Page 68 of Taming His Viking Woman

‘My husband is a more than able opponent as I discovered to my cost. Provoke him at your peril.’ She tilted her head to one side. ‘You have this warning because you are our guest. But these warnings are only given once.’

If possible the man went even paler and he stumbled away.

‘Sayrid, if anyone makes any more remarks, you will let me know.’

She stared straight back at him. ‘I fight my own battles. Without assistance.’

‘Attack you and they attack me.’

Sayrid opened and closed her mouth several times. Finally she shrugged. ‘As you wish, but I can defend myself. I’ve never sheltered behind anyone and I’m not about to start.’

Hrolf struggled to keep his temper. He knew that physically she could defend herself more than adequately. But he knew how vulnerable Sayrid was behind the fierce mask she wore. The way he felt about her was far too new to be shared.

‘Remember who won the wager!’

She contented herself with crossing her arms and scowling. ‘If you wanted a compliant wife, you married the wrong woman.’

‘Best do as he says, Say.’ Regin gave a smug smile. ‘Upsetting a sea king is a bad idea. He obviously has set ideas on how a woman should act. Pity.’

He gave Regin a hard look. The man delighted in causing mischief. ‘Put your weapons in the pile as well.’

‘I’ve no wish to fall out with my new brother-in-law,’ Regin said, making a mocking bow after he’d placed his sword on top of the pile, a sword so shiny Hrolf doubted if it had ever been drawn in battle. It took all of Hrolf’s training not to punch him, particularly when he thought about the scars Sayrid bore and the battered sword she had used in their fight.

Blodvin bleated excuses before they both fled.

‘Your brother has seen sense,’ Hrolf said between gritted teeth. ‘A pity.’

‘What is going on?’ Sayrid asked as she struggled to control her temper. First Regin appeared with a group of strangers who appeared more inclined to rob than to trade and then Hrolf appeared to want to demonstrate his ownership of the lands and her. Just when she had thought they were getting on better. ‘Why are you baiting my brother like that? What great wrong has he done you other than being related to me?’

Hrolf’s jaw became even more set. ‘Your brother is a guest under my roof. He must abide by the same rules. It is fair.’

‘He lives here. He has always done.’ Sayrid pointed towards where Hrolf’s men stood with their swords clearly visible. ‘Are they to lose their weapons in the interests of fairness?’

‘They are pledged to me. I would trust them with my life and the lives of my family. Most women would never question their husband in this fashion.’

Sayrid stared at him in disbelief and growing frustration. ‘I married you, but I didn’t suddenly become ignorant. You ought to be listening to my counsel, instead of just bedding me.’

He massaged her back. ‘Bedding you is more pleasurable.’

She ignored the warm tingle which accompanied his caress. He seemed to think that all he had to do was touch her and she’d go along with his plans. ‘Do you want Regin to swear an oath to you?’

Hrolf shrugged. ‘It is a matter for him, but I only want warriors who are prepared to fight.’ His eyes hardened. ‘It must be his decision, Sayrid, without your help.’

‘You are a hard man.’

‘But I’m alive. What is mine, I keep safe, and that includes you.’

When the last of the weapons were deposited, Hrolf’s men led the group off to the hall.

Hrolf and Sayrid remained standing in front of the pile of swords, axes and assorted knives. Sayrid kicked one of the swords with her foot. Hrolf had warned her about the wager, but she’d been so certain. And now she’d lost any chance to train with the men. She had a bad feeling about these guests.

‘Your considered opinion?’ Hrolf asked, catching her elbow. ‘Before you retire to the kitchens to look after the food and ale.’

She started. He was actually asking her opinion. ‘I thought you were only interested in one thing from me.’

‘Our guests have retired.’

Sayrid assessed him under her lashes. He was playing some sort of game with their guests. But it was her chance to demonstrate her knowledge and make him see that she could do more than simply supervise the women. ‘Far too many. And two kept knives down their boots.’

‘What else?’

Sayrid studied the axes. ‘They are from the East. Known to you.’

A dimple played in the corner of his mouth. ‘Perhaps.’

‘You had best tell me what you know. Keeping me in the dark serves no good purpose.’ Sayrid put a hand on his arm. ‘I hate begging.’

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