Page 33 of Hungry Like a Wolf
She clasped her hand over her mouth and stepped back, hiding her face.
Ravn laughed and indicated for his crew to board. They did so amidst shouts of goodbye and stomps of boots.
“Princess,” Ravn called, “come here. It is time to board.”
She folded her arms and glowered at him.
“Now!” He flicked his hand.
“Why would I willingly step aboard a longboat with you?”
“Because I told you to.”
“And you are my new master?” Her eyes narrowed and she pouted.
“I am your new king.” He pointed at the boat. “Now get on.”
“No.” She folded her arms.
“You are a disobedient wench.” He marched up to her, irritation pricking at him.
“That may be, but I will not board a boat that is to take me away from my homeland against my will.” She stuck out her chest and closed her eyes. “I would die first. Stab me here.” She banged her right breast dramatically.
“Oh, in the name of Odin, you might be the biggest mistake of my life.” He tutted then stooped and scooped her up into his arms. She was light and delicate and he clasped her to his chest and strode to the plank between pier and boat.
“Hey! Put me down.” She yanked his tunic and kicked her legs. “Put me down.”
“Goodbye, my brothers. Goodbye, my sister. May the gods always look upon you and the good people of Tillicoulty with great favor.”
He boarded the boat in several quick strides, jumping the few feet down to the hull.
Carmel let out a squeal, part shock, part protest.
He kept hold of her, enjoying the warmth of her body against his and the rosemary scent that wafted from her sun-warmed hair.
His crew quickly released the ropes and Haakon and Hamish gave the longboat a shove with their feet setting it adrift.
“Goodbye,” Queen Kenna called with a wave. “May God bless you all and Saint Christopher row beside you during your travels.” She kissed the cross at her neck.
“Son of Odin and brother of Thor, our great god Meili will be at your side,” Orm yelled as he held his arms to the sky. “Meili, be wise and good and protect our brothers from the great serpents and beasts of the ocean.”
“Thank you, Orm.” Ravn held his hand up. A sudden pang of loss hit him. He’d made amends with his siblings these last weeks. Sure, they still irked him—he’d always have rivalry with Haakon and he’d never understand Astrid—but he could travel home knowing they were happy and healthy.
His father would be pleased as he looked down from Valhalla. If Ravn’s penance for his selfish ways had been to lose everyone he’d cared for, he’d now gone some way to compensating for his actions and rebuilding bridges.
“Get off me.” Carmel whacked him on the shoulder.
He looked down at her. Her eyes were misted with tears and her bottom lip quivered.
“What is it?”
She blinked and a tear escaped. Quickly, she dashed at it. “Put me down.”
He set her feet on the hull but kept his arm around her waist. “Why are you crying?”
“I’m not.” She sniffed and turned away from the crowd on the pier.
“I’ll take care of you,” he said, his voice a little softer as he spoke by her ear. “You’re safe with me. I promise.”
