The Pagan Princess

Chapter 2: The Pagan Princess Arises

Reaching the hall in a short amount of time, I landed my ice blues upon my handsome father's face. Pride swelling in his chest at the sight of me. His eyes landing on my mother's beautiful frame.

His queen sitting beside him, beautiful face frozen in hatred at the sight of us. Queen Zara, a beautiful woman. Long wavy, red hair flowing around her like fire. Piercing forest green eyes, her skin as white and creamy as milk. She was striking to say the least. "Ase." She beckoned me in her powerful tone, causing eyes to shift to my mother and I in pure curiosity.

I look up to my mother for assurance, squeezing her hand lightly. My mother's eyes bore into mine, a smile gracing her pink lips. "Go child, this is an honor to be recognized by the Queen." She whispered to me, squeezing my tiny hand back. I nod back at her, turning to face my father's wife. I square my shoulders, chin held high in pride, I take my steps with confidence.

As I near her, I bow my head in honor, before looking at her stunning beauty. "Will you do me the honor of sitting next to me, princess?" She ask eyes lighting up, gazing upon my fierce presence. "Of course, my queen." I say with another quick bow, taking a seat beside her. She turns slightly, hope gracing her beautiful face. "Ase, I wish to ask you, if we could put our differences aside and join together?" She ask glancing down at her swelling belly.

I copy her actions, a smile up at her. She finally accepted me as her own. "I would like nothing more, your grace." Her loving smile fills me with joy. "Please address me as Zara." She states tucking a fallen blonde lock behind my ear. "As you wish." I grin up at her, my heart pounding on my chest.

Ragnar's blue eyes sparkle at me from across the table. "Princess Ase." He nods respectfully, raising a glass of mead to his lips. "King Ragnar." I smile back, nodding back at him. His eyes glint mischievously, placing a hand on a blonde boy's shoulder. "Princess, this is my son. Bjorn." He proudly states, causing my curious eyes to travel over the boy.

He was just a few years older, definitely taller. He had a wider frame than most boys our age, meaning when he was a man, he would be rather large. His eyes made me gasp out, his father's eyes staring back at me with just as much curiosity as I held in mine. He cleared his throat, brows pulled into a confused expression. "My father informed me that you would be joining us to England." He simply states, shocking blue eyes looking me up and down, deciding if I was fit for the journey. I nod my head at him. "I will be joining you, Prince Bjorn." I sigh a smile permanently plastered there. He tilts his head slightly at me. "But you are just a girl." He noted curiosity flooding out of his pores.

Ragnar glances at us, humor dancing in his beautiful eyes. I narrowed my gaze at Bjorn. "What is that supposed to mean?" My smile leaving, anger threatening to raise it's ugly head. His lip thins to a line. "You should not be coming along. You will drag us down." He huffed over at me, eyes narrowing back at me.

A fire lit inside my chest, and I could not hold back. "I beg your pardon?" Fury raged inside me, my hand itching to be around his throat. I clutched the arm of my chair to stop myself. He snorted at me, rolling those beautiful eyes. "You heard me. You are nothing more than a spoiled princess. You should stay here, kissing babes." He seethed out, cheeks flushing red with anger.

"A spoiled princess, you say?" I spat the words, earning a curt nos from him. "Let me tell you something, Bjorn." I spit out, teeth grinding against each other. My eyes lowered dangerously and I stand from my chair, leaning close to him. "I am no spoiled princess. I am better than any warrior here and I am sailing to England, one way or another." I pause for a second, cocking my head to the side. "You are a spoiled little brat, with no skills to fight. And when those men knock you down, I will stand over you and spit on your pitiful existence." I hissed, taking a seat. My power was showing, and I knew it. Everyone's eyes glued to the two of us, sucking in a gasp.