The Stranger Came In A Boat

Chapter Six

"Keep pretending you do not like him, but at some point the gods will force you to admit it."

Ubbe's words rang through your head as you trudged about. You didn't have a direction in mind but you were sure you didn't want to see another human being that day. You headed to the woods, you wanted peace and silence, also hoping the pounding the mead forced on your head would be dulled by the shade.

"You look as if you wish to never see another person again." Ivar's voice made you stop as you turned to see he'd been following you.

"Yet you still follow me." You sighed at him as he chuckled and looked up at you.

"You have upset my brother." He commented as you slowed your pace enough for Ivar to keep up with easy without patronising him.

"He has been upset with me everyday, it is no different from any other day." You sighed, stopping when you realised that you'd made your way to the Ragnarsson's training ground.

Ivar chuckled as you hid and carefully watched Hvitserk take out his anger on a wooden training dummy. "I do not know, that looks far angrier than he's ever been before." Ivar drawled as he watched you spy on Hvitserk.

"Ivar what would you do if you loved someone who did not know if they loved you because there was someone else?" You asked as you slid down a tree, picking at your dress.

"I would kill Bard, then force your family into a menial job, it would scare you enough to behave." Ivar muttered both of you laughing at how serious he was.

"I kissed Bard and Hvitserk saw but Ubbe says I need to tell him that I rejected Bard as soon as I came to my senses." You sighed with your head resting against the tree.

"You know you are lucky, if you were my wife I would have killed you both but Hvitserk has not retaliated, because no matter what you do he does not want you to think badly of him." Ivar sounded bored as he spoke and you laughed lightly at him.

"Advice on the heart from Ivar Ragnarsson." You smiled when he rolled his eyes.

"It does not mean we are friends." He warned you and you rolled your eyes.

"Of course you are spending time with my brother but you do not spend any time with me." Hvitserk snapped making both of you look over to where he was stood.

You stared after Hvitserk and let out a low sigh. After a few moments of watching him walk away Ivar groaned and motioned for you to leave and follow your husband. You were sure you heard him mutter 'silly girl' as you lifted your skirt enough to run.

"You know Ivar is rather clever." You said as you slowed and walked behind HVitserk.

"I do not care what you think about my brother." He grunted, continuing to stomp away.

"He made the point that if he had seen me kiss Bard and he was my husband he would have killed me out of anger but you have not retaliated in any way." You finished what you were saying in a stunned squeak as Hvitserk suddenly stopped and turned to glare at you.

"I promised to never force you to anything you do not wish to do." He snapped and ran a hand over his face as he glanced away before looking back at you. "I thought that patience and giving you freedom would have you seeing that I love you."

"Hvitserk I...." You trailed off when he shook his head.

"I have loved you since we were children but you have never noticed me, even now when we are married." He sighed and looked at you with a vacant look.

Before you could answer he cupped your face in his hands and kissed your forehead. This time when he looked at you there was a swirl of love, hurt and frustration clear as day. "I... am sorry Hvitserk." You mumbled as he stroked your cheek with his thumb.