Page 31 of Mastered By the Viking King

“I believe you.” He swept his lips over hers. “Or at least I believe you will try, my little queen.”

Chapter 7

The next morn, Wanda arrived with new clothing for Tove. Brown leather pants and a matching sleeveless tunic. An ocean blue undergarment, new leather boots, and a belt with a large buckle with the image of an owl embossed upon it.

“My husband made you this buckle, a gift for his new queen. He promises his allegiance to you.”

“Erik is very kind.” Tove admired it as it sat against her slim waist. “I intend to do him—and the people of Halsgrof—proud as their queen.”

“I am sure you will.” Njal stood from the bed. “And all of these treasures.” He pointed to the table of jewels, coins, and amulets. “They are at your disposal. You are a wealthy woman now, Tove, and will be in the next life, too. For I have much buried for us to enjoy in Valhalla.”

Tove admired the jewels. Until yesterday, she hadn’t even known such riches existed, and now she was being told they were hers. That she was wealthy.

Njal picked up the wooden box with the snake’s head lock. “Except for this, and its contents.”

Wanda looked at the floor and clasped her hands together.

“Why?” Tove asked. “What is in there, my king?”

“These things were worn by the banished queen. I do not want her shameless behavior to be passed onto you. These things are tainted by her. They are riddled with bad luck. You will not touch them, Tove.”

“I understand.” Tove touched her hair. Wanda had plaited it, and it was tight against her scalp then hung down her back like a rope.

“King Njal! I must speak with you.”

Njal strode to the curtain and pulled it back.

Halfdan stood there, twisting his hands together.

“What is it?” Njal’s voice was low and gruff.

“There is an outcry in Halsgrof. The townsfolk are gathering outside the Great Hall.”

“What has happened?”

“Ysar is accusing Astrid of sexing with her husband, Sune.”

“Is it true?” Njal asked.

“Astrid is heavy with child, and has refused to say who is the father. Ysar has shouted all over town that it is her husband’s baby. She is demanding that Astrid be hung before ‘morrow’s light.”

“What does Sune say?”

“Like Astrid, he is also silent, refusing to either confirm or deny his part in creating Astrid’s swollen belly.”

“Get them into the Great Hall. The queen and I will hear what they have to say, and decide upon the course of action—notYsar. Hanging is not her decision to make.” He dropped the curtain into place and tugged on the beads at the end of his beard, frowning. “I have greater concerns than this.”

“Like what, my husband?” Tove took his big hand in hers.

“My brother, Leif should have returned from sailing west by now.” He sighed. “The first snow and his late arrival to Halsgrof have me worried.”

“The snow has only just fallen. There is no ice yet in the fjords. All will be well.”

He cupped her cheek. “Thank you for your words.” He set a kiss on the top of her head. “Now come, you must take the throne before your people.”

Tove followed her husband through the curtain. He wore his big, silvery wolf fur, his shoulders swaying, his fists clenching. She hoped his brother would arrive back safe, and soon. Then Njal would be less tense.

The Great Hall was filling quickly. Fires had been lit as had the mood of the crowd. It seemed Ysar had added fuel to their curiosity and the prospect of a hanging had captured their attention.

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