MAYHEM



THE VIKINGS had set up camp just outside the Kingdom of Wessex as they all gathered, preparing and strategizing for their next move.

Sophie was escorted into a tent by Hvitserk, accompanied by four guards to ensure she remained confined until they convened for the feast. They couldn't risk losing their valuable hostage.

Later, she followed two guards to where King Ragnar and his allies were assembled. The raucous noise reminded her of the feasts she had witnessed in Kattegat, but this time, she was to join in rather than serve.

Life had its way of playing tricks.

It remained unclear to her whether they were planning to attack her kingdom or negotiate with her father, potentially offering lands in exchange for her—a typical Viking strategy. If Helen had accompanied her, Sophie might have learned a thing or two about their plans, but she was on her own.

"Join us, Princess," King Harald beckoned, seated beside Floki and his brother.

"Get our Princess a drink, please," King Ragnar instructed one of the servants they had brought along.

"I don't drink," Sophie informed them as she settled between Athelstan and Torvi.

"Tonight, you shall drink," Ragnar insisted, flashing a playful glint in his eyes, prompting chuckles from everyone. The servant served her a cup of ale.

"I knew it from the first time I saw you," King Harald began. "You didn't look like a slave."

"Didn't we all?" Lagertha chimed in, eliciting another round of chuckles. They were all quite inebriated.

"Not me," Ivar interjected. "I didn't. I think she looked just like any other slave, except maybe her temper, which of course didn't do her any good, isn't that right, Sophie?"

Ignoring him, she shifted uncomfortably in her seat, prompting Athelstan to offer her an assuring smile.

"She eventually did learn," Ivar continued, growing impatient for a response. "Look now she decides to remain silent." The room erupted in laughter.

Were they all enjoying making fun of her?

"Well, that's enough," Ragnar intervened. "You are making our guest uncomfortable."

"I like it when she gets uncomfortable," Ivar laughed, prompting another round of laughter, even from Ragnar this time.

Uncomfortable and irritated, Sophie ate little of what was served before she called it a night, leaving everyone else to their revelry.

Sensing someone else's presence in the tent, Sophie jolted upright, somewhat relieved to find King Ragnar seated beside her, watching her.

What a creep.

"Don't be afraid," he chuckled.

"What do you want?" Sophie retorted, annoyance evident in her tone.

"To talk to you," Ragnar smirked.

"I was sleeping," Sophie sighed.

"I know, but I still need to talk to you."

"What is it, then? Speak."

"That's not how you address a King," he chided, smirking. His glinting eyes looked even creepier in the dark.

"And that's not how you treat a Princess," she shot back.

"Forgive me, Princess," Ragnar mocked, bowing his head.

"Just tell me what you need."

"You know what happens tomorrow?" Ragnar asked.

"What happens?"

"My people expect revenge," he began. "Bloodshed. But instead, I'll talk to your father, King Ecbert, persuade him to make a deal with us."

"And I'm part of the deal," Sophie deduced.

"Yes," Ragnar acknowledged, the glint in his eyes intensifying.

"And what exactly is that deal?"

"We'll see," Ragnar said. "But you'll have to stay here while I'm gone."

"Of course, I have to," Sophie mocked him.

The cries and shouts from outside snapped Sophie out of her reverie. The light streaming into her tent made her eyes squint at the sudden brightness.

She rushed outside, finding all the Vikings scrambling in every direction. Some carried their weapons, while others prepared the horses.

King Ecbert had been preparing for their return all these years, marshalling his army led by his son Athelwulf to attack the Vikings' camp that the scouts had detected the previous day, catching the Vikings off guard.

Little did he know.

Mayhem erupted as the forces clashed, battle cries filling the air. Sophie stood frozen at the entrance of her tent, watching her people falling off their horses as the Vikings' blades struck them. She was yanked out of her shock when someone grabbed her arm, pulling her along.

With one last glance at the battle behind her, Sophie focused on the blonde woman pulling her towards the woods, where other Vikings were hiding. Everyone capable of fighting was on the battlefield, while the rest sought refuge. That included Helga, the woman tugging Sophie along.

Fearful eyes observed the clash between the Saxons and the Vikings. Sophie never thought she'd see fear in their eyes, yet there it was, as they faced her people. Sophie would have mocked them if she were in different circumstances.

The battle seemed to favour the Saxons as they pushed the Vikings further into their camp. The clashing of metal grew louder from where Sophie hid, a sight that made her smile with pride.

But that smile vanished when she saw King Ragnar's bloodshot eyes searching for hers. He carried himself closer to her hiding place, his blood-soaked sword in hand.

She had not noticed his retreat.

When his eyes locked onto hers, he wasted no time, pulling her harshly to her feet. She stumbled along as he dragged her towards the still-raging battle.

What was he thinking?

Sophie found herself fighting against his strong grip, screeching and digging her feet into the earth. She tripped, meeting the muddy ground before he grabbed her cloak by the neck, hauling her up again.

Ragnar pushed his way through his men, stopping in the midst of the battlefield. He drew her back against his chest, sheathed his sword, and replaced it with a knife, pressing it to Sophie's neck with enough force to draw blood.

Trembling against Ragnar, Sophie held her breath, her eyes locked on her brother, Athelwulf, who looked at her in disbelief.

He despised retreating, especially when victory was within reach. However, she had left him no choice. With a final look at her, he rode away.



note

Double update for today! This means you'll be getting two chapters instead of one!! I hope you enjoy!