Page 119 of Shared By the Vikings

He leaned forward and kissed each of her cheeks. “I love you with all my heart, you are a piece of my soul,” he said. “But you are not a son; I cannot leave you with the royal responsibility of Ravndal and our surrounding land. Bjorn could have helped you with that.”

“I’m sorry I am not a son.” She closed her eyes. That was one problem she could not solve.

“There is one solution,” the king said quietly.

She looked at him. His attention was on Raud.

“Come here, Raud.”

Raud stepped forward. “King Baardsen.”

“You are truly going to wed my daughter?”

“As soon as possible.”

“And be her chief husband?”

“We are all equal.”

“Some more equal than others.” The king set his hands on Raud’s shoulders. “You are a son of Ravndal. I have watched you grow into a man. I know your parents, they are trusted friends. It is my wish, therefore, when I go to Valhalla, and Ingrid becomes queen of Ravndal, that you become king.”

Raud’s jaw dropped a fraction, then he snapped his mouth closed.

“That does not please you?” the king asked. “You cannot carry the burden of responsibility?”

“Ja, I mean no. I mean...” He cleared his throat. “It would be a great honor. And along with my Viking brothers, Erik, Tali, and Gunnvar I will serve Ravndal to the very best of my ability. We will be of great use if ever there is an attack.”

“I believe you.” The king kissed each of Raud’s cheeks. “I believe you, my son.” He stepped back and held up his hands. “Tonight we will hold a great feast to honor the safe return of my daughter and her four warrior husbands.”

A cheer rang around the pier.

In the distance Bjorn was dragging himself onto the beach, head bowed.

Gunnvar cupped Ingrid’s face and kissed her, pulling her close and dipping his tongue into her mouth.

She giggled at his exuberance and her heart soared.

The next thing she knew Erik was swinging her into the air and holding her against his chest.

She looped her hands around his neck and laughed as Tali set a kiss on her cheek.

Everything is going to be okay.

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