[He pressed his lips together in annoyance and rolled his eyes as Athelstan snatched his tunic away from him and came very close to smacking Athelstan's hand away. But it worked, the monk had his attention.

It was obvious that Ragnar didn't believe him, assuming Athelstan was now backpedaling and trying to pretend like he didn't think Ragnar was secretly terrible. In truth, Athelstan doubting himself hadn't even crossed his mind. Not only did he rarely, if ever, feel those same kinds of insecurities, but he also thought the world of Athelstan. The truth behind Athelstan's words was undeniable.

He couldn't help the scoffed laugh that escaped in disbelief as he fought the stupid smile that was threatening to appear.] You are an idiot, priest. You are... the most interesting and most intelligent and most traveled person I know. [A soft smile crept across his lips and he actually had to look away from Athelstan to stop the smile from growing.] And you are an idiot.

You have never been just a humble monk to me.

[His expression changed again to one few people ever got to see. A genuine, silent pleading. He only met Athelstan's gaze for the briefest of moments before looking away.] I do not know how to tell you that any other way. I do not know how to make you believe me.