King Signy has been hard at work with his plan for vengeance, he was aware that Ragnar was no longer in Vestfold but he was also aware that the person in Vestfold right now was Lagertha.

Signy had a single objective and that was killing Lagerha so Ragnar would feel the pain he felt that day when he loses the person he loves the most in this world.

Birger was an indispensable warrior to Signy even though Signy didn't respect his uncle.

He had betrayed Asmund and sided with Xenophanes, this left his father in a weakened state.

If the King's brother could desert him without consequences, others wouldn't see this as a problem eventually but luckily for Asmund, he got the loyalty of his men because they wanted to be loyal and not because they were forced to.

Signy had captured Vingulamark and he was planning to launch an attack on Vestfold but he knew this would draw them into a battle with Ragnar's allies and this included Askild.

"My King.." Birger said, removing his helmet to show that it was truly him, he looked the same.

"How are you alive?" Signy asked.

"That's a secret and I have seen the size of your army. I'm afraid to tell you but you won't be able to defeat Vestolf's military even in ten years," Birger said bluntly, he would have been the king of Vestfold by now if he didn't betray his brother but one could also say his brother would still be alive but all that did not matter when push came to shove.

No one knew what Birger's motives were or what he has been doing these past few years.

The fact that he came here under a nickname that was not even his showed how crafty this man was for the "Ghost of Kattegat" was a title reserved for a very specific warrior that seemed to be lost, the only thing they had to point to his life was the M.O of his killings.

"What do you mean?" Signy questioned.

"You think Ragnar couldn't crush your little army any time he feels like it?" Birger proposed this question but Signy raised a brow.

"He has not done so because he can't.." Signy said bluntly and Birger shook his head.

"You are alive because killing you might make the people of Vestfold rise against him, that is the only reason he has not raided this little kingdom and slaughtered you all," Birger said.

He was before a King yet he spoke so casually, Signy was no tyrant and did not know how strong his uncle was and had no plans of finding out.

This was a man that has escaped death numerous times, it was almost like he saw the future yet he was no seer.

This made Signy question what sort of future he saw for him for Birger to be willing to return to Vingulmark and the warriors he once betrayed.

Signy realized this long ago, he just wanted to see if Birger saw things the same way he did and he was relieved that his uncle's eyes had not dulled.

"I know you are tempted to attack Vestfold now that Ragnar is away, and perhaps kill his wife.." Birger said, prompting Signy to sigh.

"I know I cannot do it now.." Signy responded but this only resulted in a faint chuckle from his uncle.

"Who said you could not?" Birger asked and this got Signy's interest.

"Go on.." Signy permitted him.

"It is already in motion," Birger responded with a wide grin.

-

Lagertha was enjoying Vestfold, the people treated her like she was a goddess, she was beautiful but one would think the scar on her face would make people see her differently but that scar is what made the men respect her. historical

They viewed it as a souvenir from combat and the ladies felt intimidated because very few would ever dare enter the battlefield.

"Queen Lagertha, I see you have settled in quite well," Skarde greeted his queen and Lagertha smiled.

"It is a pity you cannot see my smile," Lagertha teased and Skarde chuckled the moment he heard this.

He liked that Lagerthat did not show him pity for his blindness, she still treated him as an equal.

"Hahaha! Queen Lagertha, I am afraid the only woman's smile I want to see is no more," Skarde retorted and Lagertha heaved a loud sigh.

"You will see her in Valhalla, you know? Your sights will be restored and Odin will welcome you at the high table so why do you sound so sad?" Lagertha asked.

Skarde realized that Lagertha was closer to Herfj?tur than he so it was obvious she would feel her absence a lot more.

But before the conversation could go further, one of the guards guiding the door walked in to make an announcement.

He got on one knee, showing Lagertha all the respect that came with her name.

"Queen Lagertha, you have a guest," The man said but this was strange as there was no prior knowledge of expecting anyone within the walls of Vestfold.

"Who is the person?" Skarde spoke and Lagertha was content with him handling the conversation.

This was a man that acted as a temporary King when her husband was not around so this was not outside his expertise not to mention his superior political knowledge.

"It is Lady Aslaug," The guard said and Lagertha raised a brow.

Was this a common thing for her to drop in unnoticed and without prior notice?

There was no way this lady was not aware that Ragnar was absent so this could only mean that she came to see her.

"Let her in," Lagertha said even though Skarde was about to turn down her request as this was what one could call a blatant disrespect of etiquette.

The man returned and the throne room sprung open to reveal Lady Aslaug but she was without her maid.

Lagertha smirked the moment she saw her because she was a woman, she knew personally that there was not any woman that would not want her husband and she welcomed the challenge.

Lagertha's smirk soon seized the moment the lady before her collapsed.

"LADY ASLAUG!"