Page 46 of Claimed By the Viking

She would be promising to love him, always, and to stand at his side—for however long they had together.

Several times, she’d been tempted to ask if Bothild foresaw anything else relating to Viggo—or to the hives or the island itself—but she’d held her tongue. If Bothild wanted to impart such things to Signy, she’d do so without prompting.

Besides which, no matter how her mother frustrated her, Signy owed first duty there, to speak to her of the bees before telling anyone else—even Bothild. With that in mind, she turned her feet toward Agneta’s hut.

Her mother was sitting outside upon a stool and jumped up at seeing her approach.

“Ah, there you are!” Ulva bore a more than usual expression of disgruntlement. “I saw you go into Bothild’s hut an age past and have been waiting on you. What you can think of to speak to her about for such a time, I can’t imagine! Meanwhile, here I am, without any such courtesy from my only daughter.”

“The fault is mine.I should have called upon you first.” Signy knew better than to counter her mother.

“Now you’re here, you can make yourself useful. I saw you taking honey to Bothild, as if we have endless pots to share.” Ulva gave a disapproving sniff. “I want some for myself and Agneta. It comes to something when I don’t feel comfortable entering my own home to fetch some, but so be it while that hulking brute sprawls within. Not that you ever?—”

“That reminds me…” Signy was forced to interrupt. “I was coming to see you,Móðir,to seek your advice… on the bees. I was up by the hives, and they’re behaving so strangely. Some are sickly. I’ve not seen anything like it before.”

“Is that your way of telling me I shouldn’t be giving Agneta the honey?” Ulva made a scoffing sound. “No doubt you’ve been using it in abundance, left to your own devices… spooning it down the neck of that good-for-nothing man, without a care for our supplies. Really, Signy, you’ll say anything to turn things to your own advantage. Selfish! You always were! ‘Tis little wonder your father lost his temper with you so often. A clip about the head would do you no harm to remind you of your place!”

The words stung as if her mother had struck her.

Selfish? And deserving to be punished?

It hurt that her mother perceived things that way. Nevertheless, Signy maintained her calm.

“Of course, you should have the honey. ‘Tis simply that I’m worried. Will you come with me to the hives, tomorrow?”

“You mean to drag me up there?” Ulva folded her arms. “You know how my knees are.”

“I wouldn’t ask if I didn’t think it important,” Signy persisted.

Ulva grimaced. “Tomorrow or the day after. Whatever it is, I doubt it’s as significant as you think. Likely, you’re making a ruckus over nothing.”

Signy held back a reply.

“Look at the fuss you made over your father’s plans for you. If events had turned out differently, you could have been married to Einar. Then, we wouldn’t have had to put up with Hedda strutting about, acting as if she’s queen of us all.”

“He was Hedda’s husband!” ‘Twas not often Signy raised her voice, but she couldn’t help herself. “You think I would take him from her? Besides which, you know I’d no desire for such a thing. I would have hated it.”

“Stupid girl. You didn’t know what was good for you. Now look… born with all this beauty, and for what? Wasted on a man who can’t even see you! I’ve a mind to ask Bothild to rethink the arrangements. That jarl of theirs, this Eldberg, is the sort ofman you should be with. He’s strong. And see the work he’s been doing, making things better for us!”

Signy stood in silence while her mother ranted.

“It won’t be long before he tires of Hedda’s sharp tongue. We should be ready for that time to show him you’re amenable. Secure him as your husband, and you’ll want for nothing.”

“Nay! I… I could never be with him!” Signy snapped. “Not since…”

Ulva gave a loud tut. “Since what? Since being with that lout Viggo?”

She rolled her eyes. “The sooner you forget him, the better. I only hope his seed is as weak as his eyes. Better to wait for Eldberg and bear his children. Fine and strong, they’ll be. A brood of six in no time.”

“You don’t know what you’re saying. This is all nonsense.” Signy pressed her fingers to her temples. She might have known her mother would react this way, for all that she’d urged her on in the beginning to get herself with child. “Viggo is the man I love. I’ve spoken with Bothild, and she’s agreed we should marry if he’s amenable.”

“Ungrateful girl! You think I’ll let that happen?” Ulva sneered.

“‘Tis not your decision.” Signy stood firm, awaiting another barrage of insults.

Ulva was strangely quiet, though her eyes glittered darkly, filled with inner seething.

“We’ll say no more, for the moment.” Ulva pressed her lips tight. “Just fetch me the honey and my larger shawl from the trunk. I don’t suppose you’ve considered that your mother might need more of her things. Your mind is purely upon your own wants.”

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