It had been a long time since she had laughed this much. It was true that (Y/n) had never been one for big gatherings, for being surrounded by lots of people; but tonight......well, tonight had been an exception and she was having fun. Perhaps it was something to do with the fact that she was sitting with Flóki and Helga; the boatbuilder's general merriment and his odd laughter always causing her to smile. Or it could be something to do with Ragnar's sons, coming and spending time with her and Loðinn. Ubbe, Hvitserk and Sigurd properly introducing her to their little brother, Ivar. (Y/n) unable to stop herself from smiling at the youngest boy, as he had whispered into Ubbe's ear; his big brother then asking her if Ivar could sit on her lap. The healer agreeing to the request, which actually caused the child to smile broadly. The four of them sitting with her, delighted to watch Loðinn as he performed some of his little tricks, until their mother deemed it was time to leave the feast. The queen glaring at her, as all four of her boys kissed (Y/n)'s cheek, before reluctantly leaving to make their way to their room. But really, she suspected that it was all to do with the king that had sat at the long table all night and never let his eyes move from her; the healer doing her best to ignore him as much she could, the Götaland princess not needing any more of an excuse to hate her. Yet there had been times when she had not been able to stop herself; those blue eyes of Ragnar's impossible to ignore for too long. A smile coming to both their lips, as they would just look at one another for that moment.

No matter the years that had passed since their first meeting, to her eyes, Ragnar really still was the most handsome of men; (Y/n) able to see a little of him in all his children, though Ubbe, she had to say, looked most like his father of the four. The healer sure that each of them, even little Ivar, would all grow up to be the most beautiful of men, strong Vikings, just like their father. Each of them guaranteed to break their fair share of hearts, before some lucky young woman came along and claimed them.

"Well........." (Y/n) watching as a rather unsteady Aslaug stood up from the table. Ragnar waving her off dismissively, as she tried to speak to him. It becoming more and more obvious that even if her old friend had loved the princess in the beginning; the same feelings were no longer there, at least not for him. A little part of her feeling sorry for the other woman; (Y/n) knowing what it was to love Ragnar and not have the feelings returned. Though given the poisonous glances the queen had been giving her all evening, whatever kinder feelings she might have had for her, had quickly faded.

"It would appear that perhaps I should make my way back to our cabin......." The Mother of Bears looking over at Loðinn, who was slumbering peacefully by the fire in the middle of the hall. The large bundle of fur looking up, heavy eyed, as he heard her move. Loðinn sluggishly rising, as (Y/n) bid Flóki and Helga a good night. The healer bowing to the king, before leaving the few that remained in the hall, to what feasting they still had left to do.

                                                      >>-----------------------------------<<

"Can I join you.............?" The question bringing a smile to (Y/n)'s lips. She not having to turn, to know who had been making their way towards her. Not having to move her gaze from the sea to know who wished to sit with her.

Upon returning to the cabin, sleep had been the last thing on her mind. (Y/n) leaving Loðinn to his rest, while she ventured back out into the town. It was true that she loved her little home, the steam and the woods where she lived; but there was one thing that she always missed, living so far from Kattegat, and that was the sea. The fjord lit perfectly by the high, full moon, as she took a seat on the dock. She had always loved this scene; the waters calling to her from the moment that she could first recall seeing them. The scent, the sound or the water lapping against the wood, so different from that of the babbling river that wound its way down from the steep, snow covered mountains. It apparent that her old friend had not forgotten her love for the place; that he had not forgotten all the times that they would just sit there, together.

"Who am I to deny a king........" (Y/n) replied, smiling as Ragnar took a seat next to her. The two sitting there in a comfortable silence for a short while, until Ragnar spoke.

"What do you think..........?"

"Of what.........?"

"My sons.......? You knew Björn, Gyda.........."

"I think they are sweet. Ubbe reminds me the most of you and Björn; but I can see you in all of them. The gods have most certainly favoured you, Ragnar........"

"And Aslaug............?"

"What do you care about my opinion of your wife. You are the one that chose her, that married her..........."

"You don't like her..............."

"I didn't say that........."

"You didn't need to, (Y/n), I know you. You always had the same look in your eyes when you didn't like someone and had to pretend you did......."

"That may be the case, but I am not the one married to her. The real question is, do you like her...........?" Her question quieting the king. His lack of an immediate answer, of him not defending his queen, telling (Y/n) all she really needed to know.

"No........." Ragnar finally replied.

"Nor do I think I ever really loved her. She was beautiful, yes, and she has given me more sons....but love.........no, I don't believe it was ever that. But Lagertha could give me no more children, and the woman I really wanted......she had not been there when I had gone to find her. So, I took Aslaug, and.........."

"The woman you really wanted......? What woman........?" (Y/n) questioned, interrupting Ragnar. Her eyes turning from the sea for the first time since the king had come to join her.

"You (Y/n)........you............" The healer about to say something. About to query his reply, until the words were taken from her by a pair of lips being pushed against hers.