Page 87 of Alien Viking's Plunder

“That’s what I keep telling him,” Josie said. “But who knows. I’m more than fine with him getting the whole thing postponed indefinitely.”

“We won’t be able to stay until you get your crown, or however that works,” Chloe informed her. “I was thinking, maybe we can leave tomorrow?”

“Let’s say three days from now,” Chen said and glanced at a group of Viking warriors. “I’d like to make some…friendsfirst.”

“I say a week,” Rafaela said with a thin smile. “Ortwoweeks. So we can give a real good account about this place when we get home.”

“I’mnotstaying here forweeksmore,” Chloe huffed. “And when we leave, I expect considerable remuneration for the tort and emotional distress and lost income and potential long-time trauma—”

“Excuse me,” Josie said quickly and hurried over to Bragr, making her way past the throngs of horned people wanting to congratulate him. “Hey, Chief.”

“Hey, chief’s wife,” Bragr grinned and grabbed both her hands. “Or something like that. You look incredible. A white bride! Who would have thought it could be so beautiful?”

“Lots of people on Earth thought so,” she laughed. “But your people are welcome to copy it. Anyway. How long do we have to stay?”

He frowned. “I was hoping… you’d stay your whole life…”

Josie laughed and kissed him on his bearded cheek. “I’m pretty sure I will, my love. I mean, how long do you and I have to stay at this reception?”

He looked around, making the silver chains between his horns tinkle brightly. The black gemstone had been taken out of it. “I think everyone is still here, but they’re now more interested in the food and drink than us. But… perhaps we can sneak away?”

She gave him an impish smile. “Perhaps you can do whatever you want, because you’re the earl and chief?”

His face brightened. “Yes! Of course! Let’s simply confide in one person so they don’t think we’ve gone into space. Heidran! Ah, there you are.”

“Chief,” the shaman said and gave a shallow bow, looking suitably clerical in his black robe, with a thin, black ribbon tied between his horns. “How may I serve the chief and his wife?”

“Heidran, you just wedded me to Josie. If you do nothing else for me, it would be enough for several lifetimes. And yet I will ask you this: Josie and I will be leaving now, but we don’t want to say goodbye to all the three thousand guests.”

“Say no more, Chief. I shall inform those who need to know. But only when the time is right.”

“Thank you, Arch Shaman. We will be back tomorrow.” Bragr grabbed Josie’s hand and dragged her fast away from the crowd, ducking under a stone wall and passing a flock of fluffy saudrir.

“Arch Shaman now?” Josie whispered as they made their escape. “Was he promoted?”

“Surely a kingdom is entitled to an Arch Shaman,” Bragr said innocently. “I’m not sure if there has ever been such a thing. But as earl, I can decree that now there is. And whenever I can no longer put off the coronation nonsense, I can confirm my own decree as a king. Yes?”

“Um. Sure,” Josie said, having to hitch her dress up to keep up with her husband. “He’s a good man, too. He totally deserves it.”

“Among the best men in Hjalmarheim, in my judgment. He was a great support for me when Gornt was still earl. Often as a child, I wished that Heidran could be my father instead of the real one.”

They reached a long shortship and got into it. It would have space for probably eight people on four benches, and it was more luxuriously appointed than the regular type. It had seats upholstered in fluffy saudr skin, and it flew with a more dignified weight to it.

Bragr had it take off and set course south, just along the coastline, skimming the waves.

“I never asked where we’re going,” Josie said, holding on to both Bragr and the shortship.

“Just a simple hut, the kind you and I prefer,” Bragr replied. “Somewhere we can be alone.”

“Is there a sauna?”

“A bastu? Yes, of course. You’re starting to like those, huh?”

“I like the things that happeninsidethem,” Josie specified. “That’s all.”

“That’s my favorite part, too!” Bragr said with mock surprise. “I can’t believe we’re so much alike.”

Josie stroked the Marks on her arm. “More alike now than before, my love.”

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