"Trouble, wake up."

Kari's eyes blinked tiredly as her vision tried to adjust to the rays of the sun hitting her eyelids. It was a welcome thing as they had spent their voyage surrounded by fog and clouds. She almost thought she would never see the sun again.

When her mood had been particularly bleak, Harald had gestured for her to join him as he showed her how he navigated the sea. A sun-shadow board on water and sunstone to determine where the sun was.

He helpfully informed her that it was her father who had introduced such things to their people to help them navigate the seas. She had looked down at the inventions, awed at seeing such simple things that would surely be used for years to come.

It certainly made her feel closer to the father she would never know. Every little thing she discovered about him, she learned it from other people. It made her sad that she would never meet him but all she had heard of him were good and that was enough for her.

As for Harald, he was himself. He teased and played around when they were together but in front of his people, he was a stoic and strict leader. He spoke to her of the Viking myths and stories, perfectly content with being in her presence.

In some moments, she could see him glance longingly at her lips, and sometimes, his hand lingered around her shoulders longer than he ought to but he kept his distance. It was clear that he was waiting for her to make a move or to initiate something as she did that night.

Truth be told, she had been wondering herself why she did not address the simmering emotions that were brewing between them. Their crew had picked up on that early on, making sure to leave them their space.

She could admit that she was afraid. He had been the first man she had ever kissed. In her old village, she had been mocked and outcasted. Now, here she was with a man she actually liked and who she thinks likes her.

It may seem like a simple thing though it was not. She hated failure and destroying whatever they had going was the last thing she wanted. Harald had been a good friend and companion in this journey she had undertaken.

He was someone constant in her life and after all the uncertainty, she needed him as an anchor to ensure that she would not drift from herself too far. He kept her grounded and gods forbid she ruin all that because she liked kissing him.

Kari shook off the last bouts of sleep, a smile immediately brightening her face. "Are we there yet?"

Harald exhaled as if the very breath was stolen from his lungs before he pointed at the horizon where a beautiful array of buildings were settled. "You tell me."

Kattegat was beautiful. Any other word would not be enough to describe it. There were boats in the water, bustling inhabitants, laughing children. It was a place full of life. The structures looked tall and sturdy, safe even.

It was home to many people and the capital city of her father's kingdom. Her old village had been full of hungry children and judgemental folk but Kattegat was different.

It was warm and welcoming, as though travelers from all around were welcome to partake in the blessings of the gods and share stories of their own travels.

She let out a delighted laugh, peering as far as her eyes could see. "Gods, it's breathtaking!"

His hand settled on her shoulder, gently squeezing. "It's no Vestfold but I suppose it has its charms."

Looking over at him and seeing the sides of his mouth tilt downward, she asked carefully. "What's wrong? I thought you would be happy that we are finally docking somewhere. Do you not want to go here?"

"Forgive me. It's supposed to be a good day. I admit I have a lot on my mind but it is nothing for you to worry about. This day is about you, not about me." He resolved, not wishing for her to waste any energy on his own problems.

His own mind was preoccupied with thoughts and plans that she surely would not approve of. Before they had departed for England, he had given orders to Egil the bastard to infiltrate Kattegat.

If his plans succeeded, he would return to Kattegat and be welcomed as its ruler. He would reward Egil and make him an earl while he took his place as the ruler of Kattegat, one step closer to becoming King of all Norway.

It had been gnawing at the edges of his mind for he knew that Lagertha would not be an easy foe to defeat. He could only hope that Egil proved successful in his endeavor for both their sakes. He refused to bring any of this up to Kari, not wishing to hinder her from her own plans.

He would not be able to hide it from her forever but he would hide it for as long as she needed to discover the man her father had been. Legacies are important, after all, as he so knew.

Even now, she grinned at him and he swore his heart cheered upon seeing that expression on her face. "Try not to be so gloomy then. I want to see everything that this city has to offer."

"Your wish is my command." He complied, bowing lowly as their longboat docked and all ropes were secured to tether them to shore.

Harald offered her his hand which she took gladly. He guided her onto the wooden dock, watching as her azure eyes darted from one sight to another curiously as if she could not have enough.

It was then that he noticed the tense environment from all those around them. They had stopped with their work, all eyes going to them. Subtly, Harald gestured for his men to surround them, effectively protecting them from all sides.

Their footsteps sounded from across the wooden floorboard, heavy footfalls announcing their arrival. He kept his head raised as he noticed the threatening glares that were being pointed at him.

"Is there something wrong?" Kari whispered, her hand moving toward the dagger strapped to her waist. Even she could not ignore that everyone looked as if they wanted to kill them.

"Stay close to me," Harald advised instead as he led their small group to the hall.

Their path there made it clear that Egil had failed. In more ways than one. Shields were raised that he was forced to push them aside to make way for them. They were not welcome and he could only hope that they would be able to make it out alive.

Surely this was not the welcome that Kari was expecting but for now, his only focus was ensuring that they would emerge from this unscathed. Plans began running through his head, escape routes, and other things he could use at his disposal to keep them safe.

All of it came to a stop as they entered the great hall. More soldiers and shieldmaidens were present, each one of them blocking their path intentionally to show that they were unwelcome.

When they arrived at the very front, shields blocked them from getting any closer but they could all see very well. Queen Lagertha is on the throne of Kattegat with other women, all of them looking hostile.

Harald gently pushed Kari behind him, not wishing for her to be targetted as Queen Lagertha gestured for the shieldmaidens to take a step back.

"Queen Lagertha, I bring wonderful news." Harald announced, forcing a smile and taking on what he hoped was a messenger's role. "The Great Army, led by your son Bjorn Ironside, succeeded in avenging the death of Ragnar Lothbrok. Both King Aella and King Ecbert are dead but not before King Ecbert gave us a great gift of land for future settlement."

"You've done well to tell me this, King Harald. But why did my son not bring the news? Is he dead?" Queen Lagertha asked, her mere tone making it seem like she was challenging him.

"Oh, no. Of Ragnar's sons, only Sigurd is dead, killed by his own brother, Ivar." He responded, a smirk on his face recalling the downfall of one of Ragnar's sons.

Queen Lagertha stood from her throne menacingly, unimpressed with his satisfaction. "Then I ask again, why is Bjorn not here?"

Kari opened her mouth to answer her but Harald kept his grip on her wrist strong, his hold almost painful. It was clear that he had done something and though she had not yet been able to deduce what it was, she realized that they were treading on dangerous waters. Waters that could cost them their lives.

If he could protect her from everything, he would have done it. However it was much too late to do anything now and he could only hope that when Queen Lagertha's eyes darted over to the young woman, she would not see the resemblance.

"He told everyone he wished to sail straight back to the Mediterranean and asked me to convey his respects to you, his mother, and to Torvi, the mother of his children." Harald answered, keeping his tone even as he sensed what would be coming next.

"Now tell me why you've really come here, King Harald." Queen Lagertha smiled smugly, wanting to hear from his own lips, the treacherous designs he had made towards her.

Harald scoffed, playing it off as nothing. "I told you. Since your own son refused to bring you the news of our affairs, I thought I should do it."

Queen Lagertha trailed off, nearing him. "And I thought that perhaps you wanted to find out how well Egil the bastard had served you. Perhaps you expected to find him here, sat upon the throne, keeping it warm for you?"

"Perhaps I did." Harald answered, the words almost leaving him forcefully.

Kari's eyes widened at what he had said. He had plenty of time to tell her yet only now when they have arrived, did he think to reveal that he was trying to take over the place she had wanted to get to know. He was a brute, that was for sure.

Queen Lagertha nodded, satisfied with his answer. Without another word, she turned to one of the women seated. The woman drew her sword and advanced.

Kari would have met her halfway if it weren't for Harald's hand digging into her wrist, forcing her to stay behind him. It was clear that they were not welcome here but she feared that it was much too late to try to leave. To fight would be foolish but to do nothing felt wrong.

"The truth can be a bad choice for a wise man." Queen Lagertha spoke up, circling the two of them in a way a predator would do to a prey.

Harald laughed uncontrollably, looking as though he were insane. "I have never been accused of being wise."

Queen Lagertha tutted, her expression put out. "Even so, I never took you for a fool."

"But you know what they say, 'If a fool persists in his folly, he can become wise.' " Harald wistfully said.

"The gods may not give you the time." The Viking queen tilted her head.

"I cannot blame the gods. They gave me so much else. So much else." Harald said, rubbing his thumb softly against Kari's wrist as he pulled out his sword and dropped it to the ground. "I'm happy to die. Don't be afraid. Strike. Strike!"

Harald hoped that by surrendering in such a displeasing way, they would focus all their attentions on him and forget about everyone else in his company.

Unfortunately for him, Queen Lagertha's eyes had drifted to the other hand holding on to Kari and decided then on how she was to exact her vengeance.

"Very well." Queen Lagertha said, pulling Kari by the neck and pressing a small blade against her side.

"Kari!" Harald growled, attempting to reach for her, only for Astrid to dig her blade deeper into his armor.

"You told me to strike, did you not? You want to die? Killing you would not be good punishment then. But you have not let go of this girl since you arrived." Queen Lagertha reasoned, her anger getting in the way of any rational thought.

Kari squirmed, trying to free herself. Alas, she was no match unless she wanted to get away from this altercation with a hole in her side.

"What do you want? I-I'll do anything. Just let her go!" Harald demanded, his tone changed at seeing his Kari in danger.

"I find that I do not want anything from you, King Harald. I will have to settle for taking her life." Queen Lagertha taunted, drawing some blood.

"Harald," Kari let out a cry of pain, her blue eyes turning to Harald in fear.

His own eyes reflected her emotions, his desperation reaching its peak upon hearing her call his name for help. Only for him to be helpless himself.

There was only one card left to play and by the gods, if it would save his Kari, he would play it.

"She's his daughter! That woman is his daughter!" Harald growled, his voice laced with a hint of anguish.

Queen Lagertha only laughed. "What are you talking about? Why should I care if she is someone's daughter."

Kari's eyes flashed to him in surprise. It was clear that she did not want the truth to come out this way, not in a way that seemed so forced.

But they had no choice and if he wanted her to live, he would do what he must. Even this.

"She is the daughter of Ragnar Lothbrok!"

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