The Red Queen (Editing)

Boneless

Aslaug was giving birth to her fourth baby. She had said that it was the most difficult pregnancy she had ever experienced but the birth was 10 times worse. Even from outside, you and the sons of Ragnar could hear the pained screams of the woman before it went silent. But you knew it wasn't over.

You didn't hear the baby's cry.

While the boys wrestled to keep distracted, you held baby Sigurd Snake-in-the-Eye. You rocked him back and forth, listening closely for Aslaug.

You soon heard the woman screaming again, the screams loud and filled with nothing but pure pain and fear.

Then you heard the baby crying and smiled.

Little did you know that the baby crying was going to be the father of your own children.

-

Three day later, you were in the back room with Aslaug, Helga and Siggy. Aslaug was holding her newborn baby as you played with your toy and Siggy prepared 4 plates of food. Helga was making a special broth for Ivar.

"Aslaug, forgive me..." Siggy said. "What is wrong with Ivar?"

Ivar, Aslaug's newest son, was always being held by his mother. Always covered in a blanket. Many people keep talking but no one knows for sure.

"Everybody talks but nobody knows." Siggy said

"He is my son." Aslaug answered.

"But sooner or later, you have to show him to the world." Siggy continued. "You can't keep him covered up forever."

Aslaug sat down as Helga glanced up at her. The woman sighed as she looked to you and Siggy before calling you all over.

Aslaug removed the blanket, revealing the baby boy's deformity. His legs, bent in wrong ways. It was as if he had no bones in them at all.

"Ragnar is right." Siggy said. "Aslaug, this child will never walk. By the Gods, you must... you must put him out to die."

"Thank you for your good advice, but I would rather die myself then take it." Aslaug said.

You gently ran your hands over the baby's legs, the baby making a fuss causing you to move your hand away.

"May I hold him, Aunt Aslaug?"

"I don't think you can-"

"I'll be as gentle with him as I am with Sigurd." You quickly said

Aslaug sighed before she gently handed over the baby. The baby who had been making a fuss before soon calmed down as you shushed him from crying and within a few moments, he was asleep.

"He's never been that calm with me." Aslaug said in shock.

-

Lagertha had returned weeks later, with the ships and warriors that she promised she'd have. You and Bjorn greeted her down at the docks. She hugged her son before she smiled and hugged you with a tight grip. With that, she carried you back into Kattegat, two guards walking behind her as she told stories of her journey in the rough sea.

-

Ragnar, Lagertha and King Horik had set sail. After you said goodbye to your father, he left with them all.

You and the others that were saying goodbye to the men and women that were going to England all stood at the top of a large hill close to Kattegat, watching the ships leave. From below, down in the fjord, you see your father waving goodbye as they drifted further away.

"Goodbye, Papa!" You shouted as he continued to wave goodbye.

-