Ivar watched, expecting Eindride’s departure at any moment, but as the minutes ticked by, his suspicious fears created a choke hold. Could his best friend be having an affair with the one woman he loved? Part of his mind chided him for the ridiculousness of the thought while the other part clamored for him to run Eindride through and carry Lena away. His emotions already overwrought with fear that Lena was slipping away, or rather being pulled away, because of his impending wedding.
When Eindride made no sign of leaving Lena’s longhouse, Ivar stormed across the village green and took a breath before kicking open the door. He roared when he saw Lena standing in the center of the room embracing Eindride. Ivar launched himself at Eindride before asking questions. He knocked Eindride to the floor, tackling him as his fist raised to slam into his face, but before he landed the first punch, Eindride looked away.
“Gods, Lena!” Eindride yelled.
Ivar looked over and saw Lena lying on the floor next to the table, a gash on her forehead from where she must have hit the corner when Ivar’s attack knocked her over as well. Ivar scrambled off Eindride and crawled to Lena’s side.
“Lena,” his voice cracked. He looked back at Eindride. “I killed her.”
“I’m not dead, but I’m angrier than a shaken hive. Help me up.” Lena hissed as she tried to push herself into a sitting position.
“No, wait.” Ivar choked out. He scooped Lena into his arms and carried her to a chair before the fire. He was cautious when he nestled her against his chest as he lowered himself into the chair. “Ein, get a wet cloth.”
Ivar crooned nonsensical words to Lena as he pressed the cold compress against the cut on her forehead. Once he cleared away the initial blood, he realized that it was not as deep as he feared.
“I’m sorry, Lena. So, so sorry.”
“Why’d you come crashing in here like a bear woken from a nap? Why’d you go for Ein?” Lena’s voice was raspy, but her eyes were clear and focused. Ivar was thankful for small blessings.
“I--” Ivar looked over his shoulder at Eindride, his guilt obvious to anyone. He hung his head before muttering. “I saw Eindride come in here, and then he stayed for so long that I became suspicious. I’m sorry, Ein.”
“You thought I’d betray you?” Lena gasped.
“You thought I would take what is yours? We are like brothers, but we have never shared like that.” Ivar knew he warranted Eindride’s indignation.
“You were speaking to Lorna who had just come from here, then you looked around as though expecting someone to catch you, then you stayed in here for so long.”
“So long?” Lena interjected. “He was here five minutes. You assumed I would turn away from you that fast. And with your best friend. Let go of me. Leave, Ivar.”
Lena tried to push away and almost fell to the floor. She stood up so suddenly that the room spun, and she covered her mouth as her supper threatened to revisit her. Ivar wrapped his arm around her shoulder and turned her against his chest. Once Lena was sure she would not be ill, she stepped away.
“Leave, Ivar.”
“What? No, I’m not leaving you alone when you’re hurt. I’ll at least wait until Tormud returns.”
“No. I don’t want to be near you right now. I don’t need a nursemaid.”
“And I’m not leaving you alone with a head injury. I’ll wait out here if you retire to your chamber.”
“I don’t want to retire right now. And I damn well don’t want you here!” Lena grasped her head as her voice reverberated through her skull. “Get out. I wouldn’t have a head injury if you weren’t jealous and arrogant.”
“And I want to fix it.”
“Go see your bride. Fix that.”
Ivar jerked back as though Lena struck him. He shook his head, then looked at Eindride, who stepped toward the door.
“Lena, tell him what we were talking about. Forgive him for being an ass or not, but you have to tell him. You think this was bad.” Eindride pretended to shiver as he pulled the door open and stepped out, closing the door behind him.
“Tell me what?”
“Nothing that can’t wait until morning when I’m not so angry with you.”
“I’ve apologized, and I feel wretched for hurting you and assuming the worst. Gods, Lena. Don’t you think I fear you will find someone else rather than wait for me to sort out this mess with Inga? I thought I was watching my greatest fear come to life before my eyes. I thought you’d already moved on. And I’m not sure if thinking it was Eindride made it worse or better. Worse since he’s my best friend, but better knowing he would care for you properly.”
“You are an idiot. Eindride would never touch me. He’s too loyal to you for starters, and Brenna would never look at him again. He’s never wanted me. He’s had his eye on Brenna for years, but she was too young. You can’t see anything around you. How will you ever lead?” Lena’s eyes opened wide as she realized what her words meant. “I’m sorry. That was uncalled for. I shouldn’t have said that, Ivar. Everyone knows you’re already the real leader, not your father.”
“You didn’t say anything untrue. Where you’re concerned, I can’t see beyond needing you.” Ivar inched towards Lena and waited to see if she would pull away. When she remained rooted to where she stood, he raised his arms. She stepped into his embrace and rested the uninjured size of her head against his chest. “What was Eindride saying about something you need to tell me.”
