Page 23 of Summer of the Viking

At Valdar’s perplexed expression, she added. ‘Anger made me strong.’

‘Trust me with the true explanation.’

‘Because...I didn’t wish to get cheated again. I wanted to wait and find someone I trusted.’

He raised his brow. ‘By not hiring a steward, you allowed people like that man licence to do as they wished. You risked losing everything.’

Her insides twisted. She hated that he was right and that she should have known better. She should have questioned Oswy’s excuses more closely, and seen if he really had no fine flour or not. ‘He was always very loyal to my father and even to my husband. Before now, he always delivered the flour early. It was only when I wanted to make a treat for Merri’s birthday that I discovered he had not bothered to hold any back for me. I was supposed to make do with the ordinary sort.’

‘Then it is well you have me.’

A tiny piece of her died. For one wild heartbeat, she’d hoped that he was indeed the answer to her problems. But it was far too good to be true.

Her luck didn’t run to handsome warriors appearing suddenly and rescuing her. She wasn’t even certain she wanted rescuing. And there was that nagging doubt in the back of her mind. What had Valdar called out in his fever? Perhaps in his language they had different names for the saints, and he had been praying? That must be what it was. He didn’t behave like an uncouth barbarian. But where precisely was Raumerike?

‘You must know that I don’t have the gold to pay you.’

All the warmth drained from his eyes. ‘Did I ask for any payment? My life is payment enough. I will stay until the harvest. My new role will give me ample time to return to health and get my full strength back. The sea nearly claimed me. I can never repay the debt I owe you.’

‘Merri talked about you. Oswy gave me a garbled version.’ Alwynn put a hand to her head. Valdar would stay without asking for gold. A large part of her wanted to shout for joy. Miracles could happen. But she’d learnt to distrust miracles.

‘It matters for nought.’

‘I’ve no idea how far the tale has gone. Or even the precise nature of the tale. I can’t believe she did this to me.’

He waved a hand. ‘She is young and had an adventure. It is to be expected. This way is better than hiding and jumping at every little noise, yes? There is a reason for me to be here.’

She narrowed her gaze. Was he speaking about her? She didn’t hide. She simply found reasons to be in the garden, where things were peaceful. ‘What way?’

‘Me being your steward until the autumn. It solves your problem and mine.’ He held out his hand. ‘Is it a bargain? I will get you your due without fear or favour. You can trust me.’

Alwynn regarded his long fingers. There were so many reasons why she should refuse. She had gone against Edwin’s direct orders. She had no idea who Valdar truly was, but she had little choice but to trust him. And it wasn’t as if she was inviting him into her life for ever.

Her heart gave a little protest, but she silenced it. She was being practical. She could keep him at arm’s length. There would be no repeat of last night’s kiss, as much as her body might desire it.

Her hand reached towards his. ‘Until the autumn, then.’

Valdar held Alwynn’s hand in his for a few heartbeats longer than he needed to. Silently he apologised for the slight deception about his origins, but it was necessary. He couldn’t risk being branded a raider when he had no intentions of raiding. He hated that her hand felt right in his. There was no good hoping for a future when there was none for him here in this place. And he could make the meeting with Ash Hringson, particularly if he travelled by sea rather than going overland.

She withdrew her hand and her cheeks glowed pink. He wondered about his strange dream of kissing her in the sea. He dismissed it as being fanciful. She was his employer now and even more off limits.

‘There, it didn’t hurt too much, did it?’

She gave a half-smile. ‘It didn’t hurt at all.’

‘I will stay at the cottage with your nurse,’ he said before she had the chance to dictate terms. When not at work, he had to be prudent and guard his privacy. ‘When I take up my duties, I will come to your hall. For now the rumour of me should send the goods flowing in. A way to find out who has been honest and who has not.’

A faint crease appeared between her brows. ‘I fear you might be right.’

‘Fear?’

‘I used to think the best of everyone, but I learnt that was impossible. That innocence has gone.’ She gestured with her hand. ‘Long gone. Today is one more lesson in a long line of lessons. When will I start to learn? I want to trust, but every time I’m betrayed.’

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