PREVIEW - White Lies Finale
“First of all, I do not wish to discuss this settled matter. But if you must know, I have no desire to keep anyone who does not wish to stay. If Y/N wants to return to Wessex, so be it.”
“You cannot be serious.” Hvitserk replied as he shifted upon his feet. Finding a chair, he took a seat and stared at his brother. “Do you really intend to let her leave in such a delicate condition……alone?”
“That is exactly what I intend to do, Hvitty.”
“Forgive me, but that is absurd. At the very least, you should accompany her.” Ubbe said, utterly confused by the youngest Ragnarssons demeanor. “That is your wife and should be escorted by you.”
“Agreed. You can leave Hvitserk and Sigurd in charge in your absence.” Harald interjected in agreement.
But Ivar smirked before looking straight ahead again.
He didn’t wish to look the men in the eyes any longer for fear of his true feelings being made evident. Though incensed, your husband was also very distraught. He simply could not grasp why you wished to leave his side.
“Honestly Ivar, if I were in your place, I would just go to my wife now.” Bjorn said as he relaxed across a bench. “If for no other reason, at least to have final words before she departs.”
“I will do no such thing!” Ivar countered promptly. “In case you are unaware, I’m not Y/N’s servant!”
“That is not what I meant at all. But she is your wife, not your enemy. If you can’t set your pride aside for her sake, than whom?”
“Bjorn, I have said my peace. If she wants to leave, I will not stand in her way. Besides, I have already given my permission. That is enough.”
The Ragnarssons didn’t appear to be impressed by his words.
Nor did Alfred or Harald. However, it was best not to push the headstrong King. He was volatile and since no one wished for an incident prior to your departure, they dropped the topic.
“I wish to embrace you, however, the baby is in the way.”
Laughing, you ran a hand over your belly. You then acknowledged that he was indeed correct. Your unborn child was truly pushing your body to its limits. And with two more months to go, you wondered if you could take getting any larger.
“Just manage the best you can.” You said.
With a big smile upon his face, Kori wrapped his arms about you. Resting his ear against your navel, he stated that he could hear all manner of movement.
“What a nerve! He just kicked me.” Your brother exclaimed.
“That is all he enjoys doing. Perhaps, he will tire of it by the time he’s born.”
After laughing at your comment, Kori suddenly went serious. He then asked if you could answer a question that had been on his mind for a long while.
When you told him to go ahead, your brother looked at you. He then asked if you were thinking of naming the baby after Ivar. When you confessed that you had not discussed any names, he nodded.
“Why?” You asked. “Do you have a suggestion?”
“No. I just don’t want him to be named Ivar the Younger.”
Kori then let go of you and went back to his work. When you pushed him for a reason as to why he didn’t want his nephew to be named after his idol, the boy shrugged.
“It would be nice if the baby gets to have his own legacy. Something that belongs to him alone.”
“Hmm. You know what? That is actually quite sensible.” You said thoughtfully.