Page 81 of Hungry Like a Wolf
“Congratulations,” Carmel said. “I am pleased for you both.” She remembered the way Anna had looked at Orm, sought him out, found things to talk to him about. She wasn’t that surprised about the news. Anna had clearly liked Orm…a lot.
“I am glad you have found the happiness I have,” Ravn said. “And what is the news of King Haakon and our sister, Astrid?”
“Ah, there is much to tell.”
“Go on,” Carmel said, settling back and folding her arms. She was keen for news.
“Haakon is to be a father,” Orm said, his eyes sparkling, “and judging by the size of Kenna’s belly, I would wager it’s twin boys.”
“Really?” Ravn strode to the pit house. “We should celebrate,” he called. “I will get the mead.”
“Wait, brother.” Orm held up his hand. “My wife wishes to get to Drangar after a long journey and I do not wish for her to swim to shore.” He gestured at the longboat bobbing on the water. “We will celebrate in Drangar, together, when you return from this…this sea air vacation.”
Ravn paused and nodded. “Very well. But before you go, tell me, how is Astrid?”
“Ah, Astrid.” Orm rubbed his hands together. “She is as wild as ever and her man does nothing to tame her. Not one thing to rein her in, fasten her down, or hog-tie her.”
“Her man. You mean Hamish?” Ravn asked.
“Ja, he’s her man. He’ll only ever be her man, for she refuses to marry him.”
“Has he asked?” Ravn shrugged.
Orm laughed. “He knows her well enough to know that would get him no pussy for a week at least.”
Carmel thought back to how Astrid had intimidated her. She had a fiery flash in her eyes that matched her hair and seemed beyond confident in her abilities, beliefs, and decisions.
“I miss her,” Ravn said suddenly.
“You do?” Carmel asked.
“Really?” Orm raised his eyebrows.
“Ja, when you were sick, Carmel, I wished she were with me.” Ravn stroked his hand over Carmel’s hair. “I wished for her calmness and wisdom.”
“You were sick?” Orm asked.
“My throat burned and the sweats took over my body.”
Orm peered at her. “You are white, like the first snow.”
“Which is why she must rest here.” Ravn moved to Orm and in a sudden flurry, embraced him. “I’m glad that you are returned to your homeland. Father would have been too—”
“Huh, I’m not so sure about that.”
“He would be glad to see you happy and married. Now go and I will look forward to our time together in Drangar. But until then, go to our people and let them be joyous about your marriage. They will be curious about Anna, as they were about Carmel.”
“Aye, tell her not to be afraid, they are friendly,” Carmel said. “Welcoming.”
“I thank you, Your Grace, and I will pass that on. She has been troubled with not fitting in.” He bowed low to her, almost mockingly.
“She has lots to learn,” Carmel said calmly. “And I will be glad of her friendship when I return home.”
“You have learned a lot. You speak our tongue now.” Orm nodded approvingly. “It is a good sign that you will rule well.”
Before Carmel could answer, he jumped into the air, clapped, then landed, puffing up dirt and sand with his boots. “I mustlove you and leave you, King and Queen. Until we meet again, be well and safe and fuck gloriously.”
“But why did you come back?” Ravn called to his back. “Will you stay?”
