Page 82 of Shared By the Vikings

“The sea didn’t take you,” Tali said, rising, also naked.

“No. But it seems you have taken something of mine.” He drew his sword and directed it at Gunnvar.

“What are you talking about?” Gunnvar’s expression darkened and he clenched his fists. He glanced at his weapon parked on the beach ten feet to his right.

“You have taken my woman,” Raud said. “Princess Ingrid Baardsen of Ravndal.”

“Hey, friend.” Tali stepped forward. “What are you doing?”

Raud snapped forward and jabbed the sword onto Tali, the end poking at the center of his chest.

Tali stopped dead in his tracks and held up his hands. “You wouldn’t slice a man just up from his bed, Raud.” A single bright drip of blood ran from the small wound in his sternum, leaving a dark trail.

“You’ve lain with my woman. So yes, I would.”

“Raud,” Ingrid said, hating the sight of the sword pressed against Tali and the blood snaking toward his navel. “What are you doing?”

“I’m taking you away from here. Away from these warriors.”

“But I like... I... I love these warriors.”

“What?” He threw her a scowl. “Youlovethem?”

“I...ja, I—”

“You don’t know what you’re talking about, Princess Ingrid.”

“Drop it.” Erik appeared behind Raud, sword held horizontal, the tip at the base on Raud’s neck.

Raud snatched in a breath and his eyes widened, but he didn’t drop his weapon.

“Do as I say,” Erik demanded.

“You are no longer my Jarl. We are on dry land,” Raud managed through gritted teeth.

“It is unfair to pull a sword on a naked unarmed fellow countryman at sea or on land.”

Raud suddenly spun around, sword aloft and now aimed at Erik.

Erik didn’t flinch, though he did widen his stance.

“What have you done to her?” Raud demanded, flicking his attention to Ingrid briefly.

“Naught she didn’t want.” Erik tipped his chin.

“What does that mean?” Raud asked.

“It means she’s had a good time with us, and in return we have kept her safe and have plans to return her home under our protection.”

“Good time.” Raud’s cheeks reddened. “By that you mean sex. Have you any idea who she is? That she is not just royalty but also a maiden.”

“Ja, we know who she is, and her maidenhead has been dispensed with so that is no concern of yours, Raud.”

“Dispensed with,” Raud growled, stepped forward and sliced his sword at Erik. “I’ll dispense with you.”

Erik blocked it, the clang of metal on metal a loud roar, and he sidestepped away. “I have no wish to fight you, Raud.” He puffed up his chest. “But make no mistake I will, and Iwillkill you.”

“Please, Raud, no.” Ingrid went to rush to him but Gunnvar snagged her wrist. “Don’t fight, not over me.” She tore at Gunnvar’s fingers.

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