Defiant in the Viking's Bed

The only thing to mar events was the news of Hakke’s escape to Vingulmark, the seat of his power. He still had strong support there, including that of her uncle. A wily politician, he must be gnashing his teeth over recent events, as must the prince. Robbed of a bride and defeated in battle, his anger would be great indeed. He would seek revenge for that, and for his brothers’ deaths. Hysing and Helsing might have fallen in battle but their passing was the excuse that would fuel another uprising, sooner or later. Unless Halfdan pre-empted it...

‘You seem preoccupied,’ said a voice behind her, ‘though I have no expectation that your thoughts were of me.’

Her pulse quickened as she turned to see Leif at her shoulder. The chainmail byrnie was gone now, along with the dirt and gore of battle, and he was clad in a tunic of dark green wool richly embroidered with gold thread at the neck and wrist where the linen of his shirt was just visible. Round his neck he wore an amulet in the likeness of Thor’s hammer. The tooled leather belt round his waist held a fine dagger. He was altogether a most imposing figure.

‘No, they weren’t,’ she confessed.

‘I am crushed.’

She laughed. ‘It would take more than that to crush you, my lord. However, I am sorry to have dashed your hopes.’

‘I’m not convinced that you are sorry.’

‘In truth, not very,’ she replied, ‘but I didn’t want to hurt your feelings as well.’

His eyes gleamed. ‘I suppose I asked for that.’

‘I was thinking about Prince Hakke and what he might do next. I feel sure we have not heard the last of him.’

‘I’m afraid you’re right.’

‘Will he be able to raise another army?’

‘I’m sure he’d like to but, in reality, I think it unlikely. King Gandalf’s force took a hammering at Eid. The survivors will not seek another confrontation with Halfdan if it can be avoided.’

‘So we’re safe.’

‘I wouldn’t go that far; at least not while Hakke lives.’

‘It was unfortunate that he managed to escape.’

‘Yes, most unfortunate.’

Astrid’s eyes widened a little. ‘I did not mean to imply blame.’

His lips twitched. ‘I am relieved. I should not like you to think less of me.’

‘Oh, I could not think less of you.’ As soon as the words were out she winced inwardly, wondering if her tongue had suddenly become disconnected from her brain. She hurried on, ‘What I meant was that I could never be induced to think less of you, because of the great service you have rendered my mistress and me.’

He eyed her askance. ‘I am relieved.’

Astrid could hardly fail to miss the note of irony and wondered if he were really offended.

‘Forgive me. I expressed myself badly.’

‘My pride will doubtless recover—in a month or two.’

Unable to help it, she smiled. ‘Oh, I think it will be much sooner than that, my lord.’

The smile was both mischievous and unwittingly beguiling, like the look in those big violet eyes. All at once Leif found himself staring, realising that she was a lot more than pretty. Intelligent too. It was a rare combination. Perhaps that was why she aroused his curiosity. He took two cups of mead from a passing servant and handed Astrid one.

‘Tell me how you came to be into the queen’s service.’

‘My uncle placed me in her father’s household five years ago. Sigurd Hjort was an ally back then. It was an advantageous situation for me, given my mistress’s connections. She and I subsequently became good friends.’

‘Your uncle?’

‘He is my guardian now. My father died some years ago.’ She sighed. ‘My uncle was ever an ambitious man and it suited him to have a foothold in two camps.’

‘Two camps?’

‘Vestfold and Vingulmark.’

‘I see. Well, he isn’t the first man to hedge his bets thus.’

‘No. In any case I was glad to be out of the way. He is not an easy man to be around.’

‘Do I know him?’

‘Possibly. He is Jarl Einar of Ringerike.’

Leif’s cup paused in mid-air. He had miscalculated; he had supposed her to be of good birth, though possibly a poor relation placed in an advantageous situation. He could never have guessed that her family was among the foremost in Vestfold.

‘An influential man,’ he said.

‘He has influence,’ she agreed, ‘and wealth, and yet it seems the more he has the more he wants.’

‘It’s a common complaint.’

‘So I believe. At all events he holds jealously to what is his. Most of his lands lie just beyond the territory ceded to King Halfdan. Tensions remain high in the region.’

‘I know it. I too have lands there.’

‘You have?’

‘They were granted by the king in recognition of my family’s service to him.’

‘I see.’

‘It makes us near neighbours in that sense.’

‘I have not returned there since and have no wish to do so. Nor do I share my uncle’s political sympathies. My loyalty is to Queen Ragnhild.’

‘That’s understandable in the circumstances, but it may not be an easy position to maintain.’

‘By that I suppose you mean that I am technically still in my uncle’s control.’

‘Just so.’

‘He is too busy to concern himself with me. He resembles my late father in that respect. Only sons were of real interest.’

‘But daughters are useful for strengthening alliances. Nieces too.’

It was the bald truth and unwelcome withal. ‘I’ll cross that bridge when I reach it.’

‘Does the thought displease you?’

‘In principle, no. However, much would depend upon the man.’

‘Of course.’

‘Are you married, my lord?’

His expression changed. ‘No, I’m not married.’

Astrid was aware of having made a false step, and that he might have interpreted it to mean that she had an ulterior motive in finding out. Mortified, she retracted hurriedly. ‘I didn’t mean that the way it sounded. It was said out of curiosity alone.’

‘It is no matter.’ He paused. ‘As it happens I did have a wife at one time but the marriage was not a success and it ended a year later.’ To say that it was not a success was a massive understatement, he thought, and the mere mention of it threatened to curdle the wine in his stomach. The spectres of the past were best left alone.

Divorce was not uncommon but she could well imagine that it wouldn’t be easy either. ‘That is unfortunate.’ She paused. ‘Do you have any children?’

‘Not any more. My son died in infancy.’

Gods, this was getting worse. ‘I’m so sorry.’

‘It was long ago. Now I follow the whale road.’

‘The call of adventure?’

‘Something like that. At all events it suits me well. I shall not take another wife.’

The reply was lightly spoken but it also held a warning, one she would do well to heed. At the same time, and for reasons she could not explain, it saddened her too.

‘However,’ he continued, ‘that does not mean I am incapable of enjoying the company of a beautiful woman.’

‘I’m sure you must have known many such.’

‘Some.’ He paused, surveying her steadily. ‘What of you? Are you betrothed?’

‘No.’

‘Why not? There can have been no lack of suitors.’

There were several answers she might have given, all concerned with deep inner reservations and each more complicated than the last. Instead she sought refuge in evasion. ‘My uncle has more important matters on his mind.’

‘He is remiss.’

‘Perhaps he is holding out for a king, and I shall make as splendid a match as my mistress.’

Although the tone was flippant, she wouldn’t have put such a notion past her uncle. Indeed she wouldn’t have put anything past him.

Leif’s eyes gleamed. ‘What king in his right mind would refuse such an offer?’

‘Kings marry for political advantage. I fear I cannot offer any such.’

‘Kings are still men. Leaving politics aside, it seems to me that you have much to offer.’

Astrid swallowed a mouthful of mead. This conversation was straying into dangerous territory again. ‘You exaggerate my appeal there.’

‘I was speaking for myself.’

‘I regret that I can offer nothing, my lord.’ And particularly not to one who was clearly not over the loss of his wife and had just said he had no intention of remarrying.

‘Not so.’

Before she could reply, another man appeared at his shoulder. Facially he bore a startling resemblance to Leif, although his hair was a little darker. They were much of a height too. Evidently good looks ran in the family.

The newcomer acknowledged her with a bow and then murmured something to Leif. She saw him frown.

‘Pray excuse me for a moment.’

Relief washed over her. ‘By all means.’

As the two stepped aside for private speech, Astrid saw the opportunity to extricate herself and took it, slipping away into the crowd of revellers. The tenor of the recent conversation had left her in no doubt that it was a wise move. Leif was both handsome and charismatic, a dangerous combination and one that had not failed in its allure since she knew perfectly well that she wasn’t indifferent to him. It was also quite clear that what he sought was a little light amusement. She guessed that such a man would have plenty of willing takers too. However, she wasn’t going to be one of them.

* * *

When Leif turned round a minute or so later Astrid was gone. Swiftly he scanned the crowd but could discern no trace of her. At once he was conscious of both disappointment and regret. After the recent conversation he did not suppose it had been done on purpose to increase his interest. All the same, it had, and to a degree that surprised him. However, it was evident that she would not fall easily into his arms either. This evading action was an unwitting challenge, and one that would be met.

‘Pretty girl,’ said Finn. ‘Who is she?’

‘The queen’s companion.’

‘Thor’s teeth, she is out of the usual field. Are you sure you know what you’re doing?’

‘I always know what I’m doing.’

‘Even so, it’s dangerous ground, Brother. You risk getting burned.’

‘I’m grateful for your concern, but you of all people should know that your fears are unfounded.’

‘It’s because I’ve been through the same mill that I mention them.’

Leif returned a wry smile. ‘I know.’

‘Someone has to watch your back.’

‘There’s no one I’d rather have at my back. However, this challenge I handle alone.’

‘Ah, like that, is it?’

‘It is.’

‘Well, well. She has lit a fire under you, hasn’t she?’

‘Mind your own business.’

Finn merely laughed. ‘I take that to mean yes, then.’ As he eyed Leif his expression grew speculative. ‘Never tell me the lady is proof against your good looks and charm. I won’t believe it.’

‘She likes me well enough, although she doesn’t know it yet.’

‘I have every confidence in your powers of persuasion. In the meantime, there are other, more willing subjects present. The dark-haired beauty over there hasn’t taken her eyes off you all evening.’

Leif followed the direction of his brother’s gaze and located the woman in question. She returned an inviting smile. He studied her a second or two longer and then looked away.

‘I leave that one to you.’

‘Don’t say later that I didn’t offer you the chance.’

Finn left him and headed across the room. A few minutes later he was deep in conversation with the object of his attention. Leif watched them for a little while and then drank down the rest of his mead, wondering at his own behaviour. The dark beauty had been ripe for the taking, but he felt only indifference—even though, just a few days ago, he would have considered her worthy of his most assiduous attention. He turned away and went to look for another cup of mead.

* * *

Astrid lay awake for a long time, unable to shake off the implications of the discussion that evening. Far from attempting any amorous subterfuge, Leif had made his position quite clear. His interest in her had nothing whatever to do with marriage. If she offered him any encouragement now it would result in her being a mistress, not a wife. Not that she had the least desire to be either of those things. Once, long ago, the thought of marriage to such a man would not have displeased her. Since the married state was inevitable, all girls wanted a handsome, virile bridegroom. Back then it would never have occurred to her to question any of that. Now she did question it. Not that her doubts would carry any weight even if she had voiced them. In any case pleasing her would be the very last consideration when her uncle eventually found her a husband, and nor would she be consulted. Her husband could be old or ugly or cruel, or all three, and it would make no difference to Jarl Einar. He would see her wedded and bedded regardless, and by force if necessary.

Old resentments woke and she tried to imagine a world in which a woman might be free to make her own decisions about such things; a world where she wasn’t subject to the will of powerful men. It was an agreeable fantasy. In the meantime, any dalliance with Leif would be disastrous. They had already spent longer together than was wise and she didn’t want him to take that for encouragement. Moreover, she never wanted him to think of her in terms of a possible conquest. His opinion shouldn’t have mattered. They were mere acquaintances and parting wouldn’t be long in coming once the festivities were done. The knowledge was attended by relief, but mixed with a twinge of regret. Leif was handsome and personable and somehow larger than life. She suspected that he wouldn’t be easy to forget.

Chapter Three

Two days later the first group of guests departed. Now that the wedding celebrations were over the rest would be gone soon enough and life would settle back into its familiar routine. Once Astrid would have felt content with that, but now it induced very different thoughts. Chief among them was restlessness. It had no apparent cause but it was no less strong for that. Perhaps it was a natural consequence of the recent excitement and festivity; one felt the lack when it ended.

She turned away but, unwilling to return to the hall or the bower, headed in the opposite direction instead. A walk might help dispel her present mood. She was so absorbed in thought that she didn’t notice the man until she was almost upon him. When she realised who it was she would have retraced her steps—but by then it was too late.

Leif smiled. ‘This is a pleasant surprise.’

She eyed him askance. ‘A surprise, my lord?’

‘All right, I admit I followed you. Or rather I watched to see which way you were going and then took a short cut.’

‘Why?’

‘I missed your company.’

‘I find that hard to believe.’

‘It’s true. Besides, we never got to finish our conversation the other night.’

‘I believe we did.’

‘If I have offended you I’m sorry for it.’

‘Forget it.’

‘I wish it were that easy. As it is I’ve thought of nothing else.’ He paused. ‘We need to talk, Astrid.’

Her pulse quickened. ‘Everything needful has been said.’

‘No, it hasn’t.’

He surveyed her steadily, waiting. She sighed. Since he wasn’t going to be dissuaded the quickest way to end this might be to let him say his piece. ‘Very well.’

‘I apologise if my manners have seemed rough; it is the result of having spent too long among fighting men. I am out of practice when it comes to gentler speech.’

‘Yes, you are, but it is no matter.’

‘Well, some things are best spoken directly.’

‘Speak, then.’

‘In a few days’ time I leave for my estate in Vingulmark. The place has been left in the hands of a steward and there are many matters requiring my attention.’

The news created a flood of unexpected emotions. After this they really would not meet again. She realised she was going to miss him rather more than she’d thought. ‘Yes, I can see that.’

‘Come with me.’

She stared at him. ‘What?’

‘Come with me, Astrid.’

‘You must be crazy.’

‘Perhaps. What I do know is that I don’t want to leave you behind; that I want you with me.’

His arm slipped around her waist and then he was very much closer. She could feel the warmth of him, breathe his scent. The pulse became a drumbeat. She felt his lips brush hers, light, tentative. The touch sent a shiver through her that was not entirely to do with fear. The kiss became a little more assertive, more seductive, coaxing her mouth open, allowing his tongue to tease hers, persuasive and infinitely more dangerous, awakening sensations she had never known existed. His hold tightened and the kiss became intimate. She could feel the start of his arousal. Desire was replaced by something very like panic and she tensed, turning her head aside.

He drew back a little to look into her face. ‘What are you afraid of, Astrid? You cannot believe I would hurt you.’

She shook her head, not in agreement but in denial, knowing instinctively that he had the power to hurt her very badly. She wasn’t the woman he really wanted.

‘Well, then, what is it?’

‘I won’t go with you to Vingulmark.’

‘Why not?’

‘How can you ask that?’

‘You know how I feel about you, and I think you are not indifferent to me.’

‘You’re wrong.’

‘You’re a poor liar, Astrid.’

‘It’s not a lie.’

‘No? Then look at me and tell me you feel nothing.’

Her gaze met his and yielded. ‘I confess I do like you, and I have enjoyed your company, but there is no future in this. You know that as well as I.’

‘All I know is that I haven’t been able to put you out of my mind since first we met. When I’m awake I think of you; when I sleep you fill my dreams.’

‘I cannot do what you’re asking.’

‘You have no reason to be afraid. I would treat you well; whatever you desire you shall have if it be in my power to give it.’

‘Will you offer me honourable marriage, Leif?’

‘In my experience there is precious little honour to be found there, and I will not deal in false promises.’ His gaze never wavered. ‘I have already intimated as much.’

‘So you did, and I am grateful for that honesty.’

‘I don’t want your gratitude, Astrid. I want you, but I would not have any pretence between us. If you come with me it will be with your eyes open.’

‘They are open and I’m not coming with you.’ You love someone else, she thought.

‘You don’t have to make up your mind now. Take some time. Think it over.’

‘There is nothing to think over. I will not be any man’s whore.’

With that she stepped away from him and hurried away down the path. For a moment or two he watched her go, strongly tempted to fetch her back and at the same time knowing he wouldn’t. What he wanted from her could not be compelled. It still surprised him that he did want her that much. His offer had been an impulse and yet he couldn’t regret making it, even if she had turned him down flat. Realistically he ought to have been better prepared for that. It was also ridiculous to feel quite so disappointed by her refusal.

* * *

Astrid reached the buildings a short time later, barely registering the lathered horses or the group of men outside the hall. She had no wish to see anyone until she had recovered her composure so she ducked around the corner and headed for the bower. The encounter with Leif had left her shaken for many reasons, not least because he was right; she was not indifferent to him. His kiss lingered still. The strength of the attraction she had felt in that brief embrace was profoundly shocking and it could only lead to disaster. Thank all the gods that good sense had prevailed.

On reaching the bower she bathed her face and tidied her hair, by which time she was calmer and better able to face the world. She was about to leave when the door opened to admit Ragnhild. When she saw Astrid she smiled.

‘I hoped I might find you here.’

‘Forgive me. I went for a walk...’

‘Then you will not have heard.’

‘Heard what, Highness?’

‘Your uncle is but lately arrived.’

Astrid stared at her in dismay. ‘My uncle? What is he doing here?’

‘I imagine he will tell you that himself. He wishes to speak with you.’ Ragnhild paused. ‘I wanted to prepare you first.’

‘I thank you. It was a kind thought.’

‘He is in the hall.’

* * *

Astrid paused on the threshold, surveying the newcomers uneasily. There were half a dozen of them, all slaking their thirst with ale. However, she had no problem locating the burly figure of her uncle. Although only just above the average height, he was powerfully built, reminding her of nothing so much as an old bear. Foreboding grew. Then, taking a deep breath, she went in.

Her uncle failed to notice her until his companion gave a discreet cough alerting him to her presence. He looked round. Cunning dark eyes subjected her to a cool and thorough appraisal. Then he nodded in grudging approval.

‘Well, well. The cygnet has become a swan.’

She dropped a polite curtsy. ‘Your visit is an unexpected surprise, my lord.’

‘No doubt.’

‘May I ask what brings you here?’

‘You do.’ He drained his cup and tossed it to a servant. ‘I am come to take you back to Vingulmark.’

Her stomach lurched. ‘My lord?’

‘I have found a husband for you. You’re to be married.’

It was like being punched and, for a moment or two, speech was impossible. The piercing gaze fixed her.

‘Why do you stare at me, girl?’

There were many things she might have said, all of them angry and all of them unwise since their utterance would only create a public scene. Instead she strove for self-control.

‘Forgive me. I...I was just taken by surprise, that’s all.’

He grunted. ‘No doubt. Possibly you thought I had forgotten the matter entirely.’ Without waiting for a reply he continued, ‘I will admit it should have happened sooner, but I have been occupied with other things. However, it has turned out well enough. Your future husband is connected to the most influential family in Vingulmark.’

Astrid licked dry lips. ‘May I know his name?’

‘Of course. You are to marry Jarl Gulbrand.’

She controlled resentment and a sensation of rising panic. Her uncle had spoken the truth. Gulbrand did indeed have a noble name: he was related to the royal house. He was also Prince Hakke’s cousin and, like his cousin, he had an unsavoury reputation, on the battlefield and off it.

‘When is this marriage to take place?’

‘Next month.’

‘But that’s barely two weeks away.’

‘Time enough. We leave tomorrow.’

‘I cannot go so soon. I have duties here.’

The dark eyes narrowed. ‘Your duties here are over. Be ready to leave first thing in the morning.’

It was dismissal. Astrid made her escape from the hall, her mind reeling. Ragnhild caught up with her outside.

‘I’m so sorry, Astrid. It has come as a shock to me too.’

‘Is there no way this can be prevented?’

‘I wish there were, but your uncle is your guardian, not I.’

‘Might not the king intervene?’

‘He has no more jurisdiction in this than I do.’

Astrid blinked back angry tears. ‘Then I am well and truly lost.’

* * *

When Leif looked around the hall that evening he could see no sign of the one he sought. He wondered if she were avoiding him but then decided it was unlikely, since Ragnhild wasn’t present either. No doubt Astrid was keeping her company. All the same, it was frustrating and, if he were honest, disappointing too. Her absence cast an unexpected pall over the proceedings. Until then he hadn’t realised how much he had been hoping to see her; to speak with her; to try and persuade her...

‘What in the name of Tyr One-Hand is he doing here?’

Finn’s voice roused him from his reverie and he followed his brother’s gaze across the hall. Seeing Jarl Einar, he frowned. The jarl’s estates in Vingulmark might be close to Leif’s own lands, but that was the sole extent of their neighbourliness. While there hadn’t been open hostility as such, it was well known that many of Einar’s associates were connected with the royal house of Vingulmark. The defeat at Eid must have come as a blow. He could not have foreseen that, or the subsequent turn of events, when he placed his niece with Sigurd Hjort and his family all those years ago.