You were the cause of this

(Word Count: 982)

Serene had woke up to Finan's arms wrapped around her waist, the night before she had Finan hold her to get the feel of the touch of the men off her. If it was any other man she would've clawed her way out of their arms, but it was Finan. She felt safe with him, she felt that everything would be alright.

The warmth made her snuggle closer to the man, with a sigh. She turned over to face him, his mouth was slightly agape letting light snores escape. She let out a quiet giggle, tracing the shape of his face with her finger. She in all her life had never seen a more beautiful man. Her hand stopped on his jaw as he began to stir, his eyes flutter opened, first looking at her hand then to her. His signature smirk found its way onto his face.

" Mornin sweetheart." The raspy ness of his voice made her stomach flutter, he pulled her closer resting his head on hers. They both let out a sigh of content, he felt her smile into his neck.

Finan had laid with many women before, though something felt different with her. He only wanted one thing from them, sex. But Serene? It wasn't just about sex with her, he wanted to see her smile and laugh, he wanted to spend his mornings just like this one, with her in his arms.

They laid there in silence - apart from the rustling of Uthreds men outside readying their things for the long ride that awaited them.

" Finan! Get out here!" Osferth's sweet voice sounded through the tent flap before he entered, his eyes widen upon the sight before his hand flew to cover his eyes. " uh Uthred said to ready yourselves."

" Osferth, we are clothed." Serene said through laughs, standing to prove her point. Finan groaned in protest as she was his heat, the furs did not do justice to her.

Serene removed his hand from his eyes, his once tense posture soften and he nodded with a smile at the woman. She smiled back at the boy, her half brother. It seemed crazy to her that her fate ended up so far from home and yet so close. "I must leave, I have things I must attend to." And with that she grabbed her coat and made her way to Skade's tent. Serene had felt her presence in the back of her mind, stronger than it had ever been before.

The cold morning breeze blew upon her skin causing her to wrap her furs tighter around her. She passed by many men, smiling politely as she did. As she entered Skade's tent she found the seer crunching up herbs for one of her spells most likely.

" you have not fully made your way into his bed." Skade spoke sternly not even glancing up at the darker haired woman. Serene sucked in a breath. " I have not had the chance Skade." She regretted saying it as soon as the words left her her lips, she lied to her and she knew that Skade knew by how she tilted her head.

" you dare lie to me?" Skade questioned the woman, this time glancing up meeting her eye before returning to her herbs. Serene gulped and shook her head, she hated how much control the seer had over her. But I what else was she meant to do?

" I will try to seduce him at the next camp."

" no, someone will pay the price for your disobedience." Skade said before shooing the woman away, Serene pondered on what she meant. Was it Sigurd? Finan?

As they traveled the rest of the morning Serene's thoughts mostly contained of Skade's threat, not even noticing the conversations Uthred's men tried to start with her. Finan had often tried to get her attention by knocking his horse with hers, but nothing worked her daze was strong.

She suddenly looked up at the sound of a thud and Uthreds coughing to find he had fallen from his horse. Serene let out a gasp, jumping down from her horse grunting as her feet met the ground. " Lord Uthred!" She bent down next to Finan who also held concern for the man, her hand was placed on his thigh as he sat on his knees.

" Is it your wound?" Sithric asked frantically.

" No." he paused looking behind the trio. " she has me." Serene followed his eyes, her gaze landed on Skade who sat on her horse with the slightest smirk. The seers presence arrived once again in the back of Serene's head whispering to her ' You were the cause of this'.

She abruptly stood up, taking a few steps back. The snow crunched beneath her feet with every step, her head shook violently as she looked between Uthred and Skade.

She had never wanted to harm these people, they were kind to her. Uthred has kept her secret, that she is the bastard daughter of Alfred. And she would forever be thankful to him for that. But now that she would be the cause of his death just because she could not sleep with a man.

Osferth grabbed her shoulder " are you alright lady?" He asked, his eyebrows drawn together. She simply nodded with a smile " I'm alright Osferth, Lord Uthred just frightened me." He must've been content with that answer because he removed his hand and nodded.

Finan and Sithric were able to scout ahead and find a cart to haul their lord, and they continued their journey.

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Authors Note

- I honestly don't know if this is to soon to start making them fall for each other but oh well 🤷‍♀️
- and I apologize for this taking so long to write I ran out of motivation but I hope you enjoy and have a great day or night!!!