“I was looking for you.” “You have found me,” I replied, adjusting the parcels in my arm. “Is everything well?” “Yes,” Uhtred nodded. “I have a proposal for you.” “I am already married, lord, as are you,” I joked, smiling when he let out a laugh. “You have spent too much time with Finan,” he retorted, teasing me for the joke. “But it is clear you both are stronger together. You are strong enough on your own, to be sure. Beamfleot proved that, to any that may have doubted.” “Such as you?” I wondered. “Yes, such as me,” he acknowledged. “I believed you strong. A woman could not have survived in Islond under Sverri as long as you did without strength. I did not know how strong, or powerful, or capable you were, but you have proven yourself.” “Thank you, lord,” I said, bowing my head. “When the time comes that I must call my men to battle once more, I would like you to join us as healer and warrior,” he told me. “It would be an honor to have you fighting beside us.” “The honor would be mine,” I assured him. “I should tell you, I have promised to be by Aethelflaed’s side should she need me. I hope my allegiance to her does not change your offer.” “It does not,” he promised. “It seems we are both bound to Wessex and Mercia.” “It is a blessing to be held in such high esteem, is it not?” I wondered. “It is both a blessing and a curse, I believe,” he admitted. “We are still not truly our own people.” “Is anyone really their own person?” I countered. “We are all bound, in one way or another. You and I are bound by our duty to the people of these lands and their leaders. Even Alfred is bound to follow the word of God. Protecting Wessex and Mercia means protecting our families, our friends, and all of the innocent people that depend on us. There are worse fates to be saddled with, are there not?” “You are right,” he nodded. “I still wish for the day when I will reclaim Bebbanburg.” “I will wish for it too, lord, and be by your side when that day comes,” I offered, returning his grin with my own.
Chapter 9 of "My Heart Is In You" by NellyHarrison












