Page 109 of Shared By the Vikings

Chapter Twenty-Three

Ingrid rose with thecockerel the next morning. Raud and Erik were still sleeping heavily; they’d all but collapsed into bed after working in the field until late, pausing only long enough to eat the food she’d prepared.

Slipping a fur around her shoulders, for the morning was cool, she added logs to the fire. After setting water over it to heat, she went to the door and pulled it open, keen to see the view Erik had woken up to for so many years.

“Oh, Ursula, what are you doing here?”

Before Ingrid stood her second mother—or rather one of her second mothers—holding a stack of red material.

“Princess.” Ursula bobbed slightly. “I was just about to knock.”

“Good morn to you.” Ingrid smiled.

“May I come in?”

“Of course. Erik is still sleeping. So is Raud.”

“It is you I came to see.”

“It is?” Ingrid stepped out of the way.

“Ja. And I hope you don’t take offense, Princess, but I wanted to give you the choice.”

“The choice of what?”

“Of going to your father, the king, and your people in a more... regal outfit.” She scanned the furs pulled around Ingrid’s shoulders. “I beg your pardon if I am out of line, but I’m guessing you only have what you arrived yesterday wearing.”

Ingrid nodded. “You’re right.”

Ursula smiled and set down the material. As she carefully unfolded it, then let it hang, Ingrid realized it was a gown.

A very beautiful gown with gold weave, a tight laced bodice, and drapes that lay dramatically over the shoulders then swung almost to the floor, resting on the thick layers of the skirt section.

“It’s lovely,” Ingrid said, fingering the soft wool.

“It was mine, when I was a young lady.” Ursula’s cheeks pinked. “So I’m afraid it wasn’t made for a princess, or is even good enough for a princess, but it is all I have to offer.” She shrugged a little stiffly. “And I was about your size in my younger days.”

“I’m sure it will fit perfectly and I would be honored to wear it.”

“It is I who has the honor.”

Ingrid took it from her. “Thank you.”

“Mother.” Erik walked past, naked, scratching his head. “What are you doing here?”

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