What she had to do

{Word Count: 1550}

They had stopped and made camp a days ride from Dunholm, the destination Uthred had set after his fall. Serene could not bring herself to leave Uthred's side, the guilt was eating at her stomach. Finan had tried to talk her out of it but she would not give in.

Footsteps made her turn towards Finan, who made his way up the slight hill. " Alright." He took a seat beside her handing her a spare set of furs and a cup of ale, he sent her a wink before looking down at Uthred.

" do you have the strength to lift a wee cup, Lord?" Finan lifted the mans head helping him get a drink. "Even if it's just to wet your lips."

Serene continues to braid and un-braid Uthred's hair as she watched the two men interact. She had always been an observer, watching more than speaking.

She watched as Finan's expression changed from concern to fear, she could tell the man was stressed from the whole situation.

" I'd wager you feel like yer back on the slave ship, you got past that nightmare you can make it past this."

" It's her, Finan." The three of them glance down at Skade, she had already been glaring at Serene. And she could still feel the seer in back of her mind, lingering, it had not left since a few days before. "Turing my insides outward."

" then kill her, or let me do it for you." Finan spat, he sent Serene an apology look- not knowing the true relationship the two have- she shook her head. There was nothing to apologize for, the witch deserves to die. And she knew someday she would regret thinking that, especially as she felt her stare burn into herself.

" No."

" Uthred!" The pain in his voice made Serene uncomfortable, like she was not meant to be here for such a moment between the two.

Finan paused, Serene placed a hand on his back in comfort. " I fear you are dying." Uthred opened his eyes looking at the man. Serene could not see the look in his eyes but somehow she knew it was strong because Finan raised up taking his cape off and laying in over Uthred.

" Sithric says we're to arrive in Dunholm tomorrow." She said trying to lighten the mood.

Finan steps in the conversation realizing what she was doing. " They've been watching us for most of the day, or at least I hope it's them." Serene started to braid Uthreds hair again leaving the two men to talk amongst them selves.

Finan left soon after begging her to come with him but she refused, she caused this and now she won't leave his side.

" come." Serene heard Skade's voice in the back of her head, her annoying demand echoing in her skull so much she began to get dizzy.

So she listened, she made her way over to Skade who was sat collecting for her spells. "You have yet to lay with him." Her voice nonchalant but the dark haired girl knew better. She pulled Serene to sit down beside her.

" i have been caring for Uthred, I haven't had the opportunity." Serene explained, though she knew she was just trying to stall.

Slade stood, getting up in Serene's face. "you will lay with the Irishman or Uthred of bebbenburg will die." A smile grew up on her face. "And you will be the cause."

Serene's heart skipped a beat, her mouth went dry. She swallowed, trying to think of something to say. But there was nothing. "What do you mean?" she managed to choke out.

Skade laughed, a cruel and mocking sound. "I am a seer, girl. You know what I mean. You know what will happen if you don't obey me." She leaned in, her eyes boring into Serene's. "I will make sure that everyone knows what you did. I will make sure that Uthred dies, and that you are the one who killed him."

Serene's heart hammered in her chest, fear and despair threatening to overwhelm her. She knew Skade wasn't jesting. There was no escape from this twisted game. She swallowed hard, her throat dry.

She reached out and traced a finger down Serene's cheek, her touch icy cold. "Just... be with him. Let him take you. And when you feel the pain, when you feel him inside you... think of what you've done. Think of the consequences. Let it be your punishment."

Serene gasped "Sigurd told you."

"What do you mean?" Skade asked, her face holding a smirk.

Serene looked behind making sure Uthreds men couldn't hear. " he told you of my Ubbas and his men." Just saying his name made chills roll down her spine, she still felt his men hands on her.

"I did not need him to tell me, I could see it in your eyes." Skade's smirk widened, she took Serene's hand and placed it on her hip. "Now, go on, do as I say."

Serene's heart felt like it was going to explode from her chest. She wanted to scream, to fight back, but she knew there was no point. Skade would make sure Uthred died if she didn't obey her. With a shaking hand, she stood up, her knees almost giving out beneath her. She forced herself to walk back over to Uthred, his breathing labored and ragged.

Finan looked up as she approached, concern etched into his features. "Darling, are you all right?"

Serene forced a smile, trying to look reassuring. "I'm fine, Finan. Just a little tired." She knelt down beside him, taking his hand in hers. "Why don't we rest for a while?"

Finan nodded, grateful for her presence. He lead her to his tent. They shed off the snow covered clothes, before laying under the furs. Serene closed her eyes, feeling the warmth of his skin against hers. She knew what she had to do, but the thought of it made her feel sick to her stomach.

Finan rolled onto his side, facing her. He brushed a stray lock of hair from her forehead. "You really are the most beautiful woman I've ever seen," he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. Serene cheeks burnt a bright red at the comment. She saw his eyes landed on her lips, now was her chance.

She leaned in, closing the distance between them, and pressed her lips against his. The kiss was tentative at first, then grew more passionate as he responded. His hand moved up her back, gently massaging her shoulder blade before sliding lower, cupping her breast through the thin fabric of her tunic. She gasped into his mouth as desire coursed through her.

Finan rolled onto his back, pulling her on top of him. Serene straddled his hips, her fingers digging into his shoulders as she ground her body against his. He groaned, arching his back into her touch. Their breaths came in ragged gasps, mingling together as they kissed hungrily.

She felt a sharp pain in her chest as the thought of Ubba and his men crossed her mind, but it was nothing compared to the desperate need that coursed through her. Serene expected to be in pain as she was when they had their way with her, but with Finan she felt good, she felt safe.

She gripped his shoulders tighter, almost bruising his flesh, as she guided him inside her. The pain was brief and intense, but it quickly gave way to a strange, thrilling ache. She rocked her hips, taking him deeper, feeling him stretch her, filling her in a way that went far beyond the physical.

Finan's hands slid down her back, cupping her bottom, lifting her up so that she could feel him even more. He groaned, his hips bucking beneath her, his breath hot against her neck. Serene arched her back, pressing her breasts against his chest, her mouth seeking out his.

Their kisses grew more urgent, more desperate, as they found release in each other's arms. " yer beautiful." he said letting out a deep groan, his Irish accent made her stomach flutter.

The world seemed to fade away, leaving only the sensation of his skin against hers, the taste of him in her mouth, the sound of their breaths mingling together. Time seemed to slow down as they moved together, lost in the rhythm of their bodies.

Serene felt a building pressure deep inside her, a sensation that made her ache and yearn for more. Finan growled her name, his hips snapping upwards as he found release, his body tensing beneath her. She cried out his name, her body tensing as well, her inner walls clenching around him in a powerful spasm.

They lay there, panting, sweaty and tangled in each other's limbs. Finan's chest rose and fell with every breath, his heart pounding wildly against her ear. Serene felt a strange sense of contentment wash over her, despite the guilt and shame that still lingered in the back of her mind. But she knew what she had to do.

Authors Note

I feel so bad for my girl, anways enjoy and have a great day or night!!!