Imagine

Sihtric x Reader

Set during season 5 episode 10 in which Sihtric, Finan and Reader get interrogated in Bebbanburg

Sihtric x Reader

You're a spy for Uhtred and Sihtric doesn't care for you in the slightest. That's what he tells himself atleast.

Sihtric x Reader

Prompt 22. "Don't act as if you don't know I'm in love with you"

Osferth x Reader

Prompt 19. "It's me. It’s me. Calm down"

Uhtred x Reader

Prompt 4. "You're not jealous are you?

Osferth x Reader

Prompt 14. "Would you like me to whisper it in your ear?"

Finan x Reader

Prompt 3. "If you don't shut up now we're both dead"

Sihtric x Reader

Prompt 11. "I won't let anything bad happen to you"

Sihtric x Reader

Prompt 6. "Are you asking me to fight you?"

&

Prompt 4. "You're not jealous are you?"

HotD

Aemond x Reader

The barn was a large room stacked high with wheat for the winter. Wooden beams stretched across the ceiling and bags of flour and hung from their wracks. Then you spotted it. At the end of the barn, stabbed into a hay bale sat the Dane blue flag.

Your eyes shone bright as a smile stretched across your lips - you and Finan would never let Uhtred live this down.

Checking the coast was clean behind you, you moved from the door and took a step further into the building when a shadow appeared from behind a beam. Knife in hand and lips turned upwards, Sihtric stood leaning against the wood shaking his head.

“You didn’t think it would be that easy did you?” His voice was testing and smug, irritating you in a way only he knew how to.

You flipped your knife in your hand, a trick he had taught you as you walked toward him slowly.

“I’m taking that flag Dane”

The man scoffed as his brows raised.

“Dane? Is that what you’re calling me now huh? Saxon”

You tutted.

“You might want to step aside Dane” You were within arms length from him now and raised your blade, pointing it under his chin as he stood still so casually as if this was just another normal occurrence. He tilted his chin up, face completely passive to your threat as he raised his sword slowly and ran the metal along yours - the smooth sound of metal dragging on itself singing in the room.

“Are you asking me to fight you?” You asked.

Faster than you could have predicted, he reached forward and grabbed your hand to pull you toward him, your blades touching hilts as his face appeared between the two swords -

“only if it means I get to finally put you on your arse”

God that smile.

You batted his blade away and twisted as he did the same, your weapons clanging together as you switched your positions.

He was goading you and he knew it would work. The way his face lit up was evidence.

You sprung back and swiped across his chest but he jumped back and brought his own sword down on you. Your blade met his halfway and the two of you danced in a volley of movement. He stepped forward, you stepped back. You’d practiced this a thousand times and yet every clash sent shocks of adrenaline through you. Somewhere in the dance, the two of you had moved closer toward the flag and the sight of the blue so close edged you forward as you kicked at the man - following with your sword slashing toward him.

“Finan’s taught you well” Sihtric easily avoided the arch of your swing.

“He has” You confirmed as your blade just caught his cheek, a line of red following. Sihtric touched the skin as you both stopped and he looked mortally offended as he studied the blood on his fingers.

“Just a nick, clearly he hasn’t taught you everything”

“Now Sihtric-” You dodged his blade when he swung and ducked behind a beam before peaking around and tilting your head to the side. “-You’re not jealous are you?”

His sword swung into the wood. “Why would I be jealous?” His blade was stuck.

You took advantage and switched around back into the centre as you pointed your weapon at the unarmed man. He held his hands up as you backed him away.

“Don’t worry pretty boy, it suits you”

“You’re not leaving with that flag” He avoided your attempt at teasing him.

Still with your sword raised and your eyes never leaving his, you took steps backwards and reached for the flag, yanking it free and shoving it in your back pocket.

“I think you’ll find I will”

You walked down toward the door when he stepped in front of you, completely unarmed with your sword pressed against his chest.

“Do you think I wouldn’t”

He smile, hand curling around the blades edge.

“I don’t think you would”

“Sihtric”

“Y/N”

“Move”

“No”

“Sihtric”

“I could play this all day”

“And I could stab you in the shoulder and walk right passed your bleeding body as I make my way over to that ale house with your flag”

He ran his hand up the metal. You didn’t dare move it.

“Oh you wouldn’t do that to me would you?”

“And why wouldn’t I?”

“You know why Saxon”

“Do I? Dane”

Distracted by the way he looked at you, you didn’t consider the speed of him as he shifted to the side causing you to stumble forward as he caught you and pulled your back against his chest, his lips by your ear behind you.

“Yes you do?”

“Our relationship won’t stop me from walking out with that flag”

“Our relationship has nothing to do with this?”

“It doesn’t?” You struggled but he held you tight against him. “Then you won’t mind when I walk out of here with that flag?”

“Oh this flag?” You felt his hand run down your side, his fingers pressing against your hips as he slid them behind you, pulling the material from your pocket. He breathed into your neck as he did and you couldn’t help but lean into him, your head falling back against him. The moment was fleeting and his cockiness would be the death of him as he held out the flag before you.

Not allowing another moment of his distraction, you snatched it from his grip and pulled his arm, your leg tripping his as you yanked him forward. He twisted and fell to his knees before you but his face was annoyingly that of awe as he stared up at you smiling. He caught himself with one hand against the floor and yet he looked even happier as he stared up at you.

“You’ll let me leave with that flag or you’ll never touch me again”

You meant war and Sihtric knew it. As if you had just told him you would shoot a puppy before his eyes, he raised his hands and sat back onto his knees.

“Good boy” You teased with a smile and walked past him.

You whistled out for the others when you exited and Uhtred and Finan appeared from the fog with Cynlaef and Aethelstan scrapping behind them. The flash of blue in your hand brought whoops and hollers from the Saxon warriors as Pyrlig took it from you and held it up high. The Dane men stood defeated and slumped as the rest of you danced around - Finan and Osferth cackling at Uhtred and cheering for you as you watched the boys.

You felt Sihtric come up behind you and resume his position with his hands sliding around your waist, pulling you into him as he rested his chin on your shoulder.

“I can’t believe you’d use my love for you against me?” He pressed a kiss into you neck, his curls brushing your cheek.

“Don’t hate the player” You turned your face toward him as you lay your hands over his in front of him.

“I hope Finan didn't teach you how to do that”

You found him obnoxious and cocky and he had on many occasions told you just how much you annoy him with your facts and critiques. And yet you made a perfect team. Much to both your dismay. So when Uhtred suggested you and Sihtric sneak into Eoferwic first following the siege of Brida, you tried not to sign too loud. Sigtryggr explained the underground tunnels leaning deep into the city and as you and Sihtric stood shoulder to shoulder you held the Pagan charm around your neck - praying for safety as the number of men you’d have to avoid were recounted. 

Night had fallen when you finally made your way over to the tunnel entrance to the city. 

“Is this a sewage way?” You were already standing knee deep in the water as you looked up at Uhtred and Sigtryggr. The latter nodded as the former laughed. 

“It is” 

You said your farewells to the men as you turned and shoved Sihtric through first. He stumbled slightly before shooting you a glare over his shoulder, the two of you stepping into the dark. 

“What’s the plan then pretty boy?” His second evil glare of the day made you smile. 

“Get in, locate Stiorra, make an accurate account of Brida’s men and get out”

“Unseen, unheard”

“Exactly”

The water had risen to your hips and a drop in the unlevel ground had you trip over yourself, falling against Sihtric. He grunted as you landed against him and sloshed the murky water up his back. His arms had caught himself against both sides of the small tunnel when you fell, stopping you until you readjusted your footing. 

“Are you done?” His voice was snappy and mean. 

He was more tense than usual. 

“What’s wrong with you today? You usually thrive in these circumstances”

“I’m walking through shit water with only you for company. This isn’t exactly how I thought I’d be spending my night” 

“Sihtric Kjartansson” He turned fully to face you, the water just above your waist. “Are you scared?”

He looked at you deadpan, holding his ax close to his chest before he turned back and continued on. 

“Aw little dane do not fret”

“Y/N” He warned. 

He whipped around and took a step toward you when a voice sounded overhead. Somewhere along the way you had entered the city walls and were standing under a drain, a man yelling commands at someone from above. You shoved Sihtric against the wall with your hand over his mouth, hoping the ripple of the water wasn’t too loud as you moved. With one hand covering his lips, you pointed up as his brows furrowed in confusion, his hand enveloping your wrist and head nodding in understanding when he realized what you pointed at. 

"I won't let anything bad happen to you"

When the man above the drain seemed to move on, Sihtric leaned into your neck, whispering by your ear. 

“Stop goading me” He pushed your hand back down to your side as he carried on walking. You decided to pin the way your body tingled to the frozen water around you. 

Following your silence you finally made it to the drain grate you needed. Working with Sihtric, while your attitudes towards each other made small talk difficult, came easy to you. In silent motions, you fell into action with him. His hands held your waist as he lifted you toward the opening above you. You were used to the way he made you feel by now but it never made the way his touch sends waves through you any less obvious. You’d been at war with yourself for months before a drunken conversation with poor Osferth had you confessing your attraction toward the dane man - you only hoped the planned ignorance to said feelings would be enough to stop them from turning into something more than physical. 

With a huff of struggle you managed to lift the grate and pull yourself up, scanning the small alleyway before turning and offering your hand down to him as he did the same. 

You knew the routine of spying by now, you left each other swiftly and parted to find your way to higher ground while he found Sigtrigga’s people and wife. You were by no means the vision of a soft saxon woman but didn’t look dane enough to stand beside Brida’s men unnoticed so you crept around with your bow drawn. 

Under the cover of night, you managed to slip through the streets and crawl upon a tall house to look down on the crowd in the centre. There Brida stood, savage and blood thirsty as she tortured Christan men and called out for Stiorra. You counted how many danes walked in and out of sight and noted the barricades they’d crafted around the main gate. You went to move on when a hand grasped your ankle and dragged you down. You gasped when the familiar eyes of Sihtric found yours. He pulled you down in one great yank from the thatched roof, his body over yours as he shushed you. Silently, he rolled off and pointed toward where two men were making their way around the edge of the city, their eyeline directly falling where you had previously sat should they look that way. A nod from yourself thanked the man and you went to signal when something caught your eye. From across the rooftops, the slight disturbance of movement from a drain behind Brida’s execution ring made you freeze. 

Stirorra. 

You pointed her out to Sihtric who looked equally as relieved to see her alive, albeit hiding in the tunnels. 

“Come on” You slid off the rooftop with Sihtric just behind you. He was close and you presumed he’d follow until he pulled you back and into a shadow. 

“You can’t just walk over there”

“I can-” You pulled your arm out of his grasp. “-and I will”

“Don’t be foolish, we have no idea how to get to her” He had to lower his voice as he got a little heated. The presence of both of you so deep behind enemy walls putting the two of you on edge.

“We’re scouts. We will find a way”

“Y/N” 

He went to argue again when you turned back to him, closer this time, more riled up.

“She is Uhtred’s daughter and my friend. I will not leave here knowing she’s trapped”

He took a step toward you, one too big not to make your breath stop as he was inches from you. You were both breathing heavily as he calculated his words. 

“I will not risk your safety for others”

“It’s what we do”

You barely felt the brief touch of his fingers against yours. A hesitation on his part as he tried to contain himself. 

“I would allow it for anyone else but you”

“Do not make this about me”

Somewhere along on the way you’d gotten closer to each other, the darkness offering a blanket of testing as you pushed further than you’d usually allow - his breath against your cheek as he begged. 

“It’s not that easy to stop thinking about you when you’re right here” 

“Sihtric”

“We need to go. We can tell Uhtred what we saw and at first light they’ll come for her. We know she’s safe” 

“I would do the same if it was you down there and you’d do it for me”

He stopped. 

“Wouldn’t you?”

He hesitated before agreeing. 

You carried on pleaing “If we figure out how to get down to her-”

“We can’t take everyone alone and more than two of us will be a challenge to the gods to get caught” He whispered. You went to respond when his hand cupped your cheek suddenly as he lent his forehead on yours. 

“Stop fighting me on this”

You did - allowing yourself to savor the moment. 

“Okay”

You pulled away from each other. Your blood ran thicker as the adrenaline had you on edge while you made your way back to the tunnels - Sihtric close behind. 

The cold water was a somewhat welcome shock as you lowered yourself in.

“We’ll get her back Y/N” 

He misstuck your contemplation for worry after too long letting the sound of the water flowing around you fill the silence. 

“Do you want to kiss me?”

You didn’t turn to face him as you led the way down the tunnels. 

“What?” Your question threw him off. 

“If I asked you to, would you?” 

He pushed past you and stopped you in your path, eyes worried as he looked you over. 

“Why are you asking?”

“You know why?”

He wet his lips with his tongue. 

“Would you like me to?”

“But you don’t like me” It was almost a question. 

You saw him swallow.

“We need to keep moving” You tried to pass him but he moved into your way. 

“Who told you that?”

“What? That you don’t like me?”

He laughed. This whole situation was laughable - waist deep in water under a captive city with the one man who made you feel so…bothered. 

“You hardly made offerings of friendship to me Y/N”

“You have teased me since the first day we met” 

You urged him to keep walking, talking to each other as you stared at his back. 

“You threatened to punch me”

“Only because of how rude you were”

He looked back at you. 

“I’m a dane”

You shoved him forward but he pulled you with him. 

“I will kiss you if it is what you want?” 

“Do you?” 

“Are you asking me if I want you?”

“Yes” You were frustrated and tired and didn’t understand the feeling of his lips on yours until he had pulled back. 

“What was that?” You almost shouted. 

“You wanted me to kiss you?”

“I asked if you would want to?”

“And I did”

“Why?” 

You had been playing this game with him for so long - the back and forth, the stares and the looks. It finally made you snap as the sudden burst of want wracked you. 

“Because I am in love with you” His smile faded. “Because I love you”

“Why do you act the way you do around me then?”

“Because you do. You act cold and mean and I only give you it back”

“I act that way because I don’t know how else to deal with how you make me feel” You were both quiet until you pushed on his chest. “Don’t smile like that” 

“How do I make you feel huh?” He was teasing. Even in the dim light you could see it. That smirk. 

“You piss me off”

He took a step toward you.

“Oh I do, do I?”

“Yes you do” You felt like stomping your foot had you not been standing in such deep water. 

“And is this you finally admitting you have feelings for me”

“If I admit such things can we get out of here”

“When we do, will you let me kiss you again?” 

You hesitated before pushing him with a smile toward the exit, mumbling a yes. 

Then he appeared. You had spent the past few days with your hands bound on the road as the Danes took you north and you thought, as you travelled further toward Scotland, that any hope of rescue was lost. Then the guff accent of an Irish man broke you out of your daydream as you sat at the edge of the small camp the Danes had built. Your captors were sleeping when he came. You'd had your knees to your chest as you sat staring into the dying flames when you saw him first. His dark eyes were wild as he motioned for the boy who accompanied him to move toward one of the two Danes sleeping.

Only the sound of the fire spitting broke the night as the two men crept around and slashed the throats of the Danes. The older of the two meeting your eyes across the flames as you looked away from the bodies. All three of you froze as you considered what to do. Not allowing yourself to be captured again you shot up and tried to run when a boot on the trail of rope binding your hands stopped you mid way. The friction burned and you yelped back when the man picked it up and held tight.

"Wait-wait we're Saxons"

"He's not" You nodded toward the young man.

The older nodded and rolled his eyes, still holding your binds tight.

"Okay he's a baby Dane but he's harmless"

You looked over at the Dane who unexpectedly smiled.

"I'm Cynlaef"

"And I'm Finan"

You tried to yank your hands toward you but the Irishman pulled back.

"I don't care. Let me go"

"You're Y/N yes?"

"Yes"

"Then we can't do that I'm afraid. Your remaining village have gone to Rumcofa and they've requested we find you"

"And Lord Uhtred thinks you'll be useful" The Dane boy spoke up, both you and Finan looking over at him with scowls on your faces.

"I'm not going anywhere" You stood up straighter but almost left yourself faulted when Finan took several large steps toward you.

"Your people want you back m'lady and they've paid handsomely. Now you can either walk back with us or I'll throw you over my shoulder and carry you there. It's up to you"

"How can I trust a word you say?"

"We promise" Cynlaef attempted.

You gulped, looking down at the two dead men.

"Do I have a choice here?"

A half smile crossed his face as he tutted before walking past you, pulling at the rope.

"Nope."

You had been walking for hours by the time the sun rose. You wrists burnt less than before, with Finan having loosened them, but the rest of your body was freezing and you were starving.

When the Danes had taken you days ago they had interrupted your winter feast and since then you had only touched water.

"When was the last time you ate?" Finans voice was quiet as he walked beside you, Cynlaef strides ahead.

"You care?"

"I know I said I would but I don't actually want to have to carry you back"

He was a strange man. He kept his distance from you, his fingers always fluttering over the hilt of his blades when you took a step too quick and yet his eyes never left you, his brows furrowed as he kept checking on you - almost worried.

"Why? You afraid I'll put a cursed on you if you touch my skin?" Finan looked ahead as Cynlaef looked back worried.

"So you're scared of me?" A smile graced your lips.

Cynlaef turned back -"No"

You jolted toward the boy and laughed when he spooked. Finan tugged you back.

"Is that why my hands are still tied?"

They were silent.

You stopped walking.

"So you are" You couldn't help but giggle to yourself.

Finan stopped just after you.

"That's why your Lord wants me isn't it? He thinks I'm a witch too"

Finan tugged you and you fell into step behind him, you face nearing his shoulder as all three of you continued.

"Do I look like a witch?" You teased.

Neither of them turned around but Finan entertained your questions.

"I've seen many a beautiful lady turn the tides of war with a smile like yours"

You pulled your binds just as he did.

"You think I'm beautiful?" You stumbled a little as you walked.

Finan quipped around, his face so suddenly close to yourself when you caught yourself.

"I think you're annoying"

You went to resort back when your vision blurred and your legs gave way. You heard Finans worried voice as he half caught you. He called over Cynlaef and the younger boy handed Finan his water as the Saxon poured a little over your face. You tried to jolt up but waved of blur held you down as you shook.

You felt Finans hand on your cheek.

"When was the last time you ate?"

He helped you sit up.

"Three days ago"

Cynlaef looked worried as Finan wrapped his arm around your waist, pulling you up. You took deep breaths and as your vision cleared you realised your proximity to the Irishman. His fingers were digging into your hip as he held you and your chest was heavy against his as you caught deep breaths.

"Are you alright?"

You pushed away from him, ignoring how he looked somewhat hurt.

"I'm fine I'm fine"

All three of you waited to see if you'd fall again. 

"Y/N?" He face was so close to yours as his hands slowly lifted off you, you eyes never meeting his.

"I thought you were too scared to touch a witch?" You both looked down as his hands on you when you smiled. His face panicked and he took a step away when all of a sudden the ground beneath you pulled away. For a moment you thought you'd blacked our again when a flip of your stomach made you realising you'd been swept off your feet as a large trap below you swallowed you and Finan into the air.

The both you yelled as you collided into each other in the net. Your legs tangled as you practically sat in his lap, both your hands clinging to the rope walls to pull yourselves away.

You heard foot steps and peaked down as a panicked looking Cynlaef ran below you.

"Cut us down" Both of you yelled at the boy as he frantically tried to locate the end of the rope hoisting you in the air.

"Danes?" You asked as you attempted to pull away from Finan.

"Yup. They'll be on their way soon and will probably kill Cynlaef then shoot us"

Both of you struggled.

"Brilliant" You tried to pull yourself up when you slipped and fell back down, your legs over Finans waist as he sat sort of beneath you.

"Will you stop struggling"

His hand pulled you back down as you wriggled.

A crack of hooves from further in the forest made you all freeze.

"What was that?"

"Cynlaef. Go hide" Finan instructed to the boy below. The boy nodded and you tried to peer through the fog for the sound.

"Dane? Will they kill us?"

He shushed you.

"If this day gets any worse-"

Finan managed to get a hand free and clamped it over your lips, leaning in so he could whisper.

"If you don't shut up you're going to get us both killed"

You didn't move.

Two horse man cantered through the woods as you held your breath. Raised so high in the air, and with the cover of the morning haze, the  men rode past the trees near Cynlaef - completely oblivious to the predicament you found yourself in.

You all waited till they were long gone before you spoke again.

"Not Danes then"

"Not the one who put this up here"

You were so close to him. You hand was resting on him as his wrapped around you holding the net.

"Cynlaef?" Finan called for the boy but his eyes stayed on you.

"I know I'm trying"

Sat in the net waiting to be cut down, you tried to distracted yourself.

"You know I'm not a witch right?"

"I try not to tempt fate when a lady asks me that"

You shuffled around until your arm wriggled free and you were able to reach down for Finans blade.

"I'm a healer. I used compressions on a dying boy one time and so suddenly people think me a necromancer"

Finan moved under you, both of you looking other ways to not make eye contact as you tried to pull out his knife, your hands feeling up his side before they met the hilt.

"They said you were a witch?"

"Whoever they are are stupid and fearful of medicine" you were struggling to pull it out at the odd angle.

"I'll tell Lord Uhtred that" He smirked.

"Good"

"And your people don't think you a witch"

"No-" you hissed when your hair got trapped under Finans shoulder.

"-they know I'm a good healer. Half of them are alive because of me. That's why they probably want me back"

"Ah yes because its certainly not for your personality" The man had the audacity to laugh.

"Do you talk to all the ladies of Rumcofa like this?"

"Only the ones who find themselves on top of me"

You scowled at him causing him to laugh some more.

"You don't have a woman of your own no doubt"

"The same as you I suspect"

You didn't respond for a moment until the air grew more tense.

"I'll have you know I had many suitors"

"Let me guess they all turned into toads after midnight?"

"If I could get my hand on your sword I'd cut your tongue out"

"I've got two with me here"

"Don't tempt me"

"Lift your hips then" You knew your cheeks grew red when he suggested it. After a beat you pulled yourself up, the movement allowing him to do the same and offer room for you to pull out the sword.

"Got it?" He asked.

You stumbled over your words. "Yes yes" and turned as you began cutting at the rope.

"I've got it!" Both of you froze at the sound of Cynlaef below. Finans hand wrapped around your wrist, holding the blade still.

"Cynlaef wait" you yelled just as the boy cut the rope holding the net up, sending you and Finan to the ground.

You landed in a pile with Finan holding himself above you, both out of breath from the impact. His face was inches from yours and your head spun as you looked up at him.

"I-"

"I'm so sorry" Cynlaef appeared from behind the tree, his blade in hand as he ran over to you both. Finan snapped out of whatever state he was in and jumped to his feet, pulling you up with him. You rose and while Finan scalded the boy for just cutting you loose like that you couldn't help but pause as his fingers remained latched around yours. He seemed to realise too and dropped them swiftly.

The two of you let Cynlaef fill the void of speach the rest of the journey. Somewhere along the way Finan had cut your binds and yet be it due to be used to standing so close to him or the comfort of his presence, you remained close by his side as you entered the town.

"Lord" Finan called when you walked down the path, four men turning where they stood at the end by the horses.

"The witch?" A taller blonde man spoke upon seeing you and was hit it reurn by a Dane beside him.

"Forgive Osferth" The man introduced himself as Uhtred and apologised for the misunderstanding of your being. Your people had found refuge here and told them of your healing touch not that of a mysticl power but that of years of dedication to your craft. You allowed yourself to breathe a sigh a relief - one less person to convince of your nature.

The men dispersed after introductions leaving you and Finan alone in the cold. The man went to speak but you cut him off with a kiss to the cheek. He froze and began his sentence several times before finally sputtering out -

"What was that for?"

"For rescuing me"

He brought his hand to his cheek.

"Oh"

"Well I better go eat" A smile graced your face as you went to move past the awestruck man when he stopped up, walking backwards to block your path.

"You intend to stay here?"

"I'm thinking about it"

"If I gave you a reason to stay would you?"

He joined you in step as you carried on walking, your shoulders brushing together as you did.

"And what reason would that be?"

"We all get cut up quite often and we could use a healer to mend us back together"

"We? Was this a collective decision?"

"Erm-I"

"Don't tell me my powers have bewitched you?"

His face dropped before he realised you weren't being serious.

"You're not funny"

You smiled.

"And you're not coy but I'll consider staying"

"You will?" His dark eyes were practically glowing before he cleared his throat and relaxed his shoulders. "Well that's good. You'll be useful"

"I'll only stay if someone gives me a reason to however"

You both stared expectantly at one and other until Finan broke a smile, gesturing you to walk first toward the ale house.

Uhtred had sent you to meet with his daughter before the winter snow closed travel and for some reason he'd sent Osferth with you. Your relationship was strange to say the least. It began with you as the teasing dane from the North who took every chance to make Osferth's cheeks grow red. Then one day he turned it on you. Suddenly he knew how to hold a sword and talk back. He would meet your remarks with something as easily flirty, presuming he picked it up from Finan. There was a tension between you and yet neither of you had quite as much bravery to cross that line.

Osferth shut the door behind you. He had wanted to leave Eoforwic earlier in the day to miss the winter storm but you'd insisted snow wouldn't fall for a other few days.

You hated to admit you were wrong but the damp of snow sodden clothes and freezing fingers begged to differ.

"There were no snow clouds when we left"

"And yet the skies opened on us didn't they"

You both had your backs turned until you heard Osferth groan. Looking back, you did the same when you looked over your shoulder.

One bed.

Your stomach flipped. Osferth cleared his throat.

Trying to ignore the feeling, you started to peel off your outerwear. Osferth reached for your cloak as you did and the rhythm you fell so often in began unfolding. You handed your cloak, he gave you his weapons. You noted the click of metal unlatching and dared not to turn as the man behind you took off his fighting leathers and sword.

After a while the Inn keeper brought you both soup and you sat in silence on the bed, sipping quietly. It was killing you.

"You're mad?" You broke the quiet.

He didn't look your way, sat on the bed in his trousers and a loose white shirt.

"I'm not"

Neither of you were convinced.

"Is it not a sin to lie?"

He raised a brow at you.

"I'm sure I'll repent in time"

As the night grew dark, you slid under the covers. You weren't one to talk so often but his cold shoulder was killing you and as he wondered the room, repositioning your drying clothes by the fire, you sat up in your bed.

"If I apologise will you speak to me?"

"I have spoken to you"

He got under the covers beside you rolling over to face away, the orange glow for the fire wrapping you in warmth.

"Properly I mean"

You rolled your eyes as you remained sitting, the blankets at your waist.

"I'm sorry okay"

He didn't respond. You huffed.

"Osferth?"

More silence.

"I'm sorry for not listening to you and getting us caught in that storm"

He hummed. It wasn't good enough for you.

"What more do you want?"

He rolled over to face you, eyes still closed and face emotionless.

"Would you like me to whisper it in your ear?"

You took the step and lent over him, your lips hovering over his ear as you spoke.

"I'm sorry. You were right"

He tilted his head, his lips inches from yours.

"Do you forgive me?"

"I-"

You rose your hand and ran your fingers through his hair. His eyes shut as you did.

"Baby monk?"

As if a spark had been lit within him, his hand wrapped around your wrist and pulled your hand out from his hair. With a force you weren't expecting he flipped you over, pinning your arm above your head into the pillow as he straddled you. Osferth looked down from above you and lent in. You raised your chin as he did, trying not to to appear as phased as you were.

"You don't call me that"

You struggled but he was stronger than you anticipated, grabbing your other hand when you reached for him. He swapped both your wrists into one hand as he balanced himself with his other, leaning down.

"Finan can call me that. You cannot"

You lent up as much as you could.

"And why not?"

He smirked. "You know why"

Osferth was good at fighting, Uhtred and his men teaching him well over the years. But you were a dane and had be born kicking and clawing. With a huff of energy you managed to shift your weight and pull him under, hands on his chest as you sat back on him. Somewhere along the way his hands had found your hips, holding you still.

"What now?"

It felt like a shift had begun. A new layer of the game you played had been revealed as you moved your mark forward, testing his limits.

"Now you're going to kiss me"

It wasn't a question but you responded. Your lips met his in a fury while his hands capture your waist, holding you down against him. The years worth of teasing, of testing his patients finally flooding down on you as he kissed your lips.

Despite the cold chill your body had only just escaped, it was a welcome cool down when Oseferth finally slid your shirt off your back and let his hands map your body.

"Which do you bet will fall first?" Uhtred joined you on the bench watching over his men. His arm brushed yours as the touch set you alight. You had finally acknowledged the way you felt around him a few months ago and yet you couldn't bring yourself to tell him. He was a Lord. He had so much presence and will, power and prospect, why would he waste it on you?

"Sihtric?"

He laughed into his cup.

"Finan surly, he is always the first to fall after drink"

You shook your head, pointing over at the table. As the song the men were yelling came to an end, Sihtric threw up his arms and cheered - the motion sending him stumbling as he lost his footing and dropped off the table. The place erupted in more laugher.

"Told you" You stood up, his proximity setting you on edge as you feared the ale in your veins would loosen your lips around him.

"Y/N?" Both you and Uhtred looked across the table. One of Uhtreds men, a dane, was making his way over to you. You were a scout like him and had often spoken when you joined him on the road before battle.

"Fich you're back"

You felt Uhtred stand up behind you.

"You bring word of the North?"

The man looked to your right.

"Yes my Lord. The Scots remain within their fortresses but we should be wary the winter doesn't cause them to move south for provisions"

"Good. You've done well Fich, go grab yourself a drink"

"Yes my Lord"

The man hesitated before he looked your way and smiled.

"Would you like another Y/N?"

You looked down at your empty cup.

"I would-"

"We were just about to go grab another ourselves Fich" Uhtred stepped in. Somewhere along the way his hand touched the back of yours.

You turned you head to face him, whispering to each other -

"We are?"

His fingers linked with yours pulling you along.

"We are."

By the barrels was quiet. Most relied on the barman to replenish their cups so as you and Uhtred stood in the corner of the room, half cast in shadow, you smiled to yourself as the ale stirred within you.

"Fich could have got me my drink"

Uhtred shrugged, his hand on the spout of the barrel.

"I needed to fill mine too"

You looked down at his cup. I was already full before his faked topping it up.

"You're not jealous are you?"

His hand stopped and he grinned.

"Of a scout?"

You took a step toward him.

'Of his attention on me"

He avoided your eyes, brining his cup to his lips with his other hand resting on the amber hilt of his sword.

"Why would I be jealous? I'm a Lord I have everything I could ever want"

You took a step back and crossed your arms as you lent against the barrel.

"And yet you don't have me" Your gaze remained toward the floor.

He didn't quip back so you pressed further.

"Would you like me?"

He considered before tuting, smiling to himself. "You are too good for me"

"You are a Lord"

"And you are a goddess"

You laughed "In who's eyes"

"Mine"

Neither of you said anything until you took a step toward him.

"Uhtred"

He pushed off from where he stood.

"Forgive me lady Y/N"

"Uhtred-" He didn't let you finish as he marched toward you, his hands cupping your face when his lips met yours. You gasped into it. His lips were soft as he captured you. His thumb brushed your cheek when you leaned in further, the fire between you burning you up. Uhtred pulled back slowly as you broke for breath.

"Do you admit you were jealous?"

His smile was bright as he spoke between another kiss.

"Yes. I do."

You heard commotion on the otherside of the room as Uhtreds arms wrapped around your waist. Looking over, you both laughed when you saw Finan and Sihtric back on the top of the table dancing.

Uhtred lent to your ear.

"Finan or Sihtric?" His hands slide around your waist, his voice sending a shiver down your neck.

You considered when both of you spoke at the same time-

"Finan" "Finan"

It was Aelfwyn and Cynlaef’s wedding day and your face ached with the pain of smiling so much. You were close friends with the late Aethelflaed and had sworn on her deathbed to protect and guide her child as if she were blood, a task you were willing to die for. Following the battle of Bebbanburg and the safe retrieval of your Queen’s daughter, you returned to Mercia before a Dane messenger sent word of your Godchild’s nuptials. A horrid storm in the midlands had kept you on the road longer than anticipated causing you to miss the vows but as you rode into Bebbanburg, the night creeping in, you realized the festivities had only just begun. 

The city glowed bright with the amber of bonfires and lanterns, tables lined the courtyard piling out from the ale house and the streets were filled with people dancing in arms while others raised their tankards to the happy couple laughing besides who you recognized as Lady Aelswith and her son King Edward. You swallowed, your throat grew tight as you were reminded of your lost friend, how happy she would be at the sight of her family together, her daughter happy. 

“Are you going to stay up there all day?” You looked down from your horse at the voice. Sihtric stood tall, his fingers clasped around your horse's bridle as he pulled you to a stop. Seeing him now made a flood of emotions drown you in seconds. You knew him well having fought beside him many a time. You could recall every moment you spent standing watch with him while Aethelflaed and Uhtred reunited and you could almost recount the various drunken nights Finan had shoved you into him at a table or in an Ale House, but how those evenings ended were left a blur in your memory. 

“I’m trying to consider whether you’re all real standing before me-” You pulled your leg overs your horse and slid down. Both of you knew you could easily manage such a task by yourself, but it didn’t stop Sihtric bringing his hands to your hips, helping place you on the groun as you slid down. Your eyes met his, your expression untelling. “I feel as if we should all be ghosts by now”

He laughed and as if realizing his hands remained on your side, he took a step away and tucked them behind his back. 

“You know we’re all too hard to kill”

“Oh I know” Your face was growing warm as he kept that stupid smirk on his face.  

“Y/N” A drunken voice bellowed from the otherside of the courtyard. 

Finan.

Both you and Sihtric turned as you took a step past him. 

“Trust me, I’ve tried to kill you all many a time now” 

Finan strode over to you, the ale you presumed he drank offering a more loose and smiley warrior as he met you half way with a hug. 

“You’re late. A certain someone hasn’t stopped asking for you all day” He pulled back and attempted a wink.

“Aelfwynn? I tried to send word I’d be late” 

Finan laughed as he looked behind you, smothering his smile with his ale cup. 

“Yeah-sure”

You went to question who he was on about when Sihtric shoved his way between the two of you. 

“Come, I’ll get you a drink. You’re already several behind”

“I can see that”

Sihtric led you through the crowd and with a few stops in between to reunite with friends and congratulate your Godchild, you finally made it to a barrel. The cold liquid rushed down your throat and it felt as if the ale had breathed a relief of life back into you as you looked over the crowd. 

“It’s nice isn’t it?” 

“It is Uhtred” 

The Lord engulfed you in a strong hug that squeezed you into a laughed. You had grown close with him over the years and a strange bond had formed from your protectiveness of Aethelflaed and the loss of both your friend and his lover, only your joint memories left standing. 

“You look well” He smiled as he held you back to fully take you in. 

“I am. But of course the last time you saw me I was caked in blood attempting to help retrieve your homeland”

“And for it I am eternally grateful”

You both smiled as you looked upon a dance circle formed around the biggest fire. 

Aethelstan had his arm looped with Aelfwynn as they circled each other through laughter. Their grandmother stood beaming at them from the edge of the crowd. Finan and Cynlaef’s were doing a similar sort of movement but it resembled more of a strange stumble of drunken old men as they danced. And then your stomach dropped. Sihtric became clear in the firelight, a woman you didn’t realize with her hand in his as she tried to teach him the steps. 

“You should dance with him” Uhtred took a gulp of his ale as you both watched, your arms crossed. 

“He is already dancing”

Uhtred chuckled “So go and take him. He is yours, is he not?” 

You choked on your drink, attempting to cover with a laugh.

“He is not. What makes you think that he was?”

“You are in love with him and he is you”

“Don’t be ridiculous. I’m not-”

“I can see it with your eyes. The first moment you saw him all those years ago in Wessex, your heart burns for him”

You tried to act nonchalant “My heart does not burn-”

“You can lie to me Y/N but I can see it. The way you search for each other during battle, how he stays close to your side whenever he can, how you look at each other. You both breathe for one and other Y/N. It is about time you saw that”

You shook your head.

Uhtred sighed loudly, smiling in disbelief. 

“Why is it Saxon women always give such retaliation to the confession of men? My friend is in love with you, you know that. He has told you many a time-”

“You are both fierce warriors but it seems your bravery falls short when it comes to words Y/N”

Those drunken nights at the ale house. 

You scoffed. Questioning your bravery? You’ll show him. 

You chugged the rest of your drink, slamming the cup down on the barrel behind you. 

Uhtred smirked. You took the bait so easily. 

The ale led you through the rows of people as you joined the clearing around the bonfire. You made your way over to Sihtric but changed in the last step, linking your arm with another man as you spun. 

“Lovely to see you again Pyrlig” 

The monk laughed at the sight of you. 

“Y/N my God’s child. I’m glad to see you have safely returned to us once more” He laughed as you both changed directions and spun away. 

“Good to see you too Father”

Pyrligs smiled as he looked over your shoulder.

“I’m afraid for my safety you must change partners”

Your brows furrowed as you turned to where he looked over your shoulder. 

“What-”

Sihtric appeared once more behind you. He stopped short before linking his hand with yours, pulling you against his chest. 

“I didn’t know you could dance?” You laughed but his face remained void of tells as he looked at you. 

“I don’t but-” God’s the way his hand slid down your back, pulling you closer. “I will dance if it means no one else will get a chance with you besides me”

“You so suddenly want to dance with me?”

He notched his head to the side trying to hide a smirk. 

“ Don’t act like you don't know I'm in love with you”

You froze. 

“Sihtric”

He pulled his hands out of yours, snatching the ale of some bystander, downing the liquid. 

“Why do you never answer me back when I say such things?” He questioned, his eyes saying far more than his forced smile did. 

“Every time you have confessed you have been drunk. How am I to believe your word?”

He pulled you out of the way of the moving dancers. 

“Because you make my mind fog. Every time I look at you it’s as if the words melt away in my mouth. I do not know fear of battle or blood” You moved further through the crowd until you both stood under an archway separating two buildings. -”But every time I have tried to tell you how I feel, I get swallowed by this this breathlessness. But it turns out drunken me forgets all about that when he sees the way you look at him”

You tried not to smile, taking a step toward him.

“And how do I look at you?”

“Like you love me too”

You responded with your lips on his. The kiss was desperate and breathless. His hands fell down your sides and held you tight as he walked back against the wall. Your fingers curled into his hair as you moved. 

“They're kissing” A cheer sounded. You broke the kiss to see Finan with his arm around Uhtred as the two of them raised their cups, the rest of your friends joining in with laughs as they looked upon you and Sihtric. 

The man before you buried his head in the side of your neck in embarrassment before trying to shoo off the others. It was only when Hild appeared, ushering her boys away, did they all disperse leaving you in the arms of the man you loved. 

“Have you really loved me since Wessex?” You looked up at him. 

He went to deny the accusation when he realised it was a lost cause and smiled, red blushing his cheeks. 

“Since the very first moment you pointed your blade at me when we met”

“And everytime after?”

Alfred’s men surrounded your Lord and as they neared, you slid further into the dark shadows of the back of the hall. When they realized you were one of Uhtred’s friends, they’d come for you next. The cold wall behind you turned into the grain of wood as you pushed back against the door, slipping into the corridor. As soon as you had disappeared, you heard the eruption of shouts and yells from back inside. Assuming Uhtred had made an escape, you picked up your pace and stumbled into a run. 

You pulled back several times into the shadows and around corners as guards ran past after Uhtred and his men - you included. The darkness of the night offered a welcome cover as you sped through the streets of Winchester. You had just cut through an ally when a hand came over your mouth from behind. You let out a muffled shriek as their other arm wrapped around your waist and pulled you back into the alley just when a group of guards ran in front of you, oblivious to the two of you. 

You struggled against your captor but they held tight. It was only when you elbowed them in what you hoped was their stomach, did they finally let you go and allow you to unsheath the small blade Finan had gifted you. 

“It’s me. It’s me. Calm down” Osferth became clear as you strained your eyes in the dark. He had his hands up before you, eyes wide as you stood shaking, you knife bared. 

“Jesus Christ Osferth you scared the hell out of me”

A slight smirk lifted on his lips as he relaxed when you did. 

“I was in the hall when-” You tried to explain

“We know. Sihtric has gone to gather the others. I was sent to come find you” 

“Uhtred?”

“I saw him on the roofs with Finan”

You both heard the commands of more of Alfred’s men throughout the city. 

“We are leaving, yes?” You asked in a hushed voice, the two of you growing closer together as you whispered to one another.

“Yes. We will meet the other’s over the wall”

“Over the wall? And how in God’s name are we supposed to just walk past half of Alfred’s army?”

You were interrupted by the sound of footfall. Two guard’s rounded the corner in an attempt to use the same cut through you did. It was a small passage between the buildings and with you and Osferth being in the middle, they’d walk right past you. Both of you turned to face them then looked at each other in a panic. The men grew closer. You could see the cogs turning in Osferth's brain as he tried to find a way out. They’d attempt to question you and in doing so recognise the both of you immediately. The other option-

“We run?” Osferth fingers reached for yours. 

“They’d suspect something”

“You there!” One of the guards pointed toward you. In a moment of stupidity, you grabbed the side of Osferth's leather chest plate and pulled him towards you. Your lips met in a clash. Osferth hesitated for a moment, a slight whimper of shock vibrating just as you kissed him. The two of you fell against the wall but Osferth’s hand held you up. You heard the men walk closer. Ignoring every ounce of you that claimed you’d regret this, you pulled Osferth closer and moaned into his mouth. The guard behind you coughed upon realizing the situation you were in and over the sound of your heartbeat in your throat, you heard the men continuing past you in favour of avoiding the two drunks down here.

You convinced yourself you were both waiting for the men to fully leave as you continued the kiss. His other hand cupped your cheek and with a final tug of strength, you managed to pull away. 

“I’m sorry I-” You stumbled over your words.

He still had his eyes closed while you looked back and forth down the alleyway. You had to move now. 

“Let’s go”

Oferth held you back. 

“Wait wait”

“Forgive me”

“Y/N” 

“We must-”

His lips met yours. The kiss was softer, delicate, testing. He held your face in his hands as he pulled you close. You moved back slowly, both your eyes closed as you did. 

“I’ve wanted to do that for many moons now Y/N” Osferth smiled, his forehead resting on yours. 

You put your hands over his where they lay on your face. 

“I’m annoyed you have waited this long”

He pulled back with a smile. 

“And why did you not act upon such feelings?”

“I didn’t want you to freak out and never talk to me again if you didn’t feel the same”

He raised his hand to brush back a strand of your hair. 

“I do, I would have, I like you”

You smiled brightly before remembering where you were. 

“Shit we really need to go”

Osferth’s face fell.

“We do” He nodded. 

4."You're not jealous are you?"

5."Quick, hold my hand"

6."Are you asking me to fight you?"

7."I can't stand you"

8."If you die now I'll bring you back from the dead and kill you myself"

9."Do you trust me?"

10."I know it must be hard to do but please try not to kill me"

11."I won't let anything bad happen to you"

12."Hold my hand"

13."Why are you breathing like that?"

14."Would you like me to whisper it in your ear?"

15."Why are you looking at me like that?"

16."Look at us getting along"

17."Like what you see?"

18."It's good to see you. It's been a while"

19."It's me. Its me. Calm down"

20."What's in it for me?"

21."Just let me take care of you"

22."Don't act like you don't know I'm in love with you"

23."You look awful"

24."Is that blood?"

"M'lady? Is that you?" A Wessex guard, one you recognised to be Edward's stumbled over from the ale house across the path.

"Ah fuck" You muttered under your breath as you turned away.

"M'lady?" Please fuck off "Lady Y/N"

"Hello Olsac" You had crossed paths with him many times as you joined Aethelflaed when she visited her brother and despite keeping to yourself, several men attempted often to meet your acquaintence, this cocky blonde being one of them.

"What are you doing here Y/N? I thought you would be with Lady Aethelflaed in Mercia"

"I'm meeting someone here"

Keep it short and simple. Maybe he'll fuck off.

"Do you bring news of battle"

You bounced on the balls of your feet, trying to contain your sighs.

"No"

You were both silent for a short moment as he kicked the ground with his boot.

Please for the love of God, Aethelflaed hurry up.

"So-"

"Are your men not missing you at your table Olsac?"

He was a little thrown off at your interruption but he covered it with a smile.

"I-yes. I should go back"

You hummed. Bored of his conversation and irritated by the chill of the air.

"Would you care to join me-"

"No. I must wait out here"

He wasn't relenting, lingering by your side.

"I shall wait with you then. Keep you company M'lady"

Jesus Christ

"To the ale house" I pointed across the way, walking over as he trailed behind. If you were to last here another couple of hours with this company, you wouldn't do it stone cold sober.

"Ah yes of course" Olsac stumbled behind you gleefully.

The ale house was packed and loud with cheers of drunken men, stomping feet and clanging tankards on tables.

"This way M'lady" He pointed you toward the ale barrels at the bottom of the long tables. You shuffled your way through the hord of men and slammed a coin on the bar, a cold jug of ale replacing it in your hand.

Several hugs later and Olsacs jokes had yet to make you laugh as you spent the last hour cursing Lord Uhtred silently for keeping your Queen so long. You thought you'd finally tuned out the King's guard's miserable attempt at retelling the battle of Beamfleot; a fight you participated in , when you felt his hand under the table. You thought perhaps the brush of his finger on your thigh was a misplacement of himself when a smirk crossed his lips.

"You are so beautiful Y/N" He slurred.

In an instant you unsheathed your blade and stabbed your knife into the wood of the table between you. The twang of metal caused him to flinch as you stood, anger burning up your neck.

"Don't be like that M'lady" He held up his hands with a snear as if a child caught with their hands in a honey pot.

You practically growled as you forced your blade from the table. You would gave gone to jab it into him throat when a familiar voice sounded from behind you.

"Everything alright here?"

Sihtric Kjartanson was at your back, his face tilted toward yours as he stared over at the drunken man before meeting your eyes.

You knew him well, had shared many a campfire with him on the road to battle and tended each others wounds. He lit a spark in you, one you had tried many a time to snuff out and yet everytime you looked his way your stomach would flip and you'd picture his smile as he laughed at you teaching Aethelstan to hold a blade while running from the Mercians or remembered the feeling of his hands on yours as he wrapped your burnt hand or cut hip from battle.

"We're all good here Dane, Y/N was just getting a bit too caught up in her under garnments"

You went to lunge across the table as the man laughed when Sihtric looped his arm around your waist, holding you back.

"He's not worth it" Sihtrics voice was a whisper in your ear, setting you alight.

"I'm okay. I'm okay" You assured him of your clarity, with you hand on top of his on your hip.

"Come one" Sihtric nodded over to where Finan and Osferth drank on the other side of the room, his face gentle as he settled you. You faked compliancy and just as you turned to walk past him, you reached across the table and grabbed a fistful of the guards hair, bringing his forehead down onto the table as he yelped. The room erupted in a row. The splashing of ale on your table pissed of your neighbours and as the man opposite you fell back from his chair he flayed onto another, causing a ripple of drunken fights.

"Time to go" You laughed as you watched the guard get enveloped by brawling Saxons and Danes. You grabbed Sihtric’s wrist and ushered him over to the door noticing Finan and Osferth stood upon a table cheering on groups of men scrapping before them.

The cold night was a familiar shock as you stumbled out the door laughing with Sihtric behind you.

"I often wonder if you are more Dane than Saxon the way you start fights like that" Sihtric laughed. His face was glowing in the amber of the fire torches by the door, turning your stomach as he brushed his his fallen curls back from his forehead.

"You've got to be kidding me?"

You scoffed through a laugh.

"What?" Sihtric looked your way, a smile still on his lips.

"God you're just so-"

"What?" He rook a step toward you, his hands resting on his swords hilts, eyebrows raised.

"You- your whole" You waved your arms in from of him, the ale you guzzled loosening your lips. "Just the way you hold yourself"

"How I hold myself?"

"Mmhumm" You took a step back, turning away with your hands on your hips. Your mind battling against your drunken words.

"You just walk around like you know you're the most attractive man in this land"

"I do do I?" He followed you as you walked down the street, toward yours and Aethelflaed's horses.

"Of course you do"

"And you like me for it?"

"I-" You caught your tounge. "No"

"No?"

He walked up to you as you stopped infront of him. He made the final step and looped his fingers in your belt, pulling you toward him.

"No."

You knew neither of you believed your words.

"Please don't stab me for this" He spoke as his hand caught your face, his lips placing upon your own. You melted against him as he stepped backward, your hands gathering in his hair as he did. Your back met your horse and you pulled away as it neighed.

You laughed "I really should be getting back to Aethelflaed" He kissed down your throat. "I suspect we'll be leaving soon"

"You do?" His lips captured yours once more. He couldn't care less.

"I do"

You spoke through smiling kisses.

"My Lord will keep her company while she waits"

"You would keep a Queen waiting"

He pulled away from you, his thumb rubbing across your cheek.

"I'd do anything for you Y/N"

"Since when?"

"Since the day I hung upside down across from you in that tree when Hesten kidnapped Stiorra and The Queen and I knew I'd die happen there with your face being the last I saw"

You kissed him once more, pulling back to rest your forehead on his.

"We're idiots"

He agreed with a hum as he kissed you once more but you were interrupted with a cough behind you.

Turning, you and Sihtric were met with Lord Uhtred and Lady Aethelflaed smiling at you both, their hands held the same as you and the Dane in your shadow.

"I'll see you again soon" Sihtric kissed the back of your neck as you parted, greeting Uhtred as you joined Aethelflaed's side.

"Good night Lady Y/N" Uhtred spoke as you and The Queen mounted your horse. Sihtric untied your reins and led you to the border as Uhtred did the same for Aethelflaed.

Just before you could say goodbye, Sihtric motioned for you to lean down, kissing you one last time. You sat up straight and went to say farewell when his hand pushed a string into yours, you opened your palm as his Mjölnir necklace sat in the centre.

"Ill see you soon"

Your hand cupped his cheek as you gathered your reins.

"Don't miss me too much Dane"

"An impossible task Saxon"

You laughed as you led your horse onward, smiling to yourself as you attempted to ignore your Queen's smirk pointed your way as she rode beside you.

...

AN

Enjoy your crumbs my rats

Lmk if you want to be tagged in my other imagines, aus, headcanons

Rough hands grabbed you and the hilt of the sword on your back. You struggled against them as the three of you were shoved down into the damp burrow of the keep. Finan, having spoken up first, was taken to a different section of the dungeon to be questioned, leaving you and Sihtric alone. 

You weren’t particularly fond of the man despite all you had been through since joining Uhtred’s men. Hild had offered you to take care of Stiorra, Athelstan and Aelthwynn as their protector while they hid from the danes and since, you had fought valiantly beside Uhtred and yet from day one Sihtric had kept his distance. You were a Saxon and he was a Dane. Neither led you to trust each other during those first years. And his initial aversion to you grew a poison between you both. The way he dismissed you as a warrior when you first met caused your stubbornness to never befriend him which lead you into a no-mans-land of never speaking causing you to bite at eachothers throats and bicker like an old married couple when you finally broke. He would never look your way when you spoke and your few conversations with him felt like pulling teeth. Like he couldn’t wait to move away from you.

The tight rope wound around your wrists burnt as a guard slung it over a beam and hoisted you arms above your head. They did the same to Sihtric as he stood across from you but he didn’t look your way as the guard punched hard into his stomach. 

“Check her for more blades” One of the Scottish guards nodded over. There was three of them. Another began removing the small knives from their sheaths over your body when his greedy fingers fumbled up your thigh where a dagger sat. You kicked out as he did and a grunt from behind him caught everyone’s attention as Sihtric pulled against his binds.

“Touch her again and I’ll be sure to kill you first” He spat at the feeble guard. His dark hair curled around his face as he seethed, staring down the man from across the room. 

You let out a sigh. He had just offered them you as bait to get him to talk. 

The Scots man knew this too. 

“Why? Is she your wife?” The guard smirked your way. 

Sihtric stood silent. 

“No?-well I’m sure one of my men will take her if she’s not”

You felt ill. Sihtric had stopped moving but his stare was deadly, if only his hands were free.

“Now that gentlemen is the look of a man with bloodlust in his eyes” The guard laughed aloud, his men following.

"But what are you going to do about it Dane?” 

“Why are you here?” The guard interrogated. His hand grappled your hair as he pulled your head back, looking over to Sihtric for the answer. Your eyes met his and you practically begged him silently to keep his mouth shut. You could not reveal the reason you were here or who you truly were to these men as Uhtred snuck around the keep and nothing you said would stop the guards from torturing you. They’d never believe you even if you spoke the truth. 

The man waltzed over and punched you, his knuckles meeting with your cheek. Sihtric fought against the robes as your nose began to gush with blood, the metallic taste filling your mouth. 

The guard hummed. 

“Nothing?”

Sihtric only looked at you, at the way you bled before the guard swung at your stomach. Your body convulsed at the pain as you hung. Sihtric had to look away. 

The two of you had remained silent as he tried to break you. You prayed Uhtred was near. 

“Well I’m sure we could apply a little more fuel to the flame shall we?” The Scot turned to the glowing fire, pulling a poker from the hearth. The metal stick shone bright amber as he turned your way. You pulled at the binds around your hands but a guard behind you held you still as the man stood closer, bringing the boiling rod toward your face. 

“You okay?” Sihtic’s sweet voice startled you. His hand cupped your own. The skin of your palms was raw and angry from you holding tight to the binds before. 

He was just about to press it into your skin when the other guard behind him stepped back in Sihtrics way. The Dane kicked forward and shoved the man into the Scotsman. The two stumbled and as they did you kicked back, knocking them to the floor. With the men distracted, Sihtric pulled up against the rope and unhooked himself from the beam in a swift display of strength. He went for the men. As the Scottish guard rose, you wrapped your legs around him and took the second to mimic Sihtric, landing less gracefully as you did but flipping the guard with you. Sihtric took two of the men and you picked up to fire poker in your bound hands as you swung for the Scott. Embers flew as the metal smashed into his face knocking him out cold. Sihtic met you with a knife as he cut through the rope around your hands. 

“I’m-” Gods above the way he looked at you melted your heart. Did he usually look at you like this? “I’m fine. Thank you”

As if realizing what he was doing, Sihtric dropped your hands and cleared his throat. 

“Come on, let's go get Finan and find Aelfwynn” 

You followed behind. 

You snuck down dark hallways and around open doors throughout the keep in search of Finan or Uhtred. 

“Didn’t know being your wife would offend you so much” You whispered as you stood side by side waiting for a guard to pass through a door. Sihtric was close to you and you felt his breath against your neck as he spoke lowly. 

“I wasn’t offended at his suggestion of you being my wife” You both twisted under a stairwell. “I was offended at the way that man was too close to you”

You shoved him against the wall as two men walked down the stairs above you. You both waited for them to pass when you spoke once more - 

“Like we are now?”

Sihtrics hand was on your hip holding you still as you lent into the shadows with him. 

“Exactly. Except I would prefer other circumstances for you to be against me like this” 

You studied his face, the way his eyes stared you down. Testing the waters?

“Since when?” 

Sihtric scoffed. He ducked under the stairs and led you further into the keep where you saw them take Finan. Men carrying troves of silver barged down the hallway and it was now Sihtric’s turn to pull you into a shadow. 

“Always.”

The men had left but you remained pressed against his chest. 

“Always? You avoid me as if I were the plague and you Finan”

He seemed at war with himself before he sighed. 

“I avoid you because you make me feel weak”

“Excuse me?” 

He smirked at your scoff. 

“Odin above, I’ve been in love with you since we met and the way I feel about you, how you make my stomach flip and my heart warms scares me. You make me feel like a mortal man. I’d drop my blade if only you said the word and it terrifies me”

“You-” You stuttered “-you ignored me for the first few months when we met”

“I was intimidated by you. Do you have any idea how beautiful you are?”

You tried not to laugh as he looked panicked. 

“You love me?” 

His fingers brushed away a stray curl against your face. 

“Since the moment I saw you”

You smacked his chest hard. 

“Gods you’re an idiot, Sihtric. I’ve loved you since I don’t know when”

“You have?-” He mouth formed a smirk as his hands found their way around your waist. “-You do?”

You lent into him, you lips just brushing against his before you whispered into him-

“If we make it out alive, I’ll kill you for being so stupid” 

“It’s okay guys-” You jumped in your skin as Finan appeared from the doorway looking out of breath “-I’ll just get myself out while you two hump against the wall” 

He went to shut you up with his mouth when a hushed voice broke beside you.

The two of you pulled away quickly to follow him up the stairs. The three of you bumped into Hild as you spotted Uhtred and you tried to slow your heart as the five of you looked down from the shadows of the mezzanine onto the great hall The Scottish King, Aethelhelm and Aetheard. 

You all spotted Aelfwynn from across the hall on the other side. Uhtred told you and Hild to collect her and take her to safety as the three men would continue on to attempt to find a way to stop Edward from advancing outside the keep walls. You nodded silently and went to move when Sihtric’s hand stopped your own. You froze as he leant forward and captured your lips in his, his forehead leaning against yours as you both pulled away. A silent good luck. You didn’t need to say anything else as you followed Hild but you heard a small scuffle and turned back to see Uhtred and Finan playfully shove Sihtric with smiles on their faces.