

Finan walked over and stood behind Godwine. Godwine turned around and Finan smiled at him. “Sihtric, fetch me a whole bunch of torches,” Finan placed his arm around Godwine's shoulders, “I like to be prepared,” he told the trader.

Godwine looked at Clapa and back at Finan as Finan lead him up the dock. “Finan, is your wife still looking for wool, because I could-,” Godwine started.

“You could what? Attempt to bribe me into not burning your ship?” Finan asked smirking.

Godwine sighed. “Fine, but just know that I was able to get in touch with a wool merchant who has exactly the type of wool Lady Aisling described. I could bring a sample for her next time.”

“And when would that be?” Finan asked. He glanced back and saw Uhtred speaking with Erik.

“A month after the royal wedding, perhaps sooner,” Godwine said.

“You better be on time,” Clapa said his voice deep and gruff. “Lady Aisling does not appreciate tardiness.”

Godwine looked at Finan. Finan nodded. “She does not. And it's gotten even worse she we got her the sword.”

“She cuts anyone who makes her angry,” Clapa said.

Finan sighed. “That poor stable hand. All he did was feed her horse the wrong feed.”

“He did not need to lose his hand for it,” Clapa added.

Finan glanced at Godwine and saw the man swallow the lump in his throat. Finan saw Clapa smirking under his moustache. Finan turned when he heard Uhtred walking up the dock and towards them.

“You are free to go, Godwine,” Uhtred said. “And next time-.”

“I know, lord, I will not be tardy and I will be on time. Be sure to tell your cousin, Lady Aisling that.”

Finan laughed as Godwine actually scurried away. Finan had never seen anyone do that before. He looked up and saw Uhtred watching Godwine with confusion on his face. Finan laughed more with Clapa joining him.

“And just what is so funny?” Uhtred asked.

“We may have made Godwine a tad bit scared of Aisling,” Finan said standing up straight.

Uhtred rolled his eyes. “Was that necessary?”

“No, lord, but it was fun,” Clapa said.

Finan fell into step beside Uhtred as they walked back to the gates. “So, what did Erik have to say?”

Uhtred sighed. “That his brother and him have nineteen ships and that they are stronger than before, but that they have no other plan than to follow Bjorn.”

“Is that all, lord?” Clapa asked.

Uhtred shook his head. “No, he says that Guthrum angered the gods when he turned his back on them and the gods wish for revenge.”

Finan cursed. “So, if we put that together with his nineteen boats, I have a feeling Erik and Sigefrid are going to go after Guthrum.”

Uhtred nodded. “That they are.”

“So, what do we do, lord?” Clapa asked.

Finan followed Uhtred as they walked into the gates and towards the hall. Uhtred sighed and placed his hand on his sword.

“We will have to tell Alfred and see what he decides,” Uhtred said.

“He should go to war,” Finan answered.

“He should, but I do not know if he will or not.”

Finan nodded. He smiled when he saw Helga walking towards him with Aoife. He took his daughter in his arms and held her close.

“Lady Aisling is helping Lady Gisela in the kitchen, she asked that you take Aoife,” Helga said.

“I can do that, thank you, Helga,” Finan said. Helga nodded and walked away. 

Finan tickled Aoife and his daughter laughed. He turned and saw Uhtred and Clapa watching him. “What?” he asked as he held Aoife close and continued walking towards the hall.

“You are spoiling her,” Uhtred said smiling.

Finan rolled his eyes. “Now you sound like Aisling,” Finan kissed Aoife on the cheek. She laughed as his beard rubbed against her face. She grabbed a hold of his cheek. “I am just happy that my child is healthy and happy.”

“Are you sure she is yours?” Clapa teased.

Finan pointed at him. “Not funny, Clapa.”

Uhtred laughed. “It was a bit funny.”

Finan shook his head. “Do not listen to your uncle and Clapa,” he said to Aoife. “You are mine, mo chailín deas.”

Aoife laughed again. Finan looked at her ocean blues eyes and saw the sparkle in them. Just like her mother. Oh my, I think I'm going to have another headstrong Ragnarson on my hands when she is older. Please lord, let her at least not cause half as much trouble as her uncle and mother. Please. He kissed Aoife on the cheek again. Well, if she is going to cause trouble, the least I can do is teach her how to fight her way out of it, he mused with a smirk on his face.

Chapter Text

Aisling jumped when she felt arms wrap around her waist. She turned and smiled when she saw it was Finan. He kissed her neck and held her close. The warmth of his body calmed her and centred her. She had spent hours in the kitchen chopping and stirring pots for Synne along with Gisela. It had been frantic and quick work. Aisling had been jumping from one task to the next. Finan holding her close against him was the peace and calm she needed.

“Are you joining us for dinner?” he asked nuzzling his face in her neck. She felt his beard rub against her skin; tomorrow she would have more red patches on her skin as a reminder.

Aisling nodded. “I will, I just need to wash my face a bit,” she said.

“Hmm,” Finan ran his hands up to her breasts. Aisling laughed as he grabbed them and kissed her neck. “Aoife is upstairs with Storria. Is it wrong that I am jealous of a baby? I just laid Aoife down beside Storria and suddenly, I no longer existed. Our daughter loves her cousin more than me.”

Aisling stirred the pot one last time. She saw Synne giving them looks from the other side of the long table. “This is a kitchen, not a bedroom,” she told them.

“My apologies, Synne,” Finan said. “It's just that my wife is so beautiful, I cannot keep my hands off of her.”

Synne snorted. “I have heard it all before, Irishman. Get out of my kitchen.”

Aisling laughed when Finan wrapped his arms under her breasts and lifted her up and carried her out. She leaned against him. He carried her over to the side table by the hall to the back door. He placed her on her feet and she took a cloth and poured water from the jug over a large bowl. Once the towel was wet, she washed her face and the sweat away from her neck. She felt Finan's hand rubbing her back. She turned and saw that he was looking out towards the main hall where Alfred and Lord Odda were already seated.

“Did something happen?” she asked as she took another cloth and dried her face and neck.

Finan leaned against the table and looked at her. “Erik showed up,” he whispered.

Aisling stood there. “Like...” she leaned closer, “Erik as in Sigefrid's brother, Erik?” she asked. Finan nodded. She cursed. She tossed the cloth down and gripped the table. “You have got to be shitting me,” she muttered.

Finan raised an eyebrow. “I am going to guess that is something people in your time say a lot,” he muttered.

She nodded. She rubbed her forehead. She moved closer to Finan. He wrapped his arms around her again and pulled her closer. She rested her head on his shoulder and leaned her body against his.

“I am going to guess that he had nothing good to say, right?” she said closing her eyes as Finan rubbed her back some more.

“You would be right. Uhtred is going to try and bring it up with Alfred at dinner. But,” Finan shrugged, “he is not hopeful about how it will go.”

Aisling sighed. She kissed Finan's neck. “Alfred wishes to keep the peace but at times keeping peace means going to war.”

She felt Finan hold her closer. “You, my beautiful wife, are much too smart for your own good at times.”

Aisling opened her eyes and smiled at him. “One of us has to be smart,” she answered.

Finan tickled her and she laughed. Her laughter echoed in the hall. She blushed when Alfred and Odda looked her way. Finan wrapped his arm around her and pulled her into the main hall. She leaned against him and smiled at Alfred and Odda.

“There is something beautiful about seeing a young woman so happy and in love,” Odda answered.

Aisling smiled. “And I am, lord, very happy and very in love.”

“It would seem that Uhtred may have known what he was doing after all,” Alfred answered.

Aisling smiled as Finan pulled the chair out for her. She sat beside him and he sat beside Odda. “My cousin does on occasion, know what he is doing.”

“Just on occasion?” Alfred asked.

Aisling nodded and smirked. “Every full moon,” she teased.

Alfred smirked. Huh, look at that, Alfred can smile and joke. I am shocked. Aisling felt Finan take her hand. She held his hand and linked her fingers with his.

“Finan told us earlier that you were with them to stop the raid,” Odda said.

Aisling nodded. “I was. Finan and Uhtred both trained me well and I wished to be there with them.”

“The battlefield is not normally a place for women,” Alfred answered.

Yes, be sure to tell your daughter that because she is going to be very famous for riding into battle and winning. “Perhaps, but lord king, women do in their lifetime see more blood than men, even if those men are warriors who fight in every battle,” Aisling answered.

She felt Finan squeeze her hand. She looked over as Uhtred and Gisela walked to the table. “What are we discussing?” Uhtred asked as he sat down beside Alfred and Gisela sat beside him.

“Women on the battlefield,” Odda said. “Lady Aisling believes that women see more blood in their lifetimes than warriors on battlefields.”

“Oh,” Gisela smiled. “I agree,” she said.

“As do I,” Finan answered. Aisling smiled at him.

“Agreeing with the wife?” Odda asked.

Finan looked at him and nodded. “Of course, lord, happy wife, happy life. Or so Aisling tells me.”

Everyone laughed. Aisling leaned in and kissed Finan on the cheek. Uhtred shook his head. “I also agree with Aisling. Women do see more blood in their lifetimes. As for women being on the battlefield, I have seen first hand how well women can do in battle. Aisling herself did very well,” he nodded to her.

“And you, lord king?” Gisela asked smiling. “What is your opinion?”

Aisling watched as Alfred seemed to think the question over. Aisling smiled as some servant girls brought out plates of food for them. Aisling saw Synne set a bowl broth in front of Alfred. Aisling let go of Finan's hand and picked up her knife and spoon. She rolled her eyes as Finan pulled his plate into his lap and crossed one leg over the other with his ankle of his right leg rested on his left leg. The man rides his horse the same way. Honestly, sometimes I wonder if he realizes that a part of him is still a rebel prince. And it's hot. But nope, cannot jump his bones in front of the king. Must show some self control.

“I am willing to admit that Lady Aisling may be right about women seeing more blood in their lifetimes,” he said.

Aisling nodded. She ate some of the meat and watched as Alfred ate his broth. The hall was quiet for a while as everyone ate. Aisling felt Finan place one hand on her thigh. He gave it a squeeze. She eyed him and saw him smirk at her.

“This ale is some of the best I have ever had,” Odda said as he finished his mug.

“You should be careful how much you drink, Odda, you have to climb a ladder to your bed tonight,” Alfred said.

“He can always be carried,” Uhtred answered.

“Yes, but he will still have a bad headache in the morning,” Alfred added.

“Very true,” Odda said.

“Then it's ale for breakfast, lord, the only cure,” Finan added smiling.

Aisling rolled her eyes. “Spoken like a true Irishman,” she said.

Everyone but Alfred laughed. Aisling picked at her food feeling hungry but also feeling anxious. She was worried about Alfred being there so soon after their raid and Aethelwold's visit. She knew he was trying to figure out what Aethelwold was up to and if Uhtred was involved. She ate some meat and saw Finan glance at her every so often.

“You said my nephew was not drunk when he came last,” Alfred said bringing the subject back around to Aethelwold.

“No, he was not. He said he had not been drunk in days,” Uhtred said.

“And he did not touch a drop while he was here,” Gisela added.

“That's a miracle,” Odda said. Aisling snorted.

“Not quite,” Alfred answered.

“Aethelwold is not a complete fool. If he is idle, he could help with Mercia, lord. He is a good a man as Aethelred,” Uhtred said.

Aisling picked up her mug of ale and drank half of it to prevent her from saying that both men were shitheads. The family history was not kind to either of them. And having met Aethelwold, I get it, it was right. I cannot imagine what Aethelred is like. But I would not leave either man in charge of my child let along a kingdom. A giant bag of nopes from me.

“Uhtred, you speak of matters that are not of your concern and that you do not understand,” Alfred answered.

Aisling glanced at Finan. He looked at her and they shared a look. And here it goes. The pissing contest begins. Who is going to win this time. Uhtred or Alfred?

“The safety of Wessex is what concerns me,” Uhtred answered. Aisling could see the control he was using to keep his voice calm and level. She was impressed.

“I am happy to hear you say it.”

“That is why we killed the raiders, lord,” Finan said, with a mouthful of meat. Aisling gave him a look. He ignored her.

“Raiders that once belonged to Earl Guthrum,” Uhtred added.

“His name is now King Aethelstan, and it has been his name since he became a Christian,” Alfred stated firmly and somewhat harshly.

Aisling finished her ale and waved for the servant to come pour her some more. Have dinner with the king, they said. It will be fun, they said. Well, they fucking lied. She glanced at Uhtred. She saw the moment he took to try and hold his anger down. She met his eyes for a moment. She gave him a slight nod. I am on your side, her eyes told him. She was amazed that Uhtred was holding steady and not allowing his anger to get the best of him. Especially since she had seen first hand what the Danes had done to that village in Mercia.

“Regardless of what he is called now, it is his men who are the ones breaking the peace,” Uhtred said.

“You are sure of this?” Odda asked leaning forward.

“I am,” Uhtred said. “They gather at the mouth of the Thames, at Beamfleot.”

“It's true, lord,” Finan said, still with his mouthful of food. All right, so I am apparently going to have to teach my grown ass husband that one does not eat with their mouth full. God, I love him, but sometimes, this man drives me nuts. “About two hundred men or more, we've seen it.”

“And the number grows,” Uhtred added.

“If these are Aethelstan's men, then they are his worry,” Alfred answered.

Yeah, and he is going to deal with them half past never, Aisling sipped more ale. She picked up more meat and ate it, knowing that the last thing Uhtred needed was for her to be drunk and Alfred to see that. She drank the rest of her mug of ale, anyway and waved for some more.

“Until they decide to blockade the river,” Odda said. “Wessex would be starved of trade.”

“Aethelstan must deal with them,” Alfred said again.

“He must kill them,” Finan said. My husband, gorgeous and sexy but good lord, Captain Obvious much?

“I believe we must kill them,” Uhtred said.

“What we must do is hold the peace,” Alfred said. Aisling leaned back in her chair when she heard Alfred's voice raise a bit. She saw Finan's eyes widen. She really hoped Uhtred did not lose his head. Wait, were kings into that now? Beheading people? Or does Alfred have some other horrible go to way to off people? Probably hanging. I mean, drawn and quartered does not become a thing for another two hundred years or so, so it isn't that. Which thank fuck, because that is really painful and would totally suck and- “War cannot always be the answer,” Alfred finished his voice breaking into Aisling's thoughts.

“Lord, forgive me, but,” And here we go, Uhtred is about to piss off the king, in three, two, one, “you speak of matters you do not fully understand,” Aisling saw Alfred pull his head back and Uhtred stare down the king. Aisling took Finan's hand and watched it all unfold. Aisling reached for her mug of ale and drank some more. “These men will not listen to Aethelstan, and Aethelstan will not deal with them. For now, they are rogues, but should they find some lord or man to serve, they will become an army.”

“So, answer me this, where would this lord come from? Do I know him?” Alfred pressed. “Should I fear him?”

Is he really? Oh hell no, he is not opening suggesting that Uhtred would be the one to lead these men? You know what, Alfred the Great, fuck you and the horse your rode in on. And I am drunk. Yup, no more ale for you.

“You can be assured that his name will not be Uhtred, lord, if that is your meaning,” Gisela said sitting forward and staring down the king. Alfred stared back at her. Aisling smirked. One point for Gisela.

“My advice, lord,” Uhtred said, attempting to look undisturbed by the fact that moments ago, Alfred had opening accused him of being disloyal, “is to send ships and men to Beamfleot.”

Alfred stood. “We shall maintain the peace,” he said firmly.

Aisling watched as Alfred walked away. Aisling saw Finan gently shake his head at Uhtred, whether that was a sign not to push it or that Finan was not impressed with the king's response, Aisling wasn't sure. Odda stood, unsure of what to do for several moments. He then grabbed his mug and a jug of ale and left as well. Aisling leaned forward and looked across the table at Uhtred.

“That went so well,” she said giving him the ok sign with her fingers. Silence echoed in the hall. Uhtred laughed, followed by Finan, and Gisela. Aisling looked at them. “What?” she asked sipping more ale.

“You, my beautiful wife, are drunk,” Finan said taking the mug away from her.

Aisling nodded. “Like, so drunk,” she giggled. “I mean, I was going to tell him to fuck him and the horse he rode in on.”

Uhtred snorted and laughed some more. “Maybe, you should have, things would have gone better.”

“Or worse,” Finan said.

Aisling shook her head. “No, worse would have been drawn and quartering.”

“What?” Gisela asked.

Aisling clapped her hands. “Oh, okay, so,” she grabbed her knife and spoon along with Finan's knife and spoon. “You are going to love this.”

***

Finan could tell by Gisela's face, that she did not in fact love the explanation being given by a drunken Aisling about what drawn and quartering was. Uhtred, however, looked like he was committing every single detail to memory. Great, now I will have to stop him from drawing and quartering someone. Thanks, love, really helpful.

“-they cut his balls off then, pull out his bowels, and remember our lovely man is still alive, and then behead him. After, they cut his body in four parts,” Aisling moved each piece of cutlery to represent a body part. “And each piece was displayed somewhere people could see it, to remind them what would happen to traitors,” Aisling finished.

“Aisling,” Gisela said softly.

“Yeah?” Aisling asked.

“I do not love that.”

Finan saw Aisling shrugged. “I mean, historical death penalties are not everyone's cup of tea,” she got a thoughtful look on her face. “Or what it be considered future death penalties, since it has not happened yet?”

Uhtred shook his head. “I think you need to go to bed, lille rød,” he said softly.

Finan placed his plate on the table. “Come on, I'll take you home,” he said.

Aisling held his hand. “In a moment,” he watched as she turned and looked at Uhtred. “You were right,” she told him softly. “There will be a war, whether Alfred wants one or not, and Beamfleot will burn,” she said her voice soft but serious.

Finan looked at Uhtred. He saw the other man nod and take in Aisling's words. Uhtred nodded towards Finan. Finan stood and pulled out Aisling's chair. She stood as well. He wrapped an arm around her waist when she almost fell over. She turned and smiled at him.

“Well, hello,” she said trying to be seductive and attempting to wink but she only managed to blink at him with both eyes.

Gisela laughed. “I think we need to let her get drunk more often,” she said.

Finan shook his head. “No, let's not,” he said.

Aisling laughed. “You're cute,” she said to Finan.

Uhtred snorted. “You do know that he is your husband, right?” he asked Aisling.

Finan smiled and sighed as Aisling nodded. “Oh, I know,” she answered. “He's still cute, kind of stupid at times, but cute.”

“All right,” Finan ignored Gisela and Uhtred laughing, “time for bed.”

“We will keep Aoife for the night,” Gisela said still laughing.

“Thank you,” Finan swing Aisling up in his arms and smirked when she yelped and wrapped her arms around his neck. He carried her out of the hall and past the men eating outside. Aisling giggled and waved at some of the men and Finan just rolled his eyes.

“I thought you had learned your lesson about drinking the ale too quickly and not eating,” Finan told her as he carried her home.

Aisling sighed. “I know but Alfred was throwing me off. I mean, the balls on that man to accuse Uhtred straight to his face,” Aisling shook her head, “I should have punched him.”

Finan snorted. “Yeah, that would have gone over well.”

Aisling was quiet. Finan glanced at her and saw that she was looking at the stars. “They are so clear here,” she said softly. He saw her reach up and trace them with her index finger. “So bright. Did you know, that by the time we see the stars in the sky, they are already dead?” she said. “We are seeing the last of their burning light before they disappear from existence forever. Just poof, gone.”

Finan eyed her as he carried down the street and up to their home. That sounded a tad dark. He carried her up to their front door. “You know that in your time?” he asked softly as he pushed open the door and carried her inside.

Aisling nodded. “I know a little about a lot of things, just enough to make me dangerous,” she said. She gave a sad sigh after. “Oh man, no television for a thousand years. That sucks ass. No coffee, no ice cream,” she groaned. Finan smiled. He had heard part of this rant before when she had been pregnant. He carried her into the next room and dumped her on the bed. “I mean, sure this place has you, and you are gorgeous, you and that incredibly stupid pretty face of yours, but man, I could use some ice cream every once and awhile.”

Finan pulled off Aisling's shoes and moved back to undo the ties on her dress to loosen them. He sat Aisling up. “So, which is it? Am I gorgeous or incredibly stupid pretty?” he asked smiling as he pulled her dress up and over her head.

“Both,” she groaned. “In the words of the great Taylor Swift, who will not be born for another millennia, 'you are so gorgeous it makes me so mad',” Aisling cupped his face in her hands, “and 'you're so gorgeous, it actually hurts,” she patted his cheeks. “She wasn't singing about you though, which sucks because my god, the lyrics would have been awesome.”

Finan took her hands in his. “You know, this is the most you've talked about your time, since you've been here,” he said.

Aisling shrugged. “What's the point of talking about it? I'm not going back, and some things would take much too much effort to explain.”

Finan raised an eyebrow. “You went into great detail about how ice cream is made when you were pregnant with Aoife. Great detail,” he emphasized.

Aisling fell back on the bed. Finan held her hands in his and sat beside her. She looked up at him. “I went into great detail because I was craving for it and I knew if I told you that, you would move heaven and earth to try and get it and I didn't want to trouble you. So, I got over the cravings by talking about it.”

Finan sighed. He leaned in and kissed her on the forehead. “I thought we promised no secrets,” he whispered.

Aisling sighed. “We did but sometimes secrets are necessary. I learned that as a child,” her voice got soft, “like how I never told anyone about the nightmares I had until my sister went missing. Or how I never told my father all the horrible things Star did to me,” she closed her eyes, “sometimes we keep secrets so that we can all live peacefully,” she whispered.

Finan reached out and stroked her hair. Sweet Jesus Christ, there is still so much about her I don't know. So much that she keeps buried inside. It's what she has done all her life. Even now, here with us, her family, she cannot trust us enough with her deepest pain. “Mo chroí, here between us, there is no need for secrets,” he told her softly.

Aisling opened her eyes and looked at him. She gave him a sad smile. She reached up and patted his cheek. “Oh my stupidly pretty husband,” she sighed, “tell me, wasn't there ever a secret you kept that you knew you had to because to tell the truth would rip apart everyone's world?”

Finan shook his head. “That is not fair, Aisling.”

She laughed. “I wasn't even thinking about the damn stupid affair, but it is a good example,” she pulled her hand away and rested her arm over her face. “We all have secrets, Finan. I love you but there are parts of me that I don't want you to see,” she cursed, “hell, those parts of me, I still don't like to acknowledge exist myself.”

Finan stood from the bed. He walked into the main room and closed the door. He barred it and walked back to the bedroom. He leaned in the doorway and saw Aisling roll over and face away from him. He walked back to the bed and sat on it. He pulled his boots off, then his tunic, and lastly his trousers. He climbed into bed and rolled over. He wrapped his arm around Aisling's waist and pulled her back against his chest.

“Tell me about your nightmares,” he whispered.

She laughed. “It doesn't matter now, Finan,” she answered. “We have bigger problems. We're on the brink of war,” she said.

“We are,” Finan kissed her neck, “but I don't care about that right now, here in this bed, I care about a part of you that you have hidden away for years,” he felt her take his hand, “because I love all of you, Aisling, every part of you. Even the parts of you that you, yourself hate.”

He waited. Aisling rolled on her back and looked up at him. She reached up and stroked his cheek. “I could be a complete and utter little shit right now, and quote you another Taylor Swift lyric about it being too late for you and your white horse to come around but,” she blinked and Finan saw tears in her eyes, “maybe it is time to,” she shrugged, “open up a bit.”

Finan nodded. He frowned. “My horse is white though. So, is Uhtred's,” he answered.

Aisling laughed. She shook her head. “My god, so gorgeous and yet so utterly clueless,” she patted his cheek, “I love you.”

Finan leaned in and kissed her on the lips. “I love you too,” he answered. “Now, the nightmares.”

Aisling turned and faced him. He moved closer to her and shared her pillow. He kept his arm around her waist. Laying with her like this reminded him of that night they had spent in Dunholm. Aisling placed her hand on his bare chest and stroked the hair there.

“I would dream of a castle,” she whispered, “I was inside of the dungeon, or basement, I don't know. I'm in the dark and screaming. I don't know why or for who but I am screaming for help,” Finan saw her take a breath and look away. She looked up and met his eyes again, “I don't know for sure but I think it was Bebbanburg,” she muttered.

Finan rubbed her side and back. “So even in your dreams, Bebbanburg haunts Uhtred's bloodline.”

Aisling chuckled. “It would seem so,” she gave him a sad smile, “you know, in my time, the castle still stands and anyone can go and visit it. Before I broke the curse, I was going to go up there and walk around the castle that was my birthright. But, at the last minute, I chickened out,” she laughed, “so I came here and never saw it. I don't even know what it looks like. Just that according to the family records,” she stopped. “Never mind.”

“Hey, we talked about-.”

Aisling placed her hand over his mouth. “No, we are not talking about that. Not yet. I'll tell you when Uhtred decides to take back the damn castle,” she dropped her hand, “I am drunk but not that drunk.”

Finan nodded. He kissed Aisling on the forehead. He pulled her closer in his arms. She nuzzled her face into his chest and held him tight.

“Do you really think I am kind of stupid at times?” he asked.

Aisling laughed. “I plead the fifth.”

“What?”

“I'll explain it when I am not drunk.”

“I thought you aren't that drunk.”

“I am too drunk to explain the American Justice system along with what the hell America is.”

Finan kissed her head. “Fair enough,” he rubbed her back. “I love you, Aisling, even if you are a lightweight when it comes to ale.”

“And I love you, even if you are a drunk.”

He laughed softly. He felt her kiss his chest. He looked down at her as she snuggled close to him. He stroked her rust coloured hair and watched as she drifted off to sleep. When she slept, she looked so peaceful and quiet. He rarely thought of her as quiet; only when something was going on in her head. He always thought of her as radiant. She radiated laughter and love. Now, I know though. I know about those little pieces of herself she buried long ago and swore never to let come out. I wish it wouldn't have taken her getting drunk to find out. Maybe Alfred being here lead to one good thing. I just have to try and get her to talk more. Even if it is about the future and things I will never understand. Like who or what the hell is a Taylor Swift?

Chapter Text

Aisling rubbed her temple again and really hated how two days later, she was still hung over. Or maybe the headache was being caused by worrying about the upcoming war. Or more likely it's caused by Sihtric and his never ending quest to marry his whore. She watched as he rode his horse past her and Finan to the front of them where Uhtred and Gisela were. She groaned. She hated how Finan smirked.

“Still hung over?” he asked softly.

“Possibly, I am thinking it is more annoyance over Sihtric though,” she answered.

“At least he is seeking my permission to wed,” Uhtred said glancing over his shoulder.

Aisling made a face. “The gods said it was Finan, so take it up with them if you are annoyed he didn't ask your permission. And honestly, asking permission to wed is kind of silly anyway. In my time, we do not do it anymore,” she said.

“You don't?” Gisela asked.

Aisling shook her head. “Nope, anyone can marry anyone, regardless if their families or parents approve.”

“Sounds like a good way to start wars,” Finan said.

Aisling glanced at him and smirked. “Oh, it did, but you know, all's fair in love and war.”

“What?” everyone asked confused.

Aisling sighed. “It is a saying that came from a poem some guy named John wrote in like,” she winced, “ow, math hurts the brain,” she muttered causing Finan to snicker, “five hundred years or more.”

“And what does it mean?” Hild asked.

Aisling shrugged. “Basically that if you are in love or going to war, anything goes. You can do whatever you want and it is fair game.”

“That's great,” Sihtric said, “but all I want is permission to marry the woman, I love so could you be quiet for five minutes while I ask lord here if I can.”

Aisling held up her hands. “Go for it.”

She saw Uhtred glance at her and she saw by the look on his face that he wished she would have kept talking. She smiled. She looked down at the Chaddagh ring on her finger. You never thought you would love someone so much to marry them. But here you are, married and a mother. And you are happy. That is the funniest part. You are happy being someone's wife and a mother more than you ever were digging in old boxes for hundred year old documents and artifacts.

“Lord, have you considered your decision whether I can marry Ealhswith or not?” Sihtric asked.

“Wait, she has a name?” Aisling asked shocked.

She laughed when Sihtric gave her a hard look. She winced as it sent a sharp pain up her temple. She rubbed it. She felt Finan take her reins for her. She let him and rubbed both her temples and her lower jaw. It helped to relieve some of the tension, which helped with the pain.

“Lord?” Sihtric asked when Uhtred had been silent.

“Lord, you will answer the man,” Gisela said.

“I will meet her when we reach Winchester and speak to her, in order to see what her intentions are. But you will give her no more silver or your arm rings. Understood?” Uhtred demanded.

“Understood, lord,” Sihtric answered.

Aisling watched as he turned his horse around and rode to the back of them again. She turned and looked at Finan. “Looks like the royal wedding is not going to be the only wedding in Winchester,” she said smiling.

“Uhtred has not said yes,” Finan said.

Hild snorted. “Do you really think he is going to say no?”

“Hild has a point. After all, he did not say no to her building a convent,” Aisling said.

Finan leaned in closer to her. “Uhtred is scared of Hild,” he said loud enough for Hild and Uhtred to hear.

Aisling laughed. She turned and smiled at her husband. He smiled at her and placed a soft kiss on her lips. She kissed him back.

“Nice to see that marriage and a child has not dampened the love you two have,” Hild said, “or are you two still not saying that word?”

Aisling pulled away and smiled. She looked back at Hild. “No, we are saying it now,” she laughed a bit.

“Good, because you were fooling absolutely no one,” Hild said.

“So, you have said, Hild,” Finan said. He looked at her. He winced and looked away. “Hild, the size of your cross is blinding.”

Aisling smacked him. Hild snorted. “Still with the jokes, Finan?” the nun asked. Aisling smiled at her. She was happy for Hild, that she had decided to give up her sword and take back her cross again. If it made Hild happy that was all that mattered.

“Always with the jokes,” Finan answered.

Aisling took her reins back from him. She turned and looked at Hild, who rode behind Finan. “Tell the truth, Hild, the minute Finan showed up and you saw how crazy he and Uhtred were together, you decided to hang up the sword,” she teased Finan.

Hild laughed. “You found me out, Aisling. I knew Finan was trouble the moment I saw him.”

Aisling laughed. “He is trouble.”

“Hey,” Finan said. “I am your husband.”

Aisling smirked at him. “You are, which is why I know exactly how much trouble you are.”

“A wife always knows,” Gisela added.

Aisling laughed when Uhtred glanced at his wife. “What do you mean by that?” he asked.

Finan laughed as well. Aisling tossed her hair over her shoulder and smiled as she listened to Gisela talk her way around calling Uhtred the biggest trouble maker out of all them. She turned and looked out across the land. Everything was quiet and peaceful. It's what I like most. No noise to drown out your thoughts. Just the quiet and peace of nothingness. Granted, Winchester is nothing like that. It was noisy with people everywhere. And Star. She may be there. Aisling took a breath. She felt Finan take her hand. She turned and looked at him. He smiled at her as his thumb rubbed her knuckles.

“You all right?” he asked softly.

Aisling nodded. “I will be,” she said. She squeezed his hand. “I have you, after all.”

“We are not stopping so do not even think of asking,” Uhtred cut in very loudly.

Aisling blushed while everyone else laughed. Finan smiled at her and pulled her hand to his lips. He placed a soft kiss in her palm. “It's all right, I can wait,” he said his eyes never leaving hers.

Aisling felt her blush deepen and heat flush throughout her body. She cursed softly when Finan winked at her. He knows exactly what he is doing and he enjoys it, the sexy bastard. But god, I love him. She let him hold her hand in his the rest of the ride. She felt Finan rub the back of her hand and he would squeeze it as well. She smiled. She was happy; even if war was coming. She would hold on to these moments.

***

Finan leaned against the inn and watched as the streets filled with people. Aethelred of Mercia was arriving. He turned when he felt Aisling place her hand on his chest.

“Were you able to get a room?” he asked wrapping an arm around her waist.

She nodded. “I was, one of the last ones, it's beside Gisela and Uhtred,” she looked around at all the people. “What's going on?”

“The Lord of Mercia has arrived,” Finan answered.

He saw her eyes widen. “Oh, did he?” she grabbed his arms and pulled him into the crowd. Finan rolled his eyes but he allowed his wife to pull him closer to where the new Lord of Mercia would ride his horse. Finan turned and saw Sihtric and Clapa there. Finan wrapped his arms around Aisling's shoulders and pulled her to stand in front of him. She leaned back her back against his chest. She reached up and held on to his arms as she watched the Mercian guard ride by. Finan kissed her on the side of her head.

“What are we doing?” Uhtred asked as he walked up beside Finan and Aisling.

“Waiting to see Lady Aethelflaed's husband,” Aisling answered.

“I heard he is a turd,” Uhtred said.

“Probably is,” Sihtric added.

“Aren't most royals?” Aisling teased glancing at Finan. He reached down and pinched her side. She laughed and went to pull away but he held her close.

“There he is,” Uhtred said.

Finan looked and saw Aethelred of Mercia. Finan did not like the smug smile the man had on his face. He felt Aisling lean against him, her hands rubbed his arms. I do not like the way he looks. Like he is better than everyone else. Like he is above us.

“He looks like a turd,” Clapa said.

“I have never seen a giant turd but I have to say, he looks like he shot right out of the ass end of one,” Uhtred said.

“He looks French,” Aisling said. “And too pretty. Much too pretty.”

Finan held her closer. “What? Do you not like pretty boys?” he asked.

Aisling smiled at him. “I like my men so tall and handsome as hell, and so bad but they do it so well,” she told him. Finan smirked. He pressed a kiss to her lips. “But then again, I did marry you,” she teased.

Finan heard Clapa, Sihtric, and Uhtred laugh. Finan lowered his arms and began to tickle her sides and pinch her. She laughed and moved away from him. He wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her back. He heard Uhtred drag Aethelwold away when the annoying would be aethling began talking about Bjorn. He held Aisling in his arms and looked into her eyes.

“I was joking,” she said smiling at him.

He kissed her nose. “I know you were,” he held her close to him. “What do you think of him?” he asked as he tucked some her rust coloured hair that had come loose from her braid behind her ear. His let his thumb stroke her cheek.

“He is not my type,” she answered. “I doubt he has a sexy accent like you,” she added cupping his face in her hands.

“So, you only love me for my accent, huh?” he asked as he leaned in and kissed her again.

“Just the accent. I tolerate the rest,” she answered wrapping her arms around his neck and kissing him again.

Finan wrapped his arms around her waist and lifted her off her feet and held her against him. He smiled against her lips and she held him tight. He heard Sihtric clear his throat beside them. Finan pulled his head away and looked at Sihtric.

“What?” he asked not putting Aisling down.

“Aethelwold is bringing lord to see Bjorn. We are to leave as soon as the horses are cooled and fed,” Sihtric said. “I am taking Clapa with me to the stables now.”

Aisling groaned. “Can I please hit Aethelwold?” she asked as her fingers stroked the skin at the back of his neck.

Finan watched as Sihtric took off with Clapa towards the stables. He turned back and met Aisling's eyes. He set her on her feet. He kissed her gently on the forehead.

“I will-,” he started.

“I am going with you,” she said holding his forearms.

Finan sighed. “Should I even bother saying no or trying to?” he asked as he pulled his arms away to grab her hands in his own.

Aisling smiled at him. “You could try but I doubt I am going to change my mind. Plus, if this Bjorn really does speak for the gods, than shouldn't he know how I am here, who I am, and why?” she pointed out.

Finan sighed. “I hate how right you are,” he muttered.

“What? I couldn't hear you?” she said smiling.

Finan rolled his eyes. He pulled her close and kissed her softly. “Go get your things and mine, not much just one bag, and I will meet you back at the stables.”

Aisling nodded. He let her go. He rubbed his face with his hand and took a slow breath. I don't like her coming with us when Aethelwold is involved but she has a good point. If this Bjorn is the real deal, than he would know exactly how Aisling got here, like Liv did. But I do not like her being in harm's way.

“Finan,” Uhtred said as he walked over to him, “we are leaving,” he said.

Finan nodded. He looked at Uhtred. “Sihtric told me. Aisling is coming.”

He saw Uhtred frown. He then nodded. “Because if this Bjorn is really an agent for the three spinners, he would be able to tell Aisling has the mark of Freyja on her. Like Ragnar's seer did.”

Finan nodded. “That is what she said,” he sighed and walked beside Uhtred towards the stables. “I don't like it though.”

Uhtred patted his shoulder. “I am sorry you fell in love with my sister, who shares my recklessness,” he said.

Finan glanced at him. “So you are admitting that you are reckless?”

Uhtred smiled. “If you tell Gisela or Aisling, I will deny it, but I may be reckless at times. Like now. I know that Alfred will no doubt find out about us riding into Daneland but I am going anyway.”

Finan placed his hands on the hilts of his sword and seax. He walked beside Uhtred. “You have to know the truth. And considering how Alfred was treating you at Coccham, I would not blame you for wanting to see if you could be more and not have to answer to anyone.”

Uhtred nodded. “It would be nice to be able to make my own decisions. Although, I would have to have my sister back and your marriage dissolved,” Uhtred teased, “for dynastic reasons of course. I cannot have a rebel exiled prince as a brother.”

Finan rolled his eyes. “You are not funny, lord,” he stressed the lord and saw Uhtred smirk.

“I don't know, I think I am very funny.”

“Funny looking maybe,” Finan said.

Uhtred shook his head. “Gisela says I am handsome.”

“She is your wife, she is supposed to say those things.”

“Really? Because I did not hear Aisling calling you handsome.”

Finan shook his head. “What is it, tease Finan day?” he asked.

Uhtred shrugged. “I am just following Aisling's lead.”

Finan sighed. He looked up at the sky as they reached the stables. Finan didn't see any clouds which meant that there would not be any rain. Thank god, because the last thing we need is to be stuck somewhere with Aethelwold. I am liable to kill him. And I doubt Uhtred or Aisling would stop me.

“Do not worry about Aisling, she will be fine,” Uhtred told him.

Finan smiled. “I have no doubt she will be,” he looked at Uhtred. “She did not hesitate at all in Mercia. I was surprised.”

Uhtred shrugged. “She is my blood.”

Finan snorted. “That does not explain it. I was nervous at my first battle. Weren't you?”

Uhtred nodded. “I was but Aisling is not us. Perhaps she did not hesitate or was not nervous because she wished to protect what was important to her; you,” Uhtred poked him in the chest.

Finan smiled. “She does love me, doesn't she?”

Uhtred rolled his eyes. “I hope Sihtric is not like this with his wife after they are married. I need my warriors to be warriors not love sick men.”

“We are just following your lead, Uhtred,” Finan smirked at him.

Uhtred scoffed. Finan turned when he felt a hand on his back. He smiled when he saw Aisling there with leather saddle bags swung over her shoulder. Uhtred smiled at her.

“Finan told me you have decided to join us,” he said.

“Well, I can't let you all have all the fun,” Aisling answered. She stepped closer. “Plus, maybe I could talk you into burying Aethelwold out in the middle of Daneland.”

Finan placed his hand over Aisling's mouth. “As much as we all would love that, Uhtred is going to be in enough to trouble with Alfred.”

Uhtred made a thoughtful face. “But would Alfred care if his nephew went missing?”

“He wouldn't,” Aisling said pulling Finan's hand down.

Finan shook his head. “I will go check on the horses,” he pointed at Aisling and Uhtred, “you two try not to cause any trouble for the five minutes I am gone.”

“Oh, I don't know,” Uhtred said smirking.

“I don't think we can last five minutes,” Aisling answered with her own smirk.

Finan looked from Uhtred to Aisling. Look at them, similar smirks and the laughter in their eyes. Gisela says that Aisling and I are trouble makers, but it's really Uhtred and Aisling that are trouble. But I will admit, it makes me happy to see them so close. He turned away and heard their laughter as he walked into the stables. He smiled. Maybe Aisling coming will not be something to worry about.

***

By the time they reached the hilltop overlooking Skald's Hall, Aisling was ready to shove Aethelwold off of it. She stood beside Finan knowing he would not let her do something so rash but partly wishing he would. Honestly, how has Alfred not killed him? HOW?! This man does nothing but speak of himself and his wants and his needs and oh my god, if I have to hear him say any sentence that begins with 'when I am king' one more time, I am going to draw and quarter him so damn slowly he is going to die of blood loss not the beheading.

“There it is, Skald's Hall, it was given to Eilaf by his lord for great service,” Aethelwold said.

Aisling looked at it. It did look like a nice little cozy hall, in the middle of nowhere, which would totally not be the future setting of a horror movie. And I would die too because I am not a virgin. I mean, maybe not, all I would have to do is outrun Aethelwold, so yeah, I think I would live after all. Take that horror movie rules. Aisling noticed horses in the pasture. She could not count how many but she did not like that there seemed to be more than two.

“Sihtric, you will remain here until we are in the hall. And you will remain unseen at all times,” Uhtred told Sihtric.

“Yes, try not to talk to the dead Dane about your future wife,” Aisling added.

Sihtric rolled his eyes. “Yes, lord,” he said pointedly ignoring Aisling.

“If the dead man rises, when he returns to his grave, your will keep watching,” Uhtred added.

“What if he sees me, lord? What if he, knows I am near?” Sihtric asked.

“Then you shit yourself,” Clapa said.

“And he may eat you,” Aisling said. She watched as everyone's eyes turned and landed on her. “I mean, if he is dead but alive that makes him the undead and the undead usually like to eat brains so,” she looked at their blank faces. She crossed her arms on her chest. “You know, it is hard to be funny and witty when the people you are around do not understand your references half the time.”

“You are one particular woman,” Aethelwold said staring at her.

Finan glared at him. “She is my particular woman and not yours.”

“Come on, let us go,” Uhtred said.

Aisling turned and walked away from the hilltop with Finan beside her. He kept her in front of him as they walked through the woods and trees. She felt his hands on her waist as they moved through some of the thick brush. She smiled as he lifted her over a couple of logs. Once they were out of the thickest brush, he walked beside her with his arm around her shoulders. She could feel Aethelwold's intense stare on her back.

“He will not stop staring at my ass,” she said to Finan.

“I mean, it is a glorious ass,” he answered.

Aisling rolled her eyes. “I know it's a glorious ass, it is mine after all.”

“I could persuade him to look elsewhere,” Finan suggested.

“By forcibly removing his eyes and shoving them in his pockets?” Aisling asked hopefully.

Finan pulled her to a stop by their horses. “No, by telling him not to stare.”

Aisling sighed. She took the reins of her horse. “I like my plan better.”

Aisling swung on her horse and smiled down at her husband. Finan rolled his eyes and climbed on his own horse. She pulled her horse beside him as they rode behind Clapa, who rode behind Uhtred and Aethelwold.

Aisling kept her eyes ahead as they rode to the hall. As they came down the trail, she was glad she had her sword on her hip as she saw the warriors waiting for them at the hall. She pulled her horse beside Finan and looked at the Danes. They all eyed her and the others.

“We are here to see Eilaf, the Skald,” Aethelwold said. “We have an invitation.”

If I die here in at this hall, I am going to come back one more time, the hell with what the gods say, and the next time, I am going to murder Aethelwold the very first time I lay eyes on him.

“Who leads here?” Uhtred asked. His voice was steady and strong.

Aisling watched as a man pushed other warriors out of the way. He was a larger man, with longer hair in dreads, a beard and a scar above his left eye going towards his nose.

“You,” Uhtred said like he recognized him.

“I am Haesten, and you are Uhtred of Bebbanburg. You spared me at Eoferwic, lord. You are expected and welcomed,” he said as he waved the way towards the hall.

Oh, I do not trust you at all. Aisling thought as she dismounted her horse. She walked beside Finan towards the hall. She half expected him to hold her close but he did not. She felt the eyes of all the men on her and she wondered if she had made the right choice of deciding to come with them.

She walked into the hall beside Uhtred as Finan entered before them and walked a ways in front to ensure there was no danger. She looked up when she saw the cage and the man in it hanging in the front of the hall. See, Alfred, Uhtred was merciful, he could have hanged the guy in a cage for days. She walked to the table following Uhtred, who was following Haesten. Haesten sat at the table with Finan beside him. She walked around the front of the table, under the cage and sat beside Finan. She would have sat beside Uhtred but Aethelwold was there and she was liable to stab him in the face if she was next to him.

“I serve Erik,” Haesten said as he poured ale in mugs for everyone. “Sigefrid's brother. He sends you good wishes.”

“Erik is not here,” Uhtred stated.

“He is not,” Haesten said. “If I had my way, I would not be here. My men are afraid.”

Aisling leaned around Finan and looked at Haesten. She didn't believe him. At all. They men did not look afraid. They looked weary, tired, and possibly annoyed but not afraid.

“Of ghosts?” Finan asked.

Aisling saw Haesten stare at Finan. The Dane then turned and glanced at her. She stared back at him. He moved his eyes back on her husband.

“It is not a sight you will forget,” Haesten said. Someone is trying very hard to sell this. I wonder if he actually believes this like our rat prince. “My lord wants you to know that by now he will be at Beamfleot and not Frankia,” Haesten said looking back at Uhtred.

“And Sigefrid?” Uhtred asked.

Haesten nodded. “Yes, with his brother. And with the fleet. He insisted you be told.”

Aisling reached out and grabbed the mug of ale that was sitting in front of Finan and took a sip. War is coming and all our king wants to do is keep the peace. This is fine, totally fine.

“And what about after Beamfleot?” Finan asked Haesten as he stared the Dane down.

“I do not know,” Haesten answered. “But there is hope, you,” he looked at Uhtred, “will join him there. Eilaf is resting lord, in preparation for tonight. I hope you do the same.”

Haseten got up and left. Finan watched him go. He moved over a bit giving Aisling more room on the bench. He turned and looked at Uhtred.

“They have a fleet,” Finan said.

“Five hundred men or more,” Aisling said. “And that is not counting the men that our great king Aethelstan has let wander around and raid with no clear leader,” she said. She felt everyone's eyes on her. “What? I can do math, I just prefer not to.”

“And that is not counting any men who may join them,” Uhtred said.

“Then it has started,” Aethelwold said.

“What?” Finan asked.

“The end of the peace,” Aethelwold said.

Aisling saw Uhtred and Finan share a look. She picked up the bread in front of her and picked at it. She heard a whistle from behind her. She didn't turn and look. Finan glanced over his shoulder and wrapped an arm around her back and pulled her closer. She swung her legs in between his on the bench and rested her head on his shoulder as he kept his arm around her.

“She is under my protection!” Uhtred yelled out.

Aisling sighed. “Maybe I should have stayed at Winchester,” she said.

“And miss out on doing some math?” Finan asked smirking.

She shook her head. “Wake me up when our dead Dane shows up.”

“Will do love,” he said.

“And keep Uhtred out of trouble,” she added softly.

“That one I cannot promise ya.”

She closed her eyes and tried to at least rest before the grand show of the dead Dane started. I don't believe it. I haven't heard Bjorn speak but I know that it has to be lies. The brothers are trying to separate Uhtred and Alfred. And this might just do it. Either way, the peace is done and finished. There will be war. I just have to pray that no one I love dies for Alfred's Wessex.

***

Finan rubbed Aisling's back as he watched Uhtred pace. The man had been pacing for going on an hour now. Aethelwold looked ready to fall asleep in his plate of food and Clapa looked like he was already sleeping with his eyes opened. Finan heard the door to the hall open and close. He glanced over and saw Haesten with another man, possibly this Eilaf. He poked Aisling in the side earning him an elbow in his gut. He knocked the table in front of Clapa and got the big man's attention. Everyone turned and looked at Haesten and Eilaf, as Eilaf sat at the head of the table.

Silence filled the hall. Finan saw Aisling and Uhtred share a look and he wondered just which one of them would be the first ones to say something just to move things along. Both of them were known to be impatient at times.

“Forgive me for not being awake to greet you, lord. Bjorn has not given me time to rest in these recent times,” Eilaf said.

Finan saw Aisling open her mouth but he gripped her thigh tight. She glanced at him and he shook his head slightly at her. If this Eilaf was focused on Uhtred and not her, than let him. Aisling huffed softly but didn't say anything.

“The gods are wanting two men, so I thank you for being here, Uhtred of Bebbanburg. After tonight, I hope to sleep,” he said. He grabbed a mug of ale and drank some. “Fetch the blood. It is time,” he said.

Finan heard the thief in the cage begin to beg. He stood and helped Aisling stand as well. He took her hand in his as they walked out of the hall and into the night. He wrapped an arm around her shoulders and pulled her closer to him as Danes with torches surrounded them to light their way.

Everyone was quiet as they were lead away from the hall and down a dirt path. Finan walked with Uhtred and Aethelwold slightly ahead of him. He felt Aisling wrap an arm around his waist and lean in close. She was quiet taking it all in.

“This is a Christian graveyard,” Uhtred said.

“Yes, lord, that is perhaps why Bjorn cannot rest,” Haesten said.

Aisling coughed to cover up a snort that Finan heard. He rubbed her arm and lead her further in. They stopped by a grave, and the thief was on his knees at the head of the grave. Finan let go of Aisling and moved her so she was in between Uhtred and him as they stood at the graveside. He saw her cross her arms on her chest and look at the grave. He saw her frown and watched as she took a step back and bent her knees a bit. No one but him seemed to take notice of what she was doing; which honestly he was thankful for. This was odd, even for her.

“In order to raise the dead lord, we need to send a messenger across the gulf,” Haesten said.

“Human sacrifice,” Aisling said her voice carrying in the hush of the night, even though she had said it softly.

“He is guilty?” Uhtred asked. Finan saw him grab Aisling's hand and hold it.

“Twice over,” Haesten said.

“Please, lord, please. I have a wife. I have children. Please,” the thief begged.

Finan saw the look on Aisling's face. This was not easy for her. Uhtred held her hand tight in his as he stared down the thief.

“What did you steal?” Uhtred asked.

“A lamp for my family.”

“And furs,” Haesten added.

“They were for my family!”

“I am sorry but a thief twice over deserves to die,” Finan said. He looked at Aisling. She met his eyes. Love, this is how it is here. Please, do not hate me for this. Be strong. I am trying to get them to move this along so you do not have to hear him begging any longer, his eyes begged her to understand. She gave a slight nod but her grip on Uhtred's hand did not give though.

“Please, no, please lord, I can work, I can fight, I can, please.”

Finan watched as they stuffed something in the man's mouth. A harp's string according to Haesten. Finan looked away. By God, just kill him already. His pleading is getting to me as well.

“Kill him,” Eilaf said.

The thief spit out the harp's string. He was sobbing and begging for Uhtred to spare him. Finan turned and saw that Aisling had buried her face in Uhtred's chest and Uhtred now was not holding her hand but had an arm wrapped around her. He saw her mouth moving but he could not hear what she was saying over the thief's begging and Eilaf's orders to kill him. No one seemed to care that Aisling could not watch what was going to happen. Uhtred cared, Finan could tell but he had to show the others that he did not. Finan saw Uhtred's hand though as it gently rubbed Aisling's back and how Uhtred held her close. Finan turned back to Haesten just as he shoved the harp's string back in the thief's mouth and slit his throat. Thank God, there is quiet now.

The thief's body was pulled over the grave and his blood soaked into the ground. After they tossed his body aside like it meant nothing. “Bjorn, you have blood,” Eilaf said. “I have given you life. I have sent you a message. Of it is peace that you want, you shall not have it until we hear you speak.”

Finan glanced between Eilaf and the grave. He looked over and saw that Aisling was turned around facing the grave again. She wiped her face and crouched down. Finan frowned. His eyes were pulled back to the grave though when he saw the ground move. He stepped back. He saw hand reach out and he made the sign of the cross on himself. Sweet Jesus Christ, the dead are rising. His hands went immediately to his weapons. He glanced down at Aisling and saw her watching the earth. Bjorn pushed and pulled himself up to be standing in his grave. He spit out the harp's string.

“The harp's string,” Finan whispered.

“A harp's string,” Aisling countered softly. He looked at her. She was looking past Bjorn into his grave completely unfazed but the apparent undead Dane in front of her. She cannot handle a man pleading for his life about to be executed but a dead Dane rising in front of her, she is completely fine with. This woman is a mystery to me but by God, do I love her.

“Bjorn, you have a message for Lord Uhtred,” Eilaf said.

“Lord Uhtred, I see you now, the gods have had their sacrifice and the brothers have begun tonight that which cannot be stopped. Lunden streets are red with Saxon blood. You,” Bjorn reached out his hand. Finan watched him. He saw that everyone was watching Bjorn; everyone but Aisling. And because everyone was watching him, no one saw Aisling, who was still crouched down, reach out and grab the harp's string and pocket it; no one but Finan who wondered what the hell she was doing. “You are to be King. King of Saxon and Dane. King of other Kings. You,” Bjorn pointed at him, “Lord Uhtred.”

Finan glanced at Uhtred. He saw that Aethelwold did as well. Everyone did. Aisling stood and glanced at Uhtred as well. Everyone now ignored Bjorn, as the Dead Dane had fallen over and was unmoving again. 

“Bury him,” Eilaf said. He turned and looked at Uhtred. “Lord King, it is done.”

Eilaf walked away. Aisling stepped closer to Finan. “I need you to help me,” she said as she took his arm and pulled him over to where the thief's body was.

“With what?” he asked.

“Be a very good Christian,” she whispered. They reached the guards. “What are you going to do with him?” she asked as she kicked the body.

Finan raised an eyebrow at her. “Bury him,” one guard said. “Why?”

Aisling smiled. “This man,” she pulled Finan forward. “Is a Christian,” she said rolling her eyes. “And he does not believe in the old gods. I wish to have some of the man's blood for my own offering later on. Could you please explain to him,” she shoved Finan, "why blood is so important to the gods? He will not listen to me because I am a woman,” Aisling rolled her eyes. The guards smiled.

This is not happening. She did not just win these idiots over that quickly. Finan looked around the graveyard, everyone else was walking away. The guards left Aisling alone as she kneeled by the dead thief. He smiled and nodded and did not listen to a single word either of them said. His eyes stayed on his wife as she opened the man's mouth and pulled out... The harp's string. Finan coughed as one of the guard's went to turn around. He saw Aisling quickly shove the harp's string up her sleeve while she soaked up some blood with a small piece of cloth. She stood.

“Thank you so much. Now come on, Lord Uhtred is waiting for us,” she said as she grabbed Finan's arm and yanked him away.

Finan held her hand as they walked down the path back towards the hall. He watched as she pulled out the two harps strings from her sleeves.

“How did you know?” he asked.

She smiled at him. “The grave. It was too hollow for an actual dead body. The animals would have dug it up and ate it,” she said. “It was a trick. A trick to turn Uhtred and Alfred against each other.”

“Uhtred thought it was,” Finan answered. He grabbed the two strings and shoved them in his leather pouch in the back of his sword belt. The hall came into view. “We have to act like we believe it though.”

Aisling snorted. “Finan, you did believe it.”

He cursed. “He rose from the grave, Aisling. I have never seen that before.”

She smiled. “I know. I am sure though that crossing yourself instead of pulling out your sword was definitely the way to go.”

He slapped her ass as she walked into the hall ahead of him. They found Uhtred sitting at a table. Aisling slid in beside Clapa while Finan sat beside Uhtred. They were all huddled together at the end of the table.

“What we have just witnessed, you believe it to be true?” Uhtred asked Finan.

“I do,” Aethelwold answered immediately.

Finan met Uhtred's eyes. “And me,” he said simply. He looked at Clapa. “It put a shiver through your spine no doubt,” Clapa nodded.

“Lady Aisling?” Aethelwold asked.

Finan glanced at Aisling. She looked at Uhtred. “I believe it,” she said softly. “But what now?”

“My wife is right,” Finan said. “You are sworn to Alfred.”

“Alfred is nothing compared to the gods. I would suggest,” Aethelwold said. “Uhtred, it is our birthright to be called kings.”

Finan saw Uhtred look away. He glanced over and saw Aisling staring down at the cloth with the dead thief's blood. She looked up and met his eyes. He saw the tears in her eyes before she blinked them away. He saw Clapa look down at her and notice them as well. Clapa wrapped his large arm around her and pulled her against him. Aisling smiled as she disappeared into the larger man's side for a quick hug.

“Haesten!” Uhtred yelled. Haesten walked over. “Is it true what Bjorn said? Are Sigefrid and Erik attacking Lunden?” Uhtred asked.

“I cannot say for certain lord but that was the plan. To sail up the river and take the city, which would now be your city as King of Mercia,” Haesten answered.

Finan saw Uhtred look at him. Uhtred looked like he was thinking about it. He glanced over and saw Aisling watching Uhtred. She looked worried but also impressed. Finan sipped some ale and was also impressed. He was impressed with his wife, who had figured out this was all a lie without waiting for Sihtric to come back from his spying. Maybe Aisling coming along was a good idea. I must ask her how she knew to look for that though. And how she knew to look at the grave and the ground. She is smart and beautiful and mine.

Chapter Text

Aisling walked into their room at the inn and sighed when she saw the tub. She turned and smiled at Finan. He wrapped his arms around her and backed her up into the room more. He closed the door behind him and tossed their bags aside. It was the middle of the night and she was tired and drained from riding but she was definitely up for a bath. 

“You got us a bath?” she asked softly.

Finan nodded. “I did, right before we left I had it arranged.”

Aisling kissed him on the lips. “You are my favourite husband,” she whispered.

Finan chuckled. “I am your only husband.”

Aisling stroked his cheek. “You think you're my only husband,” she teased.

Finan pinched her and she pulled away. She walked over to the tub and began to pull her boots off. She pulled her tunic off after and tossed it on the chair in the corner. Next was her shift and lastly her trousers. She pulled off the Serpent-Breath necklace and placed it over her clothes. She turned back to the tub and gently dipped her fingers in; it was just right.

She looked over and smiled when she saw Finan kicking off his trousers. She waited until he climbed in the tub. He sat with his back rested against the side of it. Aisling climbed in and settled herself against him, her back against his chest. She rested her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes relaxing against him.

“I have missed baths,” she moaned softly as she felt Finan's hands stroke her skin.

She felt Finan undo her braid and shaking her hair out so it flowed down her shoulders. “I have gathered that, since at least once every other day you mention how much you miss, what do you call it, indoor plumbing?” he asked.

Aisling groaned. “Finan, you have no idea what you are missing out on. I mean, hell, even the Romans had indoor plumbing,” she turned and looked at him, “this truly is the dark ages.”

Finan looked in her eyes. “Aisling, just how much do you know about this time?”

Aisling sighed. She looked away. “I know a lot. I lived for reading history books, watching the documentaries, and taking classes,” she rested her arms on the side of the tub, “I didn't have time for anything else. Once Star went missing, I was determined to end the curse, so I did all the research I could think of that would help,” she felt Finan's lips on her neck, “it became my life.”

“So, at the graveyard, that is how you knew how to look at the grave,” he answered.

Aisling nodded. “It was. If I failed at breaking the curse, and I lived, well, I planned on continuing my studies and perhaps teaching history.”

“Now, you get to live it,” Finan answered.

Aisling snorted. “Oh yeah, it's going to be real fun living through a war. Especially when Alfred doesn't trust Uhtred.”

Finan held her closer. “But you know that we win,” he answered.

Aisling rubbed Finan's arms and hugged them closer to her. “We do but at what cost, Finan? There is always a cost and I was never a war historian, so I never studied the battles or the casualties and-.”

“Shh,” Finan kissed her neck. “I don't need to know every single detail. I just need to know that everyone we care about and love live. That is all.”

Aisling nodded. “Uhtred lives. I know that. Everyone else,” she shrugged, “and I hate not knowing.”

“Oh, I know, you spent most of your time pregnant being annoyed that you could not find out if it would be a girl or boy and that I would not tell you the name I liked,” Finan chuckled.

Aisling nodded. She turned and looked at him. “I don't like not knowing if you will live.”

Finan leaned in and kissed her. “You will not be rid of me that easily, my love,” he said. He rested his forehead against hers.

Aisling smiled at him. “Wash my back please,” she said.

“Hmm,” Finan ran his hand down her stomach. “I was thinking we move this to the bed.”

Aisling grabbed his hand. “I love you, and usually I would be on you like butter on bread, but I am going to enjoy this bath. So, please, wash my back and my hair and I may consider moving this to the bed.”

“You drive a very hard bargain.”

“I do.”

Aisling pulled away from Finan and smiled when he reached out and grabbed the bar of soap and cloth from the floor. She sighed in contentment when she felt Finan begin to wash her back and shoulders. He ran his hands with the bar of soap around her sides and cupped her breasts. She laughed and turned towards him. She splashed him.

“What did I say?” she asked .

He splashed her back. “I am washing you, woman, it's not my fault you have a filthy mind.”

Aisling laughed. She shook her head. “I have the filthy mind?” she questioned.

“Oh yes, positively sinful,” Finan answered. “We must cleanse you.”

Aisling was shocked when Finan pushed her shoulders down and she went back into the tub under the water. She smacked him and he let her go. She sat up and splashed him again. She pushed her hair out of her face and shook her head at him.

“I am definitely rethinking moving this to the bed,” she said splashing him.

“What? I needed your hair wet to wash it,” Finan said innocently.

Aisling poked him in the chest. “I do not believe a word you are saying.”

Finan just gave her that sexy flirty smirk and turned her around so her back was towards him again. She felt him begin to wash her hair. She smiled when he began humming an Irish folk song that he usually sang for Aoife. She closed her eyes and sighed.

“Relaxing?” Finan asked.

“Very,” Aisling said.

Aisling felt Finan's fingers rub her scalp and rake through her hair. She leaned back and sighed again. His fingers than gently moved down to her neck and shoulders. She opened her eyes and smiled.

“Finished,” he said. “Time for another dunk.”

Aisling turned and this time she leaned back in the water herself and rinsed her hair. She did it a couple of times until she ran her fingers through her hair at the scalp and didn't feel any soap. She turned and laughed when Finan pulled her into his arms and kissed her deeply. She cupped his face with her hands as he nipped her lips gently and ran his hand under her breast cupping it in his hand.

“You haven't washed,” she answered smiling against his lips.

“I am clean enough,” he answered locking his lips on her bottom lip and letting his tongue stroke hers. Aisling pulled him in closer. She let her tongue stroke his. He pulled away from the kiss and she kissed him again, this time her lips locking around his bottom lip. She felt his hands pull her hips forward and grip her ass cheeks. “I am definitely clean enough. Hold on,” he said.

Aisling wrapped her arms around Finan's neck and her legs at his waist. She kissed his neck and shoulder and laughed when he pushed himself up from the tub gripping both sides. He stood and held on to her tight. His strength alone turned her on. He carefully stepped out of the tub and Aisling stopped herself from telling him that if he dropped her, she would be pissed. Finan lifted her out though and managed to get himself completely out of the tub without dropping her or falling.

Aisling felt Finan's hands on her thighs holding her tight as he carried her to the bed. She kissed him again deeply and felt his cock twitch to life. She pulled him on top of her when he laid her on the bed. She moaned when he ran one of his hand to the inside of her thigh and gently stroked her core. He found her ready for him and didn't waste any time. She moaned and arched her back when a moment later, she felt him slid into her. She felt herself stretching as he filled her. Finan's lips pressed messy kisses to her neck and collarbone.

“Okay?” he whispered as his fingers gripped her hips.

“So fucking okay,” Aisling answered needing him to move.

“Good. I have been waiting to bed you for three days now,” Finan answered as he began to move. It was all Aisling could do to hold on; he was setting an almost desperate pace. She had ached for him as well, but there was no way she was going to suggest them stopping or going off while Aethelwold had been with them. He moved quickly his hips snapping against her. She suddenly understood how he had gotten the nickname the agile; she doubted it was on the battlefield as he claimed. His movements were quick but precise, like he knew exactly how to make sure every quick snap of his hips gave her the most pleasure and feeling. She felt her legs begin to tremble and she dug her fingernails in his shoulders. “If it wouldn't have been for Aethelwold, I would have had you against every tree from here to Daneland,” he whispered in her ear.

“Fuck,” Aisling moaned as she felt her release building.

She felt Finan lift her up in his arms again and she moaned as she felt him slid deeper. She moved her hips against him as he pounded into her. She felt the peak hit and she moaned his name. Her legs trembled and her walls clenched around him. Tears came to her eyes and she felt her whole body shudder. She felt Finan come inside of her, his cock pulsing as he released his seed inside of her. He panted as he held her tight and Aisling let out a shaky breath as the aftershocks shook them both. She felt Finan's hands gently rub her back.

“Mo chroí, are you all right?” he whispered his lips placing soft kisses on her neck.

Aisling laughed. “I think I am going to have to exercise more self control if that is how hot it can be after we haven't made love in three days,” she answered.

She felt Finan nuzzle his face in her neck. “Not a chance,” he whispered as he nipped her earlobe.

She rested her forehead on his shoulder and let him hold her up in his arms. She groaned when she heard pounding on their door.

“What?” Finan yelled as he gently set Aisling on her feet.

“Finan, I need you and Aisling,” Sihtric yelled. “I'm getting married!”

Aisling looked at Finan. “In the middle of the night?!” they both yelled back.

Silence came from the other side of the door. “Did, I, ah, interrupt something?” Sihtric asked.

“Lucky for you, we both just got off,” Aisling yelled. “Give us ten minutes!”

Aisling walked over to her bags and opened one of them and pulled out her lilac coloured dress. She smiled when Finan wrapped his arms around her waist. She moaned as his hand ran down her stomach and he cupped her core.

“I say I take about nine of those minutes and make you moan my name some more,” Finan whispered.

“It takes me longer than a minute to put my dress on,” she answered.

“It's not like Sihtric can get married without us,” he answered.

Aisling dropped her dress and turned around. Sihtric had waited this long to marry his whore; he could wait a few minutes more.

***

Finan stood beside Aisling and noticed that one of her ties on her dress was not tied or pulled closed. He nodded as Sihtric and Ealhswith were handfasted by the owner of the alehouse that Ealhswith had worked in. Finan took a step back and saw Aisling's eyes follow him.

“I missed a tie,” he whispered as he smoothly placed his hands on her sides.

Aisling cursed softly. “I told you-.”

“Hush,” Finan said smiling at Sihtric and nodded at him. “I will get it.”

Finan quickly pulled the ties closing the small gap. He tied them and then slid his arms around Aisling's waist and pulled her close to him. He held her close and felt her take his hands and hold them. He saw the smile on Sihtric's face, how happy he was. He smiled as he remembered how happy he had been to marry Aisling.

“I'd marry you again and everyday of the year,” he whispered to her.

Aisling turned and looked at him. “Lucky for you, once is enough,” she whispered smiling.

He kissed her nose. He pulled away and smiled as Sihtric and Ealhswith kissed. Aisling let go of his hands to clap and he clapped as well. Sihtric pulled away from the kiss and turned to smile at Finan and Aisling.

“I am so glad you two came,” he said.

“Does that mean you actually like me?” Aisling teased.

“He has said you are the sister he never wanted but may have needed,” Ealhswith said.

“Ealhswith! She was never supposed to know that!” Sihtric said.

Finan laughed as did Aisling. “Oh, I like her, Sihtric, I like her a lot,” Aisling said as she stepped away from Finan.

Finan watched as the moment the ribbons were freed from their hands, Aisling stepped forward and hugged Ealhswith close. He clapped Sihtric on the shoulder and pulled him in for a hug.

“I am so happy for you,” Finan said hugging him and letting him go.

“Thank you,” Sihtric pulled away. Finan saw him look over at Aisling and Ealhswith. Their wives were laughing. “I was worried that Ealhswith would not feel welcomed with us because of who she was. But Aisling, she is,” Sihtric trialled off as Aisling hugged his wife again.

Finan nodded. “Accepting of everyone? Aye, she is,” Finan leaned in, “as long as they are not Saxon royalty.”

Sihtric laughed. Finan watched as Aisling walked over and hugged Sihtric. Finan turned and hugged Ealhswith.

“Welcome to this crazy family,” he said kissing her on the cheek.

Ealhswith laughed and smiled. “Thank you for being here for him. Sihtric has spoken much about you and Aisling and how you two fell in love. He considers you both his family.”

Finan felt tears come to his eyes. “And he is ours.”

“All right, Finan, stop flirting with my wife,” Sihtric said. “You have your own.”

Finan lifted his arms and stepped back. He felt Aisling wrap an arm around his waist and lean against his side. He wrapped his arm around her and watched as Sihtric and Ealhswith kissed again. Finan looked down at his wife and kissed her on the forehead.

“Let's get some ale,” he said softly.

She nodded. She raked a hand through her hair. “I'll have to brush my hair and braid it before Beocca's wedding,” she said as she allowed Finan to lead her to a table.

Finan looked at her hair as it fell in waves and soft curls down her back and over her shoulders. He tucked some of it behind her ear and let his fingers get tangled in it. “You look beautiful,” he said as he leaned in and kissed her.

She kissed him back and smiled against his lips. “Even with the bags under my eyes from several nights with no sleep?”

“What bags, love? I just see you're beautiful smile and eyes shining at me.”

Aisling smiled at him. “You, my husband, are such a sweet talker.”

My husband. I love when she calls me that. God, I love her. “Only with you, love, only with you,” he answered.

He watched as she sat at the table and graced him with another beautiful smile. He walked away and headed towards the bar and got two mugs of ale. He went to pay but Sihtric got there first. Finan smiled at him.

“For being there for me,” Sihtric answered.

Finan nodded. “Thank you, now go enjoy a few hours with your wife before we have to be up for another wedding.”

Sihtric nodded. Finan grabbed the mugs of ale and carried them over to the table where Aisling sat. He looked out a window as he walked past and he saw the sky beginning to lighten slowly meaning dawn was coming. He sat beside Aisling and set a mug of ale in front of her.

“Dawn will be in a few hours,” he said.

Aisling groaned. “I thought being away from our child meant we would be sleeping more,” she said as she sipped her ale.

“We'll be able to nap during the royal wedding feast. After all, you saw how boring feasts could be first hand,” Finan answered.

Aisling laughed. “Doubtful,” she rested her head on her arms on the table. “I don't think we are going to be able to nap at all. Something tells me Aethelwold is going to be even more on our case about what Sihtric saw.”

Finan sighed. He reached out and rubbed her back. “I was able to speak to Uhtred when we stopped to rest the horses and Aethelwold wandered off to piss. I told him and showed him the harp strings, so he knows it was all a trap.”

Aisling turned and looked at Finan. “You sound so proud whenever you mention that,” she whispered.

Finan smiled at her. He reached out and gently took a piece of her hair in his fingers and rubbed it. “I am proud. You did not have to come, you certainly did not have to go digging in the mouth of a man that you had watched beg to be saved before he was killed, but you did. You are far stronger and bolder than I believe even Uhtred realized,” he leaned in and kissed her cheek, “and you're mine.”

Aisling reached out and stroked his cheek. “I am yours, Finan, but I am neither strong nor bold,” she whispered. “I was just doing what came naturally to me.”

“I don't think I believe that for a moment.”

Aisling blushed. “You know, Finan,” she whispered, “I love the way you see me.”

“Oh, you do, do ya?” he asked as he moved closer to her and pulled her in his arms.

He saw the sheen of tears in her eyes. “I do. You see me as strong, bold, and smart. And most of the time, I feel like I am completely over my head here and have no clue what the hell I am doing.”

“Well, you hide it well, my beautiful wife.”

He leaned in and kissed her. She kissed him back wrapping her arms around his neck. He pulled away and stroked her cheek.

“I love you,” she told him kissing him on the corner of his mouth and nuzzling her face in his neck.

“I love you too,” he said rubbing her back.

Finan held her close in his arms. He looked around the ale house, seeing most of the patrons passed out on benches or getting even drunker around them. He rubbed Aisling's back as she snuggled closer to him. They had some hours yet before they had to be at Beocca and Thyra's wedding. Today seems to be the day for weddings. And considering the last couple of days we have had, by tonight we will be tired enough to only fall into bed and do nothing else. Glad I was able to love her earlier than. He stroked her hair and kissed her on the crown on her head. He was happy. He could not ask for more at the moment.

***

Aisling leaned against Finan and watched as Uhtred took the ribbon and wrapped it around Beocca and Thyra's hands. She felt Finan wrap an arm around her waist holding her closer to him. She placed her hand over his and rested her head on his chest. I am so glad Thyra is so happy. And Beocca as well. They are so cute together.

“I am witness, that you are together, never to part, bound together as man and wife,” Uhtred said.

“And prayer?” Beocca asked.

“I don't know any prayers,” Uhtred answered still smiling like a fool.

Aisling laughed. Finan did as well. She felt him hold her tighter to him.

“I will say a prayer,” Hild said.

“Hild to the rescue like always,” Aisling said.

“Let us pray,” Hild started, “that God, and all his saints, and all his angels in heaven, smile and bless you. Let us pray that this union between Dane and Saxon, can show that this is a land for all people.”

“Under one God,” Beocca said.

“Under one God, of course,” Hild said. “Amen.”

“Amen,” Thyra said.

“Amen,” Beocca answered.

Aisling felt tears come to her eyes as Beocca and Thyra embraced each other. She felt Finan hold her closer and his lips on her neck. She heard Aethelwold huff and the sound of the door opening and closing. She turned and saw him gone. She pulled away from Finan as they both stepped closer to Uhtred as he walked over to them.

“So, when exactly are you going to tell him that Bjorn was a fake?” Aisling asked as she tossed her hair over her shoulder.

“If I do, he will talk and Sigefrid will hear,” Uhtred said.

“So, we continue pretending that we believe?” Finan asked.

Uhtred nodded. “We do.”

Aisling sighed. “Fine, but for the record, if that turd ever does become King, I am moving to Dunholm.”

“I am right beside you,” Finan answered.

Uhtred wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “So am I.”

“Come, we have another wedding to get to,” Beocca said as he hurried out the door with Thyra behind him. Aisling smiled.

“He actually has a spring in his step,” she said looking at Uhtred.

Uhtred smiled. “He does,” he kissed Aisling on the temple. “I am very impressed with what you found at Skald Hall. I believe we must take you with us more in the future. Perhaps you can go spying with Sihtric.”

“But lord, spying in a one person job,” Sihtric said.

Aisling patted Uhtred on the chest. “Let Sihtric do his spying alone,” she leaned in closer, “it's the only thing he is really good,” she said in a mock whisper.

Finan laughed and Sihtric huffed. Gisela sighed as she walked over and stood on Uhtred's other side. “Must you constantly tease him?” she asked.

“Oh yes, we must,” Aisling answered.

“What she said,” Uhtred added.

“Come on, wife,” Finan said as he took her hand, “let's walk to the palace where we can get ourselves a good spot to watch the royal wedding.”

Aisling smiled at Uhtred and left him with Gisela, Hild and Sihtric. She wrapped an arm around Finan's waist and let him lead her out of the church. She stepped out into the daylight and sighed a bit at the brightness. She leaned closer to Finan as they walked the streets the short distance to the palace.

“Would you mind if I came with you all more when you went out to stop raiders and to do Alfred's bidding?” Aisling asked Finan. She felt Finan's hand on her back tremble a bit. She looked at him. His features gave nothing away but she could feel that he didn't like it. She sighed and nodded as she looked away. “Well, I guess I got that answer.”

Finan stopped. He turned and looked at her. “It's not that I do not want you beside me, Aisling, because by the gods, I do. I know you can handle yourself in a fight and you proved that you can also outsmart any Dane, anytime. Hells woman, you may even be smarter than Uhtred,” he leaned in close, “if you tell him that, I will deny it,” Aisling laughed softly. Finan cupped her face in his hands, “I just fear losing you. I made you a promise and I will keep it. I will never force you to stay behind if you wish to come with us. I just fear having to go home without you. I cannot live without you beside me, I will not.”

Aisling kissed him when he pressed an emotion filled kiss to her mouth. She held his wrists in her hands and pulled away. “You won't ever have to go home without me. I will always come home with you, Finan. Always.”

She laughed when he swore in Irish. “You are the perfect woman, Aisling. My perfect dream made real.”

Aisling kissed him again. She heard Uhtred, Gisela, Hild, and Sihtric walk up to them. “Shouldn't you two be at the palace already?” Gisela asked as they walked past.

“Again with the kissing in the middle of the street,” Hild laughed.

“Aisling, you are a lady, act like one,” Uhtred called out to her.

“I will the moment you begin to act like a lord!” she called back to him pulling away from the kiss.

Finan laughed. He dropped his hands from her face and took her hands in his. “Come on, they are right. We would not want to be late for this wedding.”

Aisling wrapped an arm around his and let him lead her towards the palace. They walked by Steepa, who for once looked a tad bit more relaxed than usual. They walked to the hall and inside. Finan walked a head of Aisling and she smiled when he held her hand in his. He stood behind Gisela and Uhtred and beside Sihtric. Aisling stood beside him and behind Aethelwold and Uhtred. She smiled as Finan kept her hand in his.

“I do enjoy another wedding,” Aethelwold said. “Especially a royal wedding. It is a tonic for the soul, the excitement,” Aethelwold started.

“Aethelwold, I am still undecided, so do not mention talking corpses,” Uhtred told him.

“Nobles have travelled across the sea, as far away as Frankia, solely to see pretty Aethelflaed marry this pretty bread pudding of a boy.”

“A fair description,” Finan answered.

“Furthermore, he gets to hump the King's daughter, all night long.”

I'm going to hit him. Aisling went to take a step towards Aethelwold but Finan held her back.

“Aethelwold, you will be quiet,” Gisela stated.

“It is the truth,” the rat prince said.

“You will be quiet,” Finan said, his voice soft and dangerous. And once again, I am wet. This guy, using that accent with no warning at all. How dare he? He needs a warning label right across his forehead. Will turn you on with just a single sentence. 

“Or you will do what, Irishman?” Aethelwold turned back and glared at Finan.

“Kill you in your sleep,” Finan answered.

Aisling watched as Aethelwold smirked at him but shut up. Aisling looked at Finan. He looked down at her. She shook her head and blushed. He leaned down, his lips brushing her ear.

“I am guessing that someone likes it when I threaten people,” he whispered nipping her ear slightly.

“Just when you threaten Aethelwold,” she answered.

“She is so beautiful,” Gisela said as Aethelflaed walked towards the front of the hall.

“She is much too good for him,” Uhtred answered.

“True,” Finan and Aisling answered together.

“Why are we delaying? Did Sihtric witness-.”

Aisling moved before Finan could stop her. She yanked Aethelwold back and elbowed him hard in the side. “Sihtric saw nothing, now shut that hole in your face before I take your tongue slowly, ya?” she said elbowing him again.

Aethelwold sighed and huffed but he, mercifully kept his mouth shut. Aisling turned and looked at Finan. He smiled at her. Sihtric leaned forward and glanced at her.

“So violent,” he whispered.

Aisling rolled her eyes. She looked towards the ceremony and the front of the hall. She felt Finan's fingers stroking hers. They would get through this day. And hopefully, there were no other weddings planned. I am all weddinged out.

***

Finan sat on the steps beside Uhtred wishing he had more ale. No, I wish I was in my room, with Aisling and had more ale. Aisling sat on the step beneath him and was resting her arms on his knees as they listened to Aethelwold drone on and on. Finan glanced over and saw Clapa looking off in the crowd, clearly not listening anymore. Aisling was staring at her hands and picking the dirt out from under her nails and Uhtred, well Uhtred looked like he was sleeping with his eyes wide open.

“Should I hit him?” Finan asked.

“Please, husband, yes,” Aisling answered.

“Yes, yes, by all means strike me, but in your heart and in your purse, you know I speak the truth,” Aethelwold said.

“Yes, hit him,” Uhtred answered.

“Thank you, there is a Jesus,” Aisling said as she moved forward.

Finan made the move to get up and Aethelwold flinched. Finan and Uhtred smiled and laughed while Aisling sighed. “I would have preferred you actually hit him,” she muttered as she settled back down with her arms on Finan's knees. Finan kissed her head and wrapped an arm around her shoulders.

“All that I will say again, is that the dead man speaks the truth,” Aethelwold said.

“Lord,” another voice said.

“Some would say it's treason,” Finan pointed out.

“Hey, you two, shut up,” Aisling said. “I do not want to hear any more of this. You,” Finan followed her finger as she pointed to the new man standing behind Aethelwold. “You wish to say something?” she asked.

“Yes, I do,” the monk said. “Lord Uhtred, I am Osferth and-.”

“You are a monk,” Finan looked at him, “a baby monk,” he added.

“Go away,” Aethelwold said.

“How about you, Aethelwold, go away,” Aisling stood. Finan was surprised. He looked over at Uhtred and they both turned and watched as Aisling walked over to this Osferth and take his arm. She pulled him closer to Uhtred. “Now, pay zero attention to my husband, he is in a mood because of his conversation with the most annoying man in Wessex, Aethelwold. Now, Osferth, what is it you would like to discuss with my cousin, Lord Uhtred?” she asked smiling at him.

Finan raised an eyebrow as the monk smiled and blushed at Aisling. “Ah, lord, you know, lord you knew my uncle. His name was Leofric.”

“Leofric was a great man,” Uhtred answered.

“You are Alfred's bastard son,” Aethelwold said.

Osferth looked at Aethelwold but said nothing. Finan caught the look Aisling sent Aethelwold's way. The rat prince is very lucky that my wife does not have any weapons on her, or he would find one buried so deep in his chest it would come out his back. Finan smiled and noticed that Aethelwold turned and left. Maybe he is smart after all and realized that my wife would end up hitting him. 

“I wish to join you lord, by your side as my uncle was and-,” Osferth started.

“No, we have no need of a monk,” Finan said firmly.

“Not your decision, husband,” Aisling said.

“As a warrior,” Osferth said. “Lord, I wish to serve you as a warrior.”

Finan really hoped that Uhtred said no. He watched as Aisling nodded towards him and he turned. He saw Steepa walking towards them.

“Uhtred, you are wanted,” Steepa said. “The king,” he added.

Uhtred stood. He began to undo his sword belt. “You,” he nodded towards Osferth. “Find me again. Find yourself a sword and lose your cross.” Finan took Uhtred's sword belt completely confused as to what had just happened before him.

“Thank you, lord, I will,” Osferth smiled.

Finan turned back and eyed the monk. Aisling smiled and patted Osferth on the shoulder. “Good for you, Osferth. I am Aisling, and no you will not call me lady, no matter what Uhtred says,” she said. “And that is my husband, the sullen Irishman Finan,” Finan frowned, “and that is Clapa,” she pointed to Clapa, who smiled, “and that is Sihtric with his new wife, Ealhswith, who yes, was a former whore but you will not insult her,” Aisling said pointing to Sihtric and Ealhswith.

“Hello, nice to meet you all,” Osferth said.

“He is not staying,” Finan said.

Aisling turned back to him. He sat there confused as to why she was shooting him an annoyed look. He looked over at Clapa. Clapa laughed.

“What just happened?” he asked.

“Your wife has decided to take in a pup,” Clapa said.

Finan saw Aisling wave at Osferth as he left. She walked back over and sat in between him and Clapa. She smacked him.

“We are not keeping him,” Finan said.

She smiled. “Again, not your decision,” she answered.

Finan looked up at the sky. Oh god, she is much too much like Uhtred. She also takes in strays. He scratched his beard. He turned when Aisling took his hand. She held it and smiled at him.

“That baby monk, he becomes one of Uhtred's most loyal men,” she whispered, “he is named in the family history.”

“Oh, so that baby monk gets a mention but I don't?” Finan would admit that he was a tad bit jealous.

Aisling leaned in and kissed him on the cheek. “Osferth is the bastard son of a king, mo grá,” she said. Hearing her call him her love in Irish turned him on. He pulled her close and kissed her. He ignored Uhtred's huff when the man came back.

“We will be heading to Lunden with Aethelred to see what the brothers want,” he said as he kneeled down behind them. “I would really like it if we could discuss a strategy on how none of us will end up handing over Aethelred to the Danes instead of me standing here watching you two make another child.”

Aisling pulled away and looked at Uhtred. “We are kissing, not humping, you uncultured swine.”

Finan laughed. “Did she just call me a pig?” Uhtred asked him.

“Yes, lord, she did,” Clapa said. “But you did deserve it, since Lady Aisling was right, they were just kissing.”

Finan pulled Aisling closer to him and watched as Uhtred stood again and sat beside Aisling. “Any ideas?” he asked looking at Aisling.

Aisling was surprised. “Me?” she asked.

Finan wrapped his arms around her and kissed her on the cheek. “He wasn't talking to me,” he told her.

Aisling paused. “Does that mean I am coming?” she whispered.

“I would like that,” Uhtred said. “Although, your husband does have a say.”

Aisling turned and looked at Finan. I wish her to stay here in Winchester. I made her a promise though. He nodded and kissed her nose. “You are not leaving my side, wife,” he answered.

His heart beat faster at the bright smile that came on her face. She turned back and looked at Uhtred. “Well, first we need to know just exactly how many men the brothers have and how much of Lunden they have control of,” she pointed out.

Finan saw by the look on Uhtred's face that he was thinking the same thing. Uhtred smiled. “True,” he said. Finan met Uhtred's eyes. Thank you, Uhtred told him without saying a word. Just do not get my wife killed, Finan replied with a more measured look. Uhtred nodded.

Finan smiled as Aisling began speaking quickly about the history of Lunden and a warrior queen named Boudicca who burned Lunden down during Roman times. Listen to her. She takes so much joy in sharing her knowledge. She loves being of use and feeling included. Uhtred was right, she should come with us. My wife is more than just a wife and mother. She is a warrior and a historian. I am unsure which may prove more useful this time.

Chapter Text

Aisling pulled at her leather vest as she sat beside Finan on the boat. She closed her eyes and smiled as there was slight breeze off the water. She opened her eyes and toyed with her Serpent-Breath necklace. She glanced over and saw Aethelred and Aldhelm on the other boat. She had barely met Aethelred and she already hated him.

“Planning on ways to murder him?” Finan whispered in her ear.

Aisling nodded. “Yes, some are quick and easy, others,” she smiled and looked at him, “I have studied history, I can come up with some very slow interesting ways to kill someone.”

“How interesting?” Sihtric asked.

Aisling smiled. “The Boats,” she answered.

“What?” Finan, Clapa, and Sihtric asked.

Aisling leaned forward. “It was the most infamous punishment in the ancient world, they called it scaphism. The condemned man is placed in a boat, with his arms, legs, and head sticking out,” she held one hand palm up, “another boat is sealed on top making a shell,” she placed her other hand on top of her hand. “The man's arms, legs, and head is smeared in milk and honey, which he is also force fed. Flies would attack his limbs and the diet of only milk and honey would make him have the shits, which would attract vermin to the boat. Vermin that would start to enter the man's body and then eat him from the inside out,” she explained.

She looked at the three hardened warriors. They all looked absolutely horrified. A fly flew by and Sihtric jumped and swatted it away.

“That is disturbing,” Finan finally said.

“It's interesting,” Aisling said.

“No, it's horrifying,” Sihtric said. “How long did it take to die?”

Aisling bit her lip. “The most famous case, a soldier from the Persian Empire who committed treason against the king, he took seventeen days.”

“Days?!” Clapa exclaimed.

Aisling nodded. “Yup.”

“Seventeen,” Finan muttered.

Aisling nodded. “Uh huh. So, who do you think I could get to make me a couple of boats like that?”

“We're docking!” Uhtred yelled from the front.

Aisling smiled. She saw the others looking at her. “Finan, your wife is odd,” Sihtric said.

“Yes, very odd,” Clapa added.

She rolled her eyes. She smiled when Finan kissed her neck. “Remind me never to piss you off,” he whispered to her.

Aisling smiled. She climbed off the boat beside him and stood on the docks. They walked down. Sihtric ran up in front of them. He looked as much in awe of the place as she did.

“They say Lunden is dangerous,” Sihtric said.

Aisling walked up beside him with Finan on his other side. Finan wrapped an arm around his shoulders. “Oh, it is. But Lunden is alive with every kind of life,” Finan said.

Aisling placed her hands on the hilts of her sword and dagger as she walked. She turned and smiled as Uhtred walked beside her.

“I hear women do not walk the streets unguarded and that bodies are found in the river daily,” Sihtric added.

“Twice daily,” Uhtred answered as he walked ahead of them. “With each and every tide.”

Aisling looked around and followed closely to the men. My boys, as she was beginning to think of them. She smiled as Finan told Sihtric that one year in Lunden was worth ten anywhere else.

“Then why do you not live here?” Sihtric asked him.

“And end up dead in the river? Do I look like a fool?” Finan asked smirking.

Aisling shook her head. She followed behind Uhtred as he walked under the gate. Finan and Sihtric followed behind her with Clapa coming up last. Aethelred and Aldhelm were behind them. Uhtred slowed down and let her catch up to him.

“No doubt Aethelred probably believes that I wish to cut his throat and leave him here,” he told her softly.

Aisling sighed. “If only that was an option,” she muttered.

Uhtred smiled. “All right, lille rød, what is in our favour here?”

Aisling smiled. “Lunden is too big. You can never defend all of it at once. Even the walled Roman section would need lots of men. Which means, if the brothers wish to keep the city, they are going to have a plan in place and be strategic.”

“Are you two plotting without me?” Finan asked as he walked up behind Aisling. “That is not fair.”

“Plotting? Who is plotting?” Aethelred demanded as he pushed his way closer with Aldhelm behind him.

“No one is plotting,” Uhtred answered. “My cousin was just pointing out what favours us in this situation.”

“Wait?” Aethelred said. “She is giving you advice?”

“I am going to kill him slowly with a dull knife,” Aisling say in Irish. Finan coughed and kept walking to attempt to cover his laughter.

“Aisling,” Uhtred said smiling.

Aisling sighed. “Lunden is too big to be defended on its own, even the old Roman walled parts. So, this means that the Danes are going to have to be smart and strategic in where they are and which part they wish to keep. Which means, we may yet have a shot,” she said. Aethelred got smug and opened his mouth. Aisling shook her head. “No, Uhtred should speak. You,” she made a face, “no offence lord, but I do not believe that the brothers will wish to speak to a pretty boy who smells of perfume.”

“What? I do not,” Aethelred stopped. He turned and looked at Aldhelm. “You said it was not noticeable.”

Aisling turned and kept walking when Uhtred did. “And he's the Lord of Mercia,” she muttered.

“I need to teach you Danish,” Uhtred said. “Whatever you said in Irish had Finan looking like he was going to fall down laughing.”

Aisling smiled. They turned the corner and the smile slid off her face. She stood in between Uhtred and Finan, who had gotten there before them. She saw the man on the cross in the middle of the archway. She heard another screaming in the square. She closed her eyes for a moment. You cannot help him. He is not one of yours. He is of no consequence at the moment.

“God preserve us,” Aethelred said coming up behind them.

“It's a death, nothing more or less,” Aisling said as she followed Uhtred, who had said nothing. Finan fell into step beside her.

She walked through the tunnel to the other side. She glanced at the man on the cross but did not say anything else. She walked out and stood beside Uhtred with Finan beside her as he came out on the other side of the cross.

“Uhtred Ragnarson, the future King of Mercia,” she heard a voice say. She looked at him and the man standing beside him. That Dane had blond hair, a blond beard and such pretty eyes. I am sorry but why have all the other Danes I've seen been ugly? Where the hell were these two pretty boys hiding? Yeah, okay, note to self, do not say that out loud. The one with the dark beard and hair stepped closer as he spoke. He also had pretty eyes, but they were dark, darker than Finan's. “Welcome to Lunden, your new home, should you want it.”

“Sigefrid, I thought you might want to kill me still,” Uhtred said.

Aisling glanced down at Sigefrid's hand. She was impressed by the knife he had there now. She felt Finan step closer to her as they followed Uhtred closer to the brothers.

“Oh, for a long time, I did but then I grew to like my new hand. Though I have to be careful wiping my ass,” he said. Everyone laughed.

“May I see it?” Aisling asked carefully. She surprised herself by speaking up, but she wished to see the knife hand up close. She had never seen anything like it mentioned in history books and she wanted to look at it up close. My inner history nerd is winning today.

She felt Finan's eyes on her and Uhtred suddenly became still and full of tension. Sigefrid looked at her. “And you are?” he asked.

“Lady Aisling,” Aethelred spoke up. “Uhtred's cousin and apparent warrior.”

Aisling saw Sigefrid eye her along with his brother, Erik. He motioned her closer. She took a step closer and he held his knife hand out. She gently took it in her hand and eyed the craftsman ship. She looked up and found Sigefrid's dark eyes staring at her.

“It really is quite remarkable,” she said. “You must give my best to the blacksmith who made this.”

“He was a Dane,” Erik said.

“And?” Aisling questioned. “He made a remarkable piece whether he was Dane or not. I would not mind having a knife or dagger from him.”

Again Sigefrid stared at her. He smiled slowly. “I like you,” he looked over at Uhtred. “I like her, even if she is your blood.”

Everyone laughed. Aisling noticed that Finan and Uhtred barely smiled, while Clapa and Sihtric looked ready to pounce to moment Sigefrid even looked at her wrong. Erik laughed and stepped forward. Uhtred stepped closer and stood beside her. Erik took Uhtred's hand.

“It is good to see you, Uhtred,” Erik said. He glanced over at Aethelred and Aldhelm. “But your friends are not familiar.”

“Friends is being, generous,” Aisling muttered. Sigefrid laughed and wrapped an arm around her shoulders. Aisling looked at Finan and shook her head gently. His hand gripped his hilt tight.

“She is funny. Can we keep her?” he asked Erik.

“Sadly, no,” Aisling said. “I am already spoken for.”

Sigefrid sighed. “Such a shame,” he leaned forward and smelled her hair. “You smell of the sea.”

Aisling could see Finan losing every single bit of self control he had left. Uhtred cleared his throat and everyone looked at him. Aisling was surprised to see that he also did not too pleased to see how taken Sigefrid was with Aisling.

“This is Aethelred of Mercia,” Uhtred said.

“Lord,” Erik said. “My spies tell me you are to marry Alfred's daughter.”

“Your spies are wrong, I've already married Alfred's daughter.”

“Hmm,” Sigefrid said. “How does she ride?” He smirked at Aisling. Aisling did not look away. She would not let this Dane think she was some pure lady. He smirked and looked back at Aethelred.

“I have no complaint.”

“Uhtred, why is he here?” Erik pressed.

Aisling let her eyes look at Finan again. He was staring at Sigefrid's hand that was touching her shoulder. She heard Uhtred, Aethelred, and the brothers speaking of the money and negotiations but it was background noise. She could feel the hate and jealousy rolling off of Finan as he stared at the Dane's hand on her shift covered shoulder. Okay, so miscalculation on my part. I should not have played nice with the pretty Danes. God, how is Uhtred going to explain to Alfred that Finan killed the brothers in a jealous rage? I mean, he looks hot and sexy and... No, what are you doing?! Now is not the time to be turned on by your husband!

“My wife?” Aethelred said the confusion in his voice brought her back around.

“Yes, your wife. I am in need of a wife,” Erik said.

“And I am in need of a hump,” Sigefrid said.

Before he could look down at her again, Aisling pulled away slightly from Sigefrid. He held her hand in his though. Finan is going to kill him slowly or he is going to find two boats to mend together very quickly. “How about some ale instead of this teasing? It was a long walk from the river, was it not cousin?” she asked looking at Uhtred.

“Ale would be nice,” Uhtred said.

“Right, come, a cup of ale for Uhtred,” Erik said.

“And his cousin,” Sigefrid added.

Aisling smiled and let go of his hand. Erik and Sigefrid lead Uhtred away. She walked behind him and felt Finan grab her hand. She felt how tight he held it as he squeezed her fingers. She turned and glanced at him.

“I am yours,” she told him in Irish. “I am yours.”

She had hoped to dim the fire of anger burning in her husband's eyes. She saw that it had not worked. He still looked as angry and murderous as before.

***

Finan followed Aisling into the villa. He looked around and only let go of her when Haesten directed him one way and Uhtred and Aisling another. He saw Uhtred speaking with Erik and Aisling stood beside them. Sigefrid sat on the settee and smiled at Aisling. He patted the place next to him. Finan grabbed a mug of ale and turned his back on them. He could not watch his wife sit next to Sigefrid. This is not happening. This cannot be happening. And why the hell is she being so nice and quiet and... Wait, why is she being quiet? This is not her at all. Finan turned and looked at Aisling. While everyone else was discussing Guthrum and how much of an ass he was, Aisling was looking around where they were. She kept looking at the walls and the guards. Sweet Jesus Christ, she is playing nice to spy and make a map of the place.

“Do you intend to put all the priests on the cross?” Uhtred asked as he leaned against a post. Finan thought they were all standing much too far away from Aisling and her spot beside Sigefrid on the settee but Uhtred had his eyes on her.

“It is Sigefrid's game,” Erik answered.

“I do not understand how it kills a man,” Sigefrid answered.

“Slowly, lord, it is a cruel death,” Finan said, his voice trying to stay measured and calm. He walked closer and chewed on some bread.

“The men die either by infection where the nails go it that spreads to the whole body, or by being smothered when they no longer have the strength to hold their bodies up and their lungs do not fill with air,” Aisling added. “That is how they die. But Finan is right, it is slow and cruel.”

Sigefrid looked at Aisling and Finan chewed more bread just to suppress the urge to punch the Dane in the face repeatedly. Finan could see Sigefrid's eyes soften and a smile form on his lips. He is falling for Aisling and I do not like it. She is mine.

“That's what the priest said. Not in so much detail, but that is what he said,” Sigefrid said.

“He's right,” Finan replied. He chewed his bread and eyed Sigefrid. He was unimpressed and his face was void of expression. I wish I could smack that smile off of his face. And then stab him repeatedly. In the face. And possibly balls. I have not decided that part yet.

“The priest is an old man full of dough and pale. Perhaps you should have him fight for his freedom. It is what the Romans used the square for,” Uhtred suggested.

Sigefrid stood. “Why?”

“I'd rather watch him spill his guts in combat than die nailed to a piece of wood. What's the fun in that?” Uhtred asked.

Finan watched as Sigefrid stared at Uhtred. He turned and pulled Aisling up on her feet. Aisling almost lost her balance and Sigefrid would have lost his head if Uhtred hadn't shot a fierce look Finan's way when the Dane grabbed Aisling by the shoulders to steady her.

“What about you, lady? Do you wish to see a combat?” he demanded.

“I would,” she answered simply.

Sigefrid laughed and took off yelling for his man Bolton. Finan watched as Aisling walked towards him. He frowned when he saw that her hands were trembling. She placed them on her sword and dagger. Uhtred walked over to them.

“Lille rød,” he said softly, “are you all right?”

Aisling nodded. “Oh yeah, totally fine, it's not scary at all to have a guy with a sword hand making sweet eyes at you. Nope, not scary at all,” she grabbed the mug of ale from Finan and downed half of it before giving it back to him. “This better be worth it,” she muttered.

“I second that,” Finan said as he downed the rest of the ale.

“Come, let us watch this combat,” Uhtred said.

Finan moved Aisling in between him and Uhtred as they walked out into the square. He tossed the empty mug of ale away. Uhtred took a spot behind a couple rows of people. Aisling stood beside him and Finan stood beside her. Finan placed his hand on his sword. He saw Aisling holding the hilts of her weapons as well.

Finan winced and watched as the priest got his ass handed to him by the Dane. At least he has a fighting chance, but this is ridiculous. Oh, wait a moment, look at that. Finan laughed as did the others as the priest got the upper hand and won his freedom.

“Huh,” Aisling said softly.

“I will return with the lord Uhtred,” the priest said.

“But not before we settle on a price,” Aethelred said.

Finan saw Sigefrid stare at Aethelred. The Dane turned and looked at Aisling once again. “You tell your king I do not want his silver, lady. I have the city,” he said.

“I am the one-.”

“Shut up,” Aisling said to Aethelred. “You have your answer.” Finan saw anger flash in Aethelred's eyes. Aisling looked at Sigefrid. “We will inform Alfred. Thank you for the ale, the entertainment, and the conversation,” she said smiling.

Finan saw Sigefrid soften. “Thank you, lady, for gracing us with your beauty.”

Finan saw Aisling nod. Uhtred nodded as well. Uhtred took Aisling's hand and pulled her out of the square. Finan followed with Clap, Sihtric, and Father Pyrlig following him before Aethelred and the Mercians came behind.

“We can't attack the city, Uhtred,” Finan heard Aisling saying. “There are too many corners, too many gates, too many hiding places.”

Uhtred nodded. “True, we will discuss this on the boat.”

Finan saw Aisling glance back at Aethelred and Aldhelm. “Alfred is going to hear about what the brothers called you, Uhtred,” she said. “It is going to cost you and I hate it.”

He smiled. Uhtred wrapped an arm around Aisling's shoulders. “It will cost me nothing as long as I have my family. You know the truth, that is all that matters.”

“It's not because Alfred is going to put that bread pudding boy in charge and it is going to be ugly.”

“Very,” Finan added.

Uhtred sighed. “Yes, well, we can only do what we can.”

Finan nodded. He saw Aisling nod as well. Finan followed them as they left back the way they had come into Lunden. Finan saw the way Uhtred held Aisling and how Aisling leaned against him. They are so close now. Training her helped bring them closer and perhaps I did as well. They truly are brother and sister now. And now that Uhtred had seen how smart Aisling is, he is keeping her even closer. He did not like Sigefrid wanting her though. Because Sigefrid wanting her puts her in danger. But she walked away. She sweet talked her way out of it and this time it was fine. Bleeding hell, this time.

Finan needed to hold his wife and the moment they were back in Winchester, that was exactly what he was going to do.

***

Aisling sat at the table at the inn's ale house with the parchment in front of her and ink with the quill. She bit the end of the quill and turned the parchment around. Uhtred was with Alfred along with Aethelred and Aldhelm. Aisling was trying to draw the square by memory and connect it together with what she could remember, and had jotted down along with told Uhtred about the family history. She didn't look up when Finan sat beside her, almost in her lap, on the bench.

“Finan, I love you, but if you keep attaching yourself to me, I am never going to get anything done,” she told him as she frowned and turned the parchment a half turn again.

“I need to scrub all stretch of Sigefrid from you,” Finan said.

Aisling turned and glanced at him. She put down the quill. “I don't want him,” she said plainly.

“I know that,” he answered quickly.

Aisling raised an eyebrow. She took Finan's hand. “I didn't like how he made it very clear that he wanted me either. But I spent most of the time worried that you were going to kill him or try to and how Uhtred would explain that to Alfred.”

She saw Finan smirk. “I could have done it.”

She shook her head. She reached up and cupped his face in her hands and pressed a soft kiss to his lips. “I have no doubt that you could have,” she kissed his lips again, “but I am very glad that you trusted me enough to hold it together,” she kissed his lips again, “it made me feel like a real warrior.” She pulled away and stroked his cheeks with her thumbs.

“You are a warrior,” Finan told her. “But you are also my wife. Mine.”

Aisling smiled as Finan gripped her thighs and pulled her closer to him. He kissed her deeply, his tongue stroking hers. She let her tongue stroke his as she wrapped her arms around his neck. She heard Danish curses and she opened her eyes and saw Uhtred sit across from them. She pulled away from Finan and turned to look at Uhtred. Finan pressed kisses to her cheek and neck. He only stopped when Aisling patted him on the shoulder and nodded towards Uhtred.

“What happened?” she asked softly.

“Alfred does not trust me,” Uhtred said. “I tried to tell him what the best plan of attack would be but he would not listen. And you were right,” he said looking up and meeting Aisling's eyes. “He knows what the brothers called me no doubt because of Aethelred.”

Finan sighed. “So, what can we do?” he asked.

“There is not much we can do,” Uhtred said. “Erik and Sigefrid have over a thousand men and Alfred wishes to attack Lunden but he will not trust me to plan it.”

Aisling bit her lip. “It doesn't make sense,” she said.

“Alfred not trusting Uhtred makes perfect sense. He has never wished to trust him,” Finan said.

“No, the brothers,” Aisling said. “If they have that many men, they could hold this area,” she said pointing to the parchment.

“The old Roman walls,” Uhtred said.

She nodded. “Exactly. But the Roman walls, they are closer to the middle of area. People have settled all around them and here,” she pointed to the west of the walls, “there has been major construction from the Saxons. Now, could the brothers hold this area in a siege? Yes,” she said. She looked up and met Uhtred's eyes. “But it is harder to hold a walled city in a siege, if you are getting hit from more than one side."

She saw Uhtred's eyes widen. “I would hit them in smaller groups from other the gates.”

Aisling smiled. “Boudicca,” she said. She saw Uhtred and Finan eye her. “Never mind, that, just making a historical point. But the fact remains, if you were the lead your troops in through let's say, three gates,” she marked the gates on the parchment. I really wish I was more of a artist but alas I am not. “Erik and Sigefrid would not know which gates you would choose, except for Ludgate because the current there makes it too hard to land troops from a boat and,” she paused as saw Uhtred smiling at her, “what?” she asked.

“I said the same thing to Alfred,” Uhtred said. “The exact same thing.”

Aisling blushed. “Great minds think alike,” she said.

“You two share one mind when it comes to this,” Finan said. “And that terrifies me.”

Aisling laughed. “Anyway, back to the problem at hand, the brothers would not know which gates you would choose. So, they could not know where to expect attacks. That means, even though they have the men, and the walls,” she placed her hands on either side of the Roman walls, “they would not control these areas or where you would attack. Plus, there is the problem of food. Can they feed over a thousand men over a siege? I did not see food storages anywhere around there, and for that many men-.”

“There would be food stores everywhere,” Finan answered, “or traces of them at least.”

“Exactly.”

Aisling saw Uhtred look at the parchment than back at her eyes. “Are you suggesting that the brothers do not plan to fight us at all?”

Aisling sighed. “I don't know. I don't know,” she stressed again, “I just know that Aethelred and you win back the city with ease. That is it. Period. The family histories does not go into detail and there are no records I could find about a battle. So,” she said placing her hands palm down on the parchment. “As a historian, I would come to the conclusion that if there are no records of a battle, and you get the city back with ease,” she met Uhtred's eyes, “that there was no battle at all.”

Finan cursed in Irish. “But why? Why would they go to all this trouble to say they want the city than not be there to defend it?”

Aisling shrugged. “I have no fucking clue. We can't prove it. And Alfred will never believe it coming from us. And with no proof,” Aisling stopped.

“We have nothing,” Uhtred said. Aisling heard the Danish curses that fell from his lips. “And Aethelred will twist our concerns to suit his own needs.”

Aisling raked her hands through her hair. “So, we have no choice,” she said. She looked from Uhtred to Finan. “We have to go through with this plan, with Alfred's plan of attack.”

“But what if you are right?” Finan asked.

Aisling shrugged. “I don't know. Than the brothers have something else planned. I know that Beamfleot burns but is that connected to this?” she waved towards the parchment. “Maybe. I would assume it would be where the brothers would retreat to.”

“But why retreat with nothing?” Uhtred asked.

Aisling shrugged. “I don't know,” she hated saying it. She hated not knowing. She felt Finan rub her back. She closed her eyes as tears came. “Look, I could be wrong, I am probably wrong. I should have not spoken up,” she said.

“Lille rød, look at me,” Uhtred said taking her hand. She opened her eyes and met his blue eyes. “Do not second guess yourself. It is all right to not know what the brothers have planned, it is completely all right to not have proof of your suspicions. But I will not allow you to sit there and dismiss your gut feelings. You are my blood. You carry my blood in you. You have a mind for this, Aisling, we share that,” he pointed to the parchment. “I have the same feeling you do. There is more to this but we do not know what. You are not wrong, lille rød, we are not wrong. We have just not found the proof or truth of the matter yet.”

Aisling let the tears roll down her cheeks. “You should not be trusting me this much. I could be wrong.”

Finan kissed her cheek. “Than you are wrong and we are still going into a battle. We will be prepared for it. Either way.”

“Finan is right. We will still ready ourselves and plan for battle in Lunden. But we will not forget what you have told us,” Uhtred said.

Aisling nodded. She leaned against Finan. “Thank you,” she told them both.

Uhtred smiled. “No, thank you. Thank you for showing that my intelligence has survived a thousand years.”

Finan snorted. “Is that really a good thing?”

Aisling laughed. She smiled at the bar maid as she brought over a fresh jug of ale. She watched as the woman eyed Finan and smiled at him before turning and walking away. She looked over and saw Uhtred smiling as well. Aisling shook her head.

“Did you happen to sleep with every single bar maid in this town?” she asked Finan, who had been sipping ale at the time. Finan choked on the ale and spit some up on himself.

“What?” he demanded looking at her.

Uhtred sighed. “Your wife asked you if you humped every bar maid in Winchester,” he said. “I know of about maybe half.”

Aisling sighed. “I thought a handful. I mean, I can forgive him for some of them, because he was on a slave ship.”

“He was,” Uhtred added.

Finan put his mug of ale down and wiped his mouth. “Just how did we get from the brothers planning something to me humping barmaids?” he asked looking between Uhtred and Aisling.

“I saw the way our bar maid looked at you just now,” Aisling said. “She totally would hump you right now.”

“She is right,” Uhtred added pouring himself some more ale.

Aisling watched as Finan smiled at her. He wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her into his lap. She laughed and he kissed her deeply silencing her. She stroked his cheek and kissed him back. She pulled away and rested her forehead on his.

“The only woman I want to hump ever is you, my gorgeous, funny, loving wife,” Finan told her. He kissed along her cheek to her ear. “I would take you right here if Uhtred wasn't sitting across from us,” he muttered to her in Irish.

She saw Uhtred glance over at the mention of his name and frowned. Oh look at that, once again Finan and his damn accent makes me all hot and bothered. And why is it he gets that much sexier when he speaks Irish? She stroked the skin at the back of his neck.

“You are going to get us in trouble,” she told him as she felt his hand run along her side. His fingers slowly moved up under her vest.

“Me? Never,” he whispered in her ear as he nipped it gently.

Uhtred sighed. “Go,” he said resigned. “I am sure Odda or Steepa will come fetch me when there is a plan in place for attack. Go have your fun.”

Aisling opened her mouth but didn't have time to answer as Finan picked her up and held her over his shoulder. She laughed and Uhtred did as well.

“Thank you, Uhtred,” Finan answered as he turned and carried her into the inn where their room was.

“Finan! Put me down!” she yelled.

She looked up and saw Uhtred shaking his head. As Finan carried her through the inn's ale house, she saw the bar maid watching with a look of longing on her face. Aisling waved at her and the woman blushed and looked away. Aisling smacked Finan's ass.

“Just what exactly did you do to her?” she asked him as he finally placed her on her feet by the staircase. Only because he could not carry her up the stairs over his shoulder without risking her smacking her head on the top of the ceiling.

Finan frowned. He turned and glanced at the bar maid. He smirked and looked back at Aisling. “Oh, her,” he said. Finan ran his hands along her sides. He leaned down. “I could show you,” he said purposely letting his voice get deeper and huskier.

This fucker. Aisling grabbed Finan's hand and pulled him up to their room. She was completely ready to let him show her exactly what he had done to that barmaid to make her look at him with longing and want. Granted, Finan is just a walking talking sex symbol. Honestly, everything he does is sexy. It has to be the accent. It has to be. Aisling laughed when Finan pinned her to the wall by their room and kissed her. She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him back. He is mine. This man, who I find so sexy and hot and want all the damn time, is mine. His heart, his body, his love, it's mine. Aisling felt tears come to her eyes.

“Hey, you all right?” Finan asked as he pulled away and brushed her tears away.

She nodded. “I am much better than okay,” she answered. “I am loved,” she said.

Finan smiled at her. “You are,” he leaned in and kissed her neck, “but if it took you this long to realize that, I am clearly not showing you how much I love you properly.”

Aisling laughed as he held her close and opened the door to the room and carried her inside. He slammed the door behind them and kissed her. Aisling kissed him back and held him tight to her. Star was wrong. I am loved and I am enough for Finan. And Aoife. I am good enough for them. I am happy. I am going to hold on to this feeling and never let it go. I will never let her words hurt me again. Ever.

Chapter Text

Finan watched as Aisling held Aoife in her arms as she stood speaking with Uhtred. Uhtred was overlooking the spears that Aethelwold had brought with him from Winchester. It had been a month since their trip to Lunden and Alfred finally had the men together along with the swords and supplies they needed.

They were headed for battle and Aisling was still concerned that they did not have the whole picture. She was constantly drawing the city walls and muttering under her breath. Uhtred and her had been spending more time together as he had begun to teach her Danish, which she was learning surprisingly quick.

“Stop making a sad face and go over there,” Gisela said as she walked over to Finan. “You are after all, Uhtred's right hand.”

Finan smiled and looked at her. “I believe that Aisling is that now.”

Gisela rolled her eyes. “She is not and she would be the first to tell you that. Plus, I do not believe that Aisling could be since she cannot be riding into battle with child, now can she?”

Finan sighed. “But she is not with child,” he said. He had hoped, perhaps Aisling had herself as well, but a week before she had gotten her monthlies so there would be no second child. Yet.

“I am sorry, Finan,” Gisela said.

Finan shrugged. “We have Aoife and Aisling has been fond of telling me over and over and over,” he saw Gisela smile, “that it is better for the woman if she does not get pregnant every single year.”

Gisela nodded. “That is true. I know that you and Aisling will have a handful of children though. You two are always sneaking off somewhere to hump.”

Finan blushed. “Lady, how dare you use that language?” he pretended to be offended.

Gisela rolled her eyes. “I have heard you yourself say worse, Irishman,” she shoved him, “now go over there and be useful. Even if the only thing you do is hold your daughter.”

Finan smiled. He turned and walked over to Aisling and Uhtred. His smile widened when Aoife reached out her little arms to him and laughed. Aisling turned and smiled at him. She handed Aoife over to him and immediately his daughter began to babble at him. He smiled and kissed her head, her dark hair curling every which way.

“Aethelred should be arriving today,” Uhtred told him.

“Ah, so you and Aisling were plotting to kill him then before we reach Lunden,” Finan smiled.

“If I say yes, would you help us hide the body?” Aisling asked placing a hand on his chest.

Uhtred snorted. “I believe that Finan would do whatever you asked of him, that is how much he loves you,” he said.

“Are you jealous he does not love you the same?” Aisling teased.

Finan smiled. He rubbed Aoife's back as her little fingers found his Celtic cross necklace under his tunic and pulled on the cord. “How are the weapons Alfred sent?” Finan asked.

“Sufficient,” Uhtred answered. Finan saw him look around the land surrounding Coccham. The Mercians had begun to arrive along with the Wessex men.

Finan looked at Aisling. He could clearly see that Uhtred was distracted. “Aethelred has sent word that he is bringing Aethelflaed with him.”

Finan frowned. “Into battle?”

“At least to here,” Aisling answered. “I was planning on staying here in Coccham, but if Aethelred is stupid enough to bring the King of Wessex's daughter into battle-.”

“No, I understand,” Finan said looking at Aisling. “I agree. If Aethelflaed goes with her husband, you can come. She will need someone to protect her since no doubt her husband will only seek his only glory and not her protection.”

“That was what I said,” Uhtred said. He crossed his arms on her chest. “But I do not like it.”

Finan rolled his eyes. “This again.”

Aisling gave Finan a sad smile. “Yes, this again. Uhtred does not like any of this and I agree with him but neither of us have proof,” she looked up at him her blue eyes shining with love, “Husband, perhaps you could go find us some?”

Finan smiled. “Yes, of course, I will just get on my horse, ride all the way to Lunden and ask Sigefrid, the man who wishes to bed my wife, just what exactly he has planned, and he will tell me everything,” he said kissing Aisling on the cheek. “It sounds simple enough.”

He saw Aisling smile at him. She reached out and cupped his face bringing him closer so she could kiss him on the lips. “If anyone could get the answer, I am sure it would be you,” she told him smiling against his lips as she kissed him again.

Finan pulled away and looked at her. She looked every bit the Dane on this day. Gisela had braided her hair; one large braid in the middle with two smaller ones on each side, all of them with silver beads woven in the hair. She had her leather vest on with a thin light blue shift under and her sword belt around her waist with tighter trousers, closer to those like the ones Uhtred wore. He reached down and gently took her Serpent-Breath necklace in his fingers.

“You look every bit a Dane today,” he said smiling.

Aisling smiled. “Well, I hope so, I would not want Aethelred to think I am just a pretty lady who knows nothing.”

Finan laughed. “No, we cannot have that.” He turned when he heard Clapa yell and wave his arms. “It would seem Aethelred is here,” he said. He kissed Aoife on the head and handed her back to Aisling. “I will go and fetch him.”

“Do you have to? Maybe if we're lucky, he'll get lost somewhere between here and the hall,” Aisling said as she took Aoife in her arms and tickled her. Aoife laughed and smiled.

“I don't think he's that stupid,” Uhtred said.

“Well, he doesn't look that smart,” Aisling countered.

Finan smiled. He kissed Aisling on the temple and walked over to the docks. He glanced back and saw Aisling and Uhtred walking back to the hall talking. He sighed. I hope that she stops focusing so much on what the brothers could be planning. It may be nothing and she will just drive herself crazy. He turned back and walked over to greet Aethelred.

***

Aisling leaned against the post in the hall and eyed Aethelred. She didn't like how smug he looked. Or that Aethelflaed had looked so sad, with the small glimpse Aisling had seen before Beocca and Hild had lead her away to the chapel to pray. She crossed her arms on her chest and eyed Aldhelm when he spoke.

“I had not seen the inside of a pagan hall,” Aldhelm said. “I am surprised at its warmth.”

“Were you expecting to see heads on poles, lord?” Gisela asked.

“I was lady, excuse my ignorance.”

“Well, we could always add a couple of heads now,” Aisling said in Danish. Gisela, Uhtred, Thyra, Sihtric, Clapa, and even Finan laughed. Aisling saw Aethelred glance at her. She gave him a pretty lady like smile.

“You are goating him,” Finan whispered as he stood behind.

“Hm, I am trying to,” she said. She glanced at him. “I do not like him or trust him,” she said in Irish.

“No one does,” Finan nodded towards Aldhelm. “I don't even think that man likes him much.”

“Will the Lady Aethelflaed be joining us when she is done with prayers?” Gisela asked Aethelred as she sat across from him.

“If she has the will, yes, she has not been travelling well.”

“Should she be travelling at all to battle?”

“She is coming to Lunden?” Aisling asked turning back around.

“Yes, it was her-,” Aldhelm started.

“Lord Aldhelm, I am speaking to Lady Aethelflaed's husband, who last I checked, was not you,” Aisling said holding out a hand in his direction to silence him and looking at Aethelred.

“I am Lord of Mercia as well,” Aethelred said. Aisling saw a flash of anger in his eyes. “My wife does not wish to part with me. I do believe out of everyone you would understand, Lady Aisling, since you yourself followed your husband into Lunden and almost whored yourself to a Dane.”

“Oh my, you are going to regret those words,” Aethelwold said laughing. “The Irishman will make you eat every single one.”

“What did you say to my cousin?” Uhtred called down from the upstairs of the hall.

“He said nothing of importance, Uhtred,” Aisling called up to him, “because he, himself is of little to no importance.”

“What did you say to me?” Aethelred demanded.

“She said you were not important,” Steepa replied. “And considering what you said to her, I think you should shut your mouth and let us get on with the battle planning,” Aisling met Steepa's eyes. “I have no doubt lady, that you will be at Lady Aethelflaed's side at the camp.”

Aisling nodded. “I will be Steepa. I will protect her since you must go and keep her bread pudding husband alive.”

Aethelwold laughed. “Oh, Lady Aisling, I do so love you.”

Aisling held her arm back when Finan went to walk over to Aethelwold. He could not harm Aethelred, but Aisling knew no one in the hall would care if he got his hands on Aethelwold and took his anger out on him. “Let him be. If we're lucky, he won't survive the siege.”

“You'd miss me, lady,” Aethelwold smiled at her.

Aisling smiled back at him. “I would not.” She turned when Uhtred walked down the stairs still reading the letter. She felt Finan turn and head back over to the weapons. “So, what does Alfred plan?” she asked Uhtred as he walked over to her.

“It is a plan very much-,” Aethelred started.

“I asked my cousin, who has actually been to battle and survived, lord, not you,” Aisling said not even looking at Aethelred.

“I would apologize for Lady Aisling but,” Gisela shrugged, “she would just say something worse.”

Steepa laughed and coughed to cover up his laugh. Uhtred walked over and stood beside Aisling. He glanced at Aethelred.

“You accept that I am in charge of all men?” Aethelred asked.

“Thank gods I am a woman than,” Aisling said in Danish. Uhtred graced her with a smirk.

“It is the King's wish,” Uhtred answered Aethelred. Huh, he didn't actually say, yes you Aethelred are in charge.

“So, you are with us?” Aethelred pressed.

Aisling glanced at him with a raised eyebrow. “Why exactly would you be here if Uhtred was not with you?” she asked him. He paused and opened his mouth then closed it. “Yes, exactly,” she glanced at Uhtred. “Zero brains, all pretty,” she added in Danish.

“Please stop speaking Danish. We are not in Daneland,” Aethelred said. “And Uhtred, Alfred has decided to give you this one last chance to prove yourself.”

Aisling rolled her eyes. She watched as Uhtred turned away with a similar look of annoyance on his face. She watched as Finan grabbed a spear and tested it out. She bit her lip. Hello, yes, I like what I see.

“Does he have a plan?” Uhtred asked.

“Together we will travel down river meet with the armies and make camp a short distance from Lunden,” Aethelred said.

“Attack, a plan of attack,” Aisling stated rubbing her forehead. This idiot. Oh my god, Alfred picked him to be Lord of Mercia. I would hate to see who he turned down.

“Yes, it is not too dissimilar from your plan. You and your men will attack from the North gate, while I and the rest of the army will go through the marshes and attack,” Aethelred said.

“Only two attacks?” Aisling asked. “The army is large enough it could be separated into three.”

“I think not,” Aethelred said. “Do you not have a child that needs looking after, lady?”

Aisling raised an eyebrow at him. “The only child I see here currently that needs looking after, is you, lord,” she stressed the word. She added that shit eating grin that Sihtric hated oh so much as well.

“How will you know my attack is underway?” Uhtred asked walking past Aisling. He poked her in the side and she smacked his hand away.

“I will know,” Aethelred said.

Uhtred looked at her and Finan. “He will know.”

“Oh, aye, he'll know,” Aisling muttered.

“I will. Do not underestimate me, Uhtred. I want this victory. Lunden belongs to Mercia, and I am Lord of Mercia. I will go with every man at my disposal to reclaim what is mine.”

Aisling eyed him. She heard Steepa say he was with Uhtred by order of Alfred and Aethelwold say he was with Steepa but she stopped listening. She studied Aethelred. It is all about him. He does not care about the people of Mercia, only that he considers the country his. He considers Aethelflaed his as well. He wants Lunden back to prove to Alfred that he can do it, but also as a show of ego. Look what I did. Look what I was able to accomplish while in charge of the army. I am better and smarter than Uhtred. Now, if I were Erik and Sigefrid, how would I piss off and humble a man like that? What would I take from him that would hurt him the most? Aisling felt Finan wrap an arm around her waist.

“I can feel you thinking from here,” he whispered in her ear.

“And I can feel your anger at Aethelred from here,” she answered in Irish. She placed her hand on his cheek. “His words do not hurt me, husband,” she said.

“He still should not be saying them,” he answered.

Aisling nodded. “He shouldn't but he will not learn that lesson from you.”

Finan nodded. He kissed Aisling on the forehead. “Did you figure out what the brothers have planned?”

Aisling sighed. “Not yet. I still have the ride to Lunden to figure it out.”

She pulled away and saw Finan's eyes taking her in. “Promise me you will be safe,” he told her.

She nodded. “As long as you are,” she answered.

“I will be,” he kissed her. “I have you waiting for me.”

Aisling smiled. She let Finan pull her close. She rested her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes. This was the last calm day before the chaos would begin. Take a deep breath. You can handle this. You are going to be at the camp with Aethelflaed and Thyra. You will not see battle. You will be fine.

***

Finan walked to his horse. He stopped and turned back. He walked back to Aisling and pulled her into his arms and kissed her deeply. He let his tongue stroke hers and his hands ran down her body and gripped her ass cheeks. He felt Aisling kiss him back and hold his body close to hers.

“You need to go,” she said pulling away from the kiss.

“Another moment,” he said as he kissed her again. And again. And again.

“Finan,” she moaned. “I will be here at camp waiting,” she pulled away. She smiled at him and stroked his cheek. “I know you will come back to me.”

Finan nodded. The whole journey to Lunden he had been keeping her close. He had burned in his brain every inch of her. He smiled thinking of how just earlier that morning, they had spend a few hours together making love. He had kissed every inch of her body and committed it to memory. He leaned in and kissed her again.

“Do not do anything stupid,” he told her firmly.

“I can't,” she said, “You're taking all the stupid with you,” she pointed to Uhtred.

Finan laughed. He kissed her on the forehead. “I love you.”

“And I love you. Now go before they leave without you.”

“Irishman, your wife will be fine!” Steepa yelled.

“You're just jealous, big man that she is my wife and not yours!” Finan yelled back.

Aisling laughed. Finan looked at her with her smile and laughter in her eyes. He nodded. Now, he could go. He turned and walked back to his horse and climbed on it. He glanced back and saw Aisling standing there with her hands on her weapons.

“She will be fine,” Uhtred said from his horse beside Finan.

Finan nodded. “I know. It just makes me uneasy for her to be so close to battle.”

Uhtred nodded. “I do not like it either. But if Aethelred would have kept his wife at home, Aisling would have stayed behind.”

Finan snorted. “Doubtful.”

Finan rode beside Uhtred towards Lunden. He did not look back again.

He would later hate himself for that.

***

Aisling paced at the camp. She was still thinking about Lunden, the brothers, and Aethelred. She closed her eyes and stood still. You are in the square again. Visualize it. And she did. She put herself in the middle of the square. She looked around in her mind. She stopped when she saw the tower. She frowned. It would be useful in a siege. But it would be more useful to send a signal. Her eyes sprang open.

“Aethelflaed. They mentioned her first,” she said. “And Aethelred answered their questions about her telling them all they needed to know about him. And she is Alfred's daughter,” she turned and took off in search of Thyra. “They don't want Lunden. They want her. Fuck me sideways, Aethelred walked right into and so did I. What better way to humble an egomaniac than taking his wife, his number one prize. Fuck!”

“Lille rød, are you-,” Thyra started when Aisling found her outside of her tent.

“Listen,” Aisling said. “The Danes are headed here. Take this in case you need it,” she pulled out Dream-Weaver and pressed it into Thyra's hands. “And this,” she took off her Serpent-Breath necklace and opened the clasp. She pulled off her Claddagh ring and placed it on the chain. You are not doing this so that Finan will have it in case you die. You are doing this so that the Danes cannot take it from you. She closed the clasp and placed it around Thyra's neck. “You go and hide in the woods.”

“I will not leave you to face them alone.”

“You will. You will because I will not have you die,” Aisling said softly. “I cannot save us all, but I will save you. And Uhtred will come back. I have a message for him and Finan.”

“I will-.”

“Thyra, promise me you will go and hide and not come out until you hear Uhtred, Finan, and Beocca. Swear it.”

Aisling saw Thyra look at her. Her blue eyes filled with tears. “I swear it.”

Aisling nodded. She leaned in and whispered the message for Uhtred and Finan in her sister's ear. She pulled away and kissed Thyra's cheek. She could hear horses in the distance; a great number of them. “Go,” she said.

“I love you,” Thyra told her.

Aisling nodded. “And I you, sister.”

She watched as Thyra turned and ran. Aisling ran over to the food tent and began banging on the dinner bell. Her hands were shaking and her stomach ached. She wished to throw up but she did not have the time. I promised Finan and Uhtred I would be safe at camp. That I would not see battle. Fuck, they are going to be so pissed.

“DANES! DANES ARE COMING!” She screamed.

She saw a soldier, passed out by the bench. She reached down and grabbed his sword and turned. She ran towards Aethelflaed's tent as she heard the horses get closer. She heard the soldiers that had been left behind, most were still drunk or hungover, finally coming alive around her.

Please let Thyra get to safety, please. I should have kissed and held Aoife more before I left. Oh god, Young Uhtred and Storria. I asked him to watch over everyone until I came back. What if I never come back? Fuck, is he going to grow up hating me? Is my daughter? No, stop it. Stop it now. You have a sword, you have your brain and most importantly, you are a Ragnarson. You will fight and you will live. Uhtred would expect nothing less of you and so would Ragnar. And Finan. That man sees the warrior in you. Do not make him out to be a liar. Do not die here. Do not go down without a fight.

“Aisling!” Aethelflaed said as Aisling found her coming out of her tent. 

“Lady, we have a choice,” Aisling said. “We run and many die, or we stand here and fight. Your choice.”

She saw the fear and panic in Aethelflaed's eyes. Gone was the strong fierce girl Aisling had first met. I will take Aethelred's balls for this. I will kill him for harming this girl just because she is stronger and smarter than he is.

“Aethelflaed,” Aisling said firmly. “You are Alfred's daughter. You will take this dagger,” she pressed the dagger Finan had given her into the princess's hand. “And you will go into the forest now. I will stay and-.”

“NO!”

Aisling felt Aethelflaed grab her hand and they were running together toward the woods. Aisling turned back and saw Sigefrid on a horse. She cursed.

Finan, I love you. I love you and I am sorry but I do not believe I will be able to keep my promise. I think this time, you will be going home without me.

***

Finan did not like the quiet of the city. It was eerily and wrong. He glanced at Uhtred. He saw that Uhtred felt it as well.

Aisling was right. They are not here. I cannot see how the Danes could be here and we would not hear them preparing for battle or a siege. No, they left.

Finan's stomach dropped at that thought. He pushed it away telling himself that the next corner they would round, the Danes would be there.

“Finan,” Uhtred said as they turned the corner and walked towards the square.

There were no Danes. No blockades. Nothing.

“What is going on?” Finan asked.

“They are gone,” Aethelwold said.

They cannot be gone because if they are not here, my wife is in danger. And I cannot have her in danger when I am not beside her. No, it will not happen again. I will not lose another wife. No, they are-

Finan thoughts stopped as Uhtred called for a shield wall. He slammed his shield down and stood beside Uhtred. He looked around and saw only Aethelred and the Mercians. Finan barely listened to Uhtred and Aethelred yelling at each other. He looked around the square trying to see it as Aisling would. She was right. Nothing has changed. There are no barrels of ale, food, or salt. They never planned on staying. And... Wait. Finan stopped as he saw the man running from tower.

“Uhtred, look,” he said nudging Uhtred.

Uhtred turned and looked. Finan watched as the tower caught fire with thick black smoke coming from it.

Smoke that could be seen for a mile or more.

It could be seen from outside their camp.

Finan's stomach dropped and his heart began to pound.

“There was no battle at all,” he said. Aisling had been right. Oh god. No battle. No Danes. They never planned to be here. Then where the fuck are they?

“The camp,” Uhtred said to him.

Finan dropped his shield and turned. He took off with Father Beocca following him. Uhtred went towards Aethelred but Finan did not care. He needed to get to the camp. The Celtic cross burned against his skin. He barely remembered which turns to take but his body moved on its own accord and he made it out of the Northgate and ran towards where they had left the horse. He heard Beocca behind him.

Do not be dead. Do you hear me, Aisling? Do you feel me? You are not allowed to die. You promised I would not lose you or have to go home without you. Do not make that lie. Do not.

Chapter Text

Finan climbed off his horse and stood in the middle of what was left of their camp. He locked his knees to stay up right. Everywhere he looked, he saw a dead soldier. Tents were everywhere and there was smouldering fires and smoke.

This is not happening. This is not happening right now.

He heard Beocca climb off his horse and begin yelling for Thyra. Finan could not make his voice work. He wanted, no needed, ached to call out to Aisling. He could not.

She isn't here. You know she isn't. Because she would not let Aethelflaed be taken. And that is why the Danes were here at camp. She figured it out and she isn't here.

“THYRA!” Beocca screamed.

Finan heard Uhtred and the others arrive. He turned needing Uhtred to take control of the situation. Finan could not. He couldn't do anything. He could barely feel himself there in that moment. It felt like a dream. It felt too slow and much too fast at the same time.

“Finan,” Uhtred said as he reached his side.

“She's not here,” Finan managed to find his voice. “I know it. I feel it,” he placed his hand on his chest, over his heart and the Celtic cross that burned his skin.

He looked at Uhtred. Uhtred grabbed his shoulder. “Listen to me,” he said his voice strong. How can he sound so strong? Aisling is gone. She is not here. And he is holding it together far better than I. How? Does he not love her? Does he not care for her? “Aisling is alive, Finan. She is alive,” was all Uhtred could say.

“Not a man left alive,” Aldhelm said.

Finan glanced over and saw Aethelred standing there. Finan went to walk over to him. Clapa grabbed him from behind but his leather tunic and held on tight. Finan heard Steepa yelling for Aethelflaed as Beocca yelled for Thyra. Neither answered. There was just silence in the valley.

“No,” Clapa said. “You will not get yourself killed. Lady Aisling is counting on you to stay alive.”

“Lady Aisling is not here!” Finan screamed.

“BEOCCA!” they heard a yell.

Finan jerked his head up. He watched as Thyra ran out from the woods. He sucked in a breath. She was carrying Aisling's sword. Clapa let him go and he wandered over to Uhtred and Beocca. Tears came to his eyes as Beocca held Thyra close when she ran to him. Oh god. Please let her know where Aisling is. Please god. Please.

“Thyra, Thyra,” Uhtred said softly to her. “Where are Aisling and Aethelflaed?” he asked.

“You will answer,” Aethelred demanded.

“And you will shut your mouth before I take your head, you smug bread pudding bastard,” Finan said his voice harsh and cold.

“You cannot speak to me like that.”

“His wife is missing,” Steepa said firmly. “You are lucky he is just speaking to you and not using his fists on your face.”

Finan looked at Thyra as Beocca pulled away. He saw the Serpent-Breath necklace around her neck. She met his eyes.

“I do not know. Lille- Aisling,” she said when her voice almost broke, “she told me to hide in the woods. She gave me her sword for protection and,” she pulled off the necklace and handed it to Finan. “This for safe keeping. She had a message for Uhtred and Finan.”

“Then tell us, woman,” Aethelred spat out.

“You are coming with me to look for your wife,” Steepa ordered.

“Yes, lord, Aethelflaed must be here,” Aldhelm said.

Finan shot Steepa a grateful look as the man pulled Aethelred away with Aldhelm following them. He looked down at the necklace in his hand. Tears came when he saw her Claddagh ring on it.

“I don't know why I still wear it. I mean, Uhtred has the actual sword,” Aisling has said once.

“Perhaps it is out of habit,” he answered as he toyed with it while it rested on her bare skin.

“Perhaps. But maybe it is as much a part of me as the sword is a part of Uhtred. When I don't wear it, I feel like something is missing.”

“Finan,” Thyra's soft voice brought him back. He looked up and met her eyes. “Aisling wished you to know that this is not your fault. Either of you. She says it is hers, for not realizing that the brothers wanted Aethelflaed all along. That she was the greatest prize and best way to, ah, stick it to Alfred and Aethelred,” Thyra said.

Finan griped the necklace tight. He felt the small sword pendant dig into his palm. “Is that all she said?” he asked.

Thyra shook her head. She looked at Uhtred. “She said you are to send Sihtric to spy at Beamfleot to collect proof that Aethelflaed is there. Then you can go to Alfred and he cannot dismiss your claims. But not to go before. She does not want you to be blamed for this, she believes Aethelred would try to make it your fault. And if you are not there, you cannot, how did she put it?” Thyra bit her lip. “Piss him off?” she looked at them.

Finan smiled a bit. “That is how Aisling would say it.”

He saw Uhtred take Aisling's sword from Thyra. “I cannot leave her there alone,” Uhtred said softly.

“Uhtred, she is right. If you come back to Winchester now, Aethelred will use the fact that Aisling was the one with Aethelflaed to shift the blame on you,” Beocca said. “You need proof. I will do what I can from Winchester. Thyra and I-.”

“No,” Thyra said firmly. “I am going to Coccham with Finan and Uhtred. I will watch over Aisling's daughter, my niece,” she looked at her husband. “It is the least I can do after she saved me.”

Finan's knees finally gave way. He fell to the ground. He heard Uhtred tell Beocca and Thyra to leave him for a moment. Finan closed his eyes as tears rolled down his cheeks. Aoife. Our daughter. Aisling promised to come home to her. Will she now grow up without a mother? Will I be forced to live without the other half of my heart?

“Finan, God will protect her,” Beocca said taking Finan's hands.

Finan laughed. He opened his eyes and looked at the priests. “No, Father, not God. Freyja perhaps. But I do not have faith in any of them at the moment. They let her get taken. If they wished to protect her, than they should have kept her in Coccham. I should have kept her in Coccham.”

He squeezed the necklace more. He felt the sword pendant stab and cut his palm. I do not care what Aisling says. This is my fault. I could not say no to her. I brought her here. This is my doing.

***

Aisling rode with her hands bound in front of her on a horse with Sigefrid. She was covered in blood; some hers from the cut on her chin as one of the Danes had hit her to get the sword out of her hands. The rest was the blood of the Danes. She was not sure if she had killed any but she had cut them enough to make them bleed. Until there had been too many of them.

And they would have used me. But Sigefrid showed up and declared me his prize. Fuck, I don't know if that is better or worse. At least I am safe, for now. Until we get to Beamfleot.

“You are much too quiet,” Sigefrid said to her.

“I do not have much to talk about,” Aisling answered.

“Who were you promised to?” Erik asked as he rode beside her with Aethelflaed in front of him.

“I am married,” Aisling answered. “To Finan,” she whispered his name. Finan who is no doubt right about now blaming himself for me being taken. When this is my own damn fault. I didn't figure it out quick enough. And now here I am. A supposed prize but nothing worth what Aethelflaed is.

“Finan?” Sigefrid asked.

“Uhtred's oathman,” Aethelflaed whispered. “A great warrior. He is Irish.”

Aisling glanced at Aethelflaed. “Are you all right?” she asked her.

“Are you?” Aethelflaed asked back.

“You will both be safe,” Erik answered.

Aisling snorted. “I may believe you about Lady Aethelflaed but as to my fate,” she gave him a hard look. “I am under no such illusions.”

“You think I will use you?” Sigefrid asked. Aisling felt her back straighten at the feel of his breath on her neck.

She stared a head. “Is that not the way in these matters?” she said her voice void of emotion. They may use my body but I swear to every God, new and old, that they will never have my heart or soul. No, those belong in Coccham with an Irishman who smiles so easily and loves so deeply.

Sigefrid sighed. “It is but you see, Uhtred took my hand. And I wish to take something of his. I have. I took you but now, now I wish to make him hurt more. I am not going to take you by force. No, because that would be too easy. No, Lady Aisling, I am going to make you fall in love with me and choose me over Uhtred.”

Aisling raised an eyebrow. “Oh, you are? And just how did you come to this decision?”

“Well, you are a great beauty and-.”

“Our seer, Rune, saw you in Lunden. He said you were marked by Freyja and that to harm you, touch you without your consent, would risk us being cursed and our places in Valhalla forfeit,” Erik answered.

“I liked my version better,” Sigefrid said.

“You have a seer?” Aisling asked.

“You sound surprised,” Haesten said from behind the brothers.

“I am. You did not strike me as the most, ah, religious of Danes.”

“You did not strike us as a follower of the old gods at all,” Erik said.

Aisling glanced at Aethelflaed. The other woman looked at her. She knew that whatever she said could be reported back to Alfred in the future. But we are here now. And right now, there is no getting out. There is just this moment and us against them.

“I am,” she answered. “My husband is Christian but I am like Uhtred, I follow the old gods.”

“And how did Freyja come to mark you as hers?” Sigefrid asked.

“That is between the goddess and I.”

“Where are we going?” Aethelflaed asked.

“Beamfleot,” Erik answered. “There we will decide just how much of a ransom we will ask Alfred for in exchange for you.”

“Do not worry, princess,” Sigefrid said. “You will be fed and cared for. And you will have Lady Aisling for company. Perhaps she can teach you about the old gods and how to worship them.”

“I would prefer if she taught me how to use a sword as she did at the camp,” Aethelflaed said.

Erik and Sigefrid laughed. “We are not giving you or Lady Aisling a sword,” Erik said.

Aisling said nothing. She pulled at the binding around her wrists. That's fine. Don't give me a sword or a weapon. Sihtric will be at Beamfleot and he will get me one. Or I will take one myself. Better to have one and not need it, than need it and not have one.

***

Finan sat and stared at the fire. He could not sleep. He would not sleep. Not until Aisling was back in his arms. He closed his eyes and memories of the past year came back to him. Her laughter, her teases, her kisses.

“I love you, you smug sexy Irish bastard.”

“I will have you know, my parents were married.”

“You are still a bastard.”

“Finan,” Thyra's voice said from beside him. “You must rest.”

Finan opened his eyes and looked at Uhtred and Aisling's sister. She sat beside him by the fire. She took his hand and held it. He looked away.

“I cannot rest. I am going back to Coccham, our home and I will have to face my daughter and everyone who loves Aisling about why my wife is not with me,” he said.

“It is not your fault.”

“She should not have been there.”

“You made her a promise, Finan, she asked you to let her be more than just a mother and a wife. She proved herself to be more,” Thyra smiled at him. “She was so scared, I could see it in her eyes, but she was calm as well. She was focused in a way,” Thyra glanced over and Finan followed her eyes. He saw Uhtred speaking to Sihtric and Rypere by their horses. He was sending them to Beamfleot to spy. Just like Aisling asked. “She was focused in a way that so reminded me of Uhtred. When he was a boy, he would get scared or nervous and he would push it away with this calm focus on whatever task was in front of him. Our father use to say it would make him a bold warrior. Ragnar joked he would make a better sheep farmer.”

Finan smiled. He pressed his hand to his chest where he wore both the Celtic cross and the Serpent-Breath necklace. Aisling's Claddagh ring still hung from it. “Aisling is so like him,” Finan whispered. “You should have seen them the first time we went to Lunden. They were walking side by side and plotting a strategy. He trusts her judgement and she,” Finan felt more tears come to his eyes, “she trusts him to protect her.”

“We will get her back,” Thyra said. “She will no doubt plot her own escape.”

Finan laughed and wiped his tears away. “Knowing her, she already has.”

“What are you two still doing up?” Uhtred asked he walked over to them. “I thought I sent everyone to bed already.”

“I came back because I knew Finan would not be able to sleep,” Thyra said.

“Funny, that is why I am also here,” Uhtred answered.

Finan looked at him as he sat across from them at the fire. “Sihtric and Rypere have their orders?” he asked.

Uhtred nodded. “They do. Sihtric has been told very firmly not to do anything until he hears from me.”

Finan snorted. “I am sorry but Aisling is going to get him to break that oath in about five minutes.”

“Two,” Thyra said smiling. Finan glanced at her. “What? I saw them bickering on the ride to Lunden. He acts like she is the biggest annoyance and inconvenience to his life, but he cares for her. If she needs him, he will break every oath he made to you, Uhtred to help her.”

Finan looked at the fire. “He sees her like a sister. Lord knows they have trained hard enough and smacked each other with staffs enough to be siblings.”

“I failed her,” Uhtred said softly. “She was not ready and I should not have allowed her to come.”

Finan snorted. “Oh aye, you allowed her.”

Thyra sighed but laughed. “You both know that neither of you could say no to her. I saw that first hand the moment I met her. I could not say no to her either at the camp.”

Finan looked at the fire. “She is fond of telling me I cannot deny her anything,” he whispered.

“Gisela is going to kill me,” Uhtred said suddenly. “As is my son.”

“Not to mention Hild,” Finan added.

“They will not harm either of you,” Thyra said. “At least not until after you get Aisling back.”

Finan smiled. He rubbed his face with his hand. He looked down after at his Claddagh ring. This ring symbolizes my promise of everlasting love and loyalty, he heard Aisling's voice in his head repeat the words from their wedding. He closed his eyes.

“Finan,” Uhtred said his name softly.

“I knew at Dunholm,” Finan admitted. “Our last night there. You went to bed early while Aisling and I were throwing knives with Ragnar. I carried her to bed and she asked me to stay with her. I did. I fell asleep beside her and woke hours later. I watched her sleep and I,” he opened his eyes again and looked at Uhtred. “My heart knew what my head was too stubborn to admit; that she was my anamchara, soulmate. I did not dare admit it out loud. She was your descendent, under your protection. And I,” Finan looked down, “I am not worthy of her.”

“I believe that Aisling has decided you are worthy of her. And if she heard you speaking this way, she would no doubt smack you,” Uhtred added.

“I believe we all need to get some rest,” Thyra said. “Come on, let's us go.”

Finan stood and listened to her. He walked over to the tent and fell into his bedroll. He heard Uhtred arguing with Thyra but she was not having it. Something else Aisling would do. He reached out and placed his hand on Dream-Weaver. I will get this back to you, love. I will get you back. I swear it.

***

Aisling sat on the bed and stroked Aethelflaed's hair. The girl would not sleep, could not sleep. She was resting her head on Aisling's lap and Aisling had sung to her the Irish lullaby Finan sung to Aoife. Aethelflaed had finally slept. Aisling looked around the room. It was in the stables, which was fine, after all she would rather be surrounded by horses than most of the Danes anyway.

At least their seer Rune had reaffirmed his belief that I am under Freyja's protection. I do not know how long the men around here will listen to him but it is a start. We have been here two days and so far everything is quiet. If only Aethelflaed would eat.

“Aisling,” Aethelflaed whispered softly.

“I thought you were sleeping,” she answered still stroking the girl's hair.

“How are you not scared?” Aethelflaed asked. She rolled over and looked at Aisling. “Are you not terrified?”

Aisling nodded. “I am. I wish to be home with my husband and daughter but,” Aisling sighed. “Being scared does nothing, lady.”

“Call me Aethelflaed, since after all, there is no one here to stand on ceremony for.”

Aisling nodded. “You can be afraid or you can be smart and calm and seize your moment. I am trying to be smart and calm.”

Aethelflaed nodded. They both jumped when the door to the room opened. Aisling saw Sigefrid standing there.

“Lady Aisling, I was hoping you would join me for a meal,” he said bowing.

Aisling nodded. “I will,” she said softly.

“Aisling,” Aethelflaed sat up and grabbed her arm.

Aisling cupped Aethelflaed's face in her hands. “I will be alright and so will you. I will come back. Will I not, Sigefrid?” she asked the Dane.

“You will, lady, unless you choose to spend the night somewhere else.”

Not going to happen, Dane. Aisling climbed off the bed and stood. She walked over to Sigefrid. He held his arm out for her. She raised an eyebrow but took it. She walked out beside him and watched as Haesten and Dagfinn stood there waiting for guard Aethelflaed.

“Erik has been told that the lady is not eating,” Sigefrid said as he lead her out and into the courtyard.

Aisling blinked at the brightness. Her eyes adjusted. She looked around and felt her heart beat faster. There across the way was Sihtric. She looked at Sigefrid and nodded. “Yes, she wishes to bathe and I agree with her,” Aisling looked down at her stained shift. “It would be nice to go and bath in the river, if it could be arranged for us,” she said softly.

Sigefrid hummed. “I will speak to Erik, and perhaps it could be done. If you promise not to kill or maim any of my men,” he smiled at her.

Aisling smiled at him. “Tell me, did I kill any back at the camp?”

Sigefrid laughed and walked her into the hall. “Two, and there is one more who right at this moment is being treated by the healer and Rune, both of whom are not certain he will live.”

Aisling beamed with pride. “Good.”

Sigefrid laughed even more and lead her to the table in the corner. She saw Erik sitting there. She sat across from him, her back to the corner and facing out looking at the room. Never allow anyone to sneak up on you, if you can, Uhtred's voice echoed in her mind, also having a clear view of the room can be helpful. You can see the exits and who is coming and going. She rolled up the sleeves of her shift hiding the blood stains and gave a small smile of thanks as Sigefrid placed a dish in front of her with bread, apples, and a thin slice of meat.

“Thank you,” she said softly.

Erik laughed. “She is so very polite. Are you sure you are related to Uhtred?” he asked.

Aisling smirked. “And you are so very pretty, are you sure you're related to Sigefrid here?” she teased.

Sigefrid laughed. He stopped. “Wait, are you saying I am not pretty?” he turned and looked at Aisling. Erik laughed and sipped from ale.

Aisling took her apple and took a bite from it. She chewed it and shrugged. “I did not not say that.”

Sigefrid looked at her. “So I am pretty?”

“Stop fishing for compliments,” Aisling said. She drank some ale. She made a face. “Ragnar's ale was better,” she said.

“You have met Ragnar?” Erik asked.

Aisling nodded. “I have. It was where I found out I was marked by Freyja.”

“Uhtred brought you to Ragnar? Weren't you scared?” Sigefrid asked. “After all, he is a Dane.”

Aisling placed her elbows on the table. “He is a Dane, but you see he did not wish to kill Uhtred or send a fake dead man to deliver a fake message from the gods. So, I felt much safer there than I did now.”

“You are safe,” Erik said.

“Hmm,” Aisling looked at Sigefrid. “Perhaps I am safe from you, Erik, but I do not believe I am safe from Sigefrid.”

Sigefrid leaned in. Aisling let him take her hand. Do not punch him in the face. Do not rip your hand away. You need to play this smart. You need to survive until Finan and Uhtred come and save you. Or you manage to plan the perfect escape. But that means you have to escape with Aethelflaed. You cannot leave her behind. “You are safe from me, lady. All I wish is to have you fall in love with me. Now tell me, how did that Irishman get you to fall in love with him?”

Oh, you know, I just killed myself to end a curse on my family line and got transported here into the past and he found me floating in the river outside Coccham where Finan pulled me to safety and I looked into his eyes and I was a goner. Oh, and it may have helped that apparently him and I have done this dance before, because time is a circle and I will always love him and find him.

“Oh, you know, it was the little things,” Aisling answered letting Sigefrid's fingers stroke her hand.

She saw Erik smirk. “I do not believe she is going to tell you, brother.”

Aisling smiled. “I will say this,” she pulled her hand away from Sigefrid and patted his hand gently. “I fell in love with Finan, slowly and then all at once.”

Sigefrid frowned. “That makes no sense,” he said.

“It makes some sense,” Erik said.

Sigefrid rolled his eyes. “You always were the philosophical one between us,” Sigefrid leaned back in his chair. “My brother here use to write poems about battle and the moon.”

Aisling smiled. She looked at Erik. The other man actually blushed. “Were they good?”

“No,” Sigefrid said.

“Yes,” Erik answered at the same time.

Aisling laughed. She sat back and felt herself relax some even if she did not want to. Keep your guard up. Do not give in too much to them. They may be brothers, and they may remind you of your boys but they aren't. Right now, they are your captors and you cannot give an inch to them. Stay strong. You can do this.

***

Finan sat in Storria and Young Uhtred's room in the hall. Gisela would not hear of him taking Aoife home. No, the two of them were not to be left alone. Which was fine with Finan. He could barely look after himself at the moment, he knew he would be a loss at looking after his daughter. He looked down at her in his arms sleeping. Her little hand gripped his tunic tight. He stroked her hair and sighed.

It has been four days. Four days since I have held her in my arms and kissed her. Four days since I have seen her smile and her eyes looking at me with love.

“I don't even know if she is alive,” he whispered to the empty room.

“She is,” Gisela said as she walked into the room. “Rypere is downstairs. As is Osferth. He is praying for Aisling. Apparently she is the only one who was nice to him.”

Finan rolled his eyes and looked at Gisela. “She all but adopted him. I bet he can barely hold a sword.”

Gisela walked over to him. Finan felt her hand on his shoulder. “Maybe but Uhtred is going to let him join you just to anger Alfred. And when Aisling gets back, she is going to want to hear that you have treated him with care, Finan.”

Finan sighed. He looked down at Aoife. “If she comes back.”

“She will come back. Uhtred is getting ready to ride to Winchester. Thyra will accompany you, Clapa and Osferth with him. I will stay here and care for your daughter.”

Finan closed his eyes. She is alive. She is alive. He opened his eyes and looked at Gisela. “She is alive?”

Gisela nodded. “So is Aethelflaed. Sihtric and Rypere saw them going for a wash yesterday and Sihtric sent him right away. They both looked unharmed.”

Finan let out a breath that he had been holding. He felt tears of relief roll down his cheeks. “She is alive and unharmed,” he repeated. He stood and pulled Gisela in his arms. He hugged her close. He let her go and let her gently take Aoife from him. He kissed his daughter on the head. He kissed Gisela on the forehead. “Please, take good care of her.”

“I will not let anything happen to her,” Gisela said smiling at him. “Now, go.”

Finan nodded. He turned and left the room. He walked down the stairs. He found Osferth waiting. He looked at him up and down. Osferth gave him a smile.

“All right, baby monk, I am going to need you to be quiet and not get yourself killed,” Finan told him.

Osferth's eyes got wide. “I thought we were just going to Winchester to speak to, the, king,” Osferth's voice actually trembled over the last words.

Osferth is in the family histories. He is the bastard son of the King. Aisling's words echoed in his head. He remembered the look on her face as she had smiled at Osferth. Finan took a slow breath.

“Osferth, I promise you that you will not have to face the king. I will go with Uhtred. You will stay with the horses and Clapa,” he said his voice softer.

Osferth nodded. “I can do that.”

Finan saw the sword at the former monk's side. “Do you know how to use that?” he asked.

Osferth shook his head. “Not really.”

Finan nodded. “I will teach you.”

Osferth nodded. “I am sorry about what happened to Lady Aisling.”

Finan smiled. “It's Aisling, Osferth. She will not let you call her lady. And so am I,” Finan nodded. “Now, let's go help Uhtred get her back.”

He walked out of the hall with Osferth following him. He needed to stop by his house first. He needed to bring Aisling's sword with him. Just in case they got her back. It is doubtful but it could happen. I need to think on the positive side. I need to hold on to that.

Chapter Text

Aisling sat on the banks of the river. Aethelflaed was bathing but Aisling did not feel up to it that day. She stared out at the water as the sun rose. Another day and still no Finan or Uhtred. Five days. I cannot do another five. I can't. I need to see him. I need to know that he is all right. She brushed her hair over her shoulder. She smiled when Aethelflaed turned and waved at her. The two of them had bonded over the past days. Aethelflaed had confided in Aisling how her husband treated her, and Aisling had shared tips on how to get rid of unwanted husbands. I cannot believe that I am friends with the Lady of Mercia. Like for real. How is this my life? How? The giddiness at the thought of being considered a friend of one of the greatest women rulers of British history wore off and Aisling was back thinking about her husband and daughter. She ached for Finan and to hold Aoife close. She muttered a curse as she felt tears come to her eyes. 

“Lady?” she heard Erik ask as he walked over to her.

Aisling blinked her eyes as more tears came. She wiped them away. “Yes?” she said looking at him.

“Are you all right?” he asked as he sat beside her.

Aisling shook her head. “No, I am not,” she looked away from him. “I miss my husband and my daughter. I worry about them.”

“Do you not think your husband capable of looking after your child?”

Aisling sighed. She shook her head. Finan loves that little girl, hell half the time we are together I feel like a third wheel the way Aoife laughs for him and he only has eyes for her. It does bring me comfort now because I know that she will be loved and looked after. If Finan is not too busy blaming himself for this mess up. “I know he is capable, I just worry that his heart will not be in it.”

“If he loves you as much as you keep saying, I am sure that he will find it in his heart to do so.”

“Lady Aisling,” Haesten said. Aisling was startled and turned to look at him. “Sigefrid wishes to see you.”

Aisling wiped her tears. She stood and took a deep breath. She mentally began to prepare herself to deal with Haesten. She did not trust him and it seemed he knew that. He was always trying to butter up to her or get on her good side. Aisling didn't like it and she certainly didn't like him. She saw Haesten smirking at her and a couple of Danes past him. She sighed and looked down at Erik. She nodded towards Aethelflaed.

“I can see how you care for her,” she said softly.

“I do not know what you speak of, lady,” Erik said.

Aisling smiled. “Ah huh, I know that look on your face but I will say no more.”

She walked away with Haesten leading the way. The other two Danes fell in behind her. She hated how the hair on the back of her neck stood up but she knew she needed to stay alert and on guard. She didn't trust these other Danes. Erik, yes, especially with how he was looking at Aethelflaed lately, and Sigefrid, she trusted him about as far as she could throw him, and she was loathe to admit that he was slowly growing on her. And I am never telling anyone that. But everyone else, she saw the way they looked at her. Like she was nothing to them and theirs to do with as they pleased. Rune, the seer, had taken to hiding in his rooms so he was no help. Erik and Sigefrid could only control the men so much. I doubt that if any of them tried something, that they could stop them. And I could not. She heard a noise and cleared her mind again. She focused on her surroundings. She felt her back straighten when she saw three more Danes come out of the tall grass. Haesten stopped. He turned around and smiled at her.

“We cannot have Aethelflaed but you-,” he started.

Aisling backed up to the first Dane behind her. She was not going to let them have her without a fight. She reached behind her as he went to grab her. She grabbed his dagger. She pulled it from the scabbard and stabbed him right under his arm as he reached for her. He screamed. She shoved him and he knocked the next Dane over. Haesten grabbed her and she kneed him in the groin. It slowed her down though, allowing another Dane to grab her and throw her on the ground. He kicked her in the stomach. Hard.

“Stop this!” Erik said as he ran over.

“We want her! We earned it!” A Dane yelled.

“You will curse yourselves! There will be no Valhalla!” Erik yelled. Aisling heard Aethelflaed's scream but it was faint.

Aisling cursed and blinked her eyes as another kick landed right in her stomach and pain erupted across her stomach and chest. She gripped the dagger tightly. All you need is a moment. One moment, and you use it. You shove that dagger into any part of the body and pull it out and do it again. And again. And again. You do it over and over until the bastard stops moving, Finan's voice echoed in her mind. She kept hold of the dagger determined that when the moment came, she would strike. 

“She is under Sigefrid and my protection!”

“And mine,” Aisling swore she was hearing things. She turned her head and saw a pair of feet. She followed them until she saw a head. “Hello, lille rød,” Ragnar said. His sword was against the Dane's, who had been kicking her, neck. "You back away," he said to the Dane. 

Aisling felt dizzy and the pain made it hard to breath. She blinked her eyes and wondered if she was seeing things because of the pain. She grabbed Ragnar when he kneeled down and gathered her in his arms. She reached up and patted his cheek.

“You're real,” she muttered before she passed out.

***

Finan followed Uhtred and Thyra into the palace. His fingers trembled and he held his hands in front of him to stop them from shaking. He stood in the hallway beside Uhtred. He could not help himself when Father Pyrlig opened the doors, he leaned forward and looked inside. It was a full. He leaned back and looked at Uhtred.

“Everyone is there, lord,” he said.

Uhtred nodded. He stood in front of the doors. Finan stood behind him and heard Uhtred take in a slow breath. The doors opened and Uhtred walked right into the room like he owned it. Finan and Thyra followed him and stepped aside by the doors. Finan looked at Uhtred and knew that the only hope of getting Aisling back was him. Let them hear him. Please.

“Lord,” Uhtred said as he stood in front of the king and queen. “Lady Aelswith,” Uhtred added. “I am here with news of Aethelflaed,” Uhtred said.

“And your cousin, as well,” Alfred said.

Finan closed his eyes for a moment. I am surprised Alfred even remembered her name. “Yes, and of Lady Aisling. They are both alive and well.”

“From the Northmen?” Aethelred asked.

“No, from my own spies. They are in Beamfleot. My men have seen your daughter with their own eyes. She is alive.”

“Praise him,” Lady Aelswith said.

“Praise him to the heavens,” Alfred added.

“The Danes have not made clear their demands,” an alderman said.

“They have been spreading news of their hostage,” Uhtred said.

But not of Aisling. Because to them she is just any other woman. And by the gods, they may have used her over and over because she is family to Uhtred. Please God no. Finan felt his hands shake worse. He held them in front of him thankful that all eyes were on Uhtred. He closed his eyes for a moment needing to control himself. He opened them and glanced at Thyra. She was watching him concern written all across her face and eyes. He gave her a small smile. She raised an eyebrow and gave him a hard look. How is it that Aisling and Thyra share no blood but they have the same angry annoyed look? Finan looked away from Thyra and focused on Uhtred and the Witan again. 

“Boasting about seizing a woman,” Aethelred said.

“Boasting about the great army her ransom will raise,” Uhtred pointed out.

“It is what I fear lord,” Odda said as he stood. “When their demands arrive, they will be considerable. As will be the consequences.”

Finan looked down. Aisling does not even matter to them. I do not know yet if it was a good thing she was taken with Aethelflaed or not. Alfred will do everything he can to save his daughter, but that also means we have to play by his rules to get Aisling back. I have never wished that I was still a prince more than at this very moment. If I announced who I truly was, would it save Aisling as well? Would Alfred suddenly care about her? Finan's hands shook. He squeezed them tight into fists. He would speak up and claim his crown once again if he thought that Alfred would actually care about helping him and Aisling. But he wouldn't. I would just be another pawn he'd use to get what he wanted. Like Uhtred. So no, I will stand here and let Uhtred deal with the king. I will not cause more problems. 

“I intend to recover my daughter,” Alfred's voice brought Finan back to the conversation.

“Regardless of the price, lord?” the Mercian alderman asked. “The Mercians are not wealthy, lord and-.”

“Wessex will pay it's fair price of silver and if it needs to, blood. I will do what needs to be done and if that means negotiate, I will negotiate,” Alfred said quickly.

“Lord, I would advise that you do not attend the negotiation,” Uhtred said. “The presence of a king and father would only serve to increase their price.”

“And Lady Aisling? How will you get her back?” Alfred asked Uhtred.

“Yes, Uhtred, how will you get your cousin back?” Aethelred asked.

Finan took a deep breath. Okay, I need to speak up. I am her husband, so it is up to me to get her back. “I will challenge Sigefrid to the square,” Finan said as he stepped forward. He walked over and stood just behind Uhtred.

“The square?” Lady Aelswith asked.

Finan bowed. He felt Uhtred's eyes on him. They had not talked about this but Finan knew it was the quickest and easiest way. “The square is where the Danes settle their differences, lady. Once we know the price that the brothers ask for Lady Aethelflaed, I would challenge Sigefrid to the square, to the death, with the winner getting Lady Aisling,” he said.

Silence echoed in the hall. Finan knew that none of the men present would ever do that for anyone. Most of them hate their wives. They wouldn't even do it for their children. “You love her that much?” Odda asked him, the surprise evident in his voice.

Finan nodded. “I love her more than I have loved anything else in my life. I will either leave with her, once we deliver the ransom, or I will die.”

“I pray God will be on your side,” Alfred said.

“As do I,” Lady Aelswith said.

Finan nodded. He stayed beside Uhtred. He felt's Uhtred's eyes glance at him. I am going to hear about this, the moment we leave the hall. And from Thyra as well no doubt.

“I am glad that this settles the matter of Lady Aisling, but who will negotiate on behalf of the king, if not the king?” the Mercian alderman asked.

Everyone began talking at once. Alfred called for silence. Finan saw him look at Aethelred. Oh yes, that is wonderful. Let us send the man who started this whole mess to clean it up. What could possibly go wrong?

“Aethelred,” Alfred said.

“Yes, lord,” Aethelred stood.

“It must be you. This is for Mercia to resolve. You must go to Beamfleot.”

“Of course, lord,” Aethelred whispered. Finan could not help the smirk that came on his face. Cat got your tongue there, O great lord of Mercia?

“And of course, there should be a representative of Wessex as well as the burden of your daughter is to be shared between the two kingdoms,” the alderman of Mercia said.

“I will suggest the Lord Uhtred represents Wessex. After all, his cousin is also being held. I doubt very much he would do anything to bring harm to her,” Odda said.

“Agreed,” Aethelwold said.

Finan felt the tension rise in the room. Alfred and Uhtred stared down one another. If Aisling was here, she would have no doubt said something completely inappropriate and ill timed but everyone would have laughed. Hell, maybe Alfred as well. Finan watched as Beocca stepped up close to Alfred.

“Forgive me, lord, but I do believe that he is your only choice,” Beocca said. What would Aisling say here? Oh, Beocca for the win! God, I miss her. 

“He is,” another voice echoed. Finan turned and saw a man who was a tad older than Alfred, but not as old as Odda stand. “He has dealt with these brothers before. Perhaps, this time Uhtred will learn from his past mistake.”

“Thank you, Lord Aethelhelm,” Odda said.

Finan looked away. Star's husband. Well, isn't this nice. He is going to get to home to his wife, who is possibly the worst human being on this wretched island, which is saying something since Aethelwold is right there, and I have to go back to an empty room tonight. How is that fair?

“Uhtred, you will accompany Aethelred,” Alfred finally said.

“I will do all I can, lord,” Uhtred answered. “Lady,” Uhtred bowed.

Finan did as well. He turned and followed Uhtred out of the hall. They walked out to the palace gates and went to grab their swords. Uhtred turned and glared at him. Thyra stood beside him and did the same.

“And just what were you thinking?” Uhtred demanded.

“The square? Aisling will never allow it,” Thyra said.

“If it gets her back home to Coccham, I do not care what she thinks about it,” Finan said.

“He will kill you,” Uhtred told him.

Finan looked at him. “Yes, well, if he has broken Aisling, than I am already dead.”

Finan walked off and Uhtred let him go. He rubbed his face and wiped his tears away. I will see her. I am going with Uhtred. I will see her and I will know. Please, let her be whole. Please let her be unharmed.

***

Aisling heard loud voices. She moaned and opened her eyes. She frowned when she saw a staircase and a chandelier with candles on it above her. She blinked as Ragnar's face came into view. She reached up and placed her hand on his cheek. He smiled and held her hand. The pain was constant but she could breath and as long as she didn't move, it didn't hurt. 

“You are really here,” she said.

“I am,” he looked at her, “but that is about the sixth time you have said that.”

“She is fine,” Sigefrid said. Aisling frowned at the tone of his voice. Is that worry and concern I hear? No, do not give into it.

Aisling winced as she pushed herself up. She groaned as the pain seemed to spread and rip right across her chest stealing the air she was trying to breathe in. She closed her eyes and took a moment. She felt Ragnar grab her arms and pull her up so she was sitting. She looked around the room. She groaned.

“Where is Aethelflaed?” she asked.

“In her room, safe,” Erik said.

“And why am I here?” she asked. She looked down and saw that her leather vest was gone and she was in a new shift. “And who dared take my clothing off?” she demanded as she pulled the blanket up around her more.

“I did, lille rød,” Ragnar told her. “Your ribs needed to be mended.”

Aisling looked at him. He gave her a smile. She rested her forehead on his shoulder. She felt his hand rubbing her back. All the emotion she had been pushing back, her fear, her anger, her worry broke to the surface and flooded her. The tears and sobs she had been holding back finally came out. She felt him hold her tighter. He was not Uhtred or Finan, but he was family. He was family and he was here. She didn't know how but he was. She wrapped her arms around his middle and buried her face in his neck and sobbed. 

“Get out,” he ordered at the brothers.

“But it is my room,” Sigefrid said.

“I do not care. Get out," Ragnar's voice was firm and filled with anger. Aisling heard the brothers' footsteps leaving the room and a door slamming. 

Aisling sobbed in Ragnar's neck past caring about the brothers. She barely cared about Aethelflaed. All she cared about at the moment was her pain. Oh god, it was too close. How did it get so close? I fought and I tried but if Ragnar would not have shown up? I would have been raped. I should have stayed in Coccham. What the hell was I thinking? I am not a warrior. I am not a warrior.

“Yes, you are,” Ragnar said. Aisling realized she had said the last part out loud. “You are a warrior. You fought.”

“I would have lost,” she admitted.

Ragnar pulled away. He cupped her face in his hands and rested his forehead against hers. “I am going to agree to join their army in return for your release.”

“No, Ragnar you cannot-.”

“I can and I will. I know that Uhtred will no doubt be trying to get you out but Alfred cares only about his daughter. Uhtred does not have gold or silver and I do not have that much of it either. But I have men, and a fortress.”

Aisling shook her head. “You would become an enemy of Alfred and he will send Uhtred after you. I will not lose what little family I have gained. I will not be the reason we splinter.”

“And I will not allow you to die here,” Ragnar wiped her tears away. “I can see the brightness and the warmth dying in you, Aisling. It has only been days but you are not you.”

Aisling looked at him. “How did you know I was here?”

“I was doing trade about two days ride from here. Word reached the village about the brothers capturing the king's daughter and another lady, one related to the Dane-Slayer. I knew it was either Thyra or you. I rode here at once,” Ragnar kissed her forehead. “And I am glad I did.”

Aisling nodded. “So am I. But I cannot have you agree to join with the brothers for me. And I cannot leave Aethelflaed behind.”

“Yes, you can,” the lady in question said as she walked in the room. “I am sorry, I did not mean to intrude but I wished to see that you are well for myself.”

Aisling nodded. “Ragnar, could you-.”

Ragnar nodded. “I will get you some food and find you some clean pants,” he said as he let go of her and stood. He nodded at Aethelflaed and left the room.

Aisling smiled when Aethelflaed walked over and sat on the side of the bed. Aisling welcomed the other woman's arms around her. She winced and pulled away wrapping an arm around her ribs.

“How long have I been out?” she asked softly.

“Two days,” Aethelflaed answered. Aisling smiled as Aethelflaed reached out and stroked her hair gently. “And you will allow Ragnar to save you. I cannot have you here and getting harmed. I will not allow it.”

Aisling raised an eyebrow. “But I am supposed to be all right with leaving you behind?” she asked.

“I will be fine,” Aethelflaed said. “I will be with Erik.”

Aisling pushed the furs off the bed and swung her legs over the edge. “I'm sorry, what?” she asked as she slowly stood. She cursed at the pain it caused but she was determined to get up and walk around. She took two steps but turned right back around and sat on the bed. It hurt too much just yet. 

Aethelflaed looked at Aisling. “I wish to be with Erik.”

Aisling tilted her head. “Like... As in married to him and have his babies and be pagan?” she asked.

Aethelflaed smiled. “Perhaps not the pagan part but everything else, yes.”

Aisling rubbed her head. “No, I must have been out for months. This makes like zero sense.”

“I love him.”

“You are married,” Aisling said. She frowned. “I mean, I get it, your husband is a burning dumpster fire but you are still married. And your father, that man is never going to let you marry a Dane,” Aisling took Aethelflaed's hands in hers. “I know you wish to follow your heart but you cannot. You will not be allowed to.”

“I can and I will. Uhtred will help me.”

Oh god, he probably will. That man will see that it will piss off Alfred and he will do it. “Uhtred cannot help you.”

“He can and he will. Once you are back with him. So, you will allow Ragnar to help you and you will leave me behind. You will go home to your husband and your daughter.”

The door to the room opened. Ragnar stood there and smiled at her. “Your husband has arrived,” he smirked. “Please tell me you married Finan.”

“She did,” Aethelflaed said. “And she has a daughter.”

“A baby?” Ragnar said.

Aisling groaned and fell back on the bed. She stared at the ceiling. “I don't want you to have to go to war for me,” she said not facing him.

“I know. But you see, I am going to go and speak to Uhtred and Finan, and we both know that they will not care about dragging me into a war. After all, I am not half as pretty as you.”

Aisling closed her eyes and snorted. “Bring Finan to me here. I don't think I can make it down the stairs.”

“Well do,” Ragnar looked at Aethelflaed. “Your husband is also here,” Aisling opened her eyes and smiled when she saw the look on Ragnar's face. Looks like someone else clearly does not like Lord Bread Pudding Boy. 

Aethelflaed sighed. “Then it is time I go. Remember what I said,” she told Aisling. Aisling smiled when Aethelflaed took her hand and gave it a squeeze before standing and walking towards the door. 

Aisling watched as they left. She turned back and stared at the ceiling again. She closed her eyes and let more tears fall. I can't let Ragnar do this for me. But Uhtred and Finan will. And maybe they are right. I should just go if the opportunity comes. Then I could live to fight another day. It is not quitting. It is realizing that I need more time to heal.

***

Finan could not bring himself to care for much for what was being said by Uhtred and the brothers. It was all about Aethelflaed. He saw her in the square but not Aisling. He felt Osferth pat his arm. Finan turned and saw where Osferth was pointing. Sihtric stood there looking at them. He nodded. Finan moved and walked over to Sihtric with Osferth following him. The brothers must have saw but they said nothing. And Aldhelm said nothing as he had more important things to worry about, like a big Dane punching out Aethelred.

Finan walked over to where Sihtric was and was shocked to see Ragnar leaning against a post. “I have agreed to join the brothers army in exchange for Aisling's freedom. She hates the plan but she needs to be out of here.”

Finan felt his hands shake. “Was she...”

“No,” Ragnar said firmly. “She was kicked and has hurt ribs, but otherwise she is fine. Come, she wishes to see you.”

Finan didn't need to be told twice. He followed Ragnar up the backstairs and to the second floor of the hall. He heard Sihtric and Osferth standing by the stairs keeping watch. He followed Ragnar to a door and Ragnar opened it and shoved him in. The door closed behind him.

Finan looked at Aisling sitting on the bed. She looked up and met his eyes and he forgot to breathe. He saw the tears come to her eyes and he moved. He made it to the bed in three strides. He fell to his knees and wrapped his arms around Aisling. She buried her face in his neck. He closed his eyes and held her close. For several moments, nothing was said between them. They just held each other and began to breathe as one. 

“Tell me you are all right,” he said softly.

“I am now,” she sobbed. She pulled away and cupped his face in her hands. He opened his eyes and looked into hers. “Is Aoife okay? I was worried and-.”

He kissed her. He ran his hands down her back and around to her sides. He gently stroked and pressed her sides. She winced and pulled away from the kiss. He sat back on his heels and gently pulled up her shift. He noticed that it was not the shift that he had last seen her in. He saw her ribs were wrapped. Aisling took his arms.

“I killed one of them,” she said.

He closed his eyes and cursed. “Aisling-.”

“They didn't rape me, Finan,” she told him pressing a hand to his chest. His eyes opened as the moment she did, the Celtic cross stopped burning on his skin. “Sigefrid wanted me to fall in love with him. And the seer here told them I was under Freyja's protection, but you know, Danes want what they want and a few of them went after me, but like I said I killed one and got another one down and,” she stopped talking and looked at him. “Why aren't you stopping me? Usually by now, I could expect a hand on my mouth and you telling me to calm down and breathe.”

Finan's eyes filled with tears. He felt her wipe them away. “I missed hearing your voice, Aisling. I missed touching you,” he said as he pressed his hand to her cheek. “I ached for you.”

“I was so scared for you,” she told him. “I made you a promise and-.”

“I love you, wife,” he said kissing her again.

“And I love you,” she said.

Finan held her close, or as close as he could with her injuries. He heard the door open. He turned and saw Uhtred walk in. He pulled away from Aisling.

“So, you could not wait for me, could you?” Uhtred said smiling. “You had to involve Ragnar.”

“Ragnar involved himself. I take it you are here for Aethelflaed's ransom.”

Finan stood. Uhtred walked into the room and over to the bed. He sat on the side of it and pulled Aisling in his arms. Finan saw Aisling wince. Uhtred pulled away and pressed his forehead against hers. Finan caught Uhtred's hand trembling before he placed it on Aisling's cheek. Finan heard him mutter something in Danish but it was too quick for him to catch what it was.

“You will allow Ragnar to make the deal,” Uhtred told her.

“I cannot. I will not drag Ragnar into this war.”

“You can and you will,” Finan said. She looked up and met his eyes. “We need you home. I cannot play nice to baby monk any longer than I already have.”

She smiled. “Osferth, he is here,” she said.

“Really? We worry about you, your husband offers to challenge Sigefrid to the square in front of King Alfred, and all you care about is Osferth?” Uhtred looked at her. He pressed a hand to her forehead. “Are you ill?”

Finan smiled slightly as she smacked his hand away. “I am fine,” she winced and held her ribs. “All right, maybe not fine,” she shoved him. “Now, go back to your meeting. It is for nothing, by the way.”

“Why?” Finan and Uhtred said.

Aisling waved them close. “Erik and her are in love. She wants to be with him.”

“You are lying,” Uhtred said.

“Really?” Finan asked. He thought about it. “I mean, he is a better choice than Aethelred.”

“He is,” Aisling said. “But it can't happen, but Aethelflaed,” she looked at Uhtred. “You are her hero, Uhtred. She is going to drag you into this. So,” she cursed a bunch of curses in Irish, Danish and English. “I will let Ragnar make the deal and I will leave here with him after you are gone. I will meet you back in Winchester. And together, we will figure out a way to save Aethelflaed and give her what she wants. It is the least I can do for her. She, she has been so kind to me and she also told me to allow Ragnar to help me. So, we need to help her.”

“We could make her a widow,” Finan suggested.

He saw Aisling look at him. She raised an eyebrow and glared at him. I have actually missed that look. She is annoyed and I have missed her being annoyed at me. God, I love her. “Really? Where was this suggestion a month ago when Uhtred and I were plotting to get rid of him? Huh, you were all, 'no, we cannot kill him'. Now, you're all for it. What changed?” she asked.

Finan looked into her blue eyes. He let her see the pain and hurt in his eyes. He needed her to know that he had not been himself without her. “I lost you because of his arrogance and stupidity. So, he can die. I will end him myself.”

He saw Aisling look at him. He saw pain and worry reflected in her eyes. He saw her blink away tears. “I miss your real smile, Finan,” she said softly. 

He leaned in and kissed her head. “I will smile again when you are free by my side,” he said. He pulled away but kept his hand in her hair. He stroked it gently. 

“I need to go back,” Uhtred said. He pressed a kiss to Aisling's head. “You stay safe.”

“I am related to you,” Aisling answered, “I was never going to be safe.”

Uhtred walked away and left the room. Finan sat back beside Aisling. He pulled her in his arms. She rested her head on his chest. He gently rubbed her back and side. He also stroked her hair. He needed to constantly touch her and just hold her. 

“Won't Uhtred need you?” she asked him softly.

“No, he has Pyrlig and baby monk. I need to hold you,” Finan said kissing her head. “I do not think I will be able to leave without you.”

“You can and you will,” she said softly. “Ragnar will get me out of here. Plus, I cannot ride right now.”

Finan closed his eyes. “Aoife misses you. She does not sleep as easily now and she looked around for you. Thyra came to Coccham with us and-.”

“Thyra was all right? She was not hurt?”

“No, she was all right. She hid herself away,” Finan rubbed her back. “Aoife thought she was you. But the moment Thyra held her, she knew and she began crying until I took her back.”

He felt Aisling grip his tunic tight. “Next time, I ride into battle beside you,” she said softly.

“Next time you stay home,” he replied holding her closer.

“Hmm,” she looked up and met his eyes. “I think we should discuss this more when I am free and feeling stronger.”

“Hmm, we will not be discussing anything. I am finally putting my foot down. You wife, are staying at home, pregnant.”

He watched as Aisling moved up. She kissed him on the neck. “Please tell me you have been nice to Osferth,” she changed the subject.

Finan kissed her cheek. “I have adopted him as well.”

She smiled. She smiled and the pain and hurt lifted from her eyes and the love shone through.Thank you, God. There she is. There is the woman I fell in love with and married. He kissed her nose. “Rest. I wish to hold you close.”

“And I wish you to hold me,” she answered as she nuzzled her face in his neck. “I need you right now.”

“And I need you.”

He rested his back against the wall and held his wife in his arms. He looked down at her and watched as she fell asleep in his arms. He closed his eyes. The peace he had not felt since she was taken was back. He could feel it again. Just holding her in his arms and feeling her body against his brought him that peace. He felt whole and loved again. Please let the brothers take Ragnar's offer. Please let them let her go. I need her close. I need her safe. I just need her. 

Chapter Text

Aisling did the last button on her vest. She closed her eyes and could still feel Finan's arms around her. It had been two days since he had left with Uhtred and the others. She was still in pain but she was not staying here a moment longer. The brothers, with Erik urging Sigefrid to agree, had taken Ragnar's offer. Ragnar had agreed to return with his army after the second delivery of the metal was made and he would join the brothers in destroying Wessex. It doesn't happen that way, though. Not at all. She heard the door open behind her. She turned and saw Sigefrid leaning in the doorway.

“Apparently your husband was going to challenge me to the square,” he said smirking.

Aisling tossed her hair over her shoulder. She walked towards him holding her ribs. “He was until Ragnar showed up.”

Sigefrid looked at her. She could see the want in his eyes.“I could always change my mind.”

“And Ragnar could always join Alfred in battle,” Aisling said.

She went to walk past him. Sigefrid grabbed her arm. She stopped and looked at him. “Rune says you radiate the power of the gods. He has never seen so much power in a woman who was never pledged to the gods in sacrifice,” his voice held such awe in it. Aisling could see in his eyes that he wanted her to stay; he wanted her. He wants to know me and know my soul. He's so different from Finan. Sigefrid wishes to consume me and have me become a part of him. But Finan, Finan wishes to stand beside me and me beside him.

Aisling took Sigefrid's hand and pulled it from her arm. “Then perhaps you should listen to me,” she leaned in close, “let her go. You will lose everything and all you hold dear if you hold on to her. This place will burn to the ground and you will have nothing.” Why am I warning him? Why? Have I really started to care about him? In some small tiny way, do I like him? No, I can't. He is the enemy and I cannot afford to like him. Uhtred is probably going to kill him. And he will deserve it. 

Sigefrid turned and kissed her. She tried to push him away but he held her tight. His kiss was all consuming. She could not move her lips and his tongue and teeth licked and nipped at her lips to let him in. He was in control and he would not let it go. She slammed her hand on his chest and he finally let her go some. Aisling pulled her head back and looked at him. He smiled. “I will hold her because she is my army and Alfred's defeat.”

Aisling sighed. “You believe her to be,” she wiped her mouth and looked at him, “you will be your own defeat.”

Aisling walked past him and out of the room. She walked down the stairs and out of the hall. She found Ragnar waiting for her with a horse. She climbed on it and hated how her ribs ached. She sat still and looked at Ragnar. She nodded towards him. He gave her a look and she swore that he could tell something was wrong, that something had happened. She shook her head not wanting to get into there, if ever. I won't tell anyone Sigefrid kissed me. No one needs to know. It meant nothing to me. Nothing at all. 

“Let's get out of here before they change their minds,” she said.

Ragnar nodded. He mounted his horse. Aisling turned and saw Aethelflaed standing by Erik. She nodded to the lady. Aethelflaed smiled and nodded back. Ragnar began riding and Aisling followed. Once they were out of the gates, both of them nudged their horses into a gallop. Aisling wrapped an arm around her ribs. She felt pain but she was not going to tell Ragnar to stop. She was going to get as far away from Beamfleot as she could before they stopped. It did not matter if Ragnar had to tie her to her horse. She was going back to her family. She was going back to her husband. 

I'm coming home, Finan.

***

Finan rubbed his face. He looked at the bed and smiled. Osferth was lying beside Odda on one side and Clapa was on the other side. Well, I very much doubt Odda will be going anywhere without at least one of them noticing. Finan turned when he heard Uhtred step in the doorway. He motioned him out. Finan stood from the chair and walked out the door. He pulled it closed behind him and stood on the stoop with Uhtred. He frowned when Uhtred smirked.

“What exactly are you smiling about?” Finan asked.

“You are needed at Thyra's,” Uhtred said.

Finan frowned. “Why?”

Uhtred grabbed him by the shoulders. He looked into Finan's eyes. “How many days has it been since we were at Beamfleot?” Uhtred asked.

“Four,” Finan said.

Uhtred nodded. “And how long does it take to ride from here in Winchester to Beamfleot?”

Finan frowned. “Did you really bring me out here to ask me this? Shouldn't you know this?”

He watched as Uhtred shook his head. “You are an idiot,” he said smiling.

Finan stared at him. “And now you are insulting me. I cannot wait for Aisling to get back, you are nice to me when she's around.” Uhtred stared at him. Finan was confused. Uhtred cursed in Danish and then grabbed Finan's left hand and showed him the Claddagh ring. Finan looked at it than looked at Uhtred. “You want jewellery?”

“Your wife is here you complete and utter fool,” Uhtred finally said in Danish. “I swear, I distinctly remember you being smarter than this when we first met,” he added in English.

Finan stood there shocked. He didn't move. It worked. Ragnar got her out. She is here. She is back. He looked at Uhtred. “She's here? You've seen her?” Finan asked. He wanted to believe it but it still felt too good to be true. That Aisling had gotten out of there and was back.

Uhtred nodded. “I saw her. Ragnar dropped her here and is headed to Coccham. He will join us to help Aethelflaed,” Uhtred said.

Finan frowned. “Why?”

Uhtred sighed. “Because Aisling is determined to join us as well.”

Finan cursed. “She just got out!”

Uhtred nodded. He patted Finan on the shoulder. “That is your problem. I am not getting involved in that. Go to her, Thyra and Beocca are not home, I made sure of that, so go welcome your wife back.”

Finan nodded. He walked away from Uhtred and Odda's house and through the streets of Winchester. He felt his heart beating faster and harder. He pressed his hand to his chest, where Aisling's Serpent-Breath necklace still was. She had not wanted it back at Beamfleot. He would be able to give it back to her along with her ring. He could slid it back on her finger; and this time it had better stay there.

He turned the corner and saw Thyra's house. His pace quickened. He pushed open the gate and let it bang closed behind him. He made it to the door in two strides and pushed it open. He walked in and took the time to close the door and bar it behind him. He turned and saw Aisling leaning against the fireplace smiling at him.

“Husband,” she whispered as she walked towards him.

He smiled. “Wife,” he answered.

He wrapped his arms around her waist and lifted her up. He smiled and buried his face in her neck as she wrapped her arms around his neck. He swung her around and held her close to him. He placed her on her feet but kept her in his arms. He felt Aisling holding him close as well. He kissed her head and pulled away to look at her.

“How could you get even more beautiful?” he asked as he cupped her face in his hands.

She smiled. “It's the dirt and sweat from the road,” she said.

Finan smiled wider. He kissed her. He felt the tears come to his eyes. He pulled away and rested his forehead against hers. He felt her hands take his tunic in her hands. His thumbs brushed her cheeks as he stood there in the moment with her.

“You're home,” he whispered.

“I am,” Aisling whispered back. “And we still have clothes on,” she smiled, “are we getting to be that old married couple that no longer desire each other?”

This woman. God, she is perfect. “We haven't even been married a year,” he answered. He dropped his hands and grabbed her ass. She laughed and he smiled. He moved his head and began kissing her neck and nipping it. He pulled her body closer to his. “And even if we were that old married couple, I would still not be able to keep my hands off of you,” he whispered in her ear.

“Hmm,” Aisling's hands ran up his back. “I feel the same way. So, how about we put that bed Thyra has for me to good use?”

Finan smiled. “Yes, let's,” he pulled away and took her hand. “Lead the way, love.”

Aisling smiled and walked out of the main room into the side room where Thyra had a small cot. Finan closed the door to the room behind him and leaned against it. He watched as Aisling walked over to the cot and sat on it. She winced and held her ribs for a moment. He walked over to her and kneeled in front of her.

“Maybe we should just rest,” he said as he pulled her boots off.

Aisling sighed. “I want to argue with you, but my ribs are screaming at me.”

Finan nodded. “Then let's get you undressed and in bed to rest.”

She cupped his face in her hands. “But I miss your touch.”

Fuck. All the blood rushed to his cock. He rested his hands on her thighs and leaned in. He kissed her deeply. She stroked his cheeks with her thumbs and kissed him back. He ran his hands up her thighs to her sides. He pulled away and smiled at her.

“I promise you, love, I will be touching you,” he said.

Aisling groaned. “I missed that damn accent.”

He smiled. He reached out and slowly started undoing the buttons on her vest. He undid two and saw the bandages on her chest. He took a slow breath in and out. His hands shook. He felt Aisling take them and hold them. He shook his head and gave her a smile.

“I don't know why I'm,” he stopped.

“I know,” she whispered. “Because it reminds you how you weren't there to protect me and your hate it.”

Finan met her eyes. He nodded. “That's it,” he squeezed her hands. “You know me so well.”

She smiled. “You're my husband, I should.”

“No, it's,” Finan sighed. He looked in her eyes. “You put what I am feeling and thinking into words when I can't. I've never had that before, Aisling. I have never been able to look at a woman and have her just know how I was feeling or thinking. I have never loved that deep before. Not until you.”

He saw the tears come to her eyes. She blinked them away and shook her head. “Well,” she said with a soft smile. “We have been here a few times already.”

He laughed. “Ah, yes, time is a circle.”

Aisling nodded. She let go of his hands and finished undoing the buttons on her vest. She shrugged it off. Finan took it from her and tossed it aside. He stood and pulled off his sword belt and leather tunic. He tossed both aside. He pulled off his tunic and tossed it aside as well. Aisling stood and placed her hand over the Serpent-Breath necklace as it hung on his chest.

“It looks good on you,” she said softly.

“It's yours,” he said. He pulled it off gently. She took it and opened the clasp. She pulled off the Claddagh ring and handed it to him. She did up the clasp again and pulled the necklace on. She held out her left hand. He turned the ring with the heart inwards. He looked into her eyes as he slid the ring back on her finger. “This ring symbolizes my promise of everlasting love and loyalty,” he took her hand and kissed it, “and it better stay on this finger now.”

Aisling laughed. She placed her hands on his chest and gently stroked the hair there and his skin. “I can't make any promises,” she answered.

Finan raised an eyebrow. “Oh? You can't?”

He wrapped his arms around her and dumped her back on the bed. He tickled her and she laughed and laughed until tears came. Finan held her close and cherished every echo her laughter caused in the room. She is back. She is by my side again and everything will be alright.

***

Aisling stood in front of Aethelflaed and slashed her sword at the Dane that raced towards them. She grabbed the dagger on his belt and threw it, hitting another Dane in the arm causing him to drop his sword. Aethelflaed screamed and Aisling ducked, the axe narrowly missing her head. Aisling felt her heart pounding in her chest and she was sure that at any moment she was going to drop dead right there from a heart attack. 

“Oh, I think I have found my future wife!” Sigefrid laughed as he rode by on horseback.

Aisling turned and slammed her sword into the shield of a Dane that came towards her. She heard Aethelflaed scream again but she was not giving up the fight.

“I will kill you!” she screamed pulling her sword back and slamming it over and over into his shield. She was breathing heavy and her head pounding along with her heart. She was terrified and felt so damn alive at the same time. 

“AISLING!” Aethelflaed screamed.

Aisling turned and another Dane with a shield slammed right into her face. It knocked her down and she lost grip of her sword. Her ears began to ring and she blinked her eyes as for a moment the world went fuzzy and tilted. The moment she was down, the Danes surrounded her. One grabbed her arms and another began undoing her trousers.

“NO!” she screamed as she began kicking as she became aware of what was happening. She would not let them do this her. NO SHE WOULD NOT!

“NO!”

“AISLING!” Finan yelled.

“Finan?” she asked.

She was jolted awake. She jumped up and held her ribs. She turned and saw Finan standing by the cot, holding his hands up. She saw the fear and panic on his face. For several moments, she forgot where she was. Her heart was pounding and she could hear it in her ears. She pressed a hand to her chest over it fearing that it may break right out. 

“Aisling,” Finan whispered softly. “You are in Winchester, in Thyra's home.” Aisling closed her eyes. She raked a hand through her hair hating how her hand shook. She took slow breaths. In and out. In and out. Her heart began to slow and she could no longer hear it pounding in her ears. She felt Finan take her hand in his and he sat on the cot beside her. “Love, what were you dreaming of?” his question was soft but measured.

Aisling shook her head. She pulled her hand away slowly. She opened her eyes and looked at Finan. She fought hard to keep the tears from forming or falling. “It's nothing,” she answered. I can't tell him. He already blames himself for what happened. I can't tell him what my nightmare was about.

Finan cursed. “You can't lie to me.”

“Well, I can't tell you the truth,” she snapped.

She turned her back towards him and laid on her side. She hated how the tears she had moments ago fought so hard to stop came to her eyes. She felt Finan lay on the cot behind her. He laid on his back, taking up most of the cot. She moved over and winced as pain shot across her stomach and chest. She closed her eyes and held her ribs tight wishing for just a moment the pain would stop so she could breathe properly. She heard him curse in Irish. She opened her eyes and stared into the darkness of the room. The only dim light came from fireplace in the other room. It created more shadows than it did light. 

“We promised no secrets and that we wouldn't go to bed angry,” he said.

“Those were rules for us in our own home. This is not our home,” she said.

“You are being childish.”

“I am being practical.”

“Practical? I am your husband, and I have first hand knowledge of nightmares. I have had many of my own. You know about them. You can talk to me.”

Aisling sighed. “I can't, Finan. My nightmares are of something you would blame yourself for.”

Finan was quiet. “You being taken,” he answered.

Aisling closed her eyes. “I killed three of them, Finan. But there were too many and,” she cursed. “They got me down and,” she stopped. “Sigefrid claimed me as his prize, otherwise...” She listened to Finan's breathing. He didn't touch her or say anything. “You blame yourself for me even being there. It was not your fault, Finan. I want to be fighting by your side.”

“You don't need to,” he said quickly.

Aisling opened her eyes. “You know, Matilda, The Lady of the English, I mentioned once before?”

“Yeah.”

“My mother's mother was named after her. Well, Matilda, she was the Holy Roman Empress, and ruled her son's duchy in his name. She was a strong powerful woman. Do you know what is written on her tomb? This great woman of history?”

“Tell me,” Finan whispered.

“'Great by birth, greater by marriage, greatest in her offspring: here lies the daughter, wife, and mother of Henry',” Aisling snorted, “it's more about the men around her than her. That is what this time remembers of women; who they married, who they birthed and who their fathers are.”

Finan was quiet. “And what does this have to do with you fighting?”

Aisling gripped the pillow tight. “I don't want to be remembered by who I married or who I gave birth to. I want to be remembered for being, well, me. And,” she paused. “We have a daughter, Finan. I want her to see me being a warrior. I want her to know that she does not need to be someone's wife or mother to be whole. She can choose whichever path she wishes.”

She wiped her tears away. She heard Finan breathing. She waited for what felt like an eternity but in fact only moments had past. She cried when Finan wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her close to him. She felt his chest against her back. She took his hand and held it tight to her chest.

“Aoife is the best of both of us, Aisling. I very much doubt any man is going to outshine her,” he kissed her neck. “Especially not once she is old enough for me to teach her how to handle a sword and shield.”

Aisling smiled. She rolled over and faced him. She felt his hand on her back after rubbing it and pulling her closer. “So, you are planning on teaching her how to fight?” she said.

Finan snorted. “She is going to be as beautiful as you, I have no doubt, so she is going to need to know how to beat the boys away.”

Aisling looked at him. “It wasn't your fault,” she told him as she reached out and stroked his cheek.

Finan's brown eyes looked into her blue ones. “You should have been beside me,” he said softly.

She shook her head. “I very much doubt Uhtred would have allowed that.”

“You are my wife,” Finan said pulling her closer, “where you go is my concern, not Uhtred's.”

Aisling kissed him. She wrapped her arms around his neck and laughed when he pulled her on top of him as he laid on his back. She pulled away from the kiss when his hands ran down to her ass and grabbed both cheeks. She ran her fingers through his beard.

“I was scared I would never be with you like this again,” she admitted.

Finan nodded. She smiled when he squeezed her butt cheeks. “So did I. But I forgot one important thing.”

“And what's that?” Aisling asked.

Finan leaned in. His lips ghosted hers. “Our love impressed a goddess, Aisling. She saw us, and our love, and made sure that we would always find each other, over and over. I know that a love like that is not fated to end anytime soon,” he kissed her deeply. “even if I have a very stubborn wife who insists on going where she should not be,” he kissed her again.

Aisling smiled against his lips. “Oh? I'm the stubborn one?”

“Most definitely,” Finan answered. Aisling moaned when one of his hands slipped in between her thighs and brushed her folds. “I'm easy going and a joy to deal with.”

Aisling snorted. She ran her hands down to his nipples and pinched them. “A joy? That's a bit much.”

Finan smirked. “I think it's accurate.”

Aisling moaned his name as she felt him slip a finger inside of her. She kissed him deeply. Her hands stroked the skin on his chest and sides. She pulled away from the kiss and pushed herself up. She sighed in annoyance when the bandage around her ribs came undone. She pulled it off feeling Finan's hands helping. She tossed it aside. She looked down and saw Finan's eyes on her chest and stomach. She looked down and saw the bruises; one under her right breast and another one wrapping around her right side. Finan gently placed his hand on the one that wrapped around her side. She winced a bit but held his hand there when he went to pull it away.

“I survived,” she told him.

“Please tell me the man who did this is still alive so I can kill him,” Finan said his fingers stroked her skin.

Aisling shrugged. “I didn't ask but when we go to help Erik and Aethelflaed escape, I will point him out if I see him.”

Finan sat up and kissed the bruise under her breast. “Or I could ask Ragnar.”

Aisling shook her head. “I am going with you.”

“You are clearly still injured.”

“I made Aethelflaed a promise.”

“And I made our daughter one.”

Aisling cupped his face in her hands. “I can do this,” she told him.

She hated how Finan closed his eyes and cursed. He took her hands in his. He opened his eyes and pressed a kiss in each of her palms. “I need some air,” he said gently removing her from his lap.

“Finan, I thought we promised not to walk out on a fight,” she said as he climbed off of the cot and grabbed his trousers.

“This isn't a fight, Aisling,” he said looking at her. “You are coming with us. I will not stop you. I just,” he shook his head. “I wish you would realize your limitations.”

Aisling looked at him. “Are you trying to guilt me into staying behind?”

Finan pulled his trousers on. “I am trying to get you to see that right now, you are in no condition to come with us.”

“Osferth can barely fight but Uhtred is going to take him,” Aisling said.

“You don't know that.”

“Oh really?” Aisling pulled the furs around her. “If Osferth goes, I go.”

“And just why exactly are you so intent on protecting this, baby monk?” Finan demanded. “Why?”

Aisling looked at Finan. The passage from a scroll fragment that had been found in an old church in York came back to her. It was because for the age of the scroll, it was well preserved. The bastard son of the dead King Alfred and former monk, Osferth, working alongside Lord Uhtred's other healer, managed to save the lord's life along with that of his second in command when both fell victim to the foul acts of a foreign king from and that was it. Aisling did not know who the king was, where he was from, or when it happened. She also didn't know why the scroll had been in York and not Bebbanburg or Winchester. She just knew that Osferth saved Uhtred and Finan.

“He saves your life and that of Uhtred's,” she told him softly. “You are never mentioned by name in the family history but you are everywhere in them, Finan. I never thought about it before but wherever Uhtred goes, you go. You, Clapa, Sihtric and then Osferth. You may never get named, and you are mentioned maybe a handful of times as Uhtred's second in command, but you are there in them. All the battles, skirmishes,” she paused, “death.”

She saw Finan's eyes on her. He stared at her. “Aisling, love, how much do you know?” he whispered.

She looked away. “Too much sometimes,” she answered softly. “And not enough when it counts.”

Finan stood there. He nodded. “So, that is why you were happy to see Osferth. You knew he would be important to us.”

She nodded. “He is family. As is Sihtric. And Clapa. And Hild,” she looked at him. “And you. Yes, not all of your names appear and you all are certainly not mentioned near enough, but you are there,” she hugged herself. “I know I am hurt, Finan, but I also happen to know the layout of Beamfleot, it's hall, and the brothers better than you or Uhtred. I am an asset and that is why I want to go. I believe I can help; you, Uhtred, and Aethelflaed. Plus, I know the history of it and what happens.”

“You said it burns,” Finan answered.

Aisling nodded. “It does. And I think I know why.”

She watched. Finan shook his head. “I'm going to go speak to Uhtred,” was all he said. He grabbed his tunic and sword belt and armour from the floor.

Aisling closed her eyes. “Finan,” she said softly. “You are my everything,” she opened her eyes and saw him standing in the doorway of the room. “And you will always have me. I came back to you. I always will,” she whispered.

Aisling laid back down on the cot. She turned with her back towards Finan and the door. She closed her eyes as she heard him walk out and towards the main room. She cursed as tears rolled down her cheeks. I guess me being back doesn't make it all magically better. I still have that fear and pain from being taken. And god, I can't talk about it or fix it right now. We need to get Aethelflaed and help her and Erik.

Aisling cried herself to sleep wondering if coming back had been the right choice after all.

***

“OW!” Finan said as Clapa slapped him on the back of the head. “And just what the hell was that for?!” he demanded as he turned and looked at him.

“You are an idiot,” was all Clapa said.

Finan looked at Uhtred and Sihtric, who had arrived in the wee hours of the morning with the note from Erik and Aethelflaed. Finan had just finished venting about Aisling and how he thought she was crazy for wanting to go back in and how he had needed to get some air. And all right, maybe he instead ended up at the alehouse drinking.

“You cannot tell me that you both agree with her,” he waved at them. He noticed that Osferth was very silent beside him.

“I never doubted for a moment she would be with us,” Uhtred answered.

Finan looked at Sihtric. “Sihtric,” he said.

The other man bit his lip. He sighed. “Finan, I don't think you, ah, understand. Lady Aethelflaed and her, they bonded. They shared the room together, they would go to bath together. The only time that they were not together is when Sigefrid would have Aisling brought out to dine with him and Erik,” Finan growled at the thought of that but Sihtric went on, “I am surprised that Aisling left her there alone period. It should not shock you that she wishes to go back and help.”

“I doubt Aethelflaed would do the same if the roles had been reversed,” Finan muttered.

“Perhaps it is not about Lady Aethelflaed at all,” Osferth said. Finan looked at him. “Maybe it is about Lady-.”

“Don't,” Sihtric said. “Don't call her lady, she will hit you so hard, you will still feel a day later.”

Osferth nodded. “Maybe it is about Aisling herself. Maybe she feels like she needs to go back and finish this with the brothers. They took her, well Sigefrid, so perhaps she needs to look him in the eyes and finish it once and for all.”

Finan stared at him. He turned and looked at Uhtred. He pointed his thumb at the former monk. “How is it that this baby monk has known Aisling a matter of minutes and he came up with that, and I've known her a year and more, and I couldn't see it?”

“Because you are an idiot,” Clapa said.

Uhtred nodded slightly. Finan glared at him but all he did was shrug. “He is right, you are an idiot.”

“It could be about love as well,” Osferth suggested. “Like Father Pyrlig was saying. Love can make a man do questionable things. Perhaps, Finan, you just love Aisling so much that all you wish to do is fight her battles for her, and you don't see how much she needs to do this on her own.”

Finan looked at Osferth. He looked over at Uhtred. “Baby monk can stay. We can keep him.”

Sihtric snorted and muttered something in Danish that Finan didn't catch. Uhtred rubbed his forehead. “I swear, you were definitely smarter before Aisling came. So, so, much smarter,” he said.

Finan ignored that. “So, what is the plan?” he asked as he gestured to the paper.

“Three nights before the first of the metal is to be delivered, we will go, kill the guards and Erik and Aethelflaed will sail away in one of the boats. Erik says he has enough men to crew a ship,” Uhtred said.

Finan nodded. He looked at Sihtric. “And how many guards?” he asked.

“Eight to ten,” Sihtric answered. “We could take them no problem. Aisling will not be in danger.”

Finan sighed. She is in danger even now as long as Sigefrid is alive. He still wants her.

“The first of the metal is to be delivered in a week,” Uhtred cut into his thoughts. “So, we will leave for Coccham today and begin preparing the boat and weapons we will need.”

Finan nodded. “We will have to smuggled Aisling out of Winchester.”

Sihtric nodded. “Leave it to me. I know every little hidden corner of this town.”

“Is that a good thing?” Osferth asked curious.

Finan laughed. “Sometimes, baby monk, sometimes,” he said patting him on the back.

“All right, let's get everything packed up and on the road,” Uhtred said standing. “It will be better for all of us to sleep in our own beds tonight.”

Finan stood. He sighed. He was not looking forward to the ride back to Coccham. It is going to be so long and so quiet. Aisling is probably still hurt and I can't even begin to find the words to explain. And I certainly don't want to do it in front of everyone. Granted, maybe I could get Osferth to do it? I mean, she likes him so, that could work in my favour. Right?

Chapter Text

Aisling dismounted her horse and almost fell. She held onto the saddle and winced. The pain burned across her chest and stomach. Every breath hurt. She closed her eyes and cursed. She had pushed herself too much again but she didn't care. She had wanted to get home. She opened her eyes and took slow breaths. She felt Uhtred place a hand on her back. She turned and looked at him.

“You should have taken the cart,” he said.

She groaned. “Don't start,” she muttered.

“RUSTY!” she heard Young Uhtred scream.

Aisling just had time to turn before the boy barrelled into her and hugged her legs. Aisling smiled. She leaned down and picked him up, not caring about the pain in her ribs. She hugged him tight and pressed kisses all over his face. She tickled him and held him when he laughed.

“I have missed you,” she said kissing him on the cheek.

“I missed you,” he said. She smiled when he placed his hands on her cheeks and rested his forehead against hers, like he had seen his father do countless times.

Aisling laughed and kissed his nose. She placed him on his feet and looked up. Gisela walked over to her and wrapped her arms around her. Aisling held Gisela close. She let the tears fall then. She felt how tight Gisela was holding her and knew that the other woman had missed her and been worried about her. Gisela pulled away and cupped her face in her hands.

“I was so worried,” she said. Aisling saw tears in her eyes as well.

Aisling smiled. “I am fine,” she said.

Gisela gave her a look. “That is Ragnarson speak for being anything but fine,” she said.

Finan, who had been walking behind them, carrying his bags and Aisling's sword snorted. Aisling shot him a dirty look. She looked back and saw Gisela watching her with a raised eyebrow.

“And what was that look about?” she asked.

Aisling held her ribs and shook her head. “Nothing. Where is Aoife?” she asked softly.

Gisela smiled. “In the hall with her new favourite uncle.”

Aisling smiled at that. She walked with Gisela beside her. She leaned against the other woman when Gisela wrapped an arm around her waist. She smiled as she saw Hild walk out of the hall. Aisling hugged her and felt Hild hold her tight.

“If you ever need to talk,” Hild pulled away and placed a hand on her cheek. “My door and chapel is always open,” she finished.

Aisling reached up and took Hild's hand. “I may take you up on that one day,” she said giving Hild's hand a squeeze.

Hild leaned in and kissed Aisling on the forehead. Aisling closed her eyes. I am so loved here. I have never had so many people who cared for me. Aisling opened her eyes and smiled as Hild pulled away and walked away. Aisling kept walking into the hall. She smiled when she saw Ragnar walking around with both Storria and Aoife in his arms. Both baby girls were babbling a mile a minute at Ragnar and he was listening so intently. Tears came to her eyes.

“Are you all right?” Gisela asked gently stroking her hair.

“Aoife has so many people who love her,” Aisling said softly. “She is never going to feel like I did growing up.”

Gisela held her close. “No, she isn't. And you are loved as well. We all prayed for your safe return. And Ragnar will always have a place in this hall because he brought you home.”

“Look, lille mørk en,” Ragnar said as he carried the babies over to Aisling, “it's your momma.”

Aisling smiled. “Little dark one?” she asked taking Aoife in her arms. Aoife looked at her and laughed. Aisling cried and held her daughter close. She smiled at Storria and kissed the girl on her head. Storria laughed. She looked at Ragnar. “I hear you are my daughter's favourite uncle,” she said.

Ragnar beamed. “Of course I am. I mean, everyone has always loved me more.”

“That is a lie!” Uhtred said walking into the hall.

Ragnar shrugged. “It's true and you know it.”

“I love Rusty more,” Young Uhtred said hugging her legs.

Aisling laughed along with Gisela as Uhtred and Ragnar both looked hurt and shocked. Aisling kissed Aoife on the head and buried her face in her daughter's curly hair. She closed her eyes and stood there holding her daughter. Oh god, Aoife. I was so terrified I would never hold you like this again. My sweet baby girl. Aisling opened her eyes and rubbed Aoife's back. She looked around the hall. She found Finan leaning against a post watching her. He had a look of love on his face. She looked away and walked over to the table. She smiled as Young Uhtred pulled a chair out for her.

“Let us celebrate!” Uhtred called holding up a mug. “To the return of my sister, Aisling!” he yelled.

“For Aisling!” everyone called.

Aisling leaned back in the chair and held Aoife on her lap. She listened as her baby girl babbled at her. Aoife reached out and took some of Aisling's hair and held it tight. Aisling stroked her daughter's cheek and looked into her blue eyes that were so much like her own.

“She is not going to go away,” Finan whispered as he kneeled beside her chair.

“No, I was the one who almost went away,” Aisling answered softly. She laughed as Aoife grabbed the Serpent-Breath necklace and held it in her hand. “She is so beautiful.”

“You both are,” Finan answered as he reached out and placed his hand over Aisling's that she had on their daughter's back. Aisling let Finan hold her hand. She turned and met his eyes. “I'm sorry, love,” he told her. “I am sorry for last night and the mess I made of things.”

Aisling sighed. “No, I made the mess.”

Finan leaned in and kissed her on the nose. “We both did.”

Aisling nodded. She took Finan's hand. “I am still going. I,” she took a slow breath. “I need to finish this.”

She saw Finan's eyes fill with pain and worry but he nodded. “I understand.”

“Do you?” she asked.

He gave her a soft smile. He stood and leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to her forehead. “I do, but we'll talk later at home.”

Aisling held his hand. “I love you,” she told him.

Finan smiled. He squeezed her hand. “I love you too, my gorgeous wife.”

“Nice to see you two talking and not ignoring each other,” Sihtric said as he sat beside Aisling. He placed a mug in front of her. “Not even a year married and already there are problems. Your parents are fools, Aoife,” Sihtric said to her daughter. 

“Sihtric,” Finan said his voice soft.

“Yeah?” he asked.

“Start running.”

Aisling laughed as Sihtric took one look at Finan and got up from his chair and took off. Finan chased him. Aisling looked back at Aoife and saw her daughter laughing. Aisling smiled. This is home and always will be. God, I missed this place and the people.

“Momma's home, sweet girl,” Aisling told Aoife. She kissed her and held her close. “Momma loves you.”

***

Finan smiled when he saw Aisling curled up in the chair with Aoife on her chest. Both of them were sleeping. He turned when Ragnar patted him on his shoulder and nodded towards Aisling and Aoife.

“Lille rød told me all about how you are her great love that brought her here,” he said smiling.

Finan nodded. “I am and I don't know what I did to deserve it or her,” he admitted.

Ragnar shrugged. “It is the will of the gods, who are we to question it?” he smirked. “I will say, she loves you, Finan. She pushed herself hard on the ride back to get home to you. She refused to stop, even when I could see every step of her horse caused her pain. She was determined to get back to you. She is a warrior but you, you are the source of her strength. You are what gives her the strength to fight and go on. You and that precious baby girl.” Ragnar looked at him. “Aoife is much too pretty to be yours though.”

Finan rolled his eyes. “So I have been told,” he muttered. He gestured to Aisling. “I need to get her into bed.”

Ragnar nodded. “I will watch over her when we go to Beamfleot.”

Finan smiled. “Thank you, but I will be there.”

“Oh, I know, but I will keep an eye on her anyway.”

Finan shook his head. He walked away from Ragnar and over to Aisling. He leaned against the table and reached out to gently stroke her cheek. She opened her eyes and groaned. She looked down and smiled at Aoife sleeping on her chest with her little hands gripping Aisling's hair. Finan smiled as well.

“Are you ready for bed?” he asked softly.

Aisling nodded. “I am. Let's go home.”

Finan felt the weight he had been carrying lift from his shoulders. His heart didn't ache anymore. Home. She is my home. Without her beside me, nothing feels right. She makes everything better and my world complete. He waited for Aisling to stand and gently adjust her hold on Aoife. He reached out and pulled his wife close in his arms. Aisling leaned against him. He wrapped his arms around her and Aoife. He held his family in his arms. I missed this. God, did I miss this. And I was so scared I would never have this again. That Aoife would not have her mother and I would lose my last chance at love. He nuzzled his face in Aisling's hair.

“I missed this,” he whispered to her. “I missed holding everything I love close.”

Aisling turned her head. He looked in her eyes. She leaned in and kissed him softly. “I missed being here in your arms with our child. I missed feeling this much love,” she whispered.

Finan pulled her closer. “You are my love and my heart,” he said softly.

Aisling nodded. She pulled away and took his hand. “Come on, let's go home.”

Finan walked beside her out of the hall. He wrapped an arm around her shoulders and held her close to him. He looked down and smiled at Aoife. She was still sleeping against Aisling's chest. He looked away and walked down the street towards their home. He had dropped off his things and Aisling sword earlier and he had seen that the house had been cleaned and flowers placed on the table. Gisela must have made sure the place was clean and ready for Aisling to come home. He lead Aisling up to their door and pushed it open for her. She walked in and stood in the main room for a moment.

“Home,” she whispered.

“Only when you are here with us,” Finan said.

He watched as she walked into their bedroom carrying Aoife to put her to bed. Finan turned and barred the door and followed her. He stood beside her as she looked down at Aoife sleeping in her bassinet. He wrapped his arms around Aisling's waist and pulled her against him. She wrapped her arms around his and held them tight to her.

“I know I am hurt, Finan. I know that you think I shouldn't be going but-,” Aisling started.

“It's not that I think you shouldn't go, Aisling, I worry about how you are going to be once it's over,” he kissed her neck and held her closer. “You're already having nightmares, mo grá, I do not want to lose you in the pain and hurt of what could come.”

Aisling turned in his arms. She cupped his face in her hands. “I love you, Finan, and I love so much how much you love me and are concerned about me. I know I can do this. And I am not worried about the after,” she stroked his cheeks, “because I know you will be there to hold me and love me.”

Finan pulled her close and kissed her. He lifted her up in his arms and felt her wrap her legs around his waist and her arms around his neck. She kissed him back deeply, her tongue stroking his as her fingers stroked his neck and the back of his head. He gripped her ass in both of his hands and kissed her over and over. He backed up until the back of his calves hit the bed. He fell back on it with Aisling on top of him. Aisling laughed and tossed her hair over her shoulder. Finan stroked her thighs as he looked up at her. She kissed his jaw and nipped his ear.

“Like what you see?” she whispered in his ear.

He smiled. “Always, my love, always.”

He felt her smile against his neck. He turned his head and kissed her again. He held her close needing to feel her against him. Even if they were still fully clothed. He needed to hold her and kiss her and touch her, there in their bed.

“You, my husband, are wearing too many clothes,” she whispered as she ran a hand down his chest pulling his tunic.

“Hmmm, am I?” Finan teased as his lips ghosted her cheek. “I don't think I am.”

Aisling growled. “Always with the teasing.”

Finan smiled. He sat up with her in his lap. He kissed her again and slowly undid her vest, one button at a time. Once it was open, he slipped his hand in and cupped her breast in his hand. Aisling moaned and pressed her hand over his.

“Are you telling me you want me to touch you?” Finan asked as his kissed jawline, her neck, and her collarbone.

“I wasn't aware I needed to ask,” Aisling said undoing the buckles on his sword belt.

“Hmm,” Finan moved his hand to her other breast, his thumb rubbing the nipple until it became hard. “I have learned the hard way recently that I shouldn't just assume I know what you want.”

Aisling groaned. “You're an idiot.”

Finan pulled away and looked at her. “Okay, I am getting real tired of everyone calling me an idiot.”

He watched as Aisling smiled. “Then maybe you shouldn't act like one, husband.”

Finan looked at her and smiled back. He kissed her and pulled her vest off. He tossed it aside. “You make a good point,” he said, “so perhaps we should take these clothes off and finally celebrate you coming home.”

Aisling did not need to be told twice. Finan laughed as she climbed off his lap and pulled off her boots and undid her trousers and pulled and kicked them off. Finan stood as well. He pulled off his sword belt, his leather tunic, tunic and his boots. Aisling stepped closer to him, now naked, and undid the ties on his trousers. He ran his hands along her sides needing to touch her. He ran one hand down her thigh and to her core. His fingers slipped in between her folds finding her wet and ready for him. He moaned and felt her hand wrap around his cock while the other pushed his trousers down.

“How are you always wet for me?” he asked as he stepped out of trousers and kicked them aside.

“It's the accent,” she said gently pushing him towards the bed. “Your stupidly pretty face and incredible body helps as well.”

Finan bit his bottom lip as Aisling's hand stroked him, her thumb gently rubbing circles around the tip. She let go and shoved him on the bed. He moved closer to the middle of the bed and watched as Aisling climbed on top of him. He placed his hands on her hips and rubbed his thumbs into her skin. He watched as she pushed herself up on her knees and took his cock in her hand. She positioned herself over him. He watched and felt himself sink into her warmth as his cock disappeared inside of her.

“Sweet Jesus Christ,” he rasped his fingers digging into the skin of her hips.

Aisling placed her hands on his chest and her fingers dug in, her fingernails causing crescent moon shapes. She smiled as she took all of him. “Fuck, I have missed you inside of me,” she panted. Her breaths were coming out in huffs as were his.

He moaned as Aisling began to ride him. Her pace started off slow as she moved on top of him. Once, she became comfort and she quickened the pace. Finan dug his fingers in her ass and lifted himself up to meet her hips with every thrust. His eyes never left her though. She looked beautiful to him; her breasts bouncing, the sweat rolling down her chest and arms, and her thigh muscles working hard to give them both to release they needed.

“Christ, mo áilleacht, you look so goddamn good on top of me,” he moaned as he moved a hand from her hip to in between them. He began to stroke her clit for her.

Aisling's fingernails raked down his chest leaving red scratches behind as she moaned. Finan stroked her clit faster as he felt her walls clenching around him. Any semblance of a rhythm she had shattered as she moved quicker he jerked his hips up against her.

“Fuck, Finan,” she moaned as she came.

Finan sat up and wrapped his arms around Aisling's shuddering body as he continued to thrust into her chasing his own climax. He fell into his own climax moments later, his hips jerking as he came inside of her. He moaned her name as his muscles tensed and he felt his hands tremble as he held Aisling against him. He let himself lay back down on the bed as he held Aisling on top of him. He closed his eyes and felt breathing begin to even out from the panting and huffing he had been doing. He smiled when Aisling placed a soft kiss on his chest as she let out a shaky breath. He could still feel some aftershocks as his body slowly stopped trembling as did hers.

“I love you,” she said as she lifted her head and looked at him.

“And I love you,” he answered as he reached out and stroked her cheek. “Now, how much pain are you in?” he asked softly.

Aisling sighed. “So much pain but I am not moving from this spot.”

Finan wrapped his arms around her and rubbed her back. “You'd be more comfortable on the bed.”

“No, I am more comfortable here,” she answered resting her head on his shoulder. “In your arms, I don't feel any pain.”

Finan snorted. “That is such a lie.”

Aisling pinched his nipple and he growled at her. “I don't lie,” she answered.

“Hmm,” Finan said.

He held his wife on him and rubbed her back. He heard Aisling's breathing even out and knew she had fallen asleep. He closed his own eyes. He knew he would have muscle pains and aches the next morning when he woke up from the position he was in, but he didn't care. God, to have her in my arms again and her skin against mine. I am never letting her go again. Ever.

***

Aisling stood on the dock beside Osferth as everyone else loaded the boat with weapons, shields, and food. She felt Osferth turn and look at her. Her hand on was on the hilt of her sword, back where it belonged in its scabbard that she had stubbornly kept with her at all times during her time in Beamfleot. She turned and looked at Osferth.

“I am scared,” he admitted to her.

Aisling nodded. “So am I,” she said.

He raised an eyebrow. “Does it go away?”

Aisling looked over and saw Finan and Ragnar laughing together. She looked back at Osferth. “No, it doesn't. But I have learned to push it aside. I focus on why I am doing what I am doing. Tonight, I am going there to get Aethelflaed out and save her. I care about her and I will not fail her.”

Osferth nodded. “I fear I will not be of any use.”

Aisling patted his arm. “Maybe not tonight, Osferth but I have no doubt that one day, you will be of great use to us. Until then, do not let anything Uhtred says get to you. He can be a bit of a, well,” Aisling stopped searching for the right word.

“Turd,” Ragnar said.

Aisling laughed. She shook her head. “No, not that far,” she saw Uhtred glance at them. She smiled at him. “He does have his moments though.”

Ragnar patted Osferth on the back hard. “Just stay close to lille rød here and you should be fine.”

“All right, everyone on,” Uhtred said.

Aisling waited for everyone to board. She smiled when Finan and Ragnar held their hands out to her. She took Finan's hand and climbed on the boat. She wrapped her arm around her waist as pain shot through her chest from her ribs. She leaned against Finan and let him pull her down beside him on the boat. She smiled as Ragnar sat beside her. Uhtred stood at the hull of the boat and every one began rowing except her, Finan, Ragnar, Sihtric, and Uhtred. She felt Finan wrap an arm around his waist and she rested her head on his shoulder and she looked around the river bank.

“Scared?” Ragnar asked her.

She nodded. “Yes, but I'll be fine,” she answered.

She felt Finan kiss her neck. “She has already fought and killed.”

Aisling saw Ragnar smile. “Good. I knew you would make a great warrior.”

“Great is pushing it a bit,” Sihtric said.

Aisling pointed her finger at him. “Watch it or I will push you off this boat.”

Ragnar laughed. Aisling settled herself in Finan's arms and closed her eyes. She was tired. She wasn't sleeping well with the pain from her ribs and the nightmares that plagued her the moment her eyes closed. Finan had not pushed her to talk and she was grateful for it. She didn't know how to put her feelings into words or how to feel about her nightmares. She was worried that once this was over with Aethelflaed, Finan would push her more to talk and she didn't even know where to start.

“Sleep,” Finan whispered to her as he kissed her on the head.

“I'm fine,” Aisling said.

“You look like shit,” Ragnar said.

Aisling opened her eyes and kicked his shin. “Thanks, brother,” she said.

The smile he flashed at her filled her with love. He patted her knee. “That is the first time you have called me that,” he said.

Aisling nodded. “It is, and if you keep being an ass, it will be the last.”

Ragnar shook his head. “Are you sure you are not of my blood instead of Uhtred's? You sound an awful lot like Thyra.”

“They share the same glare as well,” Finan added.

Aisling turned and looked at her husband. “And just why was Thyra glaring at you?”

“When I announced to the Witan that I would be challenging Sigefrid to the square in order to get you back,” he said.

Ragnar snorted. “He would have killed you,” he answered.

“Hey,” Aisling kicked Ragnar's shin again. “Finan is a great warrior.”

“He's your husband you are supposed to say that.”

“No,” Aisling looked at Ragnar, “I am not just saying it because I am his wife. I know it. He survived being on a slave ship for three years before he met Uhtred. He is tough and strong and he has a mind for planning battles and sneak attacks,” Aisling completely forgot that Finan was there with them. She leaned in closer to Ragnar, “did you know that the family histories credit Finan, or at least Uhtred's second in command for planning Edward's first battle as King? Sure, they focus mostly on Uhtred and how he helped Edward earn the victory but Finan planned it. He choose the place, the placement of the soldiers and the concealment of some of Edward's army. He is brilliant, Ragnar,” she finished.

Ragnar smirked. “It almost sounds like you are in love with him.”

“So Edward becomes King?” Finan asked from behind her.

Aisling closed her eyes. “Ah, shit,” she said.

Ragnar chuckled. “I hope that Brida speaks so highly of me to others.”

“Doubtful,” Uhtred called over softly.

Aisling laughed. She turned and kissed Finan on the lips when he leaned in to kiss her. She felt him hold her closer. She pulled away and saw him smiling at her.

“You truly believe I am a great warrior,” he said.

She nodded. “I do. Plus,” she leaned in, “I think you'd have to be to survive all the stuff Uhtred pulls you into,” she faked whispered.

Ragnar nodded. “So true. Uhtred has never seen some trouble that he did not decide to join in on.”

“Oh, don't I know it,” Aisling said.

Finan and the others laughed. Aisling turned and saw Uhtred shaking his head. “This is the last time you two are going into battle together,” he said to Ragnar and Aisling.

“I don't think he likes sharing,” Ragnar said to Aisling.

“Or hearing the truth,” Aisling added.

“All right, silence from here on,” Uhtred said.

Aisling huffed. Ragnar smirked and shook his head. Aisling began humming Pat Benatar's 'We Belong' under her breath. She felt Finan kiss her head again and his hands on her stomach holding her close to him. Everyone was quiet and the only sounds were that of the oars in the river and the birds. I hope everything goes the way it is supposed to. We can't afford any mistakes. There are only thirteen of us. We can't start a full blown battle. But I know that Beamfleot burns. And that seems like a very Uhtred thing to do, burn a whole fort down. I just can't understand why it would burn unless... Oh fuck, nothing is going to go as planned tonight. Aisling cursed. She rubbed her forehead. She saw Ragnar looking at her. She shook her head.

I better prepare myself for a shit storm to be dumped on us. Fuck.

***

Finan lead the way through the high grass along the river bank. He moved slowly and softly making sure that every step he took would not make a sound. He stopped and everyone behind him stopped. Uhtred moved up close to him and they looked at the docks. Finan cursed at what he saw. 

“Sihtric, I thought you said eight to ten guards. There are at least twenty here,” Finan said.

“Twenty two,” Aisling answered.

“There were eight to ten guards when I left,” Sihtric said.

“I don't think he can count,” Ragnar said.

Finan looked at Uhtred. “I don't like it, Uhtred,” he said truthfully.

“That's two each,” Ragnar said. “We can do it.”

“We attack at dark,” Uhtred said. “Rypere and his men go in first by water and we will follow by land.”

“How about a distraction?” Aisling offered.

Finan turned and looked at her. He glanced at Uhtred and Ragnar. Both of them were also looking at Aisling. “What kind of distraction?” he asked.

“Me,” she whispered.

“No,” all three of them answered at once.

Aisling rolled her eyes. “You know that if those guards are distracted it will help all of us. They will be less likely react as quickly to an attack and also there will be less noise. We are at a disadvantage here, and we need to use everything we have.”

Finan closed his eyes. He cursed a long string of curses in Irish. “She's right,” he said to Uhtred.

Ragnar cursed. “I don't like it either, brother,” he muttered.

Finan watched as Uhtred leaned close to Aisling. “You go in there and we cannot-.”

“I know,” she said firmly. “I will wait until dark and only go a few moments after Rypere and his group have left. That should give them enough time in the water to get into place and you all on land. The guards will be distracted and not expecting anyone else.”

Finan nodded. He saw Uhtred nod as well. “It is a sound plan,” he admitted.

Aisling sighed. “Thank you,” she said. She paused. “Is anyone else a bit worried about the increase in guards though?”

“Perhaps it is only for the incoming metal,” Clapa said.

“Or it could be something worse,” Osferth said.

Finan cursed. “Baby monk, you never say it out loud.”

“Either way, we wait,” Uhtred said.

Finan nodded. He turned and looked at Aisling. She was frowning. She bit her lip and he realized she was trying to figure something out. He took her hand. She looked at him and nodded. He watched as Rypere and his men got into position further down. Finan looked at Uhtred. Uhtred shook his head telling Finan it was not time for them to move yet. It was not dark enough. This is the part I hate. The waiting before battle. This is when your fear creeps in and you begin to second guess yourself. I hate that. Just breathe. Finan turned and looked at Aisling.

She was humming that tune under her breath and her fingers were tapping on the hilt of her sword. He let his eyes rake down to her brown leather half tunic she wore over a yellow shift. Her trousers were a dark green colour; she had dressed to blend into the grass around her. He looked at her hair, which she had braided herself in a thick fish braid. It already had some loose hairs coming out from it. Her ocean blue eyes met his brown ones and she smiled at him. God, her smile can light up my whole being. She's so damn beautiful.

“Aisling, get ready,” Uhtred said.

Finan looked around and realized that it was dark enough now to begin. He turned and took Aisling's hand. She squeezed his hand and gave him a wink. He smiled back at her. She leaned in and kissed him on the cheek.

“I love you,” she whispered.

He let go of her hand as she walked past him crouching down low so not to be seen. Finan looked down where Rypere was and saw that he and the men with him got into the water. Finan looked at Uhtred and nodded. Uhtred began moving in the same direction that Aisling had.

Uhtred moved them along the bank until they were close to the dock where the guards stood. Aisling was further ahead. She looked back at them and Finan had to fight the instinct to grab her and stop her. He watched as Uhtred gave her a nod. She stood and walked over to the dock. She whistled and all the guards turned and looked at her.

“Well, fancy seeing you all here. Are you also out for a stroll?” she asked them.

Finan saw all the guards look at her and then each other. They were confused. A couple stepped forward towards her but others stood back and stood firm. Finan pulled out his sword and seax and waited. He smiled when Rypere and the men with him jumped from the water and climbed onto the docks. The guards did not know what to do. Aisling pulled her sword and slashed a guard that came towards her. She stabbed another one.

“Go!” Uhtred urged them all forward.

Finan followed Uhtred with Ragnar following him and the others behind Ragnar. Finan immediately went towards Aisling killing guards as he went. He watched as Rypere pushed Aisling out of the way of a guard with an axe and took the hit himself. Finan walked over.

“Rypere!” he said. But it was too late. The man was laying on the dock dead.

“Osferth!” Aisling yelled.

Finan felt her grab a dagger that he had on the back of his sword belt. She threw it across the dock. He followed it with his eyes and was amazed that it hit the guard in the shoulder giving Osferth enough time to shove the man into the water. Finan turned and looked at her.

“Why are you surprised?” she asked as she turned and pressed her back against his. “I did beat you and Ragnar at knives when we played in Dunholm.”

Finan slashed a guard and stabbed him in the neck. “You were drunk.”

“And?” she asked as she stabbed a guard in the stomach and shoved him into the water.

“I thought that made your aim better,” he admitted as he stabbed the last guard over and over.

He shoved him in the water and turned to look at her. She shook her head at him. He looked at her with sweat on her brow, blood on her hands and some sprayed on her face. He grabbed her and kissed her.

“Not the time,” Ragnar said as he walked over to them.

“The guards are all dead,” Aisling answered. “Can't we have one kiss?”

“Move as many as you can into the water,” Uhtred said kicking some men out of the way. “Make a clear path to the boats so we do not lose any of Erik's men.”

Finan pushed a couple of the guards out of the way. He took Aisling's hand and pulled her along the dock with him as they followed Uhtred back to their hiding spot. He pulled Aisling down in front of him. He held her hand in his. He looked at Uhtred and saw Uhtred look over at the men they had left. Finan turned and cursed.

“What?” Aisling asked as he looked around and counted.

“We lost half our number even with the element of surprise,” he told her.

Aisling closed her eyes. “Shit.”

“Exactly.”

“We wait for Erik,” Uhtred said.

“For how long?” Ragnar asked.

Finan saw Uhtred sigh. He didn't answer his brother though. And that worried Finan.

Chapter Text

Aisling looked at Uhtred. She could feel Finan's eyes on him as well. Uhtred finally looked at her. She knew they had been waiting too long for Erik. He should have been there already with his men. She felt Finan's hand on her thigh. She sighed.

“It's been too long, Uhtred,” she said softly.

Uhtred cursed. “It has.”

“So what do we do now?” Finan asked.

“We have to go into the fortress,” Uhtred said.

“We lost half our men, brother,” Ragnar answered.

“And they have like ten times our number in there,” Aisling answered.

Uhtred looked at her. “Is there a way in where we can be hidden?”

Aisling closed her eyes. All right, so there is the main gate but that is closer but way too much attention would be brought to us. There is the side gate, it's smaller and we would have to walk around the fortress some but, they do not guard it as much because it borders the marshes. She opened her eyes. “There is,” she answered.

Uhtred pulled his sword. “Then lead the way.”

Aisling heard Finan curse. Her heart began pounding and her mouth went dry. “Me?” she asked in a shaky voice. “You want me to lead?” she asked again.

“I believe that is what our brother said,” Ragnar answered.

Aisling looked at Uhtred. His blue eyes looked into her. He nodded. “I will be right behind you. I trust you, lille rød.”

Aisling did not know why but those words caused tears to come to her eyes. She nodded and blinked them away. She felt Finan squeeze her thigh. She took a deep breath and stood. “This way,” she said as she moved in front of Uhtred.

Aisling moved slowly but steadily through the tall grass. She took a path that Erik had taken on one of the several occasions he had brought her and Aethelflaed out to bath. I should have seen it then, it was right in front of me. Aethelflaed fell in love with a man who treated her kindly and as an equal. And I did nothing to stop it. No, I was too busy being lost in the thoughts of my husband and daughter to even care to stop it. Sweet Jesus Christ, did I mess up all of history? Have I doomed Mercia?

“Lille rød, still your mind,” Uhtred whispered. He grabbed her hand and leaned in so close that his breath was on her ear. “I can see you were elsewhere and I need you here with me in this moment. In this night, I need your full mind and focus with me. Not on something else you cannot change. Understand?” he asked squeezing her hand.

Aisling nodded. She turned and looked into Uhtred's eyes. “I am not use to having so much faith and trust placed in me,” she answered.

Uhtred, despite the situation, gave her a smile. “You are my blood and have been here before. You spent time within these walls. I know your mind,” he added with a smile, “how many times have you mapped this place looking for a way to escape?”

Aisling smirked. “Far too many.”

He squeezed her hand again. “Then do not doubt yourself. Never doubt yourself. I trust you. I trust your ability.”

Aisling felt pride. She stood taller and felt stronger. He trusts my ability. Uhtred of Bebbanburg, Uhtred Ragnarson, the Dane-Slayer trusts in me. I can do this. She let go of Uhtred's hand as they made it to the walls. She pressed her back against it and watched as the others did the same. She met Finan's eyes as he looked at her. She winked at him. He smiled and she could see relief feel his eyes for a moment.

“The door is around the next bend,” she whispered. Uhtred nodded. “It is right by the stables, so we may encounter guards,” she added thinking that Aethelflaed was still in the stables.

“Then I will go before you,” Ragnar said from the other side of Uhtred.

Uhtred nodded. Aisling pressed herself against the wall and smiled when Ragnar walked past her closely. He kissed her cheek making her roll her eyes but he smiled. He stood in front of her. She waited. He started walking and she followed with everyone following behind her. She placed her hand on Ragnar's shoulder and gave it a squeeze when he got to the door. It was hard to see in the night. She pulled out her sword again and held it in front of her as Ragnar opened the door. He stepped inside and there was nothing. He leaned back out and waved her through.

Aisling quickly walked through the door and turned left. She opened a back door to the stables and waved Uhtred and everyone through. She placed her sword in the scabbard. She rolled her eyes when Finan wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her in leaving the door open behind them. She opened her mouth to protest but he kissed her deeply. She leaned into the kiss and against him. She heard Uhtred order Sihtric to head over to the main hall and see if he could find Erik. She saw Uhtred walk over to the stall where she and Aethelflaed had been kept.

“What was that for?” Aisling asked as she pulled away and looked up in Finan's eyes.

“I saw you doubting yourself,” he whispered. She saw pride in his eyes. “Aisling, do not ever doubt that you are a strong warrior. That you are a fighter. I would not allow you to come this far with us if you weren't,” he rested his forehead against hers, “you are a shield maiden and a true Ragnarson.”

Aisling blinked back tears. She slapped him. “I am crying. There is no crying in battle.”

Finan smirked. He kissed her forehead but kept his arm around her and stayed close to her. “Kill a Dane to make it better,” he muttered.

Aisling snorted. She pulled away when Uhtred walked back. He looked at her and shook his head. “She is not there. Would they move her?”

Aisling pulled away from Finan and shrugged. “I don't know. Sigefrid was not much for talking about his plans. He wanted to bed me so he was too busy wooing me and Erik never mentioned anything.”

She could feel Finan tense behind her the moment she mentioned the words Sigefrid, bed, and me in the same sentence. She turned and saw Sihtric return with Erik. She walked out of the stall and stood beside Uhtred. She looked at Erik and could tell that something happened.

“Uhtred, you came,” Erik said as he looked at all of them. “Truthfully, I thought that you would be gone by now.”

“What happened?” Aisling asked as she felt Finan's hands on her waist. It's like he needs to show Erik that I am still his. That Sigefrid did not ruin things between us.

“In truth, all hope is lost. I have no men to crew my ship and Aethelflaed is hanging in a cage in the hall, where all the men wish to look at their prize. We cannot save her,” Erik said. “I do not see a way to get her out of here.”

“Uhtred?” Ragnar asked. “What do you wish to do?”

“Uhtred, I enjoy a good fight as much as the next idiot, but this is beyond us,” Finan said.

“She's in the hall?” Aisling asked crossing her arms on her chest. She bit her lip and furrowed her brow as she thought.

“Bleeding Jesus,” Finan muttered seeing the look on her face and knowing what it meant.

“Surrounded by men,” Erik said.

“Warriors,” Sihtric corrected.

Aisling looked at Uhtred. They shared a look. Sihtric and Finan both cursed while Clapa smiled and Ragnar and Osferth looked on confused.

“We just need to get rid of the men,” Uhtred said.

“And we can do that now,” Aisling added.

“How?” Erik asked.

Aisling and Uhtred shared a smile. “Finan, love,” Aisling said.

“Yes?” he answered. Aisling could tell by the look on his face he knew exactly what she was going to ask for.

“Get the torches,” Uhtred ordered as he and Aisling shared a smile. 

***

Finan heard Sigefrid yelling as everyone left the hall. He stood by the back door Erik had shown them. He looked at Uhtred who was beside him. Uhtred nodded. Finan moved out quickly and sliced the throat of the first man he saw sitting on a chair. He heard Uhtred and Ragnar killing men as well. Aisling ran past and began locking the doors and windows into the hall. Erik helped her while Clapa and Sihtric moved tables.

“Sihtric! Clapa! The cage!” Uhtred yelled as he put his sword away and helped Finan move a table against another door.

“Well, we cleared the hall of men, but now how do we clear the yard?” Finan yelled.

He saw Uhtred look around. Uhtred's eyes fell on a servant girl. He yelled at her. Finan turned and looked around. He saw Aisling and Ragnar by the cage as Clapa lowered it to the floor. Uhtred demanded Aethelflaed's cloak and the princess gave it. Finan watched as Aisling kneeled down and looked at the lock. She pulled the Serpent-Breath necklace out of her tunic. She placed the thin sword in the lock and moved it around. Finan realized she was trying to pick it to open it. She cursed and stopped dropping the lock and her necklace.

“Break it!” she yelled at Ragnar.

“My pleasure, sister!” he yelled back as he grabbed an axe and began hitting the lock.

Finan walked over to Uhtred and saw him send the servant girl with Sihtric out the back door, the way they planned to escape. Finan stood in the middle of the hall as it burned around them.

“You get her out of here,” he told Uhtred firmly. “If it goes wrong-.”

“If it goes wrong, you know she will not leave your side,” Uhtred cut him off.

“Then make her,” Finan ordered. “I would rather my daughter grow up without me than without a mother.”

Uhtred nodded. “Ragnar has been told that if this goes wrong, he is to get both Aisling and Aethelflaed out and leave us to fight.”

Before Finan could answer, the front door burst open and Sigefrid screamed for his brother. Everyone stood still as Sigefrid with four other men walked in. Finan grabbed his weapons and kept his eyes on Sigefrid.

“Erik, do not do this! Do not dare to do this!” Sigefrid yelled.

“Brother, please let me have this one chance, I cannot let her go,” Erik said.

“She's our fortune! She's our reputation!”

“If it's reputation you want, you can begin by killing me!” Uhtred said.

“No!” Aisling yelled.

Finan watched as she walked around Clapa and Uhtred. She stood in front of Erik and looked at Sigefrid.

“You will still have your reputation, Sigefrid. Let Erik take Aethelflaed as his wife. It will end Alfred as surely as an army could,” Aisling said as she stepped closer.

“Aisling,” Finan growled at her as he pulled his sword and seax out while she left her sword in its scabbard.

“Imagine how Alfred will break when he hears that his daughter, his cherished Christian daughter, has chosen a Viking to be her husband, has chosen to live amongst those he as King wishes to wipe from this land,” Aisling went on. Finan saw Sigefrid's eyes on her and only her. Ragnar had stopped banging on the lock and everyone was watching Aisling. Finan gripped his hilts tight when Aisling stood right in front of Sigefrid. The fire raged on but it was not the reason for the air being sucked out of the room; the tension was. “You can have your victory, Sigefrid, you can have your fortune and no blood will be shed. You would have outsmarted him,” Aisling finished.

Finan felt himself holding his breath. He saw Aisling's hands shaking and knew she was terrified. He watched as Sigefrid looked down at her.

“And you, min ildsjaele, are you back because you realized after one kiss I am the one you desire?” Sigefrid asked her.

He called her my fiery one. And he kissed her. I am killing him where he stands. Finan took one step forward but was yanked back by Ragnar. Finan turned and saw that Ragnar had handed the axe to Clapa. Finan turned back and stared at his wife as she stood in front of Sigefrid.

“No, Sigefrid, the only one I desire is my husband,” Aisling answered truthfully.

And it was her mistake.

Finan watched as Sigefrid smiled. He stepped back and without warning raised his knife hand and arched it down at Aisling.

“AISLING!” he screamed.

It was too late.

***

Aisling turned and screamed as Sigefrid's blade slashed the back of her left shoulder. His blade was so sharp, it cut through her leather tunic like butter slashing the skin underneath. She felt Uhtred grab her and yank her out of the way. He shoved her towards the stairs and she heard Erik and Sigefrid fighting, Aethelflaed begging Erik not to fight, Uhtred ordering Clapa to get the cage while he, Finan, and Ragnar fought. Aisling reached over her shoulder with her right hand and pressed it to the wound. She pulled her hand back and saw blood. She could feel it as it slid down her back. She leaned forward and her Serpent-Breath necklace hung out. She tucked it back in her tunic realizing that she was getting blood everywhere on her.

Okay, so, minor miscalculation on your part. Now, try not to pass out. Stay awake. And for the love of all that is holy, do not I repeat DO NOT die.

Aisling pulled her sword and walked around Clapa, who had finally broken the lock. She saw Finan on a table and the Dane he was fighting head butt him. Aisling saw the knife pointed right at Finan's eye. She ran over and stabbed the man in the side with her sword. She shoved him over hard. She looked at Finan and saw that he was dazed. She grabbed him by his leather armour and tried to pull him up.

“Go!” Ragnar yelled at her as he came beside her and grabbed Finan and got him to his feet.

“Uhtred! Get her out of here!” Erik yelled.

Aisling was past caring about Erik and Sigefrid. She walked up the stairs and turned to make sure Ragnar was following as he shoved Finan up the stairs. At the top, she grabbed Finan and watched as his eyes focused on her left shoulder as the shift sleeve became soaked with blood. She pulled him with her towards the back door. She heard Aethelflaed's sobs and Uhtred urging her to go. She cursed. Erik is dead. Fuck. Now Aethelflaed has to go back to that pompous bread pudding boy knowing what true love felt like and live the rest of her life without it. I hate it. I don't care if she is the future ruler of Mercia and one of the greatest rulers. She deserved to be happy.

“Aisling,” Finan said as he pressed his hand to her shoulder.

She cursed. “I am very aware, Finan,” she said as she shoved him first down the back stairs. “Osferth and Sihtric have horses waiting!” she yelled. She prayed it was true.

Aisling saw that Osferth and Sihtric had five horses waiting. Finan ran over to one took the reins from Osferth. He climbed on. Aisling went over and climbed on as well, with Finan's help. She watched as Aethelflaed mounted a horse and Uhtred climbed on behind her. Ragnar mounted another horse. Clapa fought off the Danes that came towards them and Osferth and Sihtric mounted the other two horses.

“Clapa!” Aisling yelled. “We must go!” she felt Finan wrap an arm around her waist and hold her close to him.

“Clapa!” Uhtred yelled.

Clapa kept fighting. Aisling watched as he took an axe to the chest. Tears rolled down her cheeks. She heard Uhtred yell for them to ride. She sobbed as Finan pulled the reins and they rode by Clapa as he fought off the Danes giving them a chance to escape. He will never bring me flowers again. Or throw Aoife up in the air and catch her like she was a football making her laugh. Aoife will not even remember him. But I will. I will remember the large Dane who picked flowers and made my wedding look so beautiful with flower arches. I will not forget you, Clapa. Ever.

“I will see you in Valhalla, my friend,” she whispered in Danish.

“Sweet Jesus Christ, Aisling, you are bleeding too much,” Finan muttered.

She cursed as he pressed his hand to her wound. Aisling looked ahead of her. “We can wrap it once we reach the army,” she said.

“Army?” Finan asked confused. He had eyes for her wound only and her. He was barely paying attention to anything else. 

“An army!” Ragnar yelled.

“Odda's army!” Uhtred added.

Aisling was relieved when Finan pulled the horse to a stop beside Uhtred's. She slid off and groaned. She heard Uhtred speaking to Alfred but she didn't care. She looked up at Finan and Ragnar as they both stood in front of her. Ragnar pulled out his dagger and cut off the sleeves of her shift. She watched as he quickly tied them together. She heard Sihtric and Osferth bickering with one of Alfred's men and then a torch showed up. Ragnar looked at Osferth and she knew.

“Oh, you have got to be fucking kidding me,” she said. “There has got to be another way!” she yelled.

“It's the quickest way to stop the bleeding so you can fight,” Osferth explained.

Aisling groaned. She turned and took the leather belt Sihtric shoved in her hands. She placed it in her mouth and grabbed Finan's forearms. He stood in front of her and she kept her eyes on him. She dug her nails in the leather of his bracers and screamed when she felt searing burning pain on her left shoulder. She heard her skin sizzle and then nothing. She felt her legs grow weak and Finan grabbed her waist to keep her standing as Ragnar and Osferth wrapped the wound. She spit out the leather belt and groaned.

“Aisling, love, these is no shame in going to stand with Aethelflaed. She is protected,” Finan told her his hands rubbing her sides.

Aisling shook her head. “I am killing Danes, specifically Sigefrid after that,” she muttered.

“SHIELD WALL!” Alfred screamed.

Aisling stood with Finan, Ragnar, Osferth, and Sihtric. This is it. This is the real thing. I am really standing here about to go to battle. There's even a goddamn shield wall. How the fuck is this my life now? Fuck. Don't think about it. Don't panic. Just breathe. In and out. You can do this. You can fight beside these men. You can fight beside your husband. He trusts you. Uhtred trusts you. You are a warrior. She pulled her sword from the scabbard and watched as Uhtred demanded a shield and ran towards the shield wall that was not forming fast enough in front of them.

“Osferth,” she said to the former monk who stood behind her.

“Yes?” he said.

“Pull your sword and use the pointy end,” she told him.

Ragnar snorted. “Some instructor you are.”

Aisling watched Sigefrid as he rode his horse towards them. She looked at the shield wall closing. She did some very quick, very dubious math but either way, she could see that the wall was not going to close fast enough. “It's not closing,” she muttered.

“Fuck,” Finan said having picked up one of her favourite swears.

“Uhtred,” Ragnar said.

Aisling turned to Finan. “Watch over baby monk,” she said.

“Aisling!” he yelled but she moved too quickly.

She watched as Sigefrid and his horse smashed into the shield wall right where Uhtred was. She ran over and started slashing at the Danes. She was going to get to Uhtred.

She needed to.

***

Finan could hear Aisling and Uhtred's voices as they screamed at Sigefrid. He could not however go over to them and help them because he was busy killing Danes and trying to keep a former monk alive. He stabbed, slashed, tossed, and headbutted more men than he could count. The next time my wife goes to battle beside me, she is not leaving my side. I will tie her to me if I have to. I do not like not knowing where she is and if she hurt.

“Finan!” he heard Osferth yell and the former monk's hands grabbed him and pulled him back.

A Dane with a shield still ran right into him, knocking both Finan and Osferth down. Finan shoved the Dane's shield with one hand and tried to slash him with the other. He screamed and heard Osferth yelling from under him as well.

“Not my fucking husband!” Aisling yelled.

He watched as Aisling took a spear and shoved it through the Dane's neck. The Dane coughed blood all over Finan and Osferth. Finan was able to shove the Dane off of him. He grabbed the shield and used it to pull himself up. He cursed as he felt pain all down his right side. That is going to hurt tomorrow. He shoved the shield at Osferth as the monk stood. He looked over and saw Sihtric making his way over to them. He looked up and saw Aisling. He looked at her covered in blood; her own and that of the Danes. He grabbed her arm and pulled her into his arms. He could hear the battle dying around him and the yells of Alfred's soldiers as they chased the Danes that were running off.

“Finan, the battle isn't over,” Aisling said as her arms came around him.

“It is for you,” he said. He pulled away and shoved her towards Osferth. “Bring her to Alfred's healer. Now.”

“Finan, you need-,” she started.

“Go,” Ragnar said as he walked towards them. “I will watch over your husband.”

Finan watched as Aisling let Osferth lead her away. He turned away and looked around the field. He didn't see anymore Danes. He saw Uhtred walking towards them. Finan felt Ragnar at his side.

“He looks awful,” Ragnar said.

“He got hit with a horse,” Finan answered.

“Well, he should have seen it coming.”

“Where is Aisling?” Uhtred asked as he walked over to them. Finan saw the blood on Uhtred's face and wondered if he himself looked that bad with his cut and the blood on his face.

“At the healer's tent,” Ragnar said.

“You should be heading that way as well,” Finan said.

Uhtred looked at him. “You too, Finan.”

“Lord,” Sihtric said as he came over. “Sigefrid?”

Finan watched as Uhtred looked at them. “Dead. Aethelflaed stabbed him in the back while Aisling and I distracted him.”

Finan closed his eyes. Aisling is free. She is free from him now. He opened his eyes when he felt Uhtred's hand on his arm. “Aisling is free of him.”

Ragnar sighed. “He is dead but it does not mean she will be free,” he said. “Are either of you completely free of the slave ship?”

Uhtred and Finan shared a look. No, not yet, perhaps not ever is what the look said. Finan pressed a hand to his head, where the cut was and cursed. “I'm going to go to the healer's,” he said. “Knowing Aisling, she has probably annoyed the poor man already.”

“I will go with you,” Uhtred turned and looked at Ragnar. “I will let Alfred know you were with us on our side.”

Ragnar nodded. “Thank you, but if it is all the same to you, I will head with you to the healer's and say my goodbyes to Aisling and head back to Dunholm. I do not need Alfred thinking I was part of this.”

Finan looked at him. “I can never thank you enough for getting her out of there before tonight.”

Ragnar looked at him. “You can pay me back by always loving her. Even when she makes it hard,” Ragnar pointed his sword at Uhtred, “and considering she is related to that one, if could get real hard at times.”

Uhtred groaned and shoved Ragnar. “Not funny,” he said.

“I was not trying to be funny. I was being honest. Being your brother has not been easy. I have no idea how the hell Gisela can handle being your wife.”

Finan laughed softly. He looked up at the sky and saw the stars slowly disappearing as the sky brightened. Dawn is coming. Dawn is coming and we lost many men. We will be going home without them. But I still have my wife. And as much as it hurts to lose those men, my friends, by God, I am grateful that Aisling is still with me. Her, her I could not bear losing.

Chapter Text

Aisling held Ragnar tight. She felt him hold her the same. She pulled away and rested her forehead against his. She closed her eyes and let tears fall. She felt his thumbs stroke her cheeks as he cupped her face in his hands.

“My beautiful sister,” he told her. “You fought bravely and with great strength.”

Aisling opened her eyes and looked into his blue eyes. She smiled. “Thank you for saying so but I was terrified the whole time.”

Ragnar smiled. He kissed her forehead and pulled away. “A true warrior is always terrified deep down inside,” he looked into her eyes. “Now, stay out of trouble, lille rød.”

Aisling smiled. She blinked her tears away. “I will try, but I am a Ragnarson after all,” she answered.

Ragnar's smile widened. “You are,” he hugged her tight again, “and you always will be.”

Aisling nodded. She did not want to let go of Ragnar. She knew she had to though. He was going back to Dunholm before Alfred arrested him like he had Lord Odda. Aisling let him and gave him a smile. She watched as he walked out of Uhtred's tent, or the tent Alfred had given Uhtred, and left. Aisling stood in the middle of the tent unsure what to do.

It was almost midday, the battle long finished. Uhtred and Finan were both still with the healer, Osferth was off seeing about getting them food while Sihtric was off searching for horses for them. Aisling had been ordered by Uhtred, Finan, and lastly Ragnar to stay in the tent. All of them were worried about the bandage on her shoulder not to mention her still healing ribs. Aisling sat on the cot in the tent and pulled her boots off. She pulled her legs up under her and sat staring at nothing.

Her thoughts swirled around Sigefrid and Erik. Beamfleot was in ruins. Alfred wished to claim it but there were still Danes roaming around it. Alfred had sent Father Pyrlig with Lord Aldhelm to ask the remaining Danes if they wish to have their dead back. Aisling closed her eyes and let tears fall. Erik, Clapa, and Sigefrid deserve a proper Viking send off. I do not know if they will get one. And I cannot ask. I cannot even bring it up. I will not do that to Finan. It's over. This chapter is done. The brothers were defeated and I can move past being held captive and being forced to play nice with Sigefrid. She opened her eyes and cursed as more tears fell. Do not lie to yourself, Aisling. You liked Sigefrid. You liked the stories he told you about the gods and his childhood. It is why you tried to save him. Lie to Finan if you must, but do not lie to yourself.

“Aisling?” she jumped when she heard Aethelflaed's voice fill the tent.

She turned and saw the other woman in the doorway. Aisling waved her in and Aethelflaed almost ran to her. Aisling wrapped her arms around Aethelflaed and held her when Aethelflaed sat on the bed beside her. Aisling heard Steepa ordering Aethelred to leave them alone as Alfred thought it best his daughter have the comfort from the only other woman there at camp. Aisling felt Aethelflaed's tears in her neck and stroked her hair.

“I could not go back to Winchester until I saw you,” Aethelflaed said holding Aisling tight.

Aisling nodded. She pulled away and looked in Aethelflaed's blue eyes. “I am fine, just a small scratch.”

Aethelflaed smiled and shook her head. “Thank you for trying,” was all she said.

Aisling felt tears come to her eyes. “I had to. You deserve to be happy and that, bread pudding boy is not going to make you happy,” Aisling wiped the tears from Aethelflaed's cheeks. “Do not let him break you, Aethelflaed. You fought, you killed Sigefrid, do not ever let that bastard hurt you again.”

Aethelflaed nodded. “I won't,” she said softly but firmly. “I hope to see you again.”

Aisling smiled. “I hope to see you again as well. Perhaps you could come spend Yule with us at Coccham. Or I could visit you in Mercia,” Aisling leaned in, “should you wish to become a widow,” she whispered.

Aethelflaed smiled a real true smile. Aisling smiled back. Aethelflaed hugged her again and Aisling held her tight. We are bonded now. The two of us. And I will not forget it. I will always be there for her if she needs me.

“Why is he allowed in?!” they heard Aethelred bellow at Steepa.

“He is allowed in because he is bringing food. And a monk,” Steepa said.

Aisling pulled away and saw Osferth walk into the tent. He stopped when he saw Aethelflaed there. Aisling was worried that Aethelflaed would not be so nice to her father's bastard, but Aethelflaed was every bit the kind woman Aisling had seen her to be. She stood and walked over to Osferth. Osferth bowed but Aethelflaed placed her hand on his arm and pulled him up.

“I saw you on the battlefield,” Aethelflaed said. “You saved Finan, Aisling's husband.”

“I did, lady, but I did not fight well,” Osferth admitted.

Aisling saw the smile Aethelflaed graced Osferth with. “I am sure that once Aisling begins training you, you will fight very well.”

“I hope so, lady.”

Aethelflaed turned and smiled at Aisling. “I hope to see you again soon, Aisling, but for now I will leave you in the very capable hands of Osferth here,” Aethelflaed smiled. “And I will remember what you said, and I will take it to heart.”

Aisling nodded. She watched as Aethelflaed left. She smiled as Osferth carried the bread and ale over to her. She patted the spot next to her. He sat down and handed her the ale. Aisling took a long sip and sighed.

“Lord and Finan are almost done at the healer's,” Osferth said. “Well, Finan is finished but he is staying with the lord, while he has his arm stitched.”

Aisling nodded. “Have you heard anything about what Alfred is going to do with Lord Odda?”

Osferth sighed. “Alfred is planning to put him on trial back in Winchester. He is hoping to pack up the army and march everyone back to Winchester within the next couple of days.”

Aisling sighed. “I just want to go back to Coccham.”

Osferth nodded. “Lord Uhtred was telling Finan that perhaps we three could go back to Coccham while he rode on the Winchester with Sihtric.”

Aisling took some bread and ate it. “I don't know if we can trust Uhtred to go alone to Winchester. He made do something stupid.”

“Like lead us into another burning hall?” Osferth asked.

Aisling smiled. “Yes, like that,” she saw Osferth smile. “Although, I was a part of that decision as well.”

Osferth nodded. “You were. But I prefer to think that the lord dragged you into it.”

Aisling laughed. She saw Osferth smile wider. “Osferth, you are going to fit right in with us.”

“So I am to stay then?”

“Oh, you are staying. I know that you will become a great warrior.”

“And if not?” Osferth asked.

Aisling looked at him and shrugged. “And if not, well, we could always use someone to pray for our souls.”

Osferth snorted. Aisling broke off some bread and handed it to him. He took it and ate it. She smiled and sipped some ale. She could still feel the pain and the hurt inside of her. She had not even begun to deal with it all but she wasn't ready. She wasn't sure when she would be ready; if ever. So, she was going to ignore it.

Or at least try to.

***

Finan walked into the tent carrying his sword belt and leather armour. He wrapped his arm around his waist and rubbed his right side. He winced. Aisling and I will match in a couple of days with our bruises. He tossed his sword belt and leather armour on a chair. He saw Aisling laying on the cot her legs curled up to her chest. She was sleeping but he could tell it wasn't a restful sleep. He walked over and sat beside her body on the cot. He placed his hand on her side and gently began rubbing it. He watched as Aisling opened her eyes and looked at him. She winced.

“So much for your stupidly pretty face,” she said smiling at him.

He rolled his eyes. “So, the truth finally comes out. You only loved me for my looks.”

“No,” she said as she sat up and gently pressed her hand to the cut on his hairline and the bruise that was beginning to form. “I love you for your accent.”

“Right, my apologies, I forgot.”

Finan looked at her, still wearing her shift and leather tunic covered in blood and mud and smoke. He wrapped his arm around her and pulled her closer to him. He leaned back against the railing of the cot and pulled Aisling in his lap. She rested her head on his chest and wrapped an arm around his waist. He kissed her head and closed his eyes. They sat for several moments together just holding each other close. Finan opened his eyes and looked down at her. His eyes immediately went to the bandage on the back of her shoulder.

“Are you in pain?” he asked softly.

Aisling sighed. “A bit. You?” she asked as she gently placed her hand on his side.

“Same. I am sure in a couple of days my bruises will match yours.”

Aisling didn't say anything. “Are we headed to Winchester?” she asked.

Finan stroked her hair, it had come loose completely from the braid. “Uhtred would prefer that I take you back to Coccham. Alfred believes that you were rescued tonight along with Aethelflaed with Ragnar's help. Last thing we need is for you to come to Winchester again and someone remember seeing you earlier.”

Aisling nodded. “I can't wait to hold Aoife in my arms again.”

Finan closed his eyes. “Aisling, tell me you are all right.”

“I'm all right,” Aisling whispered.

Finan could hear the slight tremor in her voice. He opened his eyes. He kissed her head and held her closer. “He kissed you,” he said softly.

Aisling sighed. “He did.”

“Why didn't you tell me?”

Finan waited. Aisling shrugged and snuggled down more in his arms. “Because it didn't matter. He did it when I was leaving. It didn't change anything for me and between us. I was still coming home to you, I am still your wife and you are the one I love,” she answered.

Finan felt her hand grip his tunic. He placed his hand under her chin and turned her head up so he could look in her eyes. He stroked her cheek. “And I love you. I will not be hurt if you tell me you had come to care for Sigefrid.”

Aisling snorted. “Sure, you won't be.”

Finan rolled his eyes. “All right, so I may not understand it and I may hate and,” he paused. He looked at her. “I just wish you to talk to me, Aisling. I wish to know your thoughts and feelings. It's over now, we have dealt with the brothers, so you can let go of everything you had been holding in.”

He looked into Aisling's blue eyes. She reached out and placed her hand on his cheek. “He liked to hear my stories of the Greek and Roman gods. Especially of Ares. He thought it was hilarious how the God of War hated war and battle,” Finan hated how tears came to her eyes, “how could he be so funny and listen to me go on and on about history and then,” she shook her head, “he was kind to me. And I tried so hard not to be kind back. I did not want to lead him on but,” she stopped and looked down.

Finan nodded. “You are a hard woman not to love, Aisling. And you are so caring. You barely knew Osferth and already you were kind to him and had taken him in. I am not surprised you tried to be kind to Sigefrid. It is who you are.”

Aisling shook her head. “I wanted everyone to live, Finan. I tried foolishly to give Aethelflaed her happy ending with Erik and I tried to get Sigefrid to see that he could have that as well. Not with me, but he could still have his brother. It was stupid. I mean, he was who he was. I couldn't change that. I couldn't change him. And he choose death and battle and he killed his brother. He killed Erik and I,” Finan watched as more tears rolled down Aisling's cheeks. She shook her head and wiped her tears away. Finan didn't say anything. He waited. She took his hand in hers. “I feel like I could have stopped it. If I would have stayed maybe I could have made more of a difference. Maybe Aethelflaed wouldn't have ended up in the cage, maybe I-.”

“Stop,” Finan finally said. “Stop with the maybes. It is not what happened, love. Sigefrid made his choice. He choose not to hear you and allow anger to cloud his judgement. What happened, happened and it is done.”

“It isn't,” Aisling whispered. “It isn't done because,” she stopped. She looked away.

“Because why, Aisling?” he asked softly.

He waited. Aisling rested her head on his shoulder and nuzzled her face in his neck. She shook her head and kissed his neck softly. “It doesn't matter,” was all she said.

Finan held her close. It matters, Aisling because I can see that you are hurting. And I wish you would open to me. I wish to know all of your thoughts and feelings. I need to know them. You are my wife and if you cannot share your thoughts and feelings with me, than what is the point of this? I should be the one you trust. You did before. At Dunholm. Before either of us knew what we would mean to each other. You opened up to me then. Please do not close yourself off now. Finan didn't push her though. And he did not say any of that to Aisling. He wanted her to come to him with her feelings and hurt, he did not want to drag it out of her.

“I love you,” he whispered to her in Irish. He ran his hand up and down her thigh comforting her and himself as well.

“Hmm, there's that sexy Irish accent. And speaking Irish too,” Aisling muttered. “How am I to keep my hands off of you?” she smiled against his neck.

Finan smiled. “You're not supposed to,” he answered. “Touch me all you'd like, my beautiful wife,” he whispered. He let his hand run up to her ass and he gave it a squeeze. “I could let you know where exactly I would like you to touch, if you cannot decide yourself.”

Aisling groaned. “I love you, but you are the reason I constantly need to change my pants.”

Finan smiled. He looked at her when she pulled her face away from his neck. He kissed her deeply. She kissed him back and he laid her down on the cot. He kissed her over and over and let his hands run down her body. He felt her knees hug his sides and her hands gripped his tunic tight in her hands. He kissed along her jaw to her pulse point. His hands stopped at her trousers and he undid the ties. He slipped his hand inside as he sucked on her neck and nipped at the skin.

“Finan, someone could,” Aisling bit her lip and moaned the rest of what she was going to say lost on her breath as Finan's fingers slipped inside of her and stroked her while his thumb gently rubbed circles on her clit.

“I know someone could come in, that is why we are keeping our clothes firmly on,” he whispered before he nipped her ear. “I know I can make you moan my name without taking a single piece of your clothing off.”

Finan felt Aisling lift her hips and press herself against his hand. He was rock hard and he was grateful when he felt Aisling's hands undo the ties of his trousers. She slipped one hand inside and began stroking him. He nestled himself between Aisling's legs and went back to sucking and nipping at her neck. He continued to stroke and rub her core with one hand while the other ran up under her tunic and gripped her breast pinching her nipple gently. He smiled against her neck as she raked a hand through his hair, her fingernails scratching his scalp. Aisling stroked him and he jerked his hips against hers.

“Fuck,” Aisling moaned as her free hand gripped his tunic and pulled at it.

“Need more?” he asked softly.

“No, I just,” Aisling arched her back as he moved his hand to her other breast and nipple. Finan moved his head kissing along her throat to the other side of her neck and he began to suck and nip at the skin there. “Keep going,” she moaned as her legs tighten around him and she moved her hips against his.

Finan jerked his hips against Aisling and pressed harder on her clit with his thumb. Aisling's hand closed around him tighter and he moaned. He began to stroke her faster and she did the same to him. He jerked his hips and moaned as he came. He felt his seed coat his cock, his trousers, and his tunic. Aisling kept stroking him gently and slowly milking every last drop from him. He pulled away from her neck and watched her. He felt her clench around his fingers and she grabbed his tunic.

“Finan,” she moaned as she came.

“God, you are beautiful,” he whispered as he watched her arch her back and close her eyes. He felt her tremble against him and he kissed her deeply.

Aisling kissed him back. He felt her legs loosen their grip of his waist and slowly pulled his hand from her trousers. She whimpered at the loss of his touch and he felt his cock twitch at the sound of it. He kissed her again and again, letting his tongue stroke hers and his teeth gently nipping and tugging on her lips.

“Are you two done? I would like to sleep on a bed,” Uhtred said as he walked into the tent.

“Ten more minutes,” Aisling muttered as Finan claimed her lips again.

“Better make it twenty,” Finan added as he ran his hand down Aisling's side.

He heard Aisling laugh and he smiled against her lips. He pulled away and laughed when Uhtred dumped a jug of water on them. Aisling laughed as well.

“Apparently you two need to cool down,” Uhtred said. He sighed. “Now my bed is wet.”

“That's not-,” Aisling started.

Uhtred held up a hand. “No,” he said as he shook his head. “You are my sister.”

Finan raised an eyebrow. “That's not what you were saying the day after my wedding when you were asking-.”

“Osferth!” Uhtred yelled cutting Finan off.

Finan and Aisling laughed. Finan moved himself off of Aisling and laid beside her. He watched as Uhtred turned and walked out of the tent again yelling for Osferth. Finan did up the ties on his trousers and watched as Aisling did the same. He leaned in and kissed her. She kissed him back.

“I promise I'll find us a nice tree on the way back to Coccham,” he told her.

She smiled against his lips. “Hmm, I don't know if I will want you then.”

Finan pulled her on top of him and placed a messy kiss on her lips. “I know you'll still want me,” he said dropping his voice and making it deeper. “Especially if I talk like this.”

Aisling groaned and kissed him again. “I will throw you both in a lake!” Uhtred yelled from the tent opening.

Aisling laughed and pulled away from the kiss. Finan held her against him as he laughed as well. He held her close and closed his eyes. We'll be okay. She is still Aisling, the woman who landed at my feet, and I am still Finan, an exiled prince who has learned all the lessons on love the hard way. We can work this out and survive this. I know we can.

***

Aisling swam to the bank of the river and shivered a bit. It was getting colder but she would not give up her morning swims until the snow came. She climbed up on the bank and pulled her dress on and squeezed the excess water out of her hair as she slipped on her shoes. She looked up and smiled when she saw Uhtred and Sihtric's horses making their way to the gates of Coccham.

Uhtred had been in Winchester a month because of Lord Odda's trial, or what was meant to be his trial. Instead, from what the trader Godwine had said, Odda had managed to kill himself with a dagger given to him by someone. Alfred had been furious but it had been hard to prove just who had provided the dagger. Aisling would bet her money on Aethelwold, given how he had ridden off from Beamfleot and had not been seen since but was reportedly back in Winchester.

“Aisling!” Uhtred said as he saw her. “Still swimming?” he asked as he dismounted.

Aisling hugged him. “Of course. How is Winchester?” she asked pulling away.

Uhtred wrapped an arm around her shoulders and handed the reins of his horse to Sihtric. Sihtric rode his horse into Coccham while Uhtred and Aisling walked through the gates. Aisling leaned against Uhtred glad he was back. Tell the truth, you're glad for another reason to avoid Finan and the conversation he has been trying to have with you since the day after the battle of Beamfleot. You're already taken to training Osferth far harder than Uhtred and Sihtric trained you and you spend far too much time with Gisela and the children. Finan has no doubt already figured it out. Uhtred being back is not going to change anything. Your husband is still going to confront you. Hell, Uhtred will probably help him.

“Aethelflaed finally went back to Mercia with her husband,” Uhtred leaned in closer, “she's with child,” he added.

Aisling stopped walking. She turned and looked at him. “Erik?” she asked softly.

Uhtred shrugged. “She believes it to be so but I swore an oath that if her husband ever suspects it,” Uhtred trailed off.

Aisling sighed and started walking again. “Is it wrong for me to hope that he falls off his horse and dies?” she asked.

Uhtred laughed. “No, I think many people hope the same,” he smiled as Young Uhtred ran towards him. He pulled away from Aisling and swung his son up in his arms. “And how have things been here?” he asked.

Aisling bit her lip. “All right,” she said.

She felt Uhtred's eyes on her. “So, I take it that you and Finan still have not talked about Sigefrid again, have you?”

Aisling tossed her damp hair over her shoulder. “He's dead, he's been dead a month, what more is there to talk about?”

Uhtred sighed. Young Uhtred looked at her and sighed as well. “See?” Uhtred said. “Even my son doesn't believe you.”

Aisling gave Uhtred a look. She leaned in and kissed Young Uhtred on the cheek and shook her head. “I am not lying,” she said, “now if you will excuse me, my daughter is probably waking up right about now and Finan was out late last night with Osferth.”

Uhtred frowned. “Was he corrupting Osferth?”

Aisling nodded. “Most definitely.”

She laughed as Uhtred groaned. She walked away from him as he walked towards the hall and she turned to head down the street to the home she shared with Finan. You need to stop lying and avoiding the conversation. He wants you to be honest so be fucking honest with him. He is your husband. He will not stop loving you... But god, what if he does?

Aisling groaned as she walked up to the house. She kept having the same fight with herself. The old scars of the past kept resurfacing. She feared telling Finan the truth about how she had felt about Sigefrid and losing him. So, instead she acted like nothing was wrong and she pushed those feelings down. Feelings. God, I just liked him. I thought he was funny and told the best stories. And he was kind to me. I mean, he did want to bed me but still. Urgh, there is nothing wrong with just liking someone. Aisling shook her head and walked into the house. She smiled when she heard Finan singing Irish to Aoife.

“I know Momma is not here,” Finan whispered to their daughter, “but we need to be gentle with her. She loves us so much but she is still hurting,” he said in Irish.

Aisling closed the door behind her and leaned against it. She closed her eyes and listened to Finan talk to Aoife. Aoife babbled back to him and Aisling smiled. She opened her eyes when she heard Finan walk into the main room. She looked at him wearing only his trousers as he held Aoife in his arms. He looked half asleep still but he was still gorgeous to her.

“How was the water?” he asked softly as he stood there smiling at her.

“Getting cold,” Aisling answered. She walked over and smiled at Aoife. “I thought I would get back before you woke up, sweet girl,” she said stroking Aoife's cheek.

Aoife took Aisling's hand and held it. Finan smiled at them. “She couldn't wait. Or, she just wanted me all to herself.”

Aisling nodded. “Probably the latter. She is a Daddy's girl after all.”

As if to prove her mother wrong, Aoife held out her arms to Aisling. Aisling smiled and took her in her arms. She kissed her daughter's head and rubbed her back. She watched as Finan watched them with a loving smile on his face.

“Uhtred is back,” Aisling said as she carried Aoife to the table and pulled out a chair. She sat down and looked at Finan. “Aethelflaed is with child,” she said.

Finan raised an eyebrow. “Erik?”

Aisling shrugged. “Maybe, probably. Either way, Uhtred swore an oath to be there for her if bread pudding boy suspects that he isn't the father.”

Finan pulled out the chair across from Aisling and sat down. “So, we may be headed to Mercia in the future.”

Aisling sat Aoife on the table and made faces at her. Aoife laughed. “Probably. Is it wrong to hope that the pompous ass does something so incredibly stupid so that we can kill him?”

Finan smiled. “No, Aethelflaed would be better off.”

“Thank you,” Aisling said. She smiled when Aoife placed both her hands on Aisling's face. Aisling tried to bite them and Aoife pulled them away laughing. Aisling looked over and saw Finan watching them. She looked away and back at their daughter. Aoife laughed and shook her head causing her dark curls to bounce. Aisling sighed. “I'm sorry,” she said.

“About?” Finan asked softly.

Aisling bit her lip. She kept her eyes on Aoife. “Not talking about what happened at Beamfleot, trying to pretend like it never happened and,” she closed her eyes for a moment, “lying about how I felt about Sigefrid,” she opened her eyes again and glanced at Finan.

Finan crossed his arms on his chest. He reached up and began scratching his beard, which told her he was nervous and anxious about what she was about to say. “How did you feel about him, Aisling?” he asked saying her name softly.

Aisling looked back at Aoife. She tickled her daughter and listened to Aoife's beautiful laughter fill the room. “I liked him, Finan. Not in the way he wanted me to,” she added quickly, “but in a friend way. Just like I liked Erik. I learned things about them that made it really hard to hate them. Erik wrote poems and loved looking at the stars and the moon. Sigefrid loved telling the story of Balder over and over. It was his favourite story,” Aisling felt tears come to her eyes. She blinked them away but some still fell. “They both talked about their home so vividly and it came alive for me. I guess,” Aisling sighed and smiled at Aoife when her daughter took some of Aisling's hair in her hands. “I guess I never realized it but I bonded with them. And it hurts that they are dead. And even though I know that it was not my fault that I did everything I could, I still,” Aisling turned and met Finan's eyes. “I still feel like it was my fault.”

She was grateful that Finan didn't speak right away. She looked away from him and blew raspberries on Aoife's stomach. Her daughter laughed and giggled. Aisling turned when a knock came at the door. She got up with Aoife, knowing it was Helga coming to collect Aoife. Storria and her ate better together, much like they preferred to do everything together.

“Lady Aisling,” Helga said as Aisling opened the door and smiled at her.

“Hello, Helga,” Aisling kissed Aoife on the cheek. “I will come and get you later,” Aisling said to Aoife.

Aisling handed Aoife over and watched as Helga carried her towards the hall. Aisling closed the door and turned. Finan was still seated at the table. She walked back over to him slowly. She wrapped her arms around his shoulders and kissed his neck.

“You haven't said anything,” she whispered.

She felt him take her arms in his hands and hold them. “You liked him,” was all he said.

Aisling nodded. “I did. I just,” she sighed. “I tried not to. I really didn't want to since he kidnapped me. Or adultnapped?” she cursed. “He took me hostage basically but he was so determined to win me over, to woo me and in doing so, he showed who he really was. And I liked him. And I hate how it ended.”

“With him dead. After he tried to kill you,” Finan said.

Aisling pulled away from Finan and walked around him. He pushed the chair back and Aisling moved in between him and the table. She leaned against the table and looked at her husband. She could see the anger on his face. She hugged herself.

“I know what he did,” Aisling whispered. “And I,” she closed her eyes. “I forgive him for it.”

And there it is. The truth. The truth that I have not wanted to admit to Finan. Because I know my husband. I know that he has not forgiven Sigefrid. He hates him still. Aisling opened her eyes and looked at Finan. Finan leaned back in the chair, his brown eyes staring at her.

“You forgive him? If you hadn't-,” Finan started.

“I know,” she said. She looked at him. “I understand why he did it.”

“Oh, really?” he asked standing. “And why? Because you admitted to not wanting him.”

“Because he was hurt from what Erik did. He was angry and he lashed out,” Aisling sighed when Finan turned away from her, “I am aware how it sounds, Finan, why do you think it has taken so long for me to even try to have this conversation? I am trying to explain how I feel and not hurt you. And I can't find the words and I am trying so desperately not to pull you into this giant hole I have dug here,” Aisling felt the tears come. “I keep telling myself that I need to tell you how I feel but I am terrified of letting you see how much I am hurt by their deaths. I knew these men, I laughed with them, I listened to their stories and I got to know them and I liked them more than I thought and I,” Aisling closed her eyes, “I don't want to drown in grief, Finan, I don't because I am terrified of losing you,” she opened her eyes and hugged herself more. “And that's the real reason I couldn't find the words to say all this. It always comes back to that scar, that old fear that I always think is gone; that I am not good enough and I will lose your love.”

She wiped her tears and stared at Finan's back. He no longer hid the scars from her. She waited. He sighed and looked up at the ceiling. He turned and looked at her. She saw the hurt on his face. She looked away.

“Aisling, I am never going to leave you. You are enough for me,” he told her softly. “Even if I cannot understand why you cared about the brothers so much, or how you could come to like Sigefrid. That does not matter in the long run. All that matters is that you are hurting. That you are,” he paused and Aisling looked at him. “Grieving,” he said. She could see that he didn't understand it but he was not going to judge her. She walked over to him and wrapped her arms around his waist. He wrapped his arms around her and held her tight. She felt him kiss her head. “I love you,” he whispered after several moments of holding her close. 

Aisling nodded. “I love you too,” she answered.

She pulled away and looked up at him. She saw the way he was looking at her and her skin flushed. He wanted her. She smiled when he leaned down and kissed her. She kissed him and smiled against his lips as he backed her up to the table. Her ass hit the table and she laughed a bit. She kissed Finan deeply, her tongue stroking his. She felt his hands grab her dress and pull it up. She ran her hands along his chest stroking the hair there. She felt the cool air on her ass and Finan grabbed her waist and lifted her. He sat her on the table and began kissing her neck.

“Last time we did this on the table, we broke it,” Aisling said running her hands through his short hair.

“Hmm,” Finan sucked on her neck and Aisling felt one of his hands stroking the soft skin of her inner thigh. He would move his fingers closer to where she wanted him and move them away. She was wet and aching for him. She moaned as he sucked on the skin at her neck. Her legs opened wider and Finan nestled himself in between them. “I am tired of this table,” he whispered in her ear. “I think we may need a bigger one.”

“And why,” Aisling's breath hitched and she panted as Finan's fingers ghosted her folds gently touching them, one finger parting her folds and pulling away. “Why would we need a bigger table?” she finally managed to ask.

“Because love, I plan on having my way with you everyday until you are with child again,” Finan whispered in her ear his voice husky and accent deeper and thicker.

Aisling arched her hips against him trying to move herself closer to him. She needed some friction. She turned her head and met his eyes. “You smug bastard,” she said when she saw the smirk he had on his face.

“Oh, just wait,” he promised.

Aisling watched as Finan pulled his face away from her neck. He fell to his knees and Aisling felt her heart pound in her chest. She bit her lip and watched as Finan lowered his face to her core. He buried his mouth against her folds and she moaned. He licked them lapping up her juices and his tongue flicked in and out of her. She let her head fall back on the table. She gripped the table's edge and pushed her hips against Finan's face more as his tongue swirled around her clit. He placed a hand on her stomach and held her in place while he used two fingers of his other hand to sink knuckle deep inside of her. He crooked them at just the right angle and began stroking her. Aisling grabbed the hand he had on her stomach and her legs came around Finan's head.

“Fuck, how?” she moaned as she felt the trails of fire rippling through her. “How are you so?” she was barely able to speak as she felt herself fall off the cliff into the pleasure. Her body was on fire and her legs trembled. She squeezed her eyes shut as a bright white light flashed. She huffed and felt Finan place soft kisses and nip the skin on her inner thighs. She opened her eyes as the aftershocks still sent tremors through her body. She felt Finan's hands on her hips and he slowly pulled her down the table. She kissed him when he pressed his lips to hers. She stroked his tongue with hers and tasted herself on it. “You are far too good at that,” she muttered to him as he set her on her feet. She laughed as her legs almost gave out. Finan smiled against her lips and held her up with his arms wrapped around her waist.

“It's my favourite thing to do,” he said as he pulled her dress up and over her head. She was impressed he did it one handed. “I love to bury my face in you,” he said as he stole another kiss.

Aisling moaned and wrapped her arms around his neck. “Fuck you and your fucking accent,” she muttered feeling herself get wet even more than she already was.

Finan smiled that damn smug smile of his that made Aisling want to shove him on the floor and mount him but also slap him silly. She watched as he undid his trousers and kicked them off. She kicked off the one lone shoe that had stayed on while Finan had been going down on her. She reached out and took Finan's cock in her hand. She stroked it and placed a kiss on his chest. She looked up at him with her blue eyes. She smiled when she felt him twitch in her hand. He grabbed her hips and spun her around. She let go of him and gripped the table's edge as he bent her over it. A moment later, she felt his cock rub against her folds. He teased her and she moaned. Finan's hands gripped her hips and he gently pushed her feet further apart with his foot.

“Please,” she whimpered. She needed him. She ached for him.

“Please, what?” he answered as he moved one hand from her hip to her folds. He teased her more rubbing his cock up and down her folds, letting it rub against her clit.

“Please fuck me,” she moaned.

She rested her forehead against the table and gripped the edge of the table as Finan pushed into her. Once his tip was in, he gripped her hips tight again and pulled them back allowing him to sink deeper into her.

“Sweet Jesus Christ,” she moaned and she slammed a palm on the table.

Aisling could feel the difference in the way Finan was making love to her. His hips snapped into her ass and she could feel the hunger and need in his pace. He was burning for her and it was intense. She had never had a man want her this much. It was all she could do to hold on to the table. Finan's fingers were bruising her hips and with every thrust he pulled them back ensuring that she felt every thrust deeper than she ever had. Finan's pace was deep and hungry.

“Your ass is glorious, Aisling, and you are so warm around me,” Finan whispered as he ran his hands up her sides and cupped her breasts. He pulled her up and held her breasts and he continued to thrust into her. “And your breasts are perfect.”

“Fuck me,” Aisling muttered. This fucker. This smug Irish bastard. Oh god. I can barely fucking think. Fuck fuck fuck FUCK!

Aisling felt the pleasure building and building. She reached down and began flicking her clit as she felt the thrusts become erratic. Aisling felt the blood roaring in her ears and her breathing became heavy panting. She moaned and felt her legs twitch and shake. She gripped the table as she fell off into her climax. She felt Finan pulsate inside of her and the warmth of his seed as he released inside of her. His body shuddered and his arms wrapped around her breasts holding her tight to him. Aisling slumped against him as his gave slow soft thrusts before his limp member slipped out of her. She felt his kisses on her neck as his hands stroked her arms and sides.

“You have a very dirty mouth,” he whispered in her ear.

Aisling laughed. “That is your fault,” she muttered.

“Hmm, no, I don't think so,” he nipped her neck.

Aisling closed her eyes. “Finan,” she said softly.

“Yes, love?” he asked holding her close.

“If you plan on making love to me like that every day, I won't be able to walk.”

She felt Finan hold her tighter. He lifted her off her feet. “It's all right, my beautiful wife, I can carry you.”

Aisling laughed as he carried her to their bedroom and dumped her on the bed. He followed her, his body covering hers as he kissed her deeply. She held him tight to her and kissed him back. I love this man. He is everything I wanted and never knew I needed. I am never going to tire of having him in my bed or in my life. I never want this feeling of being loved and cherished by him to end. Ever.

***

Finan walked into the hall hours later and smirked when everyone yelled and cheered. He bowed. He walked over to the table where Uhtred was sitting at the head. Uhtred shook his head as Finan sat beside him.

“And where is my sister?” he asked as he tossed a piece of bread at Finan.

Finan smiled. “Sleeping. I am here to get us both some food and pick up Aoife,” he said.

Sihtric sat beside Finan. “You have been missing all day,” Sihtric said.

Finan smiled. “Oh, I know.” He gave Sihtric a wink.

Uhtred groaned. “Again, that is my sister.”

Sihtric laughed. “I did not ever think I would see the day when the great Dane-Slayer did not wish to hear about the conquest of one of his men.”

“He's become a prude,” Finan said winking at Uhtred.

“Did Sihtric tell you?” Osferth asked as he sat across from Finan on the other side of Uhtred.

“Tell me what?” Finan asked as he turned to look at Sihtric.

“I am to be a father,” he said smiling.

Finan smiled. He slapped Sihtric on the back. “That is wonderful news!” he said.

Sihtric smiled. “And the way you and Aisling are going at it, I am sure my child will have a playmate in no time.”

Finan laughed. He grabbed Uhtred's mug of ale causing some very colourful curses in Danish to flow from Uhtred's mouth. Did he just call me a cat's balls sack? “To Sihtric!” he yelled lifting his mug.

“To Sihtric!” everyone yelled.

Finan sipped some ale and handed the mug back to Uhtred. He laughed when he saw the glare Uhtred sent his way.

“Finan, I have your child and a basket of food,” Gisela said as she walked over to the table. Finan saw her eyes smiling at him as well as the smirk on her face. “Do tell Aisling that I am hoping to see her tomorrow.”

Finan stood. He took Aoife in his arms and smiled at her. He leaned in and placed a quick kiss on Gisela's cheek before he took the woven basket from her. “I will tell her. I don't know if you will, but I will tell her,” he said giving her his smug smirk as Aisling called it.

Gisela shoved him. She waved a finger at him. “I better see her tomorrow or I will be coming into your house and kicking you out of it.”

Finan smiled. “Yes, lady,” he gave a little bow.

“Get out of here,” Uhtred said as he tossed a hard crust of bread at Finan. Aoife laughed causing everyone else to laugh.

Finan carried Aoife out of the hall and into the early evening. He looked at his daughter. She laughed and babbled at him. He leaned in and placed a kiss on her head. I want so badly to have another child with Aisling. Whether it is another girl or a boy. I want a whole army of children with her.

“What do you think, Aoife?” he asked his daughter. “Do you wish to be a big sister?”

Aoife looked at him, her blue eyes shining, and she babbled. Finan smiled. “I will take that as a yes."

Chapter Text

Aisling ducked and pulled up her shield. Her foot slid in the snow but she stayed put. She laughed as Sihtric slammed his sword into her shield. She turned and saw Finan beside her with his shield up as well. Osferth was not doing as well as Sihtric, but he was still beating his sword on Finan's shield.

“I thought you all were taking the morning off,” Uhtred said as he walked out of the gates. Aisling heard the laughter of the children and knew he had brought an audience with him.

“We were until Aisling decided that Osferth needed to be in a shield wall,” Sihtric answered.

“I see,” Uhtred said. “It's a pretty pathetic shield wall, lille rød,” Uhtred told her.

Aisling pushed against Sihtric's shield with her own. “I am aware of that, brother,” she said. “It's not like a could call on Alfred's army to make a better one.”

“Mama!” Aoife yelled clapping her hands.

Finan laughed. “Someone has a new favourite word,” he said winking at Aisling.

Aisling rolled her eyes. “She still said Da first.”

“Well, of course she did,” Finan answered. “She does love me more.”

“Don't you find it insulting that these two are just carrying on a conversation like we are no threat at all?” Sihtric asked Osferth.

“A bit,” Osferth admitted.

Aisling smiled and Finan did the same. He winked at her. She watched and laughed as he shoved hard on his shield knocking Osferth over, shield and all. Aisling dropped her shield when Sihtric tossed his aside. She caught Young Uhtred when the boy ran over. She swung him around and laughed when he did. She set him on his feet again and walked over to where Uhtred stood. She took Aoife from him kissing Storria, who was also in his arms, on the cheek. She held Aoife close pulling the wool blanket tight around her to keep her warm.

“So,” Uhtred started softly as they watched Finan chase Young Uhtred around the training yard, “still no second child?”

Aisling sighed. She held Aoife close and shook her head. “I had thought this last month but,” she kissed her daughter on the head. She felt Uhtred's eyes on her. “I am trying not to worry about it, I know it will happen but seeing Finan disappointed, that is what hurts,” she said.

Uhtred nodded. “It will be a year soon since you were married. And then it will be Storria and Aoife's birthdays. There is much to celebrate. Finan will see that.”

Aisling nodded. She held Aoife close and laughed when Finan caught Young Uhtred and swung the boy around. She wanted to give Finan a second child. She wanted it as much as he did, but it seemed it was not happening as quickly and as easily as it had with Aoife. Don't stress about it. You weren't even trying and you got pregnant with Aoife. It will happen when it happens. And look at Finan. He is happy. Just stop stressing and focusing on not being pregnant. I mean, after all, it is fun trying. Finan does love making you moan his name and he is so very good with using that mouth of his.

“I got a message from Lady Aethelflaed,” Uhtred said breaking into her thoughts. “She is at Winchester while her husband deals with raiders on Mercia's border with East Anglia. She wishes to come to Coccham for a few days.”

Aisling smiled. “Does it have anything to do with her mother?”

Uhtred smiled. “She may have mentioned that her mother was being a tad bit, fussing was the word she used.”

Aisling laughed. She looked over and shook her head as Finan dumped Young Uhtred in the snow. She saw the boy grab some snow and throw it at Finan. Osferth did as well. Finan grabbed more snow and tossed it at Osferth. Sihtric ran over to them to get out of the line of fire.

“Perhaps we should head to the hall where Gisela has some warm meade waiting,” Uhtred said.

“That sounds lovely,” Sihtric said.

Aisling kissed Aoife and handed her to Sihtric. He took her and his eyes widened a bit causing Aisling to laugh. “Here take her to the hall. It looks like my husband needs some help,” she said.

“All right. I will try not to drop her,” Sihtric said.

Uhtred shook his head. “You need more practice, your child will be here soon.”

Aisling turned and went over to Finan, Osferth, and Young Uhtred. She grabbed a large handful of snow from the ground. She walked over to Osferth and shoved it down the back of his robe. Osferth let out a very girlish scream causing Finan to laugh. Young Uhtred turned and Aisling tossed some snow at him. He grabbed some snow and tossed it back at her. She laughed as it hit her in the chest.

“Come here,” she said as she went to grab him. He took off running and she gave chase.

“Stop laughing, Finan!” Osferth complained as he tried to shake the snow out of his robe.

“I can't, baby monk,” Finan said still laughing. “That sound you made was truly something.”

Aisling laughed as she skidded to a stop as Young Uhtred ran around Finan. She slid into Finan. He wrapped his arms around her and held her. She laughed as Young Uhtred hid behind Osferth. She laughed as Young Uhtred grabbed more snow and threw it at Osferth.

“Hey,” Osferth said as he spun around. “Not you too!”

Aisling leaned against Finan laughing as Osferth gave chase to the boy. She smiled as Finan kissed her head and held her close. He was still laughing as they watched Young Uhtred run around the training yard as Osferth chased him both of them throwing snow at the other.

“I cannot wait for Aoife to be old enough to play in the snow,” Finan said as he pulled Aisling in front of him, her back pressed against his chest.

“It will be two against one then,” Aisling said. “With you and her throwing snow at me.”

She snuggled close to Finan when he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her closer. “Perhaps not,” he whispered kissing her neck. “Perhaps there will be another little one running with us.”

Aisling turned and looked at him. “Perhaps,” she kissed him. “Perhaps we shouldn't talk about it. I mean after all, we made Aoife when we weren't even thinking of it.”

Finan smiled. “True. We were just enjoying each other's bodies. Which sounds good right-.”

Finan stopped and Aisling gasped as Osferth and Young Uhtred both pelted snow right in their faces. Aisling pulled away from Finan and wiped the snow from her face. She saw Finan do the same. She looked at her husband.

“Oh, it's on,” she said.

Finan nodded. “I got baby monk,” he said.

“Wait! RUN!” Osferth said as he picked up Young Uhtred and took off running.

Aisling and Finan gave chase. Aisling laughed. This is how it should always be. I am so happy. Everything is so much better. Our family feels whole. Clapa is still missed and I will never forget him. But Osferth, Osferth fits in so well with us all. Like he was always here.

***

Finan carried Young Uhtred on his shoulders into the hall. He turned and saw Osferth and Aisling holding each other up as they followed. Finan turned back when he heard Gisela sigh and snort. He found her standing in front of him as he and Young Uhtred dripped on the floor. She had an annoyed look on her face and she had one foot tapping on the floor. Oh no. She is going to kill me. 

“Uhtred said you all were coming into the hall hours ago,” she said.

Finan placed Young Uhtred on his feet in front of him. The boy was a genius and looked up at his mother with a smiling face. Good job wee Uhtred. She can't kill me if I made you happy. “Rusty and Uncle Finan threw snow,” the boy said.

Gisela smiled at her son. “I see that. You all are soaked to the bone.”

Finan looked up when Uhtred walked over. He looked at him, his son, and over at Aisling and Osferth. He laughed.

“Is there any snow left on the training yard?” he asked.

“No, Father!” Young Uhtred yelled. He jumped up. “I hit Uncle Finan in the face!”

Finan sighed. “He did. It was not my best moment.”

“No, that was when you tripped and knocked Aisling into the snow,” Osferth said as he smiled at them.

“Osferth, you are soaked as well. To the fire place with you,” Gisela said ushering him over.

Finan glared and Aisling laughed. “Aw, did she not usher you to the fireplace?” Aisling asked.

“No, she did not. And I am barely older than Osferth,” Finan said.

“Like a whole decade older perhaps,” Uhtred said as he picked up his son.

“I am not that old!” Finan yelled.

“Oh, husband, you are,” Aisling leaned in closer to him. “I see some grey hair in your beard here,” she gently brushed his cheeks.

“Lies,” Finan said grabbing her hand.

“There is some warm meade left over,” Uhtred said. “If you two would like some and not go home right away to hump.”

Finan laughed when Aisling glared at Uhtred and pointed her finger at him. “Do not use that language in front of your son. Let's keep him young and innocent a tad bit longer before you corrupt him.”

“Me? And how is it you know I would be the one to corrupt him?”

“Because you are you, Uhtred,” Finan said smirking.

Uhtred rolled his eyes. Finan pulled Aisling's arm and pulled her towards the fireplace. He grabbed Osferth's mug of warmed meade and drank some. He pulled Aisling in his arms as pulled her in front of the fireplace. She leaned against him. He handed Osferth back his mug and wrapped his arms around Aisling. She hummed in contentment. He kissed her neck and held her close. God, I have not laughed that much in a very long time. And had that much fun. And it was with the woman I love.

“Lady Aethelflaed is coming,” Aisling said softly.

“Oh,” Osferth said.

“Do not worry, baby monk, we will not hide you away in Hild's chapel,” Finan teased.

Aisling elbowed him. “Aethelflaed is not Alfred, Osferth,” she said softly. “She was kind to you at Beamfleot and she will be kind to you again. You are important to me and she is as well,” Aisling said.

Finan saw Osferth nod. “I know that, Aisling. I will be kind to her as well.”

Finan frowned. “Do you even know how to be unkind to someone?”

Again Aisling elbowed him. He grabbed her sides and tickled her causing her to laugh. He kissed her neck and held her close. He heard Gisela walk up to them. She sighed.

“You two,” was all she said as she held their mugs of ale.

“Us two, what?” Finan asked as he stopped tickling Aisling and held her close.

Gisela smiled at him. “You two make Uhtred and I look like an old married couple when we've only been married a couple of years longer than you.”

“But you are so much older,” Aisling teased.

Gisela rolled her eyes. “You are horrible.”

“I'm related to your husband, just remember that.”

Finan took his mug and Aisling took hers. She laughed as Gisela shook her finger at her. “I will be back. Aoife is upstairs with Storria sleeping and I have to go deal with a very wet boy thanks to you three.”

“Lady, it was all Finan,” Osferth said.

Aisling snorted as she drank her meade. Finan looked at Gisela. “Osferth is lying. It was not all me,” Finan tried.

Gisela gave him a look. “I do not believe you, Irishman.”

Aisling and Osferth laughed as Gisela walked away. Finan looked at the two of them. “I am going to get you two back. I promise you that.”

“You're so cute when you are all flustered,” Aisling said patting his cheek.

Finan shook his head. He smiled though. He listened as Aisling and Osferth talked together about training and the upcoming Yule. Finan wrapped an arm around Aisling's waist and placed his hand on her stomach. He smiled when he remembered the year before and how she had been pregnant with Aoife. It has been a hell of a year. I gained a wife and a daughter and almost lost Aisling. Hopefully the new year brings more joy and less heartache.

“It will be a year you have been wed, right?” Osferth asked.

“Right,” Finan answered. “It was right here in this hall,” he kissed Aisling's neck.

“Clapa made the hall look so beautiful with the flowers,” Aisling said softly.

Finan held Aisling closer. “He did,” he answered. “And you looked so beautiful. You glowed and were so happy,” he added.

Aisling turned and looked at him. “I was and I still am so very happy,” she kissed his lips.

Finan smiled against her lips. He rested his forehead against hers. He looked in her eyes. “You make me the happiest man in this life and the next and the next after that,” he smiled. “A thousand years and more, you have been my heart and you always will be,” he said in Irish.

He saw tears come to her eyes. “You and that stupidly attractive face and your sexy accent,” she said before she kissed him again.

“Lady Gisela is right, you two can barely keep your hands off of each other,” Osferth said.

Uhtred snorted as he walked over. “You have no idea, Osferth. The things many of us have walked in on these two doing,” Uhtred shook his head.

Finan laughed and pointed him. “I could tell some stories about the ride from a certain nunnery to Winchester before you and Gisela were married,” he said.

Aisling nodded. “Not to mention what some of us here around Coccham have caught you and Gisela doing at times.”

Uhtred smiled. “I am lord here,” was his only answer.

Finan snorted as did Aisling. He looked at Osferth and laughed when he saw that the former monk's cheeks and ears were red. Finan nuzzled his face in Aisling's neck as Uhtred began going on about the preparations they would have to make for Aethelflaed's visit and then Yule. Finan listened with a half ear. His thoughts were on Aisling and his daughter. It will be a year since I married her. A whole year with her as my wife. And it could have been less than that. I could have lost her. He held her tighter.

“Finan?” Aisling asked when Uhtred turned to speak to Osferth.

“I'm fine,” he said. “Just thinking of how it is you chose me to be your husband. Me, out of all the men who may have been far more worthy than I of you.”

He saw Aisling smile. “There is no one more worthy of you, my prince,” she said in Irish. “You have loved me for a thousand years,” she said. “No one could ever be worthier of my love than you.”

Finan kissed her again. He smiled when he heard Uhtred groan. “These two,” he mumbled as he grabbed Osferth and pulled him away from the fireplace.

Aisling laughed. “I love you,” she told Finan.

“And I you,” he answered as he kissed her again. “For a thousand years and more,” he whispered as he kissed her again and again.

***

Aisling skidded to a stop at the hall. She slid on one foot and grabbed the door to stay upright. She pulled it open and walked into the hall. She sighed as she felt the warmth of the hall. She found Uhtred sitting at the table rubbing his temples. Aethelflaed was due to arrive in a day and Alfred had sent messages to Uhtred ensuring that his daughter would be protected on her visit to Coccham. Due to the amount of demands on Uhtred, Aisling had dealt with Godwine on that day for what may be one of his last deliveries until spring. Aisling carried the bundle she had to the table and sat beside Uhtred.

“All the tools and wheat have been unloaded,” she told Uhtred. “Finan and Sihtric are making sure that it gets stored properly,” she took one of the messages from Uhtred. She groaned. “He did not really write to you in Latin,” she told him.

Uhtred nodded. “He did. And then he wrote again in Danish and finally English,” Uhtred shoved the letters away from him. “He wishes for me to accompany Aethelflaed back to Winchester when her visit is over. He says there are things he wishes to discuss with me,” Uhtred said.

Aisling sat there. “But,” she looked at Uhtred. “Yule,” she whispered.

Uhtred nodded. “We've been invited to spend Christmas with Alfred.”

Aisling made a face. “Ew,” was all she said.

Uhtred laughed. “I am sure it would not be that bad.”

Aisling sat back in the chair and crossed her arms on her chest. “Uhtred, Alfred is the most Christian of all the Christians and that is saying something. I mean, the man is probably more Christian than the pope,” she leaned in, “The pope, Uhtred, the leader of the Church. I very much doubt that Christmas at Winchester will be fun for anyone, least of all us.”

She watched as Uhtred smirked. He shook his head. “Do you even know who the pope is?”

She leaned in. “Pope Formosus,” she smiled as Uhtred raised an eyebrow. “He's going to die in a few months. And then, in another year, his body were be dug up and he will be put on trial,” she said.

Uhtred snorted. “Christians,” he said.

Aisling nodded. “Oh, Uhtred, you have no idea. At one point, there are three popes. Three!”

“What's this?” Gisela asked as she walked to the table and saw the bundle Aisling had placed there.

Aisling pulled it towards her. “It's for Finan.”

“What is it?” Uhtred asked.

“A cloak,” she said. “I wanted wool to make one but Godwine found this and knew I would love it,” she frowned, “also, I don't know what I did to him, but he is frightened of me suddenly. He practically gave the cloak to me and kept repeating over and over how he was right on time this month.” Uhtred laughed and Aisling eyed him. “What did you do?” she asked.

“I did nothing. It was Finan and,” Uhtred paused, “Clapa,” he said. Aisling saw the pain flash in Uhtred's eyes. “They told Godwine that since you had gotten your sword you were harming people and inpatient.”

Aisling smiled. “Clapa always had a way of being very serious about everything,” she said.

“He did. He is missed,” Gisela said as she sat down in a chair beside Aisling. “But he is in Valhalla feasting.”

Aisling smiled. “He is.”

Uhtred sighed. “I do not wish to be in Winchester for Yule but it does not seem like we have a choice.”

Aisling groaned and leaned back in the chair. “I think I'll stay here,” she said.

Uhtred raised an eyebrow. “You wish to be here alone for Yule?”

Aisling nodded. “If the choice is between here alone with the children, or Winchester and Alfred? I'm choosing here with the children.”

“Uhtred, perhaps Finan and Sihtric could stay here. Finan to be with Aisling and Sihtric because his wife is with child,” Gisela suggested.

Uhtred sighed. “And Osferth as well. I can take other men.”

Aisling looked at him. “What? You have other men?”

Gisela laughed as Uhtred rolled his eyes. “I do.”

Aisling leaned in. “Name them.”

“What?” Uhtred said.

“Name these other men.”

Aisling watched as Uhtred opened his mouth. He closed it. He looked at Gisela. She laughed and shrugged. He looked back at Aisling. “You name them,” he said as he suddenly became very interested in the letters in front of him.

“Shit!” Finan said as he walked into the hall rubbing his hands. “It's cold out there,” he said as he walked over to a fire pit that had been placed near the table. He rubbed his hands together on top of it. “What are you up to?” he asked Aisling.

“She is bothering her brother,” Gisela answered.

“Oh, so just another day than,” Finan said.

Aisling smiled at her husband. She grabbed the bundle and got off the chair. She walked over to him. “Here, this was meant to be your Yule gift but you need it now,” she untied the cloak and opened it. She swung it around Finan's shoulders and tied the buckle in the front. She saw Finan look at it and touch it. It was a brown wool with some navy blue woven in. It had a hood and flowed all the way down to Finan's ankles. She saw Finan's eyes fill with tears.

“It's,” he stopped.

“Finan?” she asked softly.

She let him pull her in his arms. She hugged him tight and felt him hold her just as tight. “Thank you, lass,” he muttered. His accent was thicker and she knew that meant he was getting emotional. She pulled away and cupped his face with her hands. She gently stroked his bearded cheeks. He smiled at her. “It's been a while since someone gave me something so beautiful,” he said.

“Not really,” Aisling said. “I gave you a daughter earlier this year.”

Finan smiled. “True,” he kissed her.

“Finan,” Uhtred said. “We were just discussing the Yule plans. Alfred has invited us to Winchester for Christmas.”

Aisling pulled away and saw Finan make a face. “Do I have to go?” he asked.

Gisela laughed. “Aisling does not wish to go either.”

Aisling pulled away from Finan but he kept an arm around her waist keeping her close. “No, I do not. I would rather stay here with the children and I have told Uhtred as much.”

“Is that an option because I would prefer to stay as well,” Finan answered.

Uhtred cursed. “You are a Christian, Finan.”

“He's an Irish Christian, completely different from the Wessex Christians,” Aisling answered.

Aisling heard Finan snort while Gisela laughed. Uhtred shook his head and muttered something under his breath but he did not say much more. Aisling felt Finan kiss her neck. She leaned against him and was happy. She was with people who loved her, she did not need more.

***

Finan was grateful for the cloak Aisling had given him. He stood outside and watched as Lady Aethelflaed and her men and servants arrived. He stood beside Uhtred while Aisling, Gisela, and the children stayed in the warmth of the hall. He walked over to the coach and opened the door. Aethelflaed sat there and looked at him. She smiled and looked so happy and glowing.

“Lady, welcome to Coccham,” he said as he held his hand out for her.

“Finan,” Aethelflaed said as she took his hand and stepped out of the coach. “It is good to see you happy and relaxed. And not covered in blood and ash,” she smiled.

Finan smiled. “It is, lady. It is nice to see you smiling as well.”

“Finan,” Uhtred said. “Stop flirting with Lady Aethelflaed.”

Finan saw Aethelflaed blush. He kissed her hand. “I would never flirt with such a wonderful, beautiful lady.”

“Finan,” Uhtred said exasperated.

“Finan.” Aethelflaed said sheepishly blushing even more.

“Finan,” Aisling said as she walked to the doors. “Let her in the hall so she can warm up.”

Finan let go of Aethelflaed's hand. He let her walk to the door. She walked past Uhtred, who sighed, and hugged Aisling close. Finan stood next to Uhtred and looked at Aisling and Aethelflaed hugging each other close.

“I thought you were important,” Finan teased Uhtred.

“I did as well,” Uhtred answered.

“She just likes me more,” Aisling said pulling away.

Aethelflaed laughed. “I have missed you, Aisling,” she said.

“Feel free to keep her, lady,” Sihtric said as he walked out of the hall to show Aethelflaed's servants where the lady would be staying. Aisling smacked him as Aethelflaed laughed.

“Come on,” Aisling said leading Aethelflaed into the hall. “You can meet my beautiful daughter.”

“She's mine as well!” Finan called after them.

“Seems like someone else is not as important as he thought,” Uhtred commented.

Finan glanced at him. “You take enjoyment out of that, don't you?”

Uhtred smirked. “Just a little.”

Finan rolled his eyes as he followed Uhtred into the hall. He saw Aethelflaed holding Aoife in her arms. Finan smiled when he heard Aoife babbling with some mama and dada thrown in. Aethelflaed, for the most part listened intently and smiled. Young Uhtred stayed close to Aisling hugging one leg as he peered up at Aethelflaed, while Storria was quiet from Gisela's arms just staring at Aethelflaed. Finan could not tell that Aethelflaed was pregnant yet but she did have a glow. He turned and looked at Uhtred.

“It looks like Gisela and Aisling have adopted Aethelflaed as one of them,” he said.

Uhtred nodded. “She will need other women around who have had children around to help her,” Uhtred looked at Finan, “women who are not her mother.”

Finan laughed. “Lady Aelswith can be a bit much at times.”

Uhtred snorted. “A bit much is putting it mildly.”

Finan pulled his cloak off and hung it by the doors on one of the hooks. He walked over to the women by the fireplace. He smiled when Aoife reached for him. Aethelflaed handed her over. He smiled at Aethelflaed and watched as she pulled off her own cloak. He smiled when he saw that her stomach was still mostly flat. It was beginning to round every so slightly, but it only showed when Aethelflaed turned a certain way. And perhaps Finan only noticed it because he remembered what Aisling had looked like when she had been pregnant with Aoife. He kissed Aoife on the cheek.

“So, how are things in Mercia?” he asked Aethelflaed.

“Going well,” she answered.

“Her husband is still alive,” Aisling said sadly.

Aethelflaed sighed. “He is still alive but he is right now fighting off raiders on the border. And perhaps it is for the best,” she answered as she placed her hand on her stomach. “He, he does not consider this child his.”

“Has he said anything?” Gisela asked. Finan held out his free arm and she placed Storria in his arms as well. Finan smiled as Storria reached out and took Aoife's hand. Aoife looked at her and they both started babbling together.

“Not to my father or anyone in Mercia,” Aethelflaed smiled. “I warned him that to do so would make him some very powerful enemies.”

“Ah, thank you,” Aisling said.

Finan snorted. “I think she meant her father, love, and not you.”

“Come, lady, sit,” Uhtred said.

Aethelflaed smiled. “Please, all of you, call me Aethelflaed. I am not here as Alfred's daughter or Aethelred's wife. I am here as Aisling's friend. We both,” Aethelflaed paused. Aisling took her hand. “We both went through a horrible ordeal together and that is why I am here. To be with my friend.”

“Sister,” Aisling said. “You are my sister now. And as Uhtred has taught me, one can never have too much family.”

“Especially family that has power,” Finan added with a wink.

Everyone groaned but Aethelflaed laughed. She followed Uhtred as he lead her to the table. She sat beside him on his right and Gisela sat on his left with Young Uhtred in her lap. Finan walked over and handed Storria to Uhtred before he sat down. Finan carried Aoife over to Aisling who sat beside Aethelflaed. Finan pulled the chair next to Aisling closer and sat down. He held Aoife on his lap. He smiled when Aisling turned and looked at him and their daughter.

“What?” he asked softly.

“You are a good father, Finan,” she said reaching out and placing her hand on his arm. “You love Aoife and take care of her so well.”

Finan smiled. “And you are a good mother, Aisling. Never fear that you aren't.”

He saw tears come to Aisling's eyes. She smiled. “Later tonight, you, dear husband, are going to get very lucky.”

Finan smiled. “I got lucky the moment I found you in the river.”

Aisling smiled. She turned back and listened to the conversation between Aethelflaed and Uhtred. Finan listened as well.

“I managed to convince my father to allow me to stay here for Yule,” Aethelflaed said. “After all, Coccham is much safer than Winchester at the moment.”

Finan saw Uhtred frown. “And why is that?” Uhtred said.

“Aethelwold is there and not here,” Aethelflaed said. “And Mother has brought Edward to Winchester so Father is very busy keeping my brother safe from everyone who may wish to use him.”

“Sounds tiring,” Aisling said.

Aethelflaed nodded. “It is. I do hope that my staying for Yule will not be a problem.”

“Oh, it won't,” Gisela said smiling. “There were some here who did not wish to go to Winchester for Christmas.”

Aethelflaed smiled. “I believe I know exactly who that was,” she looked at Aisling.

“Oh come on,” Aisling said as everyone laughed. “How did you know?”

Aethelflaed smiled. “You may be able to fool my parents into thinking you are a good pious Christian, but you knew far too much about the Danes gods and other gods,” she said. “And there was that time you admitted to following the old gods.”

“And you still consider her a friend?” Finan asked.

Aethelflaed nodded. “I do. It does not matter which gods she follows, I know that Aisling is a good kind person and that is all that matters.”

“Is it too late to have you named King of Wessex?” Aisling asked.

Aethelflaed laughed. “Perhaps.”

“How about Mercia than?” Finan asked winking at Aethelflaed. “I do believe we could easily get rid of your husband.”

“Not easily,” Aisling corrected. “Get rid of him, yes, but not easily.”

Aethelflaed sighed. “No, I do not wish for any of you to come to harm. I have my own plans for him.”

“Please tell me it involves a funeral,” Aisling said.

Everyone laughed. Aethelflaed shook her head. “Not yet. Now, I would like to know some of the customs performed at Yule.”

Finan bounced Aoife on his knee as she got a bit fussy. He listened as Uhtred and Gisela explained some of the customs with Yule. He turned and saw Aisling staring at the table. She seemed lost in her thoughts. He still worried about her. There were still moments, like now, when she would get lost in her head and he feared she was thinking about the brothers and her time with them. She was far better than she had been but Finan worried that she would never be completely free of her time with them. He worried that they would always haunt her. But she is here. She is here at home with me and Aoife. She is healing. And I know that being here with us is better than being anywhere else. He saw Aisling turn and look at him. He took her hand and kissed it. She smiled at him.

“I love you,” he told her softly.

“And I love you,” she answered. She laughed when Aoife babbled. “I love you too, my sweet girl.”

Finan kissed Aoife on the head. “I love you too, my beautiful girl,” he told her in Irish. Aoife babbled back. He smiled.

He felt Aisling squeeze his hand. He squeezed it back. I will celebrate another Yule with Aisling and our first with our daughter. And then it will be the new year. And it will mark the first full year of marriage for Aisling and I. The first of many, I pray.

***

Aisling blinked her eyes and moaned. She arched her back and pressed her core against Finan's face. She smiled and sighed. I do love waking up to his face buried between my legs. And he seems to enjoy it as well since lately I have been waking up like this on most mornings. Aisling gasped as Finan's fingers entered her and began stroking her.

“Fuck,” she moaned closing her eyes and grabbing his pillow. She pulled it over her face and moaned loudly in it before tossing it aside.

Finan's tongue swirled around her clit teasing it gently. His fingers stroked her and she could feel the tension building. She ached for release. She shoved the blankets aside and raked her fingers through his short hair.

“Finan,” she moaned.

She opened her eyes and looked down. His eyes met hers and he began to suck on her clit with his mouth. She closed her eyes again and reached out and grabbed the blankets with her other hand. She fisted them hard as the tension finally broke and she felt lightheaded as bliss floated over her. She let go of the blankets let out a shaky breath. She opened her eyes and blinked when she felt Finan kissing her inner thighs. She whined when his fingers left her but felt him smile against her skin. She was still floating and she watched as he kissed her stomach with messy wet kisses up to her breasts. She wrapped her legs around his waist needing him closer again. She arched her back as Finan took the time to kiss, lick, and suck her nipples and her breasts. His fingers and hands also touched and kneaded her breasts gently. Her skin felt hot and on fire everywhere he touched. She whimpered softly.

“Shh,” Finan whispered as he kissed her gently. “We'll get there. I just want to worship every inch of you,” he answered.

“And I just want you inside of me like now,” she answered as she kissed him and nipped gently at his lips.

He smiled that damn smug smile of his and Aisling moaned. He kissed along her jaw. “I have forgotten how impatient you are in the mornings.”

Aisling ran her hand down his back. “Not impatient, I just ache for you. And you made it worse.”

“Hmm, so it's all my fault,” he said as he kissed her neck. He nipped it gently.

“Completely and utterly your fault.”

Aisling felt Finan smile against her neck. “Do you want to ride me?” he whispered in her ear before he nipped the lobe.

Aisling moaned and tightened her legs around him pulling him closer to where she so desperately wanted him. “I want you to ride me,” she answered.

“As you wish,” Finan said.

Aisling was throbbing. She whimpered at his words. Finan's hands ran down her sides to her hips and positioned his cock at her entrance. She cried out his name as he buried himself inside of her with one quick thrust. She looked at him and looked in his eyes as he held her hips and he pulsed inside of her.

“Hard or soft?” he asked her.

Aisling looked at him. The sweat on his forehead and chest matting his chest hair. Her eyes looked at his muscles and she throbbed against him and clenched around him. “Hard, so fucking hard,” she said.

Aisling felt Finan's finger dig into her hips and he began pound into her. Aisling rested her head on her pillow and closed her eyes as she arched her back. With every thrust, Finan pulled her hips into it making him go deeper and harder into her. Fuck, this is true meaning of fucking. This man knows all the tricks and angles. Aisling could feel the pressure building so much quicker and she whimpered and moaned Finan's name. She felt his thumb flick her clit. He only needed to do it a few times and she came hard. She sobbed his name as she shattered. She felt his hands on her sides and he pulled her up. He sank deeper inside of her as she straddled his lap and wrapped her arms around his neck. She cried into his shoulder as aftershocks caused her body to tremble. She felt Finan's hands stroking her back. His thrusts were slow now and steady. He gently rolled his hips against hers. She felt his lips on her neck.

“Aisling?” he whispered softly his breath trickling her ear.

“I'm okay,” she whispered back. She pulled her head away and looked into his dark eyes. “You bastard,” she said smiling.

Finan kissed her gently. “You said hard,” he answered as he ran his hands down her back and he gripped her hips again. He moved them against his and Aisling moaned.

“You are way too good at this this,” she said as she dug her nails in his back.

He smiled and placed a messy kiss on her jaw. “I've had a lot of practice.”

“Man whore,” she answered.

She smiled when Finan laughed. “Hmm, I think you mean, your husband, the man whore.”

Aisling laughed. She rolled her hips against Finan's and began to pick up the pace. She felt him pulse inside of her and twitch and knew he was close to coming. She nipped at his ear lobe and kissed his neck. She felt Finan stroke her clit again and she closed her eyes as she felt her legs twitching and a fire began to burn and spread. Finan's thrusts began to stutter as he got closer. Aisling ran her hands along his back and clenched around him when she felt him cum inside of her. His thrusts became jerky as he spilled himself inside of her. Aisling felt her gut tighten and knew she was close as well. Finan rubbed her clit faster and she tensed as she came.

“Finan,” she cried out burying her face in his neck.

Tears came to her eyes again and her body trembled. Her breath hitched and she puffed slowly. She closed her eyes as her vision went black for a moment. She saw stars and she smiled. She felt Finan's hands move from her hips and in between them. His fingers gently stroked her thighs and her back. She felt his lips on her neck.

“Happy Yule, love,” he whispered as he held her closer.

Aisling smiled. “Happy Yule,” she pulled away and looked in his eyes. “It's been a year since I asked you to marry me.”

Finan smiled and nodded. “It has. Best decision you've ever made.”

Aisling laughed. “According to you, maybe.”

“No, according to anyone,” he said.

Aisling kissed him. She rested her forehead against his and held him close to her. “I love you,” she told him.

“And I love you,” he answered. She smiled when he did. “God, do I love you,” he kissed her. “You are so perfect,” another kiss, “and loving,” another kiss, “I am never going to let you go,” he kissed her deeply.

Aisling kissed him back. She let him stroke her tongue and she stroked his. She laughed and pulled away from him. “I am not perfect, Finan,” she said.

“You're perfect for me.”

She nodded. “It would seem so,” she looked at him in awe. “I still can't believe you are my husband. You are mine,” she whispered.

Finan smiled. “I am. And you are mine as well.”

Aisling nuzzled her face in Finan's. I am so happy. Here with Finan, a thousand years in the past, I have found my happiness. A happiness I have never thought possible.

“Aisling?” he whispered.

“Hmm,” she asked her fingers tracing circles on his back.

“Are you happy?” he asked softly.

Aisling pulled away and looked in his eyes. “Very happy, Finan. Happier than I have ever been,” she told him.

He nodded. “I thought so but I had to ask.”

“Why?”

Finan kissed her nose. “You have been through so much I was worried you were not happy and regretted coming here.”

Aisling shook her head. “I may regret some things in my life, but being here, with you is never going to be one of them.” She saw Finan smile. Tears came to his eyes. She brushed them away when they fell. “Finan?” she asked.

He gave her a soft smile. “You may be one of the few women in my life who does not regret meeting me,” he joked.

Aisling sighed. She stroked his cheeks. “You are a good man, Finan,” she kissed his lips softly, “plus, most of the women you have been with are whores, so they regret everyone they take to their beds,” she teased.

Finan laughed. She smiled. He laid her back down on the bed. “God, you are perfect,” he said as he kissed her.

And you are as well, Finan. You are as well.

***

Finan raised his mug of ale and laughed as Uhtred cheered everyone for Yule. He saw Aethelflaed sitting on one side of Uhtred, her cheeks rosy and her smile always on her face. She looks so young and happy. I think she needed this. I think she needed to be here with us. He pulled Aisling into his lap as she walked past. She laughed and wrapped an arm around his neck. He kissed her deeply.

“Do you plan on ending this day like we started it?” Aisling asked as she stroked his neck.

He smiled. “It sounds like a plan.”

“Aisling!” Uhtred yelled. “Sing us a song!”

Finan pulled away and turned to look at Uhtred. “You sing a song!” he yelled back.

“No one wants to hear that!” Osferth yelled.

Everyone laughed, even Uhtred. Finan laughed harder because he had heard Uhtred sing, most of them had at one time or another on the road. And the truth was, Uhtred could do many things but singing was never going to be one of them.

“All right, I'll sing,” Aisling said. She kissed Finan's cheek. He sighed but let her go. She walked over to the front of the hall and climbed on the table so everyone could see and hear her. She tossed her hair over her shoulder. “This song is called Whiskey in the Jar. It's an Irish song my Nan would sing to me.”

Finan whistled and everyone groaned. “What? She is Irish as well, it's nice to have at least one person on this bleeding island who knows my customs.”

“She is also my blood,” Uhtred answered.

“Very, very, very, little of your blood,” Finan countered.

“Boys, don't fight, you're both pretty,” Aisling said. Gisela choked on her ale while Aethelflaed laughed. Finan rolled his eyes and Uhtred glared at her. “What? You wanted me to sing, so shut up and let me sing.”

Finan nodded. He sat back and placed his mug of ale on the table. He watched as Aisling closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She opened her eyes and smiled. She started.

“As I was goin' over the Cork and Kerry mountains, I saw Captain Farrell and his money he was countin', I first produced my pistol and then produced my rapier, I said stand and deliver or the devil he may take ya, I took all of his money and it was a pretty penny, I took all of his money yeah and I brought it home to Molly, She swore that she'd love me, no never would she leave me, But the devil take that woman yeah for you know she tricked me easy,” Aisling sang. Finan could see the smile on her face. She stopped and blushed.

“Come on, lass!” he yelled as he stood and clapped. “More!”

Everyone around clapped. Finan watched as Aisling blushed but nodded. He stayed standing and made sure she could see him. He smiled at her. She smiled back and continued.

“Musha ring dum a doo dum a da, Whack for my daddy-o, Whack for my daddy-o, There's whiskey in the jar-o,” Aisling stopped for a moment. Finan began clapping a beat and everyone joined in. Aisling nodded at him and continued. “Being drunk and weary I went to Molly's chamber, Takin' my money with me, but I never knew the danger, For about six or maybe seven in walked Captain Farrell I jumped up, fired off my pistols and I shot him with both barrels, Musha ring dum a doo dum a da, Whack for my daddy-o, Whack for my daddy-o, There's whiskey in the jar-o, Now some men like the fishin' and some men like the fowlin', And some men like ta hear, ta hear the cannon ball a roarin',” Aisling paused and pointed at Finan. He laughed but kept clapping. She smiled at him. “Me I like sleepin', specially in my Molly's chamber, But here I am in prison, here I am with a ball and chain yeah, Musha ring dum a doo dum a da, Whack for my daddy-o,” Aisling paused and looked at everyone. “Together now! Whack for my daddy-o, There's whiskey in the jar-o, Whiskey in the jar-o, Musha ring dum a doo dum a da, Musha ring dum a doo dum a da, Hey, musha ring dum a doo dum a da, Musha ring dum a doo dum a da,” everyone in the hall started laughing and clapping when the song was over. Finan walked over to the table and held out his arms. Aisling climbed down and jumped into them. He held her tight.

“That was great, mo grá,” he said kissing her cheek.

“I prefer singing alone with no audience,” she said as she pulled away and looked at him.

He kissed her nose. “You have a beautiful voice.”

“I guess I didn't get that from Uhtred than,” she said.

Finan laughed. “No, I guess not,” he set her on her feet and kissed her. She kissed him back. “I am going to have to get you to sing for me when we are alone,” he said smiling.

Aisling shook her head. “No, I don't think I could.”

Finan pulled her away from the table and along the side of the hall where no one was at the moment. He pressed her against a post and looked in her eyes. He reached up and stroked her cheek.

“You do not have to hide away from me, Aisling,” he whispered to her.

She smiled. “I'm not hiding, I'm just shy,” she said.

Finan smiled. “You sang to wee Uhtred all the time.”

“He's a child, he didn't care what I was singing or could understand the words. You, are an adult.”

Finan leaned in. “Ah, I see, you want to sing me some dirty songs than,” he whispered kissing her neck.

Aisling laughed. She gripped his tunic tight and pushed him back gently. “You are horrible,” she said with a smile on her face.

He gave her a smirk, the one he knew made her wet. “I am, but you did know that already when you married me.”

He kissed her again and wrapped his arms around her. He heard Osferth get up and begin singing a song. He pulled away and laughed when Aethelflaed got up and began to sing it with him. He pulled Aisling in his arms in front of him. She rested her back against his chest and clapped and laughed. He leaned down and kissed her neck.

“Look at that,” Finan said. “Aethelflaed and her half-brother are singing together. You did that,” he whispered to her.

“I didn't,” Aisling said quickly.

“No, you did. You are the link between them. More than Uhtred. You and Aethelflaed are bonded because of Beamfleot. And Osferth will always remember you as being the only kind person to him in Winchester when we first met. They trust you which means they can trust each other. That is all you, not Uhtred.”

Aisling turned and looked at him. “You give me far too much credit.”

Finan shook his head. “No, love, you don't give yourself far enough credit.”

She smiled and shook her head. She turned back and clapped as Aethelflaed and Osferth finished the song. They looked at each other and laughed. Finan laughed as well. He pulled Aisling closer to him and held her tight.

“This has been a good Yule,” he whispered to her.

Aisling sighed. “It certainly started off very well.”

He smiled. “It did, and I promise it will end the same way.”

He felt Aisling look around. She turned and looked at him. “Aoife is down for the night with Storria and Uhtred. How about we sneak off now?” she suggested.

Finan nodded. “Great idea,” he pulled away and took her hand. “Come on.”

He pulled her back towards the side door of the hall that went through the kitchen. The moment the cold hit them, they laughed and hurried towards their home. Finan held Aisling's hand and held her close. I feel like a young man again sneaking off with my first love. Except this time, it's forever. And I will not lose her to duty. No, she is mine and I am hers.

Chapter Text

Finan woke up alone in bed. He frowned. He rolled over but Aisling was not behind him. He sat up and didn't hear Aisling or Aoife in the house. Aethelflaed left three days ago and today is our anniversary. The first day of the new year and when we wed. Where is she? Finan climbed out of bed and grabbed his trousers from the floor and pulled them on. He grabbed his boots and pulled them on as well. He frowned. I miss hearing Aoife's laughter and Aisling groaning in the morning. I have come to hate silent mornings.

Finan grabbed his tunic and pulled it on. He walked out of the room and towards the front door. He grabbed his cloak and pulled it on before opening the door and walking outside. He pulled the door closed behind him. He headed towards the hall.

He walked along the streets and didn't see anything out of the ordinary. He reached the hall and found Sihtric leaning in the doorway. He sighed in relief when he saw Finan. Finan raised an eyebrow.

“Aisling came here with Aoife a couple of hours ago,” Sihtric said. “Aoife is sick, as is Storria and little Uhtred. Aisling, however freaked out about it,” he explained.

Finan rubbed his forehead. “And why exactly didn't you come to wake me up?”

“Because Aisling kept saying she couldn't keep running to you and have you clean up her problems, whatever that means. Uhtred dragged her to the training yard to, well, honestly for her to yell and scream where Osferth couldn't hear. He is helping Hild and Gisela care for the children.”

Finan cursed. He closed his eyes and looked up. “Sometimes she seems so strong and it is like nothing could bring her down and then-.”

“And then her only child gets sick in a place where illness has been known to strike down big strong men and kill them and she can barely string two sentences together,” Sihtric finished. Finan opened his eyes and peered at his friend. Sihtric shrugged. “She is Aisling, Finan. I have long stopped trying to figure her out. She is who she is. She is strong, sometimes much too strong, but she can also be vulnerable.”

Finan sighed. “That's part of the problem, Sihtric. She tries so desperately to hide her vulnerability from everyone, even me.”

Sihtric smirked. “I mean, she is still related to Uhtred after all.”

Finan rubbed his forehead. She is but it is more than that. She grew up without love and probably tried so hard to be the perfect child in the hopes of getting that love. And that meant not being weak. And now, even though I have told her over and over to be honest with me and that I can handle it, she still slides back into those habits because it is all she knew for so damn long.

“I'm going to go see Aoife. I'll give Uhtred some more time with Aisling,” Finan said softly. “Maybe he can get through to her.”

Sihtric snorted. “More like the both of them are going to come limping back here beaten all to hell because they would rather beat each other up than talk.”

Finan smiled. “Uhtred talks,” he walked into the hall and pulled off his cloak. “Granted, he talks at people most of the time and not to them.”

Sihtric laughed. “True,” he nodded towards the stairs. “We are going to need to talk about whether or not we are going to tell Osferth the truth about Aisling.”

Finan groaned. “Can that be tomorrow's problem?”

Sihtric nodded. “I will tell Uhtred, he will order it to be tomorrow's only problem.”

Finan smirked. He hung his cloak up and headed towards the stairs. He climbed them praying with every step that Aisling would learn to trust him with every single one of her emotions and feelings. He wanted it all with her; the good and the bad and the scary.

***

“IT'S INSANITY!” Aisling screamed as she slammed Dream-Weaver into Uhtred's shield. She slammed her shield against his and barely noticed that Uhtred winced and skidded back. Aisling was focused on her anger and fear. “Honestly! What the hell am I thinking?!” she yelled. “Children die here of anything and everything! My daughter, my beautiful baby girl could die and I am stupid enough to even consider having another one! That is the DEFINITION OF INSANITY!”

“Aisling,” Uhtred said his voice calm, “perhaps stop yelling that you are insane. The people of Coccham may begin to believe you.”

Aisling threw her shield aside. She dropped to her knees and dropped her sword beside her. She closed her eyes and hung her head. The tears she had been so hard to stop from falling came along with the sobs. She barely noticed that Uhtred had tossed his own shield aside and placed his sword back in his scabbard. He fell to his knees in front of her and pulled her into his arms.

“Babies aren't supposed to die of the common cold, Uhtred. Parents aren't supposed to bury their children and I have been so naive,” Aisling sobbed grabbing his tunic and jacket and holding on tight. “I thought that all I had to be worried about was not loving her the way she deserved. But no, I forgot that I had to worry about this place killing her!”

“Aisling, enough!” Uhtred said. He pushed her back and looked into her eyes. She saw fear and worry in his blue eyes. “It is enough,” he said firmly. “Aoife will not die, she is just sick. She will grow up to be a beautiful woman who unfortunately for us will no doubt have your temperament and will drive us all crazy,” he said with a soft smile. “But she will live.”

“You can't promise that,” Aisling said tears still rolling down her cheeks.

“I can, lille rød. I can because Freyja would not have brought you here from your time, filled with pain and hurt, only to have you repeat that all here. No, she brought you here to have love and to have a family,” Uhtred cupped her face in his hands. “You are marked by her, Aisling, so are your children. Aoife will not die.”

“Gods let children die all the time,” Aisling whispered.

Uhtred nodded. Aisling saw his own tears falling now. “They do, I know,” he admitted. Aisling grabbed his forearms. He shook his head when she opened her mouth to apologize. “I know, I lost my first born son with my first wife. I know that children can get sick and die, Aisling, I have felt that pain. I will not let that pain touch you.”

Aisling shook her head gently. “You can't stop it from happening, Uhtred. No one can. Not even in my time and it's,” Aisling closed her eyes. “It's scary in my time but here, without doctors, hospitals, and medicine, oh god, it is so much worse,” she felt Uhtred stroke her cheeks. “And I cannot lose her. I can't,” Aisling whispered.

Uhtred rested his forehead against hers. “You won't. She is your daughter, Aisling. You are strong and so is she. And she is Finan's,” he said softly. “Finan survived much longer on that slave ship than I did. Aoife is his blood. She will not let a cold kill her.”

Aisling sobbed. “It would kill him,” she said. “If she dies, I would lose him.”

“Hush, you will never lose him,” Uhtred said. “That man loves you like he breaths; it comes naturally to him. He barely knew you and he could not stop himself from wanting you.”

“Wanting someone and loving them are two different things.”

Uhtred pulled away and looked at her. “Not to Finan. Not when he swore never to love or want love again. You know that. You know it and yet you are still so scared of letting him see this side of you.”

Aisling pushed Uhtred away. She stood and grabbed her sword again. She heard Uhtred muttered something under his breath in Danish but he stood as well. He grabbed his shield and sword. Aisling picked up her shield and looked at Uhtred.

“I can't let Finan see me like this,” she said as she slammed her sword into Uhtred's shield.

“He is your husband, if you cannot share this with him, then why-.”

“Why what? Stay with him? Marry him? LOVE HIM?!” Aisling slammed her shield against Uhtred's.

“No, Aisling, why are you here?” Uhtred asked softly. “If you are not going to share all of yourself with him, with us, than why are you here at all?”

Aisling dropped her shield and Uhtred hit her. She landed on the training ground and stared up at the sky. She groaned and heard Finan yell. She closed her eyes and a moment later felt Finan's hands on her cheeks.

“Uhtred, what the hell?!” her husband demanded.

“She needs some sense knocked into her,” Uhtred answered.

“I'm fine,” Aisling moaned opening her eyes. She saw Finan looking at her. She groaned when Uhtred took her shield and sword.

“Talk to each other, and no weapons,” he said as he walked away.

“ASSHOLE!” she yelled after him.

“I love you too!” he yelled back.

Aisling groaned and covered her eyes with her arm. “I hate him.”

***

Finan looked down at Aisling. He could see the tears rolling down her cheeks. He pulled her arm away from her eyes and made her look at him. He cursed and brushed her tears away. She huffed and bit her lip.

“Did you see Aoife?” she asked softly.

He nodded. He sat on the training field beside her. He placed a hand on her side and held her close. “I did. She is sleeping beside Storria, who is also sick. Both of them fuss whenever we try to separate them,” he added. “Gisela and Hild have assured me that our daughter will be fine.”

He saw Aisling nod. “They told me the same thing,” she whispered.

He looked at her. “So, why did Uhtred have to drag you here?”

He saw Aisling blink as more tears came to her eyes. “I was so happy I forgot where I am.”

Finan frowned. “Here in Coccham?”

“No, here in this time. Babies die all the time here. In my time, we can prevent a lot of babies deaths and I,” he saw Aisling close her eyes, “when I heard Aoife cough, with a fever, and cry I suddenly remembered that in this time, babies die from that. And I began to question what the hell was wrong with me. What am I thinking wanting to bring another child into this world when I could be burying my eldest? And I knew that if we lost Aoife, I would lose you and-.”

“Stop,” Finan gently placed his hand on Aisling's mouth. She opened her eyes and looked at him. “Stop it, Aisling. I am your husband, you will not lose me.”

He saw fresh tears come to her eyes. “You shouldn't have to tell me that,” she whispered.

Finan moved his hand. He stroked her cheek. “And you should have been showered with love growing up. You should have been shown that you could be weak and scared and that the love would always be there,” he gave her a soft smile. “I will keep saying it as long as you need me to so you will believe it. I am yours, Aisling, yours and only yours.”

He watched as she looked at him. She sat up and kissed him. He kissed her back. He held her close. She rested her head on his chest.

“I have never loved anything as much as I love you and Aoife and I can't,” she sucked in a breath. “I can't lose that. And I am terrified of losing you both,” she pulled away and looked at him. “But I can't keep burdening you with these feelings. It's not your job to put me back together.”

Finan kissed her again. It was a soft and gentle kiss. “I am your husband, Aisling, I do believe it is my job,” he rested his forehead against hers. “I love you, Aisling,” he said in Irish.

She nodded. “I know,” she whispered. “I just, I sometimes wonder why.”

Finan closed his eyes and felt a tear roll down his cheek. If I could, I would go forward in time and I would kill your father for this pain he has caused. And I would kill your sister as well for making it ten times worse. “I never wonder that,” he answered. “I wonder how anyone could not love you.”

Aisling snorted. Finan smiled. “Finan, that was cheesy.”

He let her pull away. He stroked her cheeks and nodded. “I know, but it got the effect I wanted,” he said.

“And what was that?” she asked.

“You smiled,” he kissed the corner of her mouth. “And I needed to see your smile.”

He felt Aisling's hands on his tunic. She leaned in and kissed him again. “I love you, Finan,” she told him. “I am glad that I married you a year ago today.”

Finan smiled against her lips. He kissed her again and again. “I am as well. I would have liked to wake up in bed with you this morning though. I had something very special planned.”

Aisling gave him a soft smile. “Maybe next year,” she answered.

They both turned when they heard a horse. Aisling stood and Finan stood as well. Finan cursed when he saw that it was a messenger from Alfred. Aisling leaned against him and kissed his neck softly.

“Looks like the new year starts with a summons from Alfred,” she whispered.

Finan looked down at her. “I don't want to go anywhere away from you right now.”

Aisling smiled at him. “I will be fine. Aoife needs one of us to stay and we both know that it isn't going to be you.”

Finan kissed her on the forehead. “Maybe we'll get lucky and it won't be a summons or order to go anywhere. Maybe it's just a new year's greeting.”

“You don't really believe that, do you?” she asked as they began walking towards the gate and the hall.

Finan sighed. No, not really but I really want it to be. Because I don't want to leave you right now. But I may have to.

***

Aisling opened her eyes and smiled at Aoife. Her daughter laughed and reached for her. Aisling knew she shouldn't be allowing her to sleep in the bed, but with Finan gone the bed was just too big. She sat up and lifted Aoife from the barrier of pillows she had placed around her and held her in her arms.

“I am so happy someone is feeling better,” Aisling said kissing her daughter's soft hair.

Finan and the others, minus Osferth, had been gone for two weeks already and Aisling was worried they would be gone for even longer. Alfred had sent them to help Aethelred on the border of Mercia and East Anglia to deal with the Danes. Haesten was also involved, and Aisling was nervous about Finan dealing with him. Aoife laughed bringing her mother's attention back to her.

“I was worried about you,” Aisling said. “So much that Momma had a tiny bit of a break down,” she sighed. Aoife took her hair in her hands and held it. “But I think that might actually have more to do with Momma's hormones,” Aisling smiled a bit. “I may be pregnant. I didn't even think about it and I haven't told Daddy yet,” Aisling tickled Aoife. Her daughter laughed. “Yes, you might be a big sister. I'll know for sure in another couple of weeks but, let's hope I'm right.”

Aisling smiled at Aoife and tickled her more. Aisling was a week late for her monthlies and she hoped and prayed she was pregnant. She wanted so badly to tell Finan they were going to have another child. She heard knock on the door. She held Aoife close and climbed out of bed. She carried her to the main room and unbarred the door and opened it. She smiled when she saw Hild standing there.

“Look Aoife, it's Auntie Hild,” she said smiling at the other woman.

Hild laughed. “Someone is in a much better mood today,” Hild said as she walked into the house and closed the door behind her.

Aisling smiled. “I am. I do wish I would have felt this way when Finan left though. I wasn't exactly feeling myself.”

Hild nodded. “We understand. You have been holding it together a tad too well, Aisling. You are allowed to feel,” she smiled, “and between you and I, it was very entertaining watching Gisela tear Uhtred down a bit for the way he handled your talk.”

Aisling snorted and laughed. “It was,” she kissed Aoife on the cheek. “I did need to let out my anger though.”

“Oh, of course, but hitting you with his shield? That was a bit much.”

Aisling looked at Hild. “Everything Uhtred does is a bit much.”

Hild laughed. “True,” she smiled, “I am here because Gisela wants you and Aoife to come stay in the main hall with them.”

Aisling frowned. “Why?”

Hild sighed. “Uhtred sent a message back. There has been some problems and it looks like they will be delayed a couple more weeks.”

Aisling groaned. “It's Haesten, isn't it?”

Hild shrugged. “Uhtred didn't say but I do know that at times these things take longer than anyone thought.”

Aisling sighed. She kissed Aoife on the head. “Well, maybe when they do come back, I will have some good news for sure.”

Hild raised an eyebrow. “Another child?” she asked.

Aisling nodded. “Maybe. I am late but I do not want to say anything more. I should know for sure in a couple more weeks.”

Hild smiled. “I will pray it is a child. Now, let me hold this sweet girl while you get dressed and then I will help you get your things together.”

Aisling nodded. She kissed Aoife on the head and handed her to Hild. Aoife began babbling and Hild began talking to her. Aisling walked into the bedroom and pulled off her nightgown. She pulled on her thicker tunic and trousers and boots. She began grabbing some clothing for herself and some things and blankets for Aoife. She grabbed a couple of bags and rolled everything up and placed it in the bags. She also grabbed her sword and the sword belt. She walked into the next room and found Hild laughing with Aoife.

“I got a few things and I don't think I will need more,” Aisling said. “But if I do, I can always come get it.”

“Very true,” Hild kissed Aoife on the cheek. “She is such a sweet child.”

Aisling smiled. “She is. But she is very much a Daddy's girl.”

Hild smiled again. “Of course she is. Finan doted on her. Everyone could see it.”

Aisling nodded. “He did but honestly, I grew up with a father who spent most of my childhood acting like I was a child he babysat and barely liked, let alone loved. So, seeing Finan hold her close and love her, it feels me with joy,” she blinked away a couple of tears, “it makes me happy to know that my daughter won't have to feel the pain I did.”

Hild took her hand. “No, she won't. And neither do you, not anymore.”

Aisling nodded. “That is true. I am happier here than I have ever been back home. Even if my husband is gone right now.”

Hild nodded. “It might do you two some good to be apart. Now, Gisela and I can actually have a conversation with you without Finan coming and pulling you away.”

Aisling laughed. “Girl time, huh?”

Hild frowned a bit but nodded. “To some degree, yes.”

Aisling nodded. “Sounds like fun. Although, do we consider Osferth a girl?”

Hild laughed and walked to the door. “I very much doubt that Osferth would consider himself a girl.”

Aisling smiled. “True, but he is here, so might as well let him join.”

Hild nodded. “Might as well. And Ealhswith.”

“Yes, Ealhswith especially. I want more dirt on Sihtric.”

Hild shook her head but laughed. Aisling followed her out and pulled the door closed behind her. She followed Hild down the street towards the hall. It will be like a sleepover. Something I never did when I was a kid. I was too shy and had zero friends. Shit, my childhood was so messed up. I am glad that Aoife will have a better childhood. Granted, she has to deal with war and plague. But, on a whole, still better than mine. Geez, that's sad. Aisling raked a hand through her hair. She shook those thoughts away and decided to think about her life now. She was happy and she had a family. That was what mattered at the moment.

***

Finan pulled his cloak around him more and poked the fire again with the thick stick he had found. He felt Sihtric move beside him and pull the blanket around him more. Finan looked across the fire and over to the tents in the distance. Uhtred was in one of them arguing with Aethelred and Haesten.

“I am cold,” Sihtric said.

Finan nodded. “I can't feel my feet anymore,” he said softly.

Sihtric sighed. “We've been here a month. If we stay any longer, I will forget what my wife looks like.”

Finan snorted. “You probably already have.”

Sihtric elbowed him. “You probably don't remember what Aisling looks like either.”

Finan looked at him. “Her eyes are the colour of the sea on the coast of Irland. Her hair is the colour of rust and it turns almost copper red in the sun. She has freckles across her nose and cheeks that she hates but I adore them. And her smile, her smile brightens my day and could make even today, the coldest bleakest day bright,” he said.

Sihtric looked at him. At first he said nothing. Sihtric shook his head and looked away. “I'm not surprised, you spend so much time staring at her.”

Finan snorted. “Sounds like you don't spend enough time staring at your wife.”

Sihtric elbowed him again. Finan elbowed him back. They went back and forth over and over elbowing each other in the sides and stomach. They only stopped when they heard Uhtred's loud curses coming from the tent. Finan shoved Sihtric off the log they were sitting on as a final insult before he turned and looked at the tents. He saw Uhtred walking back towards them. He cursed. Uhtred did not look happy and that probably meant they were all going to have to spend more time here on the border.

“We're not leaving, are we?” Finan asked as Uhtred sat across from them at the fire at another log.

Uhtred sighed and looked up at the sky. “No, we are not. Haesten says he can convince the Danes to join us and swear oaths of loyalty to Alfred and Mercia.”

“He's full of shit,” Sihtric said.

Uhtred nodded. “We all know he is but since Alfred told Aethelred not to go to war unless he absolutely has to, Aethelred is taking Haesten at his word. So, we are here for even longer.”

Finan rubbed his forehead and cursed. “I hate being away from Aisling this long, Uhtred. She was not in a good place when we left.”

“Ah, is something wrong with the Lady Aisling?” Haesten's voice echoed over their fire. “Perhaps, she should have chosen Sigefrid and not you then.”

Finan went to stand but Sihtric held him back. Uhtred stood and Haesten walked over. Uhtred glared at Haesten. I will kill him. I swear I will slit this bastard's throat for everything he has done and said about Aisling.

“Haesten, perhaps you should head over to your own fire and leave me and my men alone,” Uhtred said.

Haesten laughed. “I am sorry, I did not mean to offend the Irishman here. I just thought I would let him know that his wife is still in my thoughts. And when I touch myself at night.”

Finan stood and went to lunge at Haesten. Uhtred got in between them just in time and held him back. “I will cut your tongue off and shove it up your ass!” Finan yelled.

“No wonder Lady Aisling wishes to be away from you,” Haesten said. “That mouth of yours certainly is not doing you any favours.”

“Walk away, Haesten, now!” Uhtred ordered as he struggled to restraint Finan. Sihtric came and helped.

Finan watched as Haesten smirked at him. “When you see your wife again, let her know that I am still thinking of her. I hope to see her again soon.”

Finan pushed Uhtred but the man would not budge. Haesten walked away towards his camp and his men. Once he was out of sight, Uhtred finally let Finan go. Finan pulled away and stood by the fire. He growled and closed his eyes.

“You can't let him get to you,” Uhtred said.

“Tell me that when he starts talking shit about your wife,” Finan muttered.

Finan opened his eyes and took a slow breath. He looked at Uhtred. He saw concern on the other man's face. Finan turned and saw Sihtric wearing the same look on his face.

“Aisling is fine, Finan,” Uhtred told him. “No matter how she was when we left, you know that she would never let it affect how she cared for your daughter or herself. She is strong, Finan, and she can handle us being gone.”

Finan took a slow breath. “I know that. I tell myself that all the time but that dirty rat was there in Beamfleot, Uhtred. And you know that that is still one thing she refuses to talk about with anyone, let alone me.”

“Finan, Haesten is just getting under your skin. And he is probably still very pissed that Aisling got away and outsmarted him. Do not let his words eat you up. If Aisling ever saw him again, she would shove her sword in his gut and call it a day,” Sihtric added.

Finan nodded. “I know that. I just,” he shook his head. “Gods, I worry about her so much.”

“You don't say,” Uhtred muttered.

Sihtric laughed and even Finan smiled. “All right, I get it, you already noticed that.”

“We did,” Sihtric said.

Finan walked back over and sat down on the log. He rubbed his face with his hands. Sihtric sat beside him and Uhtred sat on another log across from him. Finan looked from Uhtred to Sihtric. He felt a bit embarrassed but these men were his family.

“I know I shouldn't worry about her so much, I mean hell, we trained her to defend herself but after Beamfleot,” Finan shook his head. “It is hard being away from her.”

“I understand, Finan,” Uhtred said. “I felt the same way after I got off the slave ship. I did not want Gisela away from me for any longer than was absolutely necessary. But we are warriors, being here away from the people we love is a part of that.”

“Plus, look at it this way, she can't miss you if you never go away,” Sihtric added.

Finan turned and looked at him. “I am beginning to understand why you married a whore.”

“Former whore,” Sihtric corrected. He frowned. “And what exactly do you mean by that?”

“How about we go get some warmed meade?” Uhtred suggested. “I believe the Mercian cook said he was going to heat some up.”

Finan nodded. He stood and placed his hands on the hilts of his sword and seax. If he saw Haesten again, he would make him pay for his words.

***

Aisling sat up in bed and winced. She held her stomach and knew something was wrong. She reached over and gently shook Gisela. Gisela had insisted on Aisling sleeping with her in the main bedroom. Now Aisling was grateful for it. The men have been gone a month and a half almost. I miss Finan's touch. And he doesn't know about the baby. Another cramp and sharp pain shot across Aisling's lower abdomen and she cried out.

“Aisling?” Gisela asked sitting up.

“Something is wrong,” Aisling said.

Aisling pulled her legs up to her stomach and closed her eyes. Please no. Not the baby. I haven't told Finan. Please. Aisling heard Gisela climb out of bed and walk around to the other side. She quickly grabbed a couple of candles and lit them as she went past. She placed them in the holders on the bedside table. Aisling opened her eyes and watched as Gisela pulled the blankets back. Gisela sighed. Aisling looked over and could see blood on her nightgown. She squeezed her eyes shut.

“No,” she cried.

“Aisling,” Gisela said as she rubbed her arms. “It's all right.”

“No, it's not alright,” Aisling cried. “Finan should have been here. He should have known and now,” she sobbed.

Gisela pulled her into her arms and held her. Aisling cried. She had wanted this baby so much and she knew Finan had as well. But it was for nothing. And he's not even here. And I don't know when he will be back. Oh god, I will have to tell him. I can't. I can't do this. She sobbed even harder. She barely heard Gisela call for Osferth, who had taken to sleeping in the main hall on a cot, to go fetch Hild. All she cared about was her pain and how the one person who she wanted to be there comforting her and holding her, wasn't.

***

“Aisling, perhaps, maybe, you are making a rash decision,” Osferth muttered softly.

Aisling sat in the main hall reading the letter from Aethelflaed. It had been two weeks since her miscarriage and the men still were not home and Aisling was tired of waiting. She was tired of crying and she most definitely was tired of Osferth acting like she was going to break every five minutes. She put the letter down and looked at Osferth.

“It is not a rash decision. Aethelflaed is scared. She is getting closer and closer to the time of the delivery and she is worried about it. That is natural,” she said. Every word she said cut deep to her core. Yes, it had been early in her pregnancy but it still hurt to know that her and Finan would not be picking out baby names or he would not be singing to her stomach again. He wanted it so much. He wants to have a house full of children. And he thrives on that. He loves being around the children and making them laugh and letting them climb all over him as he pretends to be a monster. And I couldn't give him that. No, stop, you are not going to cry again. Stop it. She blinked her eyes to stop the tears from rolling.

“Yes, that may be, but I believe what Osferth means is, you do not have to go,” Hild explained. “I am sure if you wrote Lady Aethelflaed and told her of your recent loss, she would not expect you to ride to see her and be with her.”

Aisling nodded. “I know she wouldn't but maybe I need to go.”

Aisling looked at Gisela. She had been silent since that morning when the letter had arrived and Aisling had read it. Gisela had been the one who had comforted Aisling the most. She had held her as Aisling had sobbed at night into her pillow demanding to know why she had to lose her child and why Finan wasn't there. It had also been Gisela who after a week, had pushed Aisling out of bed and told her to get up and hold Aoife, that her daughter still needed a mother. She wondered what Gisela's opinion would be on her wanting to leave Coccham and go to Mercia to stay with Aethelflaed; and Aisling wished to take Aoife with her.

“Are you going because you want to be there for Aethelflaed or are you running away?” Gisela asked.

Aisling looked at the woman she considered a sister. “Both,” she admitted.

“Aisling,” Hild said softly.

Aisling held her hand up. “No, I can't be here when Finan comes back. I am trying so hard to hold it together now for Aoife but if I have to tell him that I lost the baby and he wasn't here and watch as he falls apart I,” Aisling's hand shook and she wiped her tears away, “I am a coward, I know that but I need to heal myself before I can even think of Finan,” she groaned, “I'm a horrible wife and person.”

“No, you aren't,” Gisela said firmly. She reached out and took Aisling's hand. “You are trying to heal from what happened. No one but you gets to decide how you do that. Not even Finan,” she gave Aisling a soft smile, “plus it is not as if you are planning on leaving forever.”

“No,” Aisling said quickly. “This is my home. I would be coming back.”

“Well, if you are coming back, than I will accompany you,” Hild said smiling.

“I would as well, if that is alright with you, Lady Gisela,” Osferth said.

Aisling saw Gisela nod. “Of course it is. I have plenty of other men here who can help protect me if something were to happen.”

Aisling smirked. “Can you name the men that Uhtred can't?”

Gisela laughed. “Some of them. I can name the ones who like to stare at you, mostly because Uhtred and Finan usually put them on the most dirtiest jobs imaginable. Although, I think I will send Orm with you. He is still mooning over you.”

Aisling groaned. She rolled her eyes but Hild and Osferth laughed. “Fine, send him along as well. Just, don't tell Finan that when he comes back. He's likely to ride all the way to Mercia himself again just to end Orm once and for all.”

Osferth sighed. “When would we leave?” he asked.

Aisling stood. She winced a little. “Tomorrow. And we will bring a cart,” she answered.

“Oh, has someone finally realized their limitations?” Hild asked eyeing her.

Aisling rolled her eyes. “A cart is safer to travel in with a child.”

“I will go see about provisions,” Osferth said getting up and leaving.

“And I will prepare some weapons and prayers,” Hild answered as she also left.

Aisling looked at Gisela. She pulled off her Serpent-Breath necklace. She handed it to Gisela. “When Finan comes back, you give this to him. It will tell him that I am coming back.”

Gisela took it. She hugged Aisling close. “I know it hurts more that he was not here, Aisling, just promise me that this is not you punishing him for that.”

Aisling pulled away and shook her head. “No, I would never do that to him. I am just,” Aisling closed her eyes as tears came, “as I said I am being a coward but it's also, I love Finan but I know he will be more worried about how I am doing than his own feelings and grief over the matter. He did the same thing with Beamfleot. He constantly wanted me to talk about it but he never shared how he felt or how much it hurt him my being away from him and Aoife,” Aisling wiped her tears away. “He's a protector and I love that about him but when it comes to this, he needs to mourn as well. I need to give him that chance.”

Gisela cupped Aisling's face in her hands. “He may not see it that way,” Gisela said softly.

Aisling nodded. “I know. But I need this for me as well.”

Gisela smiled. “I am sure I can get him to see where you are coming from. He may get jealous of Osferth though.”

Aisling smiled and shook her head. “There is nothing to be jealous about.”

“Good. Now, come, let me help you pack.”

Aisling nodded. She followed Gisela up the stairs. She had a pit in her stomach every step of the way. Please let Finan understand that I am not doing this to hurt him. I am doing this so we can both heal. I am coming back to him. I need him and I would never keep Aoife away from him forever. I just need time to get over this loss. Because right now, it feels like this pain and hurt and failure is never going to go away.

***

Finan was so very relieved to see Coccham in the distance. It had been close to three months since he had seen Aisling and Aoife. He ached to hold them close. He rode his horse into Coccham. He saw Gisela with Storria in her arms and Young Uhtred standing by the hall. Finan frowned. There was no sign of Aisling or Aoife or even Osferth. He dismounted his horse and walked over to hall following Uhtred. He turned and smiled when he saw Sihtric hug Ealhswith. Finan smiled when he saw Ealhswith rounded belly.

“She what?” Uhtred said loudly.

“Hush, husband, not here,” Gisela said.

Finan turned back and walked closer to them. “Where is Aisling? Is she unwell?” he asked softly.

He saw Uhtred and Gisela share a look. Uhtred grabbed Finan and pulled him into the hall. Finan was aware of Gisela sending the children off with Helga and she followed them. He stood in the middle of the hall and looked at them both. He crossed his arms on his chest.

“What is it? Did something happen?” he asked. He could feel his heart begin to pound faster. Worry caused his palms to sweat and he felt sick.

“Aisling, she,” Gisela looked at him. “She found out she was with child while you were gone.”

Finan felt some of the worry ease. “She did?” he asked.

Gisela nodded. “She did but, I am sorry, Finan, she lost it.”

Finan closed his eyes. No, this isn't happening. She did not go through that alone. Please no. He opened his eyes and saw Gisela watching him. She nodded. He cursed. “Oh god,” he felt his knees buckle. He leaned against the table. Tears came to his eyes. “Is she all right? She,” he swallowed, “survived?”

“Yes,” Gisela said quickly. “She just-.”

“She's in Mercia at Aethelflaed's estate, Saltwic,” Uhtred said. Finan saw Gisela elbow Uhtred. He turned and looked at her. “What? She left.”

“She went because Aethelflaed needed someone to be with her and Aisling, she,” Gisela looked at Finan. “She could not face you, Finan. She was hurting so badly and she knew that you would push all your pain aside and focus on her,” Gisela stepped forward and handed Finan Aisling's Serpent-Breath necklace. He held it. Gisela took his hand. “She is coming back, Finan. She just wanted you to heal and she needed to heal as well. That is all.”

Finan looked at the necklace. He sighed. “She took Aoife, didn't she?” he whispered.

“She did,” Uhtred answered. “Hild and Osferth went with her. As did Orm.”

Finan groaned. “Oh god, him?”

Gisela looked at him. “You cannot be serious. Aisling is not going to give him the time of day,” she said.

Finan sighed. He placed Aisling's necklace around his neck and tucked it into his tunic. He rubbed his face. I can't blame her for leaving. I would have too. I abandoned her when she needed me the most. She had to deal with that alone. I should have not left. I should have demanded to stay with her.

“Finan?” Uhtred asked softly. “Are you all right?”

Finan shook his head. “No, I'm not,” he looked at them, “I wanted another child, I kept talking about it and now,” he blinked his eyes, “this is my fault.”

“No, it isn't, Finan,” Gisela said. “These things happen. It is not your fault or Aisling's. Do not blame yourself. Aisling did not blame you. She left so you could heal and focus on your pain, and she could do the same. She did not leave because she was punishing you.”

Finan nodded. He gave a small smile. “I love her, and I hate being away from her.”

“Oh, we know,” Uhtred said smiling. Gisela elbowed him again. “What, woman? You know, I am right. You saw him when Aisling was in Beamfleot. The man mopped around here.”

“That was different than this time,” Gisela said. “Aisling is safe with Lady Aethelflaed. She is not in danger.”

“Orm is there,” Finan muttered.

Gisela gave him a look. “She can handle Orm.”

“I think that's what Finan is afraid of,” Uhtred said.

Finan shook his head. “I am going to go care for the horses.”

“Finan, you can stay and talk,” Gisela said.

He shook his head. “No, I am fine.”

Finan walked past them and out of the hall. He walked towards the stables. He ignored Sihtric calling to him. He walked into the stables. The boys who worked there took one look at him and ran off. He walked over to his horse and began taking off the saddle. His hands shook and he stopped. He leaned on his horse and closed his eyes. A baby. There was another child on the way and now there isn't. And Aisling had to deal with that pain alone. Just like she had to grow up alone. I failed her. I let her down. And I promised her I would always be there. I messed up and she left.

“Finan,” Sihtric said as he walked into the stables.

“It's fine, Sihtric,” he answered as he went back to taking off his horse's saddle.

“It's not,” Sihtric answered. “Aisling would not want you blaming yourself. And she certainly didn't leave to punish you. If anything, she left because she is a coward and could not face you with this news.”

Finan turned and looked at him. “Aisling is not a coward.”

“She is when it comes to you, Finan. You are the source of her greatest strength but also her greatest weakness. She will run towards danger to protect you but she fears sharing her feelings and pain with you because she believes she may lose you. That is what this is about. She left so she could mourn and deal with her pain without you and you could do the same. She will come home.”

Finan stared at him. “How could you be so sure? Perhaps things will be easier for her with Lady Aethelflaed.”

Sihtric gave him a look. “Since when does Aisling like things being easy? If she liked easy, she would have never trained to be a warrior, she would have stayed here in Coccham and she certainly would have never married you,” Sihtric added with a smirk.

Finan shook his head. “You had to say the last one, didn't you?”

“You know I did,” Sihtric leaned against the post. “Just don't worry about it, Finan. You suffered a loss but you two will find your way back to each other. You always do.”

Finan nodded. “I hope so, Sihtric,” he muttered.

He went back to caring for his horse. All he could of was Aisling though. I am sorry I was not here, love. I am sorry you had to suffer this alone. I pray you will come home. I need you with me. I need you beside me. I love you, Aisling and I will always love you. Come home.

***

“Os! Os!” Aisling smiled as she heard Aoife yell for Osferth.

“Your daughter loves her uncle,” Sable, Aethelflaed's servant said.

Aisling pulled her hair up in a high ponytail and nodded. “She does. And her uncle loves her.”

“All right, you little menace, I am here, now hush,” Osferth said from the hall.

Aisling and Sable laughed. Aisling knew that Osferth complained and pretended to be annoyed but he spent most of his time with Aoife. Aisling pulled at her tunic and grabbed a couple of pieces of bread from the table. She had been with Aethelflaed for going on two months now. Aethelflaed should have her babe anytime now. Hild had gone to Winchester to deliver some letters from Aethelflaed to her father. Aisling had snuck a letter to Finan in there if Hild saw Uhtred. She sighed. I miss him. Why did I run away? I should have stayed. But then maybe I would not feel as good as I do now. I am healing and it is so much easier here away from Finan. And I hate myself for admitting that.

“Aisling, your child is a menace,” Osferth said as he walked in and carrying Aoife. Aoife looked at Aisling. And smiled.

“She is not a menace, Osferth,” Aisling said as she walked over to him. “She is supposed to be napping though,” she tickled Aoife. “Why aren't you sleeping?”

“No,” Aoife said.

Aisling and Osferth sighed. No was Aoife's new favourite word. And every time she said it, Aoife would get a little smile on her face that reminded Aisling so much of Finan. Aisling reached out and brushed Aoife's hair smiling at how the curls bounced.

“Aoife, it's nap time,” Aisling answered firmly in Irish.

“No,” she said just as firm.

“It would seem we have a stalemate,” Osferth said.

Aisling pointed at him. “This is your fault.”

“It is not,” he said rubbing Aoife's back.

“Yes,” Aoife added.

Sable laughed. “Come here, child, let us go and sit with Lady Aethelflaed while your mother and uncle train. How does that sound?” Sable asked walking over.

Aoife smiled wider. “Attie!” she said.

Aisling and Osferth laughed at Aoife's nickname for Aethelflaed. Aethelflaed loved it and she loved spending time with Aoife. Granted, Aoife was getting even more spoilt but Aisling had to admit it was healing to see her daughter have so much love showered on her.

“Thank you, Sable,” Aisling said.

“No, thank you, Lady Aisling. You being here with your little girl has brought Lady Aethelflaed much comfort and peace. I am just doing anything I can to help,” she said.

“Here you go,” Osferth kissed Aoife on the head. “Be good,” he told her as he handed her to Sable.

“No,” Aoife said with that smirk.

“God, that smile is all Finan,” Osferth said as Sable carried the girl out of the kitchen.

Aisling sighed. “It is. I do hope Aethelflaed's child comes soon. I want to be back in Coccham for Aoife's first birthday. Finan deserves to be there.”

“Well, we could always go home now,” Osferth said.

Aisling shoved him. “You are not still worried about what Alfred will think about you being here, are you?”

They walked out the door in the kitchen and out into the courtyard. Aisling huffed a bit when she saw Orm standing there with the wooden staffs and shields. She stopped and handed Osferth some bread. He took it and sighed.

“A bit. I was never meant to leave the monastery, let alone be staying at his daughter's home. I do not want him to get angry at you or Uhtred,” Osferth admitted.

Aisling looked at him. “He will not get angry over Uhtred for it because Uhtred is enough of a little shit to make it into a battle. And I think we both know that Alfred has learned to pick his battles with Uhtred.”

“And you? What if Alfred goes after you?”

Aisling snorted. “And risk pissing off Uhtred, his own daughter, and Ragnar up in Dunholm? Again, I doubt it,” she ate some bread. “Although, maybe it would be nice if he tried. Then I could send Orm out into battle with my scarf,” she muttered.

Osferth looked at her. “What does that even mean?”

Aisling looked at him. He still doesn't know everything. I haven't told him. And I am worried that maybe Uhtred and Finan don't want me to tell him. But he deserves to know. “I'll explain it one day, Os. I promise.”

“Are we training today?” Orm asked.

Aisling nodded. She ate her bread. Yes, we are, because I wish to smash that smug look off your face. God, it is fun smacking you around. “Yes, we are,” she said. She looked at Osferth. “How many times do you think I can hit him this time before he claims he needs to go on patrol?” she said.

“Well, yesterday was a dozen. So, ten perhaps?”

“Ten, huh? Better make them count than,” she said winking at Osferth.

Osferth laughed. “No wonder Sihtric hates training with you.”

Aisling finished her bread. “Funny enough, I actually miss him.”

“I'll be sure to tell him that.”

“Watch it, baby monk, I will be training with you as well.”

Aisling walked forward but stopped when she heard Sable yell her name. She turned and saw Sable standing by the kitchen door.

“The babe is coming!” Sable yelled.

Aisling turned and ran back to the manor house. Finan, I'll be coming home soon. Please still want me. Please still love me. And please forgive me for being a coward.

***

Finan, I am well and so is Aoife. We both miss you so much. She has taken to saying no over and over. It is driving Osferth crazy. Me as well. But it's mostly the little smile she gets on her face when she says it. It is all you, husband. And it makes me ache for you.

Forgive me.

Please still love me.

I miss you. I love you.

I am coming home. I promised to always come back to you.

And I always will.

I am still yours.

Aisling.

Finan folded the paper up and placed it in the pouch on his sword belt. It had been a surprise to see Hild in Winchester and even more surprising when she had handed him the letter. He could read it, thank god because that would have been very embarrassing to have to ask Uhtred to read it to him. He read it once every day. He walked out of the home he had made with Aisling and towards the stables.

He looked around and saw that spring was on it's way which meant soon it would be Aoife's birthday. Please, please let Aisling come home for that. I have been away from her long enough.

“Finan, Uhtred wishes to speak to you,” Sihtric said as he walked past Finan on the street. Finan smiled when he saw Sihtric was carrying the laundry for his wife.

“She has not had the child yet?” Finan asked.

“No, and I am loathed to go to Winchester, but Ealshwith says I must,” Sihtric said rolling his eyes.

Finan laughed. “You're probably getting on her last nerve.”

“Aisling did not send you away.”

“No, she didn't. She was too busy pulling me into the bedroom,” Finan smirked.

Sihtric stopped. “Wait, what?”

Finan laughed. “I am not giving away my wife's secrets, Sihtric. When Aisling comes home have Ealhswith speak with her. Aisling has some, ah, tricks from her time that help with the last months of pregnancy.”

Sihtric nodded. Finan kept walking towards the hall. He smiled and caught Young Uhtred when he ran to him.

“And where are you off to?” Finan asked as he held the boy on his hip.

“To pray that Rusty comes home,” the boy said solemnly.

Finan sighed. “She will come home, wee Uhtred,” Finan looked at him, “I know she will.”

“How do you know?”

“Because I love her and she loves me. And most of all,” Finan tickled him, “she loves you, you wee little monster.”

“Finan, are you calling my son a monster again?” Gisela asked as she walked over carrying Storria.

“I would never do such a thing,” Finan smirked.

“Fin!” Storria yelled.

Finan laughed. He placed Young Uhtred on his feet and took Storria in his arms. She laughed and grabbed his now fuller beard. Finan sighed and gently pulled her hands away, only to have her grab it again.

“Just like her father,” he muttered.

Gisela laughed. “Speaking of Uhtred,” she stepped closer, “he has decided it has been long enough.”

Finan looked at her. “Oh, he has?”

Gisela nodded. “After he is done in Winchester, he is determined to ride to Mercia and get Aisling back.”

Finan smiled. “So, he has finally admitted he misses her as well?”

Gisela rolled her eyes. “That man has been brooding since you came home to find her gone. I don't know what hurt him worse; that she left or that she made the decision without talking to him about it first.”

Finan nodded. “That is how I felt as well.”

“And now?” Gisela asked.

“Now,” Finan paused. He looked at her. “Now, I understand. Maybe it was better she left instead of us trying to heal together. But, I still hate that she left without speaking to me.”

“Well, when you see her, you can tell her everything you wished to tell her then.”

Finan kissed Storria on the head and handed her back to Gisela. He smiled as she left the hall with the children. He ached to see and hold Aoife again. Please let my baby girl remember me. And please let Aisling come home soon. I need to hold her close and love her. And I need to let go of this hurt. And perhaps she does as well.

Chapter Text

Aisling held up her shield and sighed. She lowered it and looked at Edward. She saw Steepa in the background smiling. She had stopped on the way back from Mercia to deliver some letters to Alfred for Aethelflaed as well as bring the news that Aethelflaed had a beautiful daughter, Aelfwynn. Alfred had asked her to stay after to help Edward train. So far, the aethling was not having much fun but Steepa was.

“Are you really going to allow a lady to out shine you?” Steepa asked laughing.

“I don't see you helping me, Steepa,” Edward complained.

Aisling slammed her shield into the teenager's shield. Edward looked up at her. “You cannot always expect someone to come to save you, Edward,” she said purposely not calling him by his title. “You will need to be able to fight for yourself and defend yourself. You will always be a target on the battlefield and sometimes even your own men will turn on you in order to get away with their lives,” she said.

Richard the Third learned that the hard way. But considering that he killed his nephews, I think it was justice in a way.

“The lady speaks the truth,” Aisling heard another voice say. She smiled. She knew that voice.

Uhtred.

“Uhtred, your cousin was kind enough to beat up the aethling for me,” Steepa said.

Uhtred laughed. He walked over to where they stood off in the courtyard. Aisling dropped her staff and shield and walked over to him. She smiled when he pulled her into his arms and hugged her tight. She hugged him just as tight. She went to pull away but he kept hold of her. She laughed.

“I was on my way back to Coccham,” she said as Uhtred finally let her go.

She looked in his blue eyes when he cupped her face in his hands. “You have been greatly missed,” he told her.

“Uhtred, the king is expecting you,” Beocca said.

Aisling smiled. She patted Uhtred on the chest. “Go, I will be here still beating up Edward,” she answered. Edward groaned but Steepa laughed.

Uhtred smiled. “That sounds like fun. Perhaps I will join you,” he said winking at her.

“Oh please no,” Edward muttered.

She felt Uhtred stroke her cheek and he nodded. He pulled away and turned to follow Beocca. Aisling walked back towards Edward. She picked up her shield and staff. Edward groaned.

“Again,” she said.

“But-.”

“You will listen to the lady,” Steepa said.

Aisling nodded. “Come on, we learn by doing, and you must learn this.”

“Fine,” Edward said.

Aisling held her shield up. She couldn't stop the smile. Uhtred is here which means Finan must be as well. I am going to see my husband again. I cannot wait.

***

Finan walked the streets of Winchester. He did not want to go to the inn because it reminded him of Aisling. Everything reminds me of her. Just tell the truth. My mind is on her all the time. I ache for her and I cannot wait until Uhtred wraps up this business with the king so we can head to Mercia and get her back.

“Os!” he heard a high voice yell.

“Yes, I know, Aoife, but could you please just give me five minutes,” he heard Osferth say.

Finan hurried around the next corner. He smiled. He found Osferth standing beside a merchant's stall with Aoife in his arms. Aoife was holding a doll in her hands and Osferth was trying to give the merchant coins from his purse. Finan walked over to them. He watched as Aoife looked up and saw him. She squealed.

“Dada!” she yelled reaching out for him.

Osferth turned. “Oh thank God, here's your little menace,” he said handing Aoife over.

Finan took his daughter in his arms. He held her close. He smiled when Aoife hugged him and grabbed his hair that he had let grow longer. He kissed her on the head and buried his face in her hair. He felt tears come to his eyes. Aoife started babbling to him.

“Attie! Mama, Os, Attie!” she said to him.

Finan pulled away and looked at Osferth, who was finished with the merchant and walking over to them. “Who's Attie?” he asked.

Osferth smiled. “Lady Aethelflaed,” he answered. “Apparently your daughter is the best child on the planet and is such a joy to be around.”

Finan looked at Aoife. “She very much is.”

“No, she is a menace who says no all the time and sticks her fingers in everything,” Osferth said.

Finan looked at him. He gave the former monk a smile. “But you love her.”

Osferth sighed. “I do. Look at her, how could you not?”

Finan laughed. He looked at his daughter. She had grown and her hair was longer, the curls more evident now. She looked at him and smiled. She is going to break so many hearts when she grows up. I better teach her how to fight. He leaned in and kissed her nose. She laughed and grabbed his beard. He looked up and saw Osferth smiling at them.

“What are you doing here?” Finan asked as he grabbed Osferth and hugged him.

“Aisling brought some letters to Alfred for Aethelflaed. She is probably still at the palace, no doubt beating up the aethling. It was just a stop over for one night and tomorrow we were headed back to Coccham,” Osferth answered.

Finan smiled. He patted Osferth on the back. “So, Aisling took a room at the inn?” he asked.

Osferth nodded. “She did. Would you like the key?” he asked.

Finan wrapped an arm around Osferth's shoulders. “I would like much more than that. Come on, baby monk, you are going to help me plan something.”

Osferth groaned. “Why do I hate the sound of that?”

Finan laughed. He looked at Aoife. “And how is Daddy's girl?” he asked her.

Aoife began talking. Finan smiled when he heard a bunch of yes and nos thrown in there. He smiled as she babbled on and on. He held her close and felt all the worry he had had about her forgetting him slip away. She has grown but she is still my daughter. She remembers who I am and she still loves me. God, I hope the same can be said for her mother.

***

Aisling laughed as Uhtred wrapped his arm around her shoulders and pulled her close to him. They were leaving the palace after having trained with Edward some more. I am going to be even more grateful for that bath I asked for when I get back to the inn. She felt Uhtred kiss her head.

“You were missed a great deal in Coccham,” he told her as he pulled away and looked in her eyes.

Aisling nodded. “I missed all of you as well. I,” she sighed, “I needed to be away though. I healed and came to realize that what happened was no one's fault. And I miss Finan so much. Is he all right?” she asked Uhtred.

Uhtred sighed. “He's been more quiet that he normally would be. And he's taken to helping out everywhere in Coccham. He's been in the stables, replacing posts in the wall, anything to not have to be in the home you shared with him for longer than he had to.”

Aisling rested her head on Uhtred's shoulder. “I messed up.”

He rubbed her shoulder and arm. “No, you did what you needed to,” he gave her a side hug, “you were right, lille rød, he blames himself for what happened and not being there. If you would have stayed, he would have spend all his time focusing on your pain and not his.”

Aisling cursed. “I ran away, Uhtred. It's what I have done in the past. Something hurt too much or seemed too hard, I ran. I didn't want to but I had so much anger and hurt, staying would have blown everything up.”

Uhtred smiled at her. “You are my blood, Aisling, I understand.”

“But will Finan?” she asked as they turned down the street and towards the inn.

“He will. You may need to listen to him yell and deal with his anger but he loves you. He still wants a life with you.”

Aisling sighed. “Are you sure?” she asked.

Uhtred nodded. “He still wears the necklace. And he kisses that Celtic cross often.”

Aisling nodded. She smiled when she saw Osferth and Sihtric sitting outside the inn at a table. Sihtric had Aoife in his arms. Aoife saw Uhtred and squealed. Uhtred smiled and went over and took her in his arms. Aisling smiled as he began speaking to her in Danish. Sihtric got up from the table and walked around. He pulled her close and held her close.

“I missed you,” Sihtric said.

“I missed you as well,” she said. She pulled away and looked in his different coloured eyes. “Has Ealhswith had your child yet?”

Sihtric shook his head. “Any day now.”

Aisling smiled. “Good. I told her I would be there and I did not want to be a liar,” she pulled away, “where's Finan?”

“Yes, where is Finan?” Uhtred asked as he tickled Aoife.

“I lost track of him when I told him I was getting rooms,” Sihtric said.

“And I was walking Aoife around town but I did not see him,” Osferth offered.

Uhtred cursed. “He better not be passed out somewhere.”

“It's fine,” Aisling said. “I'll take Aoife up to the room and-.”

“And deprive me of time with my niece? I think not. I will hold her and bring her up later,” Uhtred said. “Right, Aoife?”

“Yes!” she yelled laughing.

Aisling smiled. She looked at Sihtric. She leaned in closer to him as Uhtred sat beside Osferth and began asking him about his training.

“Please tell me he is not with a whore,” Aisling whispered.

Sihtric gave her a sharp look. “No, he wouldn't be. Aisling, you must know that.”

She shrugged. “Men have needs and in this time, they would not even think twice about sleeping with a whore to full those needs.”

Sihtric looked at her. “Not Finan and not after meeting you. Trust that.”

Aisling hated that tears came to her eyes. I would have never thought he would in the past but that was before I lost our child and I left him behind without even saying a word to him. Stop it, stop those thoughts. Sihtric is right. FInan would not do that to you. Not after his past. He has grown and he is not that man any longer. Push those thoughts aside. “I'm going to head up and soak in that bath for like three hours.”

Sihtric nodded. “We all ride back in the morning.”

Aisling nodded. She took one last look at Uhtred with Aoife. She walked towards the front door of the inn and headed inside. She walked towards the stairs and took them quickly up to her room. She walked down the hall on the second floor to the last room at the end. She pushed the door opened, not noticing that it was unlocked, and walked in. She closed the door behind her and pulled down the bar. She rested her forehead against the door and cursed. I was doing so well. I hadn't thought he would leave me behind but now it's center of my thoughts. Stop, breathe and think it through. He loves you. I know that. I can feel that. So, stop.

“Fuck,” she muttered.

She tensed when she heard the floorboards creak behind her. She grabbed her dagger and pulled it out. She turned at the same time the person behind her pushed her back against the door. She placed her dagger at his crotch and looked up at his face. Her heart pounded.

“Finan,” she whispered. She took in his longer hair and fuller beard. She ran her eyes down his body, and saw he was naked. She tossed her dagger aside and gently placed her hands on his arms. They were larger than the last time she had seen him. He's gained more muscle. It must be from working around Coccham doing everything and anything not to think of me. She looked up and met his eyes again. She could see the fire burning in them.

“You are still so goddamn beautiful,” he said.

She didn't have time to answer. He kissed her. She kissed him back. It was like their very first kiss; full of desire and fire. She felt his hands make quick work of her sword belt tossing it aside. She pulled up her tunic and pulled away long enough to pull it off and aside as well. She felt his hands undoing the ties of her trousers. She ran her hands down his chest and to his stomach. She moaned when he slipped his hand in her trousers and ran his fingers along her folds. She felt his lips nip at hers before his tongue stroked hers. She wrapped her arms around him and pulled him closer.

I have missed this, I have missed feeling his body against mine. She moaned as Finan's fingers stroked her. She felt him pull her trousers down with his other hand. He moved from kissing her lips to kissing along her jaw to her neck. She dug her nails in his back. She whimpered when he pulled his fingers from her. He pulled away and turned her around to face the door. She felt his cock as he pulled her hips against him. She rested her hands on the door and moaned as Finan buried himself inside of her.

“Christ,” she moaned as her fingernails scratched the door.

Finan's hips snapped against her ass and with every thrust, Aisling could feel the fire blazing inside of her. She had never felt this before. The only sounds in their room were the sounds of flesh hitting flesh and their moans. It was hot sex, fed by the need of both of them to touch each other. Aisling felt Finan bit her shoulder and his thrusts became deeper but more erratic. She moved one of her hands from the door and began to stroke her clit needed to further stoke that fire inside of her. She felt him pulsing inside of her and his hips jerked. She felt him release inside of her and she pushed her hips against his to push herself over into the pleasure.

“Sweet Jesus Christ,” Finan moaned as he grabbed her hips as his shuddered against her ass.

Aisling arched her back against him as she came and fell into pleasure. She went still and pressed herself against the door. Her knees buckled and only Finan's hands on her hips kept her upright. She felt his lips kiss her neck and shoulder. She closed her eyes and tried to get her breathing back to normal. Her breath hitched when she felt Finan's lips kiss the scar on her shoulder from Sigefrid's sword hand. She felt tremors go through her body from the aftershocks. She opened her eyes when she felt Finan's tears on her neck.

“Finan?” she asked softly as she reached behind her and grabbed his ass cheek.

She felt his arms come around her and hold her tight. “I had this whole plan where we were going to bath together and talk. Really talk and then I saw you and,” he sighed. She felt his hands stroke her sides. “Christ, Aisling, I treated you like a whore.”

Aisling turned around in his arms. She laughed as she almost tripped on her trousers that were around her ankles. She cupped Finan's face with her hands. “I am not complaining, Finan, not at all. I wanted that too. So fucking much,” she pulled his face close and kissed him. “I have missed you and ached for you. I never should have left you,” she kissed him deeply.

“I left you first,” he whispered.

Aisling pulled away. “No, Finan, don't. I don't blame you. Ever,” tears came to her eyes. She brushed his tears away and placed a soft kiss on his lips. “Let's take that bath and talk,” she said.

She felt Finan hold her close. She closed her eyes and held him just as tight. She kissed his chest and rubbed his shoulders. She pulled away and smiled at him. He smiled back at her. She squealed when he swung her up in his arms. He carried her to the bed. She laughed as he dumped her in it. She sat up and watched as he stood at the foot of the bed. He gently pulled off her boots and her trousers. She took his hand when he offered it and smiled when he pulled her up and back in his arms.

“I love you,” he told her kissing her.

“And I love you,” she answered. She stroked his beard. “I like it,” she said. She ran her fingers through his longer hair. “And I really like the hair.”

Finan laughed. “Something for you to grab onto while I am between your legs.”

Aisling moaned and pushed him towards the tub. “Ten minutes. Literally ten minutes and I'm wet. Honestly, you and that accent.”

Aisling watched as Finan gave her a smirk. How the hell did I go months without looking at that face and that gorgeous smirk? I am an idiot. A complete and total idiot. She watched as Finan climbed in the tub. She followed and laughed when the moment she sat down, Finan pulled her body against his. She rested her back against his chest and her head on his shoulder. She felt his hands stroke her stomach and ran up to cup her breasts in his hands. She closed her eyes.

“I'm sorry you had to suffer all that alone,” Finan whispered to her. “I should have been there for you and I don't blame you for leaving.”

Aisling opened her eyes. She wrapped her arms around Finan's and held his hands. “I couldn't face you and it was wrong. You are my husband and I can't, no I shouldn't, run away from you. No matter how deep the hurt and failure is.”

“Failure?” she felt Finan hold her tighter. “You did not fail me or us, mo bhean áliann,” he whispered to her.

Aisling felt more tears come to her eyes. He called my his beautiful wife. “In that moment, it felt so much like I had. You wanted another baby, I wanted it so much. And it didn't happen. I lost our child and,” Aisling cursed. She felt Finan squeeze her hands. “all I wanted was to have you hold me but you weren't there and it hurt so much more. I got angry and I didn't want to deal with the pain and,” she turned and looked at him. “I chickened out. I ran away instead of staying, which I should have.”

Finan was quiet. Aisling turned back and closed her eyes. She relaxed into the tub and let Finan hold her. She would take whatever anger he threw at her or mean words or any words. She let him hold her and hoped that they could fix it between them. We should have had this talk months ago. But honestly, the way I felt then, it would not have turned out as well as it could now. I was so hurt and angry. And it was so raw. But now, maybe now, cooler heads prevail and we have a shot at being honest about our feelings without the hurt and so much red hot anger.

***

Finan held Aisling closer. He kissed her temple softly. The silence echoed around them but it wasn't an uncomfortable one. He closed his eyes and nuzzled his face in her hair. She still smells the same. She has always smelled of the sea as it crashed into the shore of Irland. And her hair is still so soft. He opened his eyes and felt her shift in his arms. She turned and her side and placed her hand on his chest.

“Aisling,” he whispered, “why did you leave? Did you feel like you couldn't face me? Were you afraid of how I would react?”

“Yes, to all the above and so much more,” she answered. He watched her but she couldn't meet his eyes. And he was all right with that as long as she was talking. “I knew that I couldn't tell you that I had failed, and I know I keep using that word because that is how I felt,” she sighed, “I couldn't face you because yes, I was worried about your reaction. I knew you wouldn't blame me but I also knew that you would focus on making it all right for me, and Finan, I didn't want you to do that,” she said.

Finan looked down and saw that she was looking up at him. He reached up and stroked her cheek gently. “I love you, Aisling, all I want is for everything to be okay for you.”

She nodded. “I know but you do it at the expense of your own feelings,” she whispered. “You never told me about how you felt when I was in Beamfleot. You were more worried about getting me to talk about how I felt and what had happened to me. I knew this would be the same thing over again. And honestly, I was so angry you weren't there to begin with that I,” Aisling bit her lip. She looked away and sighed. “I would not have been kind, Finan.”

Finan sighed. “I think I would have preferred coming home to you angry and yelling than coming home and finding you gone,” he kissed her forehead.

Aisling closed her eyes. “I'm trying, Finan,” she whispered. He felt her hand over his heart. “It is so easy to trust you love me and I will not lose you when you are here beside me. But when you aren't, those old scars and fears come back,” she opened her eyes and looked into his, “but that is my issue and not yours. I need to be able to trust your love when you aren't beside me. I need to work on that.”

Finan brushed her cheek. He leaned in and kissed her on the lips softly. “Some scars never heal,” he whispered his lips brushing hers. “I don't want that for you.”

Aisling kissed him. “My scars are already healing, Finan. The old me, I would have kept on running from you,” she kissed him again, “I never would have married you and I would have never ever admitted to loving you,” she raked her fingers through his hair, “I have healed, I just need to work on the trust. And I will, because I am not running anymore. I need to stay and try harder. For you, I need to stay.”

He looked into her ocean blue eyes. He rested his forehead against hers. If she is being open about her feelings and old scars, I need to be just as open with her. She deserves it. “I couldn't breathe. When I reached the camp outside of Lunden and found it destroyed, I could not scream your name. It took all my control to stay standing,” he admitted. His voice was low and full of pain. “Beocca yelled and screamed for Thyra but I couldn't even breathe your name. And then Thyra came running out of the forest and she had your sword and your necklace and,” he closed his eyes. He felt her stroke his cheeks and beard. “I broke, mo grá. I could feel my heart shatter when the truth finally settled in; they had you.”

Finan opened his eyes. He showed her his palm. She traced a little scar in the centre of it. “How did you get this?” she asked.

“Your necklace,” he said. She looked at it, still hanging around his neck. “I squeezed it so hard the sword stabbed me. I blamed myself for what happened. I couldn't sleep,” he felt the tears roll down his cheeks. “Memories of you replayed constantly in my head. Your laughter, your smile, every time you said you loved me, when you called me a smug Irish bastard,” he felt her brush his tears away. “I ached to ride to Beamfleot and get you. Uhtred kept a very close eye on me. Gisela moved me and Aoife into the hall which I was so grateful for. I could barely take care of myself, I knew I could not look after our daughter. And I,” he stopped. He felt Aisling kiss his cheek.

“Say all of it, mo grá,” she said softly. “You have told me this much, tell me the rest.”

He looked in her eyes. “I never said it out loud but I was so angry at Uhtred. I hated how he had trusted you so much in Lunden. And to come with us. I hated how angry I was at him. But I was. It's why I stood in the middle of the Witan and I said I was going to challenge Sigefrid to the square for you. I needed an outlet for all my anger.”

“It wasn't just directed at Uhtred, though, was it?” Aisling asked softly.

Finan pulled her closer and ran his hand along her side and rested it on her thigh. “I hated Sigefrid and Erik for taking you. And I hated thinking every moment that they had,” he paused and swallowed, “used you, Aisling. It's why I couldn't sleep. Every time I closed my eyes, I'd hear you screaming for me to help you, to save you from them.”

Aisling kissed him gently. “And you decided if I was broken, you were willing to die along with the part of me that the brothers had killed.”

He nodded. He looked in her eyes. “How do you do that?” he whispered. “How do you always know what I am thinking?”

Aisling gave him a soft smile. She shook her head. “I don't always. I just get lucky every once and awhile.”

He looked at her. Her eyes looked into his, filled with love and understanding. He kissed her. It was a slow soft kiss with his lips gently against hers. He felt her hands stroke his cheeks as she deepened the kiss. He felt her press her lips harder to his. She parted her lips and her tongue stroked his. He ran his hand around her thigh and grabbed her ass. She laughed against his lips and the kiss turned messy with need. He nipped at her top lip and smiled against her lips when she wrapped her arms around his shoulders.

“I think we'll clean enough,” Aisling said as she kissed him again.

“My body is clean but my thoughts are anything but,” Finan answered as he kissed her deeper.

“And yet you're the one who said I was sinful,” she answered as she moved on her knees and straddled his lap in the tub.

Finan looked at her swollen lips and let his eyes roam down to her wet chest where her nipples were already getting hard. He felt all the blood flow into his cock. “You are a sinful sight for sure.”

Aisling smiled. “Then let's move this to the bed.”

She quickly climbed out of the tub and Finan got up and followed her out. He grabbed her and kissed her and let his hands stroke her skin.

They made it to the floor by the bed. And Finan watched as his wife rode him hard. And he loved it.

***

Aisling blinked her eyes. She groaned as the sun shone into the small window of the inn room. She smiled when she felt Finan's arm pull her closer to him. She sighed when his hand moved from her stomach down to her core. She could already feel his hardened cock rubbing her folds. She turned and looked at him.

“Again?” she asked as his lips kissed her neck.

She moaned as he sucked on the skin of her neck into his mouth. He nipped at it as well. He placed a knee between her legs and gently moved them apart. His fingers stroked her and gently slid in and out of her. She closed her eyes and reached behind her to grab his ass as he moved closer. She felt her body flush with desire and want.

“Yes, mo grá, again,” he whispered his lips brushing her ear. “I have been without you for months, I need you,” his breath tickling her ear.

Aisling felt her core throb. She moaned when he pushed his cock inside of her slowly inch by inch. Her fingernails dug into his ass cheek. She felt him fill her and he pulsed inside of her. She felt Finan nip her ear lobe.

“I am going to have you so many times, riding a horse is going to hurt,” he whispered. Aisling moaned as his accent got thicker. “You won't be able to walk. I want everyone to know that you are mine and what we have been doing.”

“Fuck,” Aisling moaned into the pillow.

Aisling was feeling breathless as Finan rocked his hips against her as he pumped into her slowly. It was a tender and easy pace. He is making love to me, slowly and lazy like. And it is just as fucking hot as when he took me against the door. She gripped the blankets with her free hand while her other hand gripped Finan's ass cheek tight. She huffed and let out a slow breathy moan when she felt Finan's fingers slowly rub her clit. He was gentle and slow about the movements; it matched his slow lazy thrusts. Aisling felt her release building. Finan's lips kissed her neck and her shoulder gently and softly in some places and nipped and bit down in others.

“Finan,” she moaned as she moved her hand from his ass cheek to over his as his fingers slowly moved a tad quicker.

“What? What do you need?” he asked softly keeping up the slow lazy pace of his thrusts. He nipped her ear lobe again. “Do you need me to move faster? Harder?” he whispered.

“I need to come,” she whispered as she gripped his wrist. “It's too much,” she whimpered.

“I have you, love, shh,” she moaned and whimpered in pleasure as Finan's fingers moved quicker and his thrusts began to become more frenzied. “Come for me, my beautiful dream, come.”

“Fuck me!” Aisling moaned as she arched against Finan. She reached up and raked her hand through his hair as she withered against him. She panted and was breathless for a couple moments. She felt Finan shudder and his hips jerked against her ass as he released inside of her. Her body trembled as the aftershocks moved through her. She curled her toes and buried her face in her pillow. She felt fuzzy and completely limp.

“Aisling?” Finan whispered as he ran his hand up to her breast. He cupped it in his hand and let his lips kiss her neck and suck on the skin by her pulse point.

Aisling turned her face out of her pillow and sucked in a shaky breath. She blinked away the tears. She placed her hand on Finan's. “I forgot how fucking good you are at this,” she muttered. She turned her head and Finan placed a soft kiss on her lips. She rolled over and wrapped her arms around him. She felt his hands run down her back as he kissed her over and over.

She jumped when someone banged on the door. “I gave you two all night! I am not babysitting anymore!” Uhtred yelled.

Aisling laughed. She pulled away and shoved Finan playfully from the bed. “You go get her. I can't walk, remember?” she joked.

She laughed as Finan pinched her side but he rolled out of bed. Aisling pulled the blanket around her more and watched as he pulled on his trousers. He pushed up the bar and opened the door. Aoife laughed when she saw Finan. He took her in his arms. Aisling waved as Uhtred stuck his head in the door.

“Can you walk?” he asked smirking.

Aisling flipped him off. Uhtred laughed and walked away. Finan closed the door and pulled the bar down. Aisling watched as Aoife babbled on to him, saying some of the words she had learned. She felt tears come to her eyes as Finan listened to every word. He kissed Aoife on the head and looked over at her.

“I'm sorry,” Aisling whispered. “I never should have kept her from you,” she said.

“You do not have to apologize,” Finan answered. He carried Aoife back to the bed. He sat beside Aisling and pulled her close to him. Aisling rested her head on his shoulder and reached out to stroke Aoife's cheek. “I have missed holding everything I love close,” he answered.

Aisling rubbed his back. “I am not leaving you again,” she vowed.

Finan kissed her hair. “Good, because I am not letting you out of my sight ever again.”

“Mama, Dada,” Aoife said as she placed a hand on Finan's cheek and her other one on Aisling's cheek.

Aisling took her daughter's hand and kissed it. “Yes, my sweet girl, Momma and Daddy are back together.”

“And we're staying together,” Finan said kissing Aoife on the head.

“Yes!” Aoife yelled.

Aisling and Finan laughed. Aisling smiled and nuzzled her face in Finan's neck. This is where I belong, I have been a fool. I can't run away anymore. Finan needs me to try harder and be stronger for him. And Aoife does as well. I need to heal the scars of my past and stop slipping into the old habits. I am a mother now and I need to be a better one than I had.

“I can hear you thinking,” Finan muttered. He kissed her temple. “Stop, we will be alright. We were before and we will be again.”

Aisling blinked her tears away. “I can't let my past and my childhood hurt us anymore, Finan. And no matter what happens in our future, I need to stay and work through it with you.”

“Aisling, I understand why you left,” he said again. “And I do not hold it against you. Stop second guessing that decision now. It's done, let us move on,” he smiled, “our daughter is going to be one. Let us celebrate that.”

Aisling looked at Aoife. “She is the best thing we have done together,” she said softly.

“I don't know,” Finan answered, “I think we did a pretty great job killing Danes together too.”

Aisling laughed. She felt Finan smile against her skin as he kissed her cheek. “There you are, my beautiful wife.”

Aisling blushed. “I need to go and get dressed before I jump you.”

“Feel free to jump me, I can go see if Sihtric or Osferth will take Aoife,” Finan said.

Aisling shook her head. She kissed his cheek. “No, I am going to get dressed and we can head home.”

“Home sounds perfect. Right Aoife?” Finan asked in Irish. “Home, with all of us together.”

Aisling smiled. She climbed out of the bed and listened as Finan and Aoife talked together. Finan said several easy words in Irish and Aoife responded as best she could. Aisling laughed when sometimes she got the pronunciation very wrong. She grabbed her trousers from the floor and pulled them and got her tunic from by the door. She pulled it on and walked back to the bed. She undid the clasp of the Serpent-Breath necklace around Finan's neck. She gently pulled it off and placed it back around her neck. She wrapped her arms around Finan's shoulders and listened to him teach Irish to Aoife some more. I got so lucky when this man fell in love with me. I also got lucky in that we have such a beautiful girl. She kissed Finan on the head and smiled. She was happy and she was going to try her damndest to stay that way.

***

Finan walked the floor with Aoife. She was not sleeping well and fussing because she had a tooth coming in. And Aisling was with Ealhswith, who had gone into labour finally, much to the relief and joy of Sihtric. Finan kissed Aoife's cheek and rubbed her back.

“Tomorrow is your birthday,” he told her softly. “Let's see if Uncle Sihtric's baby will share your birthday or not,” he said.

They had been back in Coccham for two weeks and Finan felt like things between Aisling and he were getting back to normal. He still found it hard to have her out of his sight though, and he noticed she was the same with him. He also noticed she tried so hard to share her feelings and thoughts about her fears with him more. And Finan tried really hard to listen and not just tell her that everything would be okay. She didn't need that, she just needed to be heard and held.

“It's a boy,” Aisling said as she walked into their home.

Finan walked out of their bedroom and gently bounced Aoife and rubbed her back. He looked at Aisling and saw how tired she was. Gisela and her had been with Ealhswith since the moment the pains had started. Unlike Aisling, Ealhswith had not wanted Sihtric in the room with her.

“A boy,” Finan said smiling.

Aisling nodded. Finan watched as she pulled off her boots. Next was her dress. Finan smiled as she walked over to him and wrapped her arms around his waist. He wrapped an arm around her and held her close.

“He's named Sihtric after his father,” Aisling whispered. “He is very healthy and very loud.”

Finan rubbed her shoulder and the soft fabric of her shift. He kissed the top of her head. “Are you okay?” he asked her softly.

Aisling nodded. He felt her grip his tunic. “I am trying to be. It does hurt but not as much as it did. And I hate admitting that because I am so very happy for Sihtric and Ealhswith. Sihtric was crying as he held his son.”

Finan smiled. He pulled away and brushed the hair away from Aisling's face. “I remember doing the same,” he answered.

Aisling smiled. “I remember. I also remember how you looked at our baby girl,” she turned and smiled at Aoife and gently stroked their daughter's cheek, “you still look at her that way.”

Finan sighed. “She is teething and this is the quietest she has been in hours,” he said.

“My poor baby,” Aisling said. Aoife sighed and reached out for Aisling. Finan handed her over. He watched as Aoife rested her head on Aisling's shoulder and wrapped an arm around her neck. Aisling rubbed her daughter's back. “How about a song, baby? Hmm, you want Momma to sing?” Aisling asked.

Finan saw Aoife nod. Aisling smiled. Finan moved and watched as Aisling carried their daughter back into the bedroom. Finan watched as Aisling sat on the bed and pressed her back against the wall. She held Aoife on her chest. Aoife snuggled down and closed her eyes. Finan saw his little girl place a hand over Aisling's heart and he smiled a stupidly large smile. He sat on the bed with his back towards Aisling and Aoife. He pulled off his boots and waited to hear Aisling sing.

“Your little hand's wrapped around my finger, And it's so quiet in the world tonight, Your little eyelids flutter 'cause you're dreamin', So I tuck you in, turn on your favorite night light, To you, everything's funny, You got nothing to regret, I'd give all I have honey, If you could stay like that,” Aisling sang softly. Finan pulled off his tunic and moved to sit beside Aisling in the bed. He looked at Aoife as Aisling continued to sing. “Oh, darlin', don't you ever grow up, Don't you ever grow up, Just stay this little, Oh, darlin', don't you ever grow up, Don't you ever grow up, It could stay this simple, I won't let nobody hurt you, Won't let no one break your heart, And no one will desert you, Just try to never grow up, Never grow up,” Aisling sang.

Finan looked at Aoife and saw that she was sleeping on Aisling 's chest. He looked at Aisling. She smiled softly and gently rubbed Aoife's back. “It seems she prefers your singing now over mine,” he answered softly.

Aisling gently brushed Aoife's curls with her fingers. “When you were gone at first, I'd let her sleep with me here in bed. So, when we moved to the hall with Gisela, Aoife was happy with Storria. You know how they are,” Aisling said.

“Yes, I do,” Finan sighed. “She loves Storria more than she loves me.”

Aisling smiled. Finan wrapped an arm around her shoulders and moved closer to her. She rested her head on his shoulder. “In Mercia, she was alone in bed and she hated it. So, I took to singing her to bed. And she fell asleep right away. Osferth tried as well, but well, our daughter is very much of Uhtred's blood because every time Osferth tried to sing some church hymn, Aoife had a fit and cried.”

Finan chuckled softly. “Poor baby monk,” he said.

Aisling placed a hand on his thigh. “Aoife loves him, Finan,” she said softly. “And he bonded with her as well. He may need work as a warrior, but he is a great uncle.”

Finan kissed her on the head. “I am glad he was there with you two. Don't tell him, but he has grown on me as well.”

Aisling smiled. “I knew you wouldn't be able to resist him. You called him baby monk and I knew he was staying the moment you did.”

Finan snorted. “Sure, you did.”

Aisling sighed. She rubbed Aoife's back. “I don't want to put her down yet, in case she starts crying again.”

Finan nodded. “Then she can stay with us,” he whispered. He placed his hand on Aoife's back as well. “She is still our baby girl, after all,” he said softly.

He saw Aisling nod. She gently stroked Aoife's curls. “You don't talk about having another child anymore, Finan,” she whispered softly.

Finan held Aisling close. “I don't want to put pressure on you, Aisling. If it happens, it happens,” he answered.

Aisling smiled at him. “It will happen eventually. We can barely keep our hands off of each other.”

Finan kiss her head and stroked her hair. “Do you want me to keep my hands to myself? Because I could try.”

Aisling snorted. “It would no doubt be the worst two minutes of your life.”

Finan smiled. He leaned in and kissed her gently. “I love you so damn much,” he said as he kissed her again and again, softly and gently.

“And I love you the same,” Aisling answered. She pulled away. “Let me put Aoife to bed and we can get some sleep as well.”

Finan raised an eyebrow. “Just sleep?”

Aisling shook her head and smiled. He watched as she climbed out of bed and carried Aoife to her bassinet. Soon, they would have to get her her own bed. Perhaps it's time to have a very serious talk with Uhtred about building on or getting a larger home for us here in Coccham. I have no doubt that there will be another child one day and perhaps another. He climbed out of the bed and pulled off his trousers and climbed back in bed. He watched as Aisling kissed Aoife and gently tucked her in. She was so beautiful to him and every time he looked at her, he couldn't wipe the smile from his face. I love her so damn much. Aisling turned and smiled at him.

“What are you smiling about?” she asked as she walked back to the bed.

“You,” he answered. He pulled her into his arms when she climbed into the bed and kissed her. “You and how beautiful you are.”

Aisling laughed softly. “Only you think so.”

Finan shook his head. “No, others do as well. I should be happy you don't notice it though.”

Aisling stroked his cheeks. “I only have eyes for you, my husband.”

Finan rolled his body over hers and kissed her again. “Right answer.”

She laughed and he kissed her over and over and slowly pushed up her shift. He smiled against her lips. She's right, I can't keep my hands off of her.

***

Aisling smiled as Aoife and Storria babbled together on the floor of the hall. It was Aoife's first birthday. Aisling felt relief fill her. She made it to a year. That means her chances are better for seeing adulthood. Oh god, I can't believe I am thinking about that. I hate my history nerdiness sometimes. She leaned against Finan when he wrapped his arm around her waist.

“I saw you thinking really hard about something from across the hall. I thought you needed to think of something else,” he whispered as he kissed her neck and behind her ear.

Aisling laughed. She placed her hand on Finan's and turned to look at him. “And what is this something else I should be thinking of?” she asked looking in his brown eyes.

Finan leaned in closer to her. “My tongue licking you and my mouth sucking you over and over until you scream my name,” he whispered in her ear as his lips gently nipped at the lobe.

Aisling elbowed him. “Stop it,” she groaned. “We can't sneak off.”

Finan hummed. “Are you sure?”

“Do I have to throw you both in the river?” Uhtred asked as he walked over with two mugs of ale. “It's bad enough you scarred poor Osferth when he walked in on your two earlier this morning in the stables.”

Aisling blushed but Finan just shrugged. “He should have knocked.”

Aisling elbowed him again and took the mug of ale from Uhtred. “We'll be good.”

Uhtred snorted. “I don't believe you at all.”

“Smart call,” Finan answered as he took the other mug from Uhtred as well.

Aisling pulled away from Finan and looked at Uhtred. “You never told me how things went in Mercia with Aethelred,” she sipped her ale, “please tell me he got hurt.”

Uhtred laughed. “Sadly no. And it was mostly a waste. Alfred wishes to go back to holding his new found peace, so he allowed Haesten to have much too much power and sway over the Danes. Aethelred was annoyed as well but he was willing to side with Haesten if it made my life worse,” Uhtred said.

Aisling frowned. “Aethelred was willing to listen to Haesten over you?”

Finan cursed. “And here we go, I am going to go over there while you two do that weird obsessing over every single move the Danes and Aethelred make thing you do.”

Aisling smiled. She kissed Finan on the cheek. “You just get jealous because you don't like when I obsess over anything other than you.”

Uhtred rolled his eyes as Finan nodded in agreement. Aisling smiled when he walked away but not before slapping her ass. She looked at Uhtred and saw the smile on his face.

“I am glad to see you and Finan are back to how you were before,” he said softly.

Aisling nodded. “It feels stronger than before,” she admitted, “I am really trying not to fall into the same old patterns of letting my childhood hurt ruin what I have.”

Uhtred nodded. “You are doing well, lille rød,” he said. He pulled her close and gave her a quick side hug. “I did not like you leaving without speaking to me though. Do not do that again.”

Aisling smiled. She pulled away. “So, I am allowed to leave Finan without speaking to him, but not you?” she laughed.

Uhtred nodded. “I am far more important than Finan.”

Aisling snorted. “Sure you are, Grandsire.”

Uhtred smiled and shook his head. “All right, back to the rat Haesten and our bread pudding leader of Mercia.”

Aisling smiled. She looked around and stepped closer to Uhtred. “I don't like how Aethelred was so ready to side with Haesten over you. You are Alfred's agent out there and Aethelred knows it. Which means if he is willing to side against you,” she stopped and looked at Uhtred.

Uhtred cursed in Danish and nodded. “He will side against Alfred,” Uhtred sipped more ale. “He would do it in the hopes of getting crowned king and getting rid of Aethelflaed.”

Aisling nodded. “Exactly. And we all know Haesten is just waiting to pounce and knock Alfred down. And throw in Aethelwold, who will be willing to join any rebellion at any time to get his supposed thrown back,” she groaned and drank more ale. “The next three years are going to suck.”

Uhtred frowned. “Three years?” he asked.

Aisling grabbed his arm and looked around. She saw Finan sitting on the floor laughing with Storria and Aoife while Osferth spoke with Gisela and Young Uhtred by the fireplace. Sihtric was with Ealhswith at home and their new son. She pulled Uhtred further into the corner. She looked around and didn't see anyone else around. She turned and looked at Uhtred.

“Alfred dies in three years,” she said in Danish.

“HE WHAT?!” Uhtred yelled in English.

Aisling cursed as everyone looked over at them. Finan frowned and Aisling just smiled and waved at everyone. “It's nothing,” she said. She turned back to Uhtred and smacked him. “Could you keep it down, I don't need everyone to know what we're talking about. We haven't even thought about telling Osferth everything,” she went on in Danish.

Uhtred rubbed his forehead and shook his head. “Three years? That's it?” he questioned.

Aisling bit her lip. “I mean, maybe three and a half almost four, but yeah, Alfred is going to kick the bucket soon,” she said in Danish.

“What bucket?” Finan asked also in Danish from behind her.

Aisling jumped. She turned around and glared at him. She smacked him and he smiled. “I told you never to use your ninja warrior ways for evil,” she said.

Finan looked at her. “And I told you, I have exactly no idea what that sentence even means,” he turned her around back towards Uhtred, “now what were you two talking about?”

Aisling shook her head at Uhtred. Uhtred nodded. “Later, come on, let us celebrate Aoife today,” he said walking away.

Aisling went to follow him but Finan pulled her back. “Uh huh, I don't think so,” he pulled her in his arms, “what scheming were you and Uhtred up to?”

“No scheming, I promise. I just told him some very, ah, interesting news.”

Finan sighed. “So, interesting news is now code for what happens in history?” he asked in Irish.

Aisling sighed. She turned around and faced him. “Yes,” she answered simply. “Uhtred and I need to talk about it more along with what to tell Osferth. But right now, Sihtric is busy with his son and it can hold for a bit.”

She saw Finan nod. He reached up and stroked her cheek. “So what is a bleeding ninja?” he asked frowning.

Aisling laughed. She took Finan's arm. “You are not going to believe any of this, but here goes nothing,” she smiled at him. “A ninja was a mercenary in feudal Japan. They were known for showing up and not being seen or heard and engaging irregular warfare which was thought to be a disgrace because it was underhanded and secretive.”

“Japan?” Finan asked.

Aisling sighed. “Past Frankia, past Rus, past Chin,” she said softly.

Finan looked at her. “The ocean is past Chin,” he frowned, “I think. I don't remember much from my geography lessons when I was a boy.”

Aisling looked at him. “I think that means you should trust what I am saying. I mean, have I ever been wrong before?”

Finan eyed her. “Not yet but I am waiting for it to happen.”

Aisling smiled. She patted his cheek. “Keep waiting.”

Finan smirked. She laughed as he grabbed her sides and began tickling her. She leaned against him and smiled enjoying herself. Aoife and Storria laughed as well from the floor while Uhtred rolled his eyes. Gisela and Osferth smiled. Aisling elbowed Finan and he finally stopped. She leaned against him and turned to look at him.

“Don't worry, Finan, we will tell you what it is,” she said softly.

“I'm not worried,” he kissed her neck. “I have my ways of making you talk,” he whispered in her ear.

Aisling groaned. This sexy fucker. He is going to be the death of me. 

Chapter Text

“I am offended you are treating me like a child,” Osferth said.

Finan eyed him. “Well, I did tell Gisela I would babysit so,” he shrugged.

Young Uhtred, Storria, and Aoife laughed from their blanket on the ground just outside of the training field. Finan had told Gisela, who was feeling unwell, that he would watch the children. Aisling had then offered to help Uhtred deal with Godwine and the villagers who were planting the crops while Finan took over training. Sihtric was running around helping out where needed, right this moment he was needed helping the men unload some arrows from Godwine and clothe.

Osferth sighed. “I wish Aisling was training me. She did not treat me like a child.”

Finan smiled. “She probably went too soft on you as well,” he raised the wooden staff. “Come on, baby monk, let's see what you got.”

Finan watched as Osferth took up the stance Aisling had no doubt shown him. Finan nodded. It was a good stance, although Finan could already see that Osferth was leaning much too forward and he had his knees bent too much. Aisling did not show him that. I have seen Uhtred smack her in the knees often enough so that she learned not to do it. Finan acted quickly. He smacked his staff behind Osferth's knees and brought it up and smacked him hard across his chest and stomach. Osferth pulled back with pain and fell on his back. Young Uhtred, Storria, and Aoife laughed. Finan walked over to Osferth and held out a hand.

“Do not bend your knees so much and do not lean forward so much,” Finan said.

Osferth took his hand and Finan helped pull him up from the ground. Spring had come and it was slowly becoming summer, so the ground was no longer covered in snow but it was wet. Finan smiled when Osferth looked at his robe and sighed. It was covered in mud in the back.

“I can already tell that Aisling was the better teacher,” Osferth said.

Finan patted his shoulder. “If she was the better teacher, why was I able to get you off your feet?”

Osferth sighed. “Fine, teach me your ways, O great master,” he said bowing.

Finan raised an eyebrow. He pointed his staff at Osferth. “That, that you learned from Aisling.”

Finan smiled when Osferth did. “I did, it was one of her favourite things to say to Orm, every time he would try and correct her.”

Finan snorted. “He tried, did he?”

Osferth nodded. “He tried but Aisling always ended up smacking him silly until he left training.”

Finan smiled. “That's my girl,” he stepped back in the spot he was before. “All right, baby monk, let's try this again.”

Finan watched as Osferth took up the stance again. This time, Osferth didn't lean so far forward and didn't bend his knees that much. He is a quick learner. We may make a warrior out of him, yet. Finan smiled when Aoife and Storria both started clapping. Young Uhtred did as well.

“Daddy! Daddy!” Aoife yelled.

Finan smiled. She had started calling him that after her birthday. It filled his heart with joy and love. He smiled more when Storria and Young Uhtred began yelling 'Uncle Finan!' as well. Osferth sighed. Finan turned and looked at him and shrugged.

“They are clearly bias,” Osferth said.

Finan smiled. “No, they love me more.”

“We love Rusty the most!” Young Uhtred yelled.

Osferth smirked. “You were saying?”

Finan rolled his eyes. “Attack me,” he said.

Osferth smiled. “With pleasure.”

***

Aisling turned and looked at the training field. She winced as Osferth ate the ground again this time face first. She heard Uhtred snort. She turned around and smacked him on the arm. She also gave him a glare. 

“It's not funny,” she said.

“It's a bit funny,” Uhtred said. “I don't remember you hitting the ground that many times during your training.”

Aisling smiled. “I am your blood, that's probably why.”

“She's right, lord, it's that stubborn streak you both have,” Sihtric answered as he grabbed the last bundle of arrows from Godwine's ship.

Aisling snorted and laughed. Uhtred eyed Sihtric but the other man didn't care. Godwine also smiled until Uhtred eyed him. Aisling tossed her hair, which she wore in one thick fish braid, over her shoulder and nodded at Godwine.

“Thank you, Godwine,” she said.

He bowed. “It is a pleasure to see you, Lady Aisling,” he glanced over at Uhtred, “Lord,” he bowed and climbed back on his boat.

Aisling stepped closer to Uhtred. “See, he may be afraid of me, but he also likes me more.”

She jumped back when Uhtred went to grab her. She laughed and stood her ground. She watched as Godwine's boat disappeared around the bend of the river. Once, Uhtred could no longer see the boat he turned and lunged at Aisling. Aisling wasn't fast enough and he caught her. She yelled and laughed as Uhtred grabbed her sides and lifted her off the ground tickling her.

“Really?” Sihtric asked as he stood there. “I'd expect this from Finan, lord, but not you,” he sighed.

Uhtred placed Aisling on her feet. He looked at her and raised an eyebrow. She nodded. He smiled. He let her go and they both lunged at Sihtric.

“Hey!” he yelled as they tackled him to the ground. “This is not fair!”

“Are you ticklish, Sihtric?” Aisling asked she grabbed his arms.