The Prince of Uà Néill rarely, if ever, travels on the road for reasons other than battle. But this time, he’s in search of his mother and it’s a worthy enough cause to him. The summer allows for safe travel, but he would have never imagined going twice the distance. When he arrived in Dúnseverick, he was told that she had traveled to Northumbria of all places, where Cinaed had been staying and even made a home, following in Ronan’s footsteps.
The fact that not just one, but both of his half brothers had decided to forsake the crown is beyond him. In all actuality, he couldn’t care less, because his mother has been made Queen Regent and that is all the more advantageous for him. Ren is heir to Uà Néill, a much stronger dynasty of his mother’s birth that had ravaged Ulaid for its land for centuries. At least now it can in some part be under his control, since the frail alliance of his mother’s first marriage practically holds on by a thread.
Evren is estranged from Ronan almost completely, but Cinaed and him had always gotten along. They weren’t raised together, but he remembers him the most when his mother would visit, while Ronan stayed with his father. There was no doubt — the eldest prince was a love child, made to be just before his mother’s first marriage. His mother never told him who his true father was. Evren’s grandfather took that role, so it’s not as if the prince lacked authority. The nobles ignored the common fact that he was a bastard, because his grandfather is fearsome and not a soul would challenge his will during that time.
When he left Grianán, Ren had no idea he’d end up in a faraway Saxon place called Bebbanburg… but here he fucking is. His mother’s camp lies outside the fortress walls, and he instantly wonders why, but his thoughts are interrupted by the blissful blonde heading towards him at full speed.
“My babe! Oh my goodness, look at you!” Ethne chimes with exhilaration. She hasn’t seen her eldest in over a year.
“Hello Mum,” Ren says with a barely there smile, wrapping his arms around her. He’s taller than her, so he sort of towers. “Why are you in this wretched place? And for so long…”
As they walk slowly with arms around each other, Ethne decides to tell the prince about all the happenings, including Cinaed’s wedding. He just says wow with wide eyes, not understanding a bit of it.
“So you chose not to be honest with him?” Evren says almost gruffly.
“Evren. He’s preoccupied and needs to worry about himself, and his husband.” Ethne says.
“He would have felt more confident knowing what you are. What I am. To know he’s not alone.” The prince suggests.
“Well, his husband is a shifter as well. He’s been teaching him and protecting him. I’ll tell him soon.” His mother says.
Husband. A shifter as well.
“This is so strange. Have you spoken to Ronan?” He asks. Ethne shakes her head, a sadness crossing her eyes. Evren doesn’t want to speak to him either, so that’s absolutely fine. They are all estranged.
“Who is the Lord here?” Ren asks.
“His name is Uhtred. He’s a kind man.”
Yeah, because that’s how people need to view a Lord. Not. Evren looks around at nearby villagers, and realizes that some of them are… Northmen.
“You’ll stay to see your brother and meet his husband, won’t you?” Ethne beams. “Since you came all this way to check on me... Sweet boy.” She says, kissing Ren’s cheek.
“Yeah… I suppose.” The prince says, not quite enthused. Still, he lets his mother drag him around, boast about him, introduce him to people… because he loves her.
“Cinaed!” Ethne chimes out, and the eldest prince realizes that his mother meant what she said. He’d get to see his brother right now.
Even from afar, Cinaed is glowing — Evren can tell that he’s made his first shift, the amber of his eyes such a deeper glow, and something else about him that gives away the difference.
“Hey, Ren!” Cinaed grins, throwing his arms around him. “Good to see you!”
“And you,” Ren replies, giving his youngest brother a subtle smile as he pats his back. “Uh, congratulations on… everything.”
“Thank you!” Cinaed beams, the ambers of his eyes meeting the greens of Ren’s. A tall, brooding Northman lingers behind his brother. An impressive physique, a deadly sort of aura. Ren can feel his eyes on him, almost for his brother’s protection or something.
“Ren, this is Gunnar Tjörvason, my husband…” Cinaed says with all the pride in the world. “Gunnar, this is my eldest brother, Evren.”
“Pleasure to meet you, Gunnar.” Ren says, offering his arm. He doesn’t give much of a smile, perhaps a ghost of one. But that’s just him. Instead, the fox inside him instantly stirs at whatever the fuck is in front of him as their gazes meet. His mother was right — Cinaed’s betrothed is a shifter as well. Evren stifles the growl that emerges from his throat in some sort of defense mode. You’re fine. He’s safe.
I wonder what he is… Ren thinks, appraising Gunnar with shimmering green eyes.
