Page 105 of Shared By the Vikings

“And will that be long enough?”

“Never.” He kissed her, a deep, uninhibited kiss that touched her soul.

When she stepped away, Tali kissed her too. Again it was a kiss that held so much love and promises for the future.

“You are not going with your husband to be?” Ursula asked, when Tali and Gunnvar walked from the pier, their boots thudding.

“They are both to be my husbands.” She paused. “As are Erik and Raud.”

“Erik?” Ake turned to his son who towered over him. “You are to marry a princess?”

“Is it so hard to believe?” Erik put his arm around Ingrid’s waist.

“No, we are surprised, that is all.”

“About what?” Erik asked, frowning. “I am a fine warrior and expert seafarer.”

“We do not dispute that, son,” Ake said. “But are you really willing to... share your wife?”

“It is her royal prerogative to choose more than one husband.” Erik nodded at Raud, who was back in the boat collecting the swords and shields. “And I’m going to be living with men who are brothers to me. Even Raud, who I have only met this summer. Together we are strong, invincible. We will create sons who will rule with their minds, hearts, and strength.”

Ake nodded. “You have thought about this.”

“When do I not think about everything I do?”

Ake inclined his head in agreement.

“Ingrid is not just a princess but also a fierce, skilled, and brave shield maiden. It will take four husbands to control her adventurous tendencies,” Erik said, a touch of pride in his voice.

“A shield maiden princess?” Ursula said, her eyes widening.

Ingrid nodded and took the bow and arrow Raud passed her.

“Most unusual,” Ake said.

“She is one in a million stars, and the gods have made her my destiny,” Erik said. “When the wedding is planned in Ravndal it would make me happy if you would take the journey to attend.”

“Of course we will, son.” Ake took his wife’s hand. He turned his attention to Ingrid. “It will be a great joy to us to see you and Erik joined, and you with your other husbands. Tali and Gunnvar are good men and fine Vikings.”

“I know, and thank you. You will be welcomed in Ravndal.”

“Thank you.” They stepped back, heads bowed. “We will see you in the morn. Before you journey.”

“Ja.” Erik held Ingrid a little tighter. When they were out of earshot he said, “And the weddingwilltake place. It will be a happy event. Your father will have no choice but to accept us and your decision.”

“He is a stubborn man.”

“I am more so.” He kissed the side of her head. “Or hadn’t you noticed, Princess Ingrid Baardsen of Ravndal.”

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