Page 40 of Claimed By the Viking

After all they’d shared, she couldn’t be honest with him. “Leave me be, woman. I need time to think.”

He could have laughed in bitterness as she fled.

More time alone with my thoughts, to dig deeper into my woe?

‘Twas the cruelest irony yet.

Tears burnedin Signy’s eyes as she stumbled from her home. Anger rose at his callous treatment, yet it was her sadness that lingered. She and Viggo had found such connection together, beyond their lovemaking, yet he refused to voice his feelings for her.

Instead, he’d given a barrage of insults, behaving as if he were the victim of her wrongdoing.

What Rangvald had said to Viggo, she didn’t know. It surely could be nothing relating to her pregnancy. She’d spoken not a word to anyone.

Had Elin confided in Rangvald regarding The Great Happening and the way in which the women of the island intended to use the men who’d landed upon their shore?

That, too, seemed unlikely. Elin would know better than to endanger their plan. ‘Twas true that Signy had been sorely tempted herself to share something of it with Viggo, but her sense had prevailed. The knowledge could change little except to make him doubt her sincerity when she spoke to him of her feelings.

And yet Rangvald has told him something to bring about just that!

Viggo had accused her of keeping secrets, and she’d denied him outright.

But I am a liar! I’ve been keeping back the truth in more ways than he can possibly know.

I want his trust and his openness, deep and unwavering, for him to let down his guard. Without that, what hope can there be?

“Signy!” Astrid was suddenly before her, having stepped from Frida’s hut. Her smile made stark contrast with Signy’s melancholy.

So wrapped had Signy been in her misery, she’d almost collided with the other woman.

“You seem cheerful, Astrid.”

Astrid beckoned Signy closer. “Frida has seen my future in the runes. I’m so excited… about what’s to come with Jørgen.”

“Praise be to Freyja.” Signy made herself recite what was expected of her. Naturally, she was pleased for Astrid, but Signy couldn’t suppress her hurt, comparing Astrid’s happiness with her own tumultuous relationship.

She’d hoped for so much when Viggo had come into her care.

Now, we’re barely even speaking to one another!

They’d never seemed farther apart.

“Jørgen seems to have been good for you.” Signy could hardly believe the difference in Astrid. Normally so quiet, the young woman before her appeared emboldened and confident. It was quite the transformation.

“Yes, he…” Astrid hesitated, as though reluctant to continue. “I’ve much enjoyed his company.”

Her brow furrowed. “But what of you, Signy? You’re upset, I can see. Has there been an argument? ‘Tis not always easy, is it? But I’m sure, whatever difficulty there is, you can find a solution.”

She glanced back over her shoulder. “Maybe the runes can offer you consolation, too?”

“Nay!” Signy shook her head vehemently. She believed in the runes’ foresight, just as she believed in the wrath and mercy of the gods, and was terrified of what they might reveal.

If Viggo wasn’t destined for her, then the last thing she wanted was to hear that message in the runes. It would seem so final.

I’m not ready for that.

Despite everything that had happened between her and Viggo, she’d rather continue the pretense a while longer, telling herself that something might be salvaged.

“Come, Signy.” It was Frida who called her now, her tone soft as she beckoned. “I’m happy to help.”

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