Page 25 of Claimed By the Viking

This punishment was surely of Loki’s design—a cruel joke to show him what could never be his.

A woman perfect beyond my dreams, incapable of loving what I’ve become!

He knew it was true. Not a day went by when she didn’t speak of him healing. It was all she could think of, wasn’t it, whispering that, given time, his vision would improve?

She’d implied as much whenever he held her, cradling her flesh against his. Only then would he be worthy of her love. Only then, could they have a future…

But no.

The air grew chill, as though the sun could not bear to witness his woe and had slid behind a cloud.

Remember the bargain we struck. There can be no future.

The thought stirred unease in his stomach.

Despite knowing there must be an end to what was between them, he wasn’t ready to say goodbye.

“Viggo!”

He started at the unexpected interruption. “Who is it?”

The male voice was familiar, but it had been days since he’d spoken to another man.

“Come now! You don’t recognize your own jarl? I’d heard you’d lost your vision but not your mind.”

Viggo sighed. The company was welcome—anything to break the monotony of his day—but he and Eldberg shared a strained relationship. He respected his chieftain, but he was under no illusion that Eldberg viewed him as a true friend. The contractthey’d struck—for Viggo to return to the family homestead—was as much for his jarl’s benefit as his own.

Viggo was grateful, but the bargain relied upon him being fit and able. Eldberg would have no compunction in allocating it to another. Until then, his own livestock grazed the pasture.

“Let me sit with you.”

Viggo sensed the weight of the other man settle beside him.

“I’ve news to share.”

“What news?” Viggo turned in Eldberg’s direction. It was strange to speak to someone other than Signy after so long. “Are you well?”

“Yes, yes!” Eldberg dismissed his concerns. “Those of us who remain are healing—and helping where we can.”

Helping?They’re fit and well, then, while I…

Eldberg interrupted his thoughts. “I hear you’ve some minor trouble with your vision. A ruse to gain sympathy, is it? A cunning plan all round. You’re getting on with the wench who houses you? Getting friendly, eh?”

The pulse in Viggo’s temple intensified. He didn’t appreciate Eldberg’s inference that he was feigning his lack of sight, nor the way Eldberg spoke of Signy.

“She’s patient and considerate, with a kind heart. As much as any man might deserve.”

“Kind?” Eldberg’s tone was laced with scorn. “Never mind kind! Are you bedding the woman? That’s what counts!”

Viggo bit his tongue. None of this was Eldberg’s business, but it wouldn’t be wise to answer curtly. His jarl could make things difficult for him, and for Signy, if he’d a mind. No doubt, he was already in talks with the leader of this place, winding events in his favor.

“I am.” Viggo spoke through a clenched jaw.

“Good man!” Eldberg slapped him roughly on the shoulder. “Win her over with pleasure. These women may provevaluable for more than fucking. When we leave, I expect their cooperation.”

Excitement was evident in Eldberg’s hushed voice. “We plan to make our escape, but since we’re so few, we’ll need a number of the wenches to aid us. Keep this to yourself until the time comes. I’m even keeping my Hedda in the dark.”

Leave?A swell of panic took hold, sending bile to Viggo’s throat.I can’t. Not like this!

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