Page 104 of Shared By the Vikings

“I don’t think so.” Ingrid folded her arms and tilted her chin.

Hilde’s smile faded. “What?”

Ingrid took a step closer. “I said, I don’t think so.”

“But I—”

“Tali is not yours to have sex with, he’s mine.” Ingrid dared her to argue.

Hilde’s eyes widened and she turned to Tali. “What is this woman talking about?”

“This woman.” Tali released Hilde and took Ingrid’s hand. He kissed the back of it. “This princess is to be my wife. I cannot lie with you, Hilde. Not anymore.”

“Be your wife? You... marry a princess.” Hilde balled her hands into fists. “That is crazy talk. Why would the gods plan that for you?”

“Why wouldn’t they?” Ingrid said. “Tali is a handsome warrior with many fine skills. He has a lot to offer any woman, including a princess.”

“But, but you said you’d marry me.” Hilde stomped her foot. The flesh on her chest wobbled.

Ingrid turned her attention to Tali. “Is this true?”

“No.” He gestured at Hilde. “I didn’t promise myself to you, Hilde. You presumed it because we had sex. Good sex, great sex, but I wanted to travel west, you knew that. I didn’t want to marry.”

Hilde pointed at Ingrid. “But you want to marryher.” The word ‘her’ came out as though dragged over blades set on her tongue.

“I’m in love with Princess Ingrid,” Tali said. “Naught you say or do can change that.” He gestured to the crowd. “I’m in love with this woman, and we will be wed in Ravndal as soon as we arrive there.”

There were gasps and claps and congratulations. It was clear the crowd approved of Tali’s choice of wife. Marrying into royalty would be seen as a good move for the village.

“I hope a snake wraps around you both as you sleep, and squeezes the life from ye, killing any child in or out of her belly too.” Hilde’s bottom lip wobbled, then she turned, lifted the front of her tunic, and ran down the pier.

Ingrid blew out a breath. She hadn’t enjoyed seeing another woman trying to have sex with one of her men.

“Sorry,” Tali said, sweeping his lips over Ingrid’s.

“I don’t know if it’s truly your fault.” She was glad to see the crowd dispersing, though Erik’s parents lingered.

“I must take some responsibility for not thinking to warn you about Hilde.”

Ingrid nodded then looked at first Erik and then Gunnvar. “Anyone else I should know about?”

“No.” Gunnvar shook his head. “Not many women are crazy enough to want me.”

That brought a smile to her lips. Gunnvar was undoubtedly a bit crazy, but to her that was perfect.

“Erik?” she asked.

“No one here could handle me or keep me interested for long enough.” He pointed to the southerly end of the village. “I have a home there. We will go, with Raud.” He gestured to Tali and Gunnvar. “You go and collect what you need from your homes for our new life, and morrow at first light, we will set sail for Ravndal.”

“Ja, Jarl Erik.” Gunnvar hoisted a roll of furs onto his back. “I will see you morrow, Princess.”

She had a strong urge to reach for him, kiss him, but held back. With Ake and Ursula looking on it might seem strange. Tali had just claimed her, for all to witness, as his future wife.

People are going to have to get used to this.

She slipped her hands around Gunnvar’s waist and looked up into his eyes. “I’ll miss you tonight.”

He seemed a little surprised by her sudden affection, then, “Only one night, and then we will have an eternity together.”

---