I was home.

My men and I - and our captive - were finally on the soil of Dahlsten land.

I inhaled deeply, letting the cold winter air and light snow enter my body. By the gods, how I missed the familiar trees that surrounded us. I breathed out with an excited smile on my face, I was ready to see my people, my home, and most importantly: my wife.

I knew she was going to have my ass. Rip me apart with her words and hot looks until there was nothing but shreds left. When I left, I regretted not telling her as we rode away to the east but I thought it was for the best. It left a bad taste in my mouth when I wondered what she would say. I did not expect to be gone for so long - far too many weeks being away from my new bride.

I would have to beg, grovel, and plead to let her listen to me. For her to understand that my overpowering need to protect her at all costs was my final decision to leave without telling her. I had to keep her safe. It was my first priority. Her well-being and happiness was my obsession.

With the many times that she has been in danger or brushing ends with death, I could not chance it.

Knowing all that I do now, the world seemed too dangerous for her to even step a foot outside of the manor.

My horse nickered as the edge of the village came into view, the tall gate peeking through the trees. My men began to murmur louder as the sight made us all relieved and eager to return to our home and kin. Feeling the excitement and slight dread curl in my chest, I clicked my heels against the horse to spur it to a gallop.

As we drew closer, I heard a call for the gates to be opened as we rode closer. The heavy wood heaved a groan but they widened just enough for all of the group to slide in before it shut with a harsh slam. I immediately began hearing shouts and cheers from my people as we rode through the village. The people piled out of homes and other buildings to greet us on our long-awaited return. Fathers picked up their children to place them on their shoulders to watch us parade by, the women clapped their hands. A small smirk crossed my face as the sound seemed to grow louder. My people were happy - which made me inwardly happy.

I nodded my head to those that we passed by. Turning my head slightly, I nodded to the twins and Dag as they responded in turn and led the captive away for the time being. They would handle him until I could return. I locked eyes with Kare, who tilted his chin at me in a wordless request. The slight tilt of my head answered him; he wished to help with questioning and perchance torturing the new captive. My head turned away as my eyes sought out the building where I knew my family resided and awaited me.

The rest of my group continued to follow me as we rode the hill that led to the manor; to my Britta.

Once we reached the pathway, I dismounted easily and had to restrain myself from running in, pushing everyone aside and gathering Britta tightly in my arms. But as the others abandoned their horses and began to walk to the manor at a hurried pace, I led my black beauty to a nearby tree to tie him.

Nerves ate at my gut, curling and snarling until my breathing became short and raspy. My hands were damp and I slid them quickly against my cloak. I felt as though I was a young child again, my nerves and wit long gone in a state of anxiety.

Was she at the front of the door, waiting for me? Or was she hiding away in our chambers, cursing my name black?

I did not know.

So why was I prolonging this?

I let out a deep breath before squaring my shoulders and finally turned on my heel to march towards the door where I heard numerous loud voices.

My people were hugging, some crying, and talking loudly at the entrance as I crossed the threshold. My gaze sought out the blonde haired beauty that held my heart, the hazel eyes that captivated my troubled mind. I continued to search until my eyes locked onto Kare, who's back was to me. I could see just the tip of a blonde head over his broad shoulder. A pale hand touched his cheek as the pair spoke quietly to one another.

I carefully weaved around bodies and made my way towards her, stopping to grunt a response at curious individuals who wished to speak to me. When I finally locked eyes with her, a wide smile erupted on my face. A rush of nerves, love, and adoration hit at my gut and rose to my throat as I soaked in her tired features. It felt as though a breath of relief sailed through me at her being here, not hiding away in our room. But I was more relieved at being with her finally after so long.

I hungered for her; not just physically, but to hear her speak, to watch her move and roll her eyes like she always did. I spent far too long away, my memories by the fire not coming close to her perfection in the flesh.

I wanted to rush to her and gather her in my arms, press my face into her coiled hair that smelled of rich oils and fragrance, ones that made me shiver inwardly. To feel her soft, warm curves pressed into the planes of my flesh. To feel the slide of her hands around my back as she hugged me close. To hear her soft breaths and to slightly feel the beat of her heart pressed against me.

'Tis been far too long without her. Never again, I swore inwardly.

Attempting to quicken my steps, and slighting wishing that people would leave me be, I cut through the crowd and finally got a look at Kare's face from a side glance.

His jowl was clenched, brows furrowed over his eyes much like Britta's as he stared confused and worried at his only living sibling. His hands were slightly extended before him as though whatever, or whomever, slipped out of his hold.

My sight flashed to her, suddenly wary of his expression and hers. She looked torn and heartbroken. Her skirts swayed as she took steps back. Towards the hallway that led to our chambers. But not to me.

Her hand rose to her mouth as her eyes glimmered with the foreshadow of tears. She continued backing away, why, I did not know.

My smile was lost as I realized something was wrong. Why could she not look me in the eyes? Why was she shaking her head, backing away instead of running into my ever open arms?

"Britta?" I asked gently, not wishing for her move away from me.

I took a few steps forward, only for her to quickly take a few nimble steps away from me. Now that I was close enough to read her eyes, I could see the deadness, the spark that once lit her eyes was gone. Instead, there was anger and grief. Part of my deadened heart broke at the sight of my defeated Britta.

There was something more to this. This could not be due to my leaving. Something happened while I was gone - something that banished the life within my bride's eyes.

She could barely look at me.

"What is wrong? Britta, what happened?" I forced the bile from my throat as her face crumpled.

Instead of crying out or even saying a word, my love quickly turned on her heel and dashed towards the hall. Panic raced through me. What was happening?

"Britta? BRITTA!" I yelled after her fleeing body.

Silence reached my ears as everyone who was talking realized what happened. She left. Gone.

My chest felt tight as the breath nearly left me. I was frozen where I stood. My clothes and furs felt too heavy on my body, my weapons wore me down. My mind whirled, but at the moment, I could not think. I needed to go to her but I was in shock.

A hand on my shoulder roused me from my mindless stance as I continued to stare at the corridor in shock.

Blinking furiously, my head turned towards the arm that was touching me. Kare's hazel eyes blazed with full vivid emotions as he not so subtly shove me towards the hallway where my beloved ran.

I shook my head before dropping all of my weapons that laid across my shoulders by the wall and ran.

I tore down the corridor, my eyes searching frantically for her.

I had one place in mind, she had to be there.

My chest heaved when I reached the familiar doors, sucking in deep gulps to calm myself before reaching with a hand to grasp the door.

I burst into our chambers, expecting for her to whirl around to glare at me with those achingly beautiful eyes that looked beyond heartbroken. I did not understand why. What was wrong? What happened while I was gone?

My chest heaved in panic and rising confusion. Where was she?

I searched every crevice of our chambers; under the bed, behind the curtains, hell, even within the chest that stored her dresses and other clothing. I was beginning to feel desperate. I began clawing out the dresses from the chest and throwing the new furs from the bed, which part of me wondered why my prized furs were no longer on the bed, but I pushed the thought away at finding my vanished bride.

Where did she go?

Was she furious enough that she could not stand the sight of me - that I disgusted her beyond words?

I straightened from my search and stilled.

What had I done?

I ran a hand through my hair and pulled at the roots. I raked through my mind to think where she could have gone.

She may be in another room, but why? This place was our home. Our sanctuary. Where probing and curious eyes ceased to exist in our room. Where we could relax and enjoy one another without the stress of our world disturbing us.

So many memories were in this place.

Hearing my name being called from the hall, I spun around to face Balder, Ragnar, my sister, and others entering my chambers.

"Where is she?" I growled, my chest heaving, my hair in a wild disarray but I could not care.

I looked at my sister, who had tears in her eyes, Ragnar, who wrapped his arms her and stared at me with hard eyes. My eyes met every person in my room, a mix of emotions on their features fueled my own. Hilde looked on the verge of sobbing, her eyes so pained. Finally, my gaze landed on my cousin who looked away, his features looking suspicious.

No one spoke a word.

"Answer me!" I roared out. The organ in my chest that beat throbbed painfully.

"S-She is here at the manor, Ade. She could not stay here after..." Balder cleared his throat.

Those who stayed here while my men and I were away shifted uncomfortably. Seemed as though everyone else but me knew what was going on.

"What are you not telling me?" I growled out, my eyes narrowing significantly to stare at my kin.

My fists curled tightly against my side as I waited for his words. Blood roared through my ears, drowning the silence as my heart beat quickly.

He swallowed before letting out, "I cannot say. 'Tis not my place to tell," Balder whispered, his voice too smooth, too careful.

Something happened while I was gone. Something that made the spark in my bride's eyes be snuffed completely.

Rage filled me as his evasive words registered. My body shook as numerous emotions filtered through my body, the red heated curls of rage pushing to the forefront.

"Everyone out," I said quietly, staring at the unlit wood in the fireplace. "Except for Balder and Ragnar. Now."

I waited for several breaths as the others filed out of the room quickly. I turned my furious gaze to Balder. His cryptic words were infuriating. I trusted him to watch over Britta and keep her safe. Trusted him with my greatest treasure. From what I was gathering, that did not happen. My blood turned white hot at my Britta hurt while in my absence.

Ragnar's arms were crossed as he watched us both, the calm in this sea of building current. I was ready to unleash a fury unknown.

"Explain. Now." I seethed.

A flash of defiance reached Balder's golden eyes as he stubbornly remained tight-lipped. The shake of his head was my undoing. I lunged at him, grasping his collar before slamming him into the wall behind me. I wished to wrap my palms around his pathetic neck and kill him. Slowly.

As I stared into his eyes, ones that I have seen pain, agony, happiness, and joy reflected within, I tightened my hold on him and thought of the memories we went through growing up. Those golden orbs tried to tell me something, but my fury was too great to stand and stare to decipher his message.

Balder was much like a brother to me rather than a cousin. It was our past that was a partial reason restraining me from killing him in this moment.

But he broke his word. He would learn that a promise spoken to his kin, his Jarl, was never meant to be broken. There would be punishment. But not on this day. I had other pressing matters to deal with.

My Britta was hurt. Emotionally or physically, I did not know. Perchance both.

But I would soon find out.

I thought of what Britta would think, of killing my kin that I believed deserved such a punishment. Mayhap even worse. She would not agree to this. My next move agreed with the thought.

I shoved him harshly back against the wall, taking a few steps away and turned my back to him as I walked to the window. I struggled to clamp down the feeling of violence as my body shuddered.

I did it for her. I believe she would be proud of me. My head rose and I straightened my shoulders to address him.

"Be gone. Leave my sight - I cannot stomach you in my presence. Take him away Ragnar, I shall deal with him later."

Ever so quiet and loyal, Ragnar tilted his head in acknowledgment and grabbed Balder's arm and swiftly left the chambers.

I let out a heavy breath before leaving myself. I had to find her. See what happened. What pained so much that she could not bear the sight of me. What I did wrong.

"Ade, wait," A soft voice from down the hall reached my ears.

I turned sightly and my eyes widened at the sight of my little cousin, Hilde. She and I were not very close, but she was quiet and had a comforting presence that calmed all of us kin when we used to play together long ago. Her large eyes looked at me hesitantly, yet the strength and compassion kept her stance rigid and determined.

"Britta is staying in the chambers down there," She was pointing to a door where she resided for a minimal time when she was upset with me.

Nodding inwardly, I only gave her a short grunt in thanks for a response. I was ready to see her, to talk to her. I took a step in that direction before a gentle hand on my arm halted me.

"You have a right to know what happened. But only she can tell you. 'Tis wrong of us to take away that right from her. But know this, what she has been through since the dawn you left has left a great impact on her mind and body. She shall try to blame you and even herself for what happened, rage and scream at you. But she has been like a spirit and that is worrying for me, for all of us. I plead to you, Ade, be gentle with her. Remind her that you are both hurting. Do this for me."

I swallowed roughly before nodding. Her words floored me and also doubled the worry that curled my gut. From the day that my kin, her and Balder's parents drowned, I perchance heard a handful of whispered words from my young cousin. She was blooming to be the woman that her parents knew she would be. I had a feeling that befriending Britta helped that growth.

"Takk skal du ha, Hilde. I owe you much for this." I leaned down and pressed a quick kiss to her brow before turning and striding towards the door that loomed with a foreboding aura.

Before I could lose my sense of determination, I threw open the doors to see my bride, my beautiful Britta, curled upon the bed facing away from me, sobbing deeply.

My knees threatened to buckle at the sight. The burn of forbidden tears made my throat throb as I forced it down as best I could with a swallow. I let out a ragged breath before crossing the doorway, carefully shutting the door. I walked carefully to the bed, rounding it to see her features, cautious yet relieved to be finally near her.

Her eyes were clenched tightly as clear tears escaped her eyes, her hands folded together over her mouth to muffle her choked breathing. I knew she knew I was there. Watching her. Waiting for her.

"My little wildcat, mitt hjem, my love," I whispered brokenly as I dropped to my knees in front of her beside the bed.

Her sobs quieted to small sniffles as she opened her bloodshot eyes that reflected so much pain and grief that if I were standing, I would have collapsed at the gutted feeling that coursed through me.

I reached out with a timid hand to brush away strands of her hair that seemed to have lost its lustor, the shine in her hair and the constant blush of her cheeks no where in sight. Her eyes closed at my touch for a brief moment before snapping open with a hatred and anger that surprised me.

"Go away," She hissed out.

My eyes narrowed at her words and the switch of emotion, but I did not believe them. Nei, she needed me in this moment just as I needed her. She was stubborn, my Britta, and I had to be careful when breaking down her walls to let me in.

"Nei," I countered back, interested to see what she would do next.

The anger in her hazel eyes grew at my refusal. I was not going anywhere.

Her posture screamed go away, but I ached for her touch too much to be refused. I quickly raised up from my knees and slid onto the bed, my arms wrapping around her waist as I turned our bodies around before she could protest.

I laid on my side as her body was pressed tightly to mine, her arms curling over my ribcage naturally for a moment. I breathed in her smell, my eyes closing at the glorious feeling of us curled against one another.

The moment vanished once she retracted her touch and a pang of loss and hurt shot through me at her blatant refusal to touch me. She scooched as far away as she could, but my hand shot out to gently grasp her waist, pulling our lower bodies together. I had to touch her. Even if she hated me, touching her meant she was safe in my arms. Protected.

Her crying began ernastly, like a unrelenting waterfall. She began blubbering, speaking too softly for me to understand.

"Britta?"

Her breathing hitched at my voice as she then tore out of my hold and somehow got off the bed, swaying as she stood. Her hands reached to grasp her head and worry surged through me to quickly follow her. I held onto her arms and pulled her close before she fell.

Her light weight worried me. I could see her shoulder bones sticking through the material of her gown and I noticed how small she felt in my arms. I frowned at the thought of her losing her curves that I craved so much.

Her fists began to hit against my chest lightly as her mumbling grew louder. My chest ached furiously as I caught onto her words.

"This is all your fault! Yours. I hate you so much," She sobbed out, her curled fists hitting harder against my chest, her knees buckling as her legs gave out on her.

My chest tightened at her words with hurt and I took her blows, knowing I deserved them, pulling her close to me as I took her weight to the ground. I placed her in my lap, cradling her like she was the most precious, fragile thing in the land.