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"Did they hurt you?" Ivar spoke with a vicious tone as they made their way back towards their camp. Alfild seemed calm, her demeanor never changing. She remained fearless and brave throughout the experience.
She gave a soft smile, "They couldn't if they tried. They were too afraid of your army."
For a moment, the Prince could've almost smiled, but he was still far too serious. "So, what did you decide while in there?" He questioned, pushing away the fear from his voice to sound stern again.
Alfild shrugged, utterly unbothered, "I will fight him tomorrow alone for the crown."
"And if you die?" His eyes widened, completely unconvinced by this plan. To him, it seemed needlessly dangerous. But he was forgetting Alfild's pride. She could never return to her people if she had not first proven herself. And this was her chance to do so.
"Then that is the will of the Gods, and you will have to avenge your mother without me." She answered, still keeping her composure.
"I can't do this without you." He said quietly, as though the words were like poison on his tongue. Alfild stopped, looking at him with gently. Her eyes were glistening with joy and hope.
"There's nothing to worry about." She confirmed with a beaming smile, making the boys heart soften ever so slightly. "Arvid couldn't kill me if he tried for a hundred years." Still Ivar seemed unconvinced. Though he admired her, and had every respect for her abilities, there was always a chance that Arvid could gain the upper hand. And, if he did that, Ivar wasn't certain he could continue on this path without her.
"We should have a sacrifice and hope that Freyja helps you." He told her.
However, Alfild simply shook her head, "I do not need a sacrifice. I trust in the Gods. They stand with us."
"How do you know they'll stand with you tomorrow?" He argued, simply making Alfild chuckle.
"Ivar, my love, even the Gods will not test my wrath."
As night drew closer, Alfild had asked for no celebrations. Though she had maintained her composure before the World, she knew that she could still lose. Arvid was a mighty warrior himself, and all it took was one foolish mistake. In all honesty, she was afraid. After everything she had built up, she couldn't afford to lose it all now. So, she sat alone. The moon shone down upon her skin as she sat by the water. Distantly, men talked and drank. But, for now, all she listened to was the wind and the sky. The feeling of the soft breeze against her neck sent shivers up her spine. Leaves beside her swirled into the water. Her long brown locks swayed in the air, blowing backwards with beautiful ease.
She was so consumed by thought that she didn't even hear Ivar approaching, his legs dragging behind making the only sound. Otherwise, he was silent. And silently, he took his seat beside the girl.
For a moment, the both stared out towards the sea. The stars glittered down towards them, moon lighting up their view. Ivar moved his gaze towards the girl, watching as the night sky illuminated her features. How beautiful she was. How perfect. The people of Kattegat would love her as he did, that he was certain of.
"Are you not tired?" He broke the silence, though his voice was unusually gentle.
She shook her head with a tired smile, "I cannot sleep."
Her emerald eyes turned to face him, almost taking his breath away. But he soon maintained his composure and found his words again. "Are you afraid?"
After all her talk of fearlessness, in the darkness she felt bare. As night settled in and the fight drew closer, her arrogance began to fade. She could feel her fear setting in now, but refused to give root to them. "The future of my people rests on me. Who wouldn't be afraid?"
Ivar nodded in understanding. He felt her fear too. But not because of her people. Not even because of the warriors she provided towards his war. But because, in this time that they had spent together, he had begun to love her in ways he could've never previously imagined. And now a world without Alfild The Merciless did not seem like one worth having.
"I don't want you to fight." He spoke plainly.
Alfild looked towards him with a tender smile. In any other moment, she would've yelled at him for questioning her. But in that moment of serenity, she simply placed her hand upon his cheek with a kind touch. "Ivar, you will not lose me."
"I want you to be Queen." He stated out of the blue, much to Alfild's surprise and confusion.
She chuckled, "I am already Queen."
"I mean," He began, looking deep into her emeralds once more. "I want you to be my Queen." Alfild silenced, staring back at him in utter disbelief. Simply, he continued, "When I take Kattegat and become King, I don't want that to be the end. I want to marry you."
"Ivar I-" She gasped.
Quickly he interrupted, finally finding the correct words and tone. "Will you marry me?" He questioned with certainty.
A smile grew on the girl's face as she looked towards him, nodding eagerly. Tears welled in her eyes. But, for the first time in her life, they were tears of joy. "Of course I will you fool." she laughed.
Ivar gave a sigh of relief Alfild pressed her lips up to his passionately. If this ended up being their last night together, at least he would have no regrets.
"Who would've thought that Alfild The Merciless had a heart?" He taunted, making her smile grow ever wider.
Her fears were swept away. If she had to, now she could die.
