The Ladies Face Off

Kattergat

He lay naked in his bed. It was a small room but it was all he needed. He planned to sail out in the morning and perhaps not return. He heard a tap on the door just before it opened. She had some ale and bread on a tray. She wore a see-through gown.

He smiled, “Mary.”

“Yes, Lord Armod. It is I,” she said as she approached his bed.

He sat up, “Why would a beauty like yourself be likened unto me?”

She poured the ale into a skull, and handed it to him, “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I see a man of strong will and excellent character. A man I’d love to give plenty of children.”

He smiled, sipped, and then set the cup down before standing to his feet. He pulled her close and kissed her wildly, “I hope you can keep up with me. It’s been a long time and I have an insane appetite for humping.”

She grinned, “Then we are kindred spirits.” Her hand felt his might. She looked down and saw his magnificent member, heavy in her hand, not as long but the perimeter more than made up for the length.

She walked him back to the bed, sat on it, and hummed in delight. It had been a while for her too. She grinned as she rode him. His hands cupped her soft ass and he sucked her nipples through the thin garment.

They went at it grunting and panting in sheer pleasure until he exploded. Her center was messy. She smiled, “I’ll give you plenty of children.”

He smiled, “Will you journey with us to England?”

She nodded, “I will.”

****

As the King waited in his office to hear from Samba and Darleen, The Queens were busy organizing supper for everyone. They figured it would be a happy occasion.

Winfred rested in her chambers. Prince Oswald was with his brother and Yande standing outside enjoying a cup of the sweetest wine when they saw Samba marching toward the exit. Yande could see her brother was upset. She handed her cup to Liam and said, “Oh dear, let me see what has happened.”

They watched her make haste.

She hurried and followed Samba, calling his name. He stopped abruptly. “Brother. What has happened? Why are you upset?”

“You were right, Yande. You are always right,” he said shaking his head.

By then, Liam and Oswald appeared at a distance watching the exchange between the siblings.

Yande touched his shoulder, “I didn’t want to be.”

He nodded, “I am such a fool.”

“No. You’re not. You were beguiled.”

He scoffed, “A nice way of saying fooled. I accept my responsibility. I loathe that woman.”

“Do not give her that power. It takes too much energy to hate.”

“I am leaving.”

She shook her head, “You cannot. It is dark. And you do not know the way. We are not from these lands.”

“For God’s sake, Yande, I am not a child,” he snapped.

Liam approached, “Is everything okay?” he asked looking at Samba.

Samba sucked his teeth, “I wish to leave, but my sister won’t stop treating me like some boy fresh off his mother’s tit.”

She made a face.

Liam touched Samba’s shoulder, “You are clearly angry about something. I don’t think traveling at this hour is wise. I would not even think to do it alone and I am from these lands.”

“I do not want to be here...with that...that woman.”

“Let us accompany you. It is better to travel in numbers.”

“Are you sure, Prince Liam?”

Liam nodded. Yande smiled, “Thank you.”

“Let me speak with my brother for a moment and then, we shall leave," Liam replied.

*****

She felt the sharp pangs in her belly and then heard a grumble. “Oh dear, I am starving,” she said to her belly, “you are too, aren’t you?”

The door to her chambers opened. She smiled when she saw her husband, “My love.”

He approached her, pressed his lips to her forehead, “My sweet beautiful, wife.”

She touched his face, “Is supper ready?”

“Yes,” he said apprehensively, “but Yande and Liam have already left.”

Her face saddened, “Why? She didn’t even say anything?”

“She sends her love. She says that she will see us tomorrow in North Umbria.”

She pouted, “I had hoped to stay up with her tonight chatting. What happened? I thought we would be celebrating.”

“No celebrations. Samba left upset. Liam and Yande accompanied him back to East Anglia.”

“Darleen,” she said with a deep disappointing sigh, “she has been a pain in my side,” she finally admitted.

Oswald chuckled, “I always thought you two were so close.”

She huffed, “I did as well, but when I look back upon many years of our youth, she was constantly doing something rude or unkind. Then she’d make me feel bad for getting angry at her. I am tired of her foolish behavior. I do not want her to return to North Umbria with us.”

His eyes squinted, “Are you sure?”

“I am most certain. She stays here or wherever her shenanigans take her.”

“He kissed her forehead, “Then so be it, my love. She stays.”

She buried her head in his chest. Her stomach grumbled again.

“We should get you something to eat. Can’t have my wife and child starving.”

*****

The meal was served. The only sounds after prayer were the royals eating to their heart’s content. Queen Godgifu stared at Prince Oswald, “Aren’t Yande and the rest going to join us?” she asked curiously.

“They left a bit ago.”

“Left? I didn’t think our hospitality was that bad,” she commented jokingly.

He smiled, “Lord Samba wasn’t feeling himself. He wanted to leave. They accompanied him.”

Her eyes darted to Darleen. Darleen refused to make eye contact. She shoveled food into her mouth and later excused herself.

King Charles sighed, “What was the urgent matter that Lord Samba wanted to discuss.”

Queen Margret looked awkwardly at her husband and then at him, “We thought he was eager to ask for your niece’s hand in marriage.”

He nodded, “I see. And he just changed his mind.”

“Father, I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but Darleen can be different. I don’t know how I’ve suffered her behavior all my life.”

He squinted, “She lost her mother and most likely her father. We are the only family she has.”

Winfred remained silent.

He sighed, “I suppose it is time for her to find a husband. Since her father is not with us, I’ll see to it that she finds a suitable match.”

Winfred wiped her mouth, placed her napkin on the plate, and stood, “Hopefully, someone will take her,” she smiled sarcastically, “I’ll be in my room,” she said before leaving.

King Charles smiled uneasily. Oswald smiled, “I’m sure it’s the pregnancy.”

They nodded.

*****

Her temples throbbed with intensity. She walked as fast as she could down the halls. She muttered to herself. When she arrived at Darleen’s room, she didn’t bother to knock, she pushed the door open and walked right in. However, the person she was looking for was not there.

Her eyes scanned the room. She sighed. Just as she was about to leave, something caught her eye, a cloth covering an area. She always wondered what Darleen kept hidden. Darleen said it was some of her mother’s things but she always felt there was more to it.

One day, she entered the room to place an item she wanted to help Darleen remember her mother. Just as Winfred was about to pull back the curtain, Darleen yelled, “What are you doing?”

"I made this for your mother. I was going to place it--"

Darleen snatched the necklace made out of flowers from her hand almost ripping it, "Don't ever come into my room without my permission."

Winfred shuddered as she remembered the instance. Yet, it didn’t keep her feet from slowly walking to that long white cloth. She stopped in front of it and moved it back with one hand.

It was a disarray of items in a pile, “What on earth,” she said to herself as her hands lifted the first item. She recognized it as a handkerchief that Arledge used to own. It was given to him by his father as a child. Winfred shook her head in disbelief as she rummaged through more items.

She found a doll. One that used to belong to her. An item that her mother gifted her when she was younger. She and Darleen both had dolls. She remembered the day that Darleen tossed hers into the lake. They watched it float away. Darleen insisted that Winfred toss hers into the water, but Winfred refused as it was a gift from her mother. Then one day, Winfred lost her doll. She cried profusely when she couldn’t find it.

She huffed, snatched the doll, and marched out of the room. Just as she entered the corridor, she saw Darleen walking aimlessly.

“Darleen,” she called out to her. But Darleen kept walking. Winfred hurried to catch up to her. Panting she stood in front of her crazed cousin, “Look what I found,” she said to Darleen.

Her eyes widened, “Um, a stupid doll.”

“My mother gave me this doll and you took it and I also found this,” she said as she dangled the cloth in front of her face.

Darleen chuckled, “Oh yes, a rag from a peasant boy that you enjoyed fucking.”

Winfred’s hand lifted and stuck her cousin’s face. Darleen held her cheek, “You’ll regret that.”

“The only thing I regret is my father ever showing kindness to you and your father after your mother died. You two have always been most painfully intolerable.”

“Us, painfully intolerable. No. We were robbed of what was rightfully ours. Have ever asked your wise and just King why if he’s younger than my father...how did he get grandfather to pass the crown to him?”

Winfred shook her head, “That's absurd. My father is the oldest and he earned his crown rightfully.”

Darleen shook her head, “No. Your father is a scoundrel. And so was our grandfather. It was obvious he loved your father more. He favored him. My grandmother died giving birth to my father. Soon after, grandfather took another wife. He loved her and the son she gave him. My father was a little sickly and small. So, they told everyone that Charles was the oldest. This became our kingdom’s reality. No one questioned it. Until one day my father found evidence that he was older and should have been crowned king.” Darleen scoffed, “I often wondered how my father just vanished into thin air as he left here on business for King Charles.”

Winfred scoffed, “Even if what you say is true, It gives you no right to take things from me. From people.”

“You have taken much from me.”

Winfred stared at her, “I’ve never touched anything that was yours.”

“Really. Before Arledge was yours...I had his heart. He loved me. He would have married me if it were allowed. I can tell you everything about him...you know that tiny mole on his chest. The small red birthmark on his left hip. And many other things...” she smirked.

“You will not be returning to North Umbria. It’s clear our relationship has met its end.”

“You’re right. It has. Not sure we ever had a relationship. I have grown tired of walking in your shadow. Everyone knows I’m far prettier and more graceful.”

“You have the grace of a mule,” Winfred stated before storming off.

****

The night was cool as they camped out not far from the location they had their eyes on. King Knud was lying on a pile of hay resting. The fire burned brightly. Some of his men slept while the others watched over the area.

Einar approached. He saw the King resting. He pointed to several men and motioned with his head for them to follow him. They met in the woods, Einar whispered, "I saw a small group headed toward East Anglia. Two men and a beautiful woman."

The men grinned. Einar smirked and then nudged his friend, “Let us spill some English blood.”

****

They borrowed a few horses from King Charles to ride back. As they got closer, Yande began to feel uneasy. Her horse slowed. Liam noticed and stopped, “What is it?” he asked with concern, “we are close to the castle.”

She didn’t know how to explain it without raising concerns. But Samba felt it too, “Did anyone follow us from Merica?” he asked.

Liam chuckled, “I don’t believe so. There’s no need to worry. Let’s keep going.”

Just as they were about to ride, the men appeared. They looked menacingly. Liam stared at them, “Who are you?”

Einar was the only one who spoke the language. “Who we are...we are the ones who will take that nice piece of arse and spill your weak English blood.”

Liam drew his sword, “You speak big words but you will not be taking anyone or anything. But I will surely take your life.”

Samba drew his sword, “We _will _fight.”

The men laughed.

Yande slid down off her horse. Liam watched in disbelief, “Yande, what are you doing?”

She approached the men and stood in front of them. Einar smiled, “I’ve never seen a woman as pretty as you. I could make you my wife.”

“I am already to be married. To him,” she said as she turned and pointed at Liam who was already off his horse ready to defend his woman.

“He’s a lucky bastard, but if I killed him, you’d be free to be with me.”

She shook her head, “I’ll fight you.”

“Yande!” Liam protested.

Samba winked at Liam. He was still uneasy about her actions. He watched closely.

Einar laughed, “Why would I fight a pretty little thing like you? He reached out to touch her face, she grabbed his hand and turned it. He cried out in sheer pain. After releasing his hand, she drew on her powers slightly and shoved him back, “Fight me. If you win, I’ll go with you freely. And you let the men go on their way.”

They chuckled. “Go on Einar, surely you can beat the little cunt. And we can all pass her around when you’re done.”

He smirked. He rubbed his hand. He took a deep breath. He had never experienced a woman grab him with such ****. It seemed unnatural. He looked back at one of the men, “You fight her. My hand. I won’t be able to use my weapon.”

Without thinking, he charged toward Yande, she stepped aside, backed kicked, connected with his lumbar region, and sent him flying into the dirt. He rolled over and hopped up, “tricky little cunt aren’t ya.”

She nodded, “You like that word cunt,” she spoke in his language, “you say you want to pass me around, what will you do with your wee little cock. My guess is you haven’t pleased many women at all.”

In a blind rage, he charged toward her again. This time she tripped him, kicked dust into his face. He lay coughing and spitting out the dirt. He sat up, “Are we going to fight or will you play games all night?” he asked with frustration. Slowly he got to his feet and drew his sword, “Come on little girl, fight, and let’s be done with this.”

She pulled out her sword. Liam gulped, “Yande, I don’t—”

The blades struck. He watched in amazement as she handled herself. Swift, agile, an expert swordswoman. She cut the back of the man’s leg. He dropped to the ground. He pointed the tip of her blade at his throat, “Looks like I won’t be going with you men. You can leave peacefully and let us be on our way or we can kill all of you.”

Samba whispered to Liam, “Get ready.”

The man nodded. He stood to his feet. He started to walk off but suddenly turned and swung his weapon. The others joined in the fight. Yet, they were no match for the three. As his friends were fighting, Einar slipped away.

****

The view of the castle was on the horizon. Exhausted from the journey and the fight, the horses funneled through the gates. Liam was the first to get down. He helped Yande off her horse. He stared into her eyes. He shook his head and then smiled, “You are slightly mad,” he said as his thumbs wiped away some dirt and blood from her cheeks.

“Yet you still love me,” she said smiling.

His lips pressed to hers, “I do. With my whole heart.”

Samba smiled through his pain, “Thank you both. I’m going to get some rest.”

They nodded. Liam stared into her eyes once more, “We should rest as well.”

Her hand touched his hip and she smiled. He chuckled, “Yande.”

“Just for a little while. Indulge me, my Prince.”

****

After a thorough washing, the young lovers were tucked away in the darkest corner of the room where Yande slept. Liam stood behind her as she wore a thin gown. His skin felt warm next to hers. He moved her hair to the right and placed kisses on her neck, “I don’t know how much longer I can stand not being your husband,” he confessed as his strong hands caressed her frame.

Her head turned. Their lips touched. Let’s marry soon. I don’t want to wait any longer.

He nodded, “In a month?”

She nodded, “Yes, that’s perfect.”

His tongue slipped past her teeth. His hand slipped under her gown. He found her smooth little button and rubbed slowly. She moaned slightly. Her hand eased back and she found him stiff. He paused, yet didn’t protest her touch. Her hand moved up and down his shaft. His knees buckled slightly. He pulled her closer. They kissed. He felt her wetness all over his fingertips.

After several moments of pleasure, she gasped. She turned to him. They kissed more passionately. Her hand found his might again. She stroked slowly, then fast, then slowly, up, down, and gently massaging. He felt the moment building, his essence flowed and covered her hand.

******

It was a sweet sound. The birds singing their first morning songs. Jarl Sigurd sat around a fire with his friends enjoying roasted rabbit, with vegetables and bread.

“I wonder what happened with the great King Knud and his band of idiots,” said Sven but he wasn’t concerned only curious.

Sigurd scoffed, “Hopefully, that fool didn’t get himself killed.”

“I had no idea you cared,” said Erick.

He chuckled, “I do not. I only wish to slit his throat with my blade.”

They shared a laugh.

Erick looked at Loki, “I like the idea of asking your lady friend to help set up a meeting with one of the Kings.”

He nodded, “I’ll journey out to the village and speak with her.”

“And other things,” joked Harold.

As they were finishing their meal, they saw a group of familiar faces returning to the camp. “He lives,” whispered Erick to Sigurd.

They stood. “You have returned,” said Jarl Erick to the King.

He nodded, “Yes, there was an attack on my men.”

His eyebrows rose, “The Saxons attacked?”

He nodded, “Einar and some of my men were on watch when they brutally attacked us. I told you there is no reasoning or negotiating with these people. We have to take what we want.”

“So you’re saying, you were just camped out and they attacked without warning?” asked Sigurd with skepticism.

King Knud rolled his eyes, “You know young Sigurd, I grow tired of you questioning my motives.”

Sigurd flexed, “Then continue to be tired because I will always question your motives, your judgment, and your character.”

Erick held back King Knud and Sven held back Sigurd. “Men, how are we to defeat or negotiate anything with the Saxons if we can’t stop quarreling amongst ourselves.”

They each took a breath and relaxed. Jarl Sigurd looked at Einar, “What did these men look like, what weapons did they have, how many?”

Einar gulped, “It was about a dozen men. And there was a woman with them. A nice piece of arse.”

“Woman?” inquired Sigurd, “was she a warrior like our shieldmaidens?”

He nodded, “Yes. She fought fiercely.”

“I had no idea Saxon women went to battle,” said Jarl Erick.

King Knud looked at Einar, “You made no mention of a woman.”

He cleared his throat, “Details are still coming to me. As I said, it was a sudden attack.”

Jarl Sigurd sighed, “One woman...what does it matter? We have many women here that can fight.”

Einar nodded, “This woman was not Saxon. I am not sure what she was. She had an accent that did not sound like these people. She even spoke our language. Her skin was fair, yet she had a distinct look and this long wild curly hair and her eyes. They were greener than these lush lands.”

Sigurd looked at Sven and smiled. “You won’t be taking the woman,” said Sigurd.

Einar made a face, “Why not?”

“I suggest, that you all get some rest. We will need our strength for the days to come. We will speak with this King in East Anglia.”

King Knud looked at Einar, “Let’s us go and rest.”

Sigurd's face spoke volumes. Sven chuckled, “You want the woman.”

Sigurd shook his head. Erick nudged him, “Liar. You wish to take a second wife.”

Sigurd smiled, “If she would have me.”