Athelstan's fingers still toyed with the bracelet and he didn't answer right away. He hadn't thought of it, not really. And in truth there were differences to him, especially this young ragnar still so desperate for more sons.

"That's fine," he said after a moment of thought. Really, maybe dodger is the only one that hurts or maybe any man would have. He doesnt know and he doesn't really want to find out. He knows that Ragnar can never be his the way that he is Ragnar's and he could never ask it of him. Itd be like caging a bird.

"I am sorry I'm difficult," he murmurs.

"You should properly clean up and take care of these wounds."