‘Being pretty is something you always say,’ she said, pushing all thoughts of the passionate kiss to one side.
‘It doesn’t make it any less true.’ Astrid reached out her hand and caught hers. ‘I’m proud of you, Svanna. Always. Remember that.’
A lump came into Svanna’s throat. Astrid always doled out praise sparingly, which made her words even more precious because Svanna knew they weren’t meaningless utterings but came from her heart.
‘I’ve no intention of forgetting such a thing.’
Astrid waved her hand. ‘I wish to see you properly settled on your wedding night. Women like us have such a brief opportunity to tie their husbands to them. Oftentimes, a single night. Use it well. Do not waste it on trivialities.’
‘I’ll not squander it,’ Svanna promised, trying not to think about how Astrid would disagree with the bargain she’d made.
‘My lady, your daughter is perfection. No man could resist her,’ a servant murmured. ‘Lord Sigmund made me promise that I would keep you from over-exerting yourself. He requires you in his life.’
‘Thank you,’ Astrid mumbled, her body crumpling. Svanna discreetly signalled to several women to support her. One put an arm about her. ‘You are a thoughtful person. Better than I deserve.’
Helped by the women, Astrid departed.
‘Won’t be long now,’ Svanna said into the silence which had fallen. The remaining women gave indulgent smiles and burst into another round of telling ribald stories about various wedding nights. Svanna wondered how she’d ever considered any of them prudish. The noise from the men grew louder, and the women’s eyes danced. One darted forward and rearranged Svanna’s hair and gown, making sure that the shadowy vee between her breasts was exposed. ‘Now you are ready to be eaten all up.’
With the sound of swords hitting shields, drums banging and shouts of ‘Here comes the groom!’, Rand stumbled into the room. The women clapped their hands.
‘Ladies,’ he said, swaying slightly. ‘I have arrived.’
His mouth seemed slack. A vagueness entered his eyes. Svanna’s heart sank. He must have drunk quite a lot. She remembered Astrid confiding how insensible the usurper had been when they’d wed, and how he’d forgotten his promises. She had to hope that Rand remembered his.
‘Lord Randolfr,’ Svanna said, trying to ignore the butterflies which had taken up residence in her belly. ‘We’ve been expecting you.’
Coarse laughter from the assembled crowd rang out.
‘Will you leave me and my bride?’ Rand made a flourishing bow and appeared to stumble halfway through. He spun around and managed to fall on the bed with his arms open wide.
The crowd shouted encouragement.
He patted the bed. ‘Wife? Will you join me? Far more comfortable here than standing in the centre of the room.’
The crowd lapped it up, hooting with laughter and egging him on.
Wrapping the last shreds of her dignity about her, Svanna gingerly walked over and carefully sat beside him, keeping her body as still as possible, despite her hands trembling uncontrollably. However, the fur-draped mattress dipped and she slid into his body. Her entire being was immediately aware of his hard muscle.
She edged away from him and gripped the top fur until her knuckles turned white. ‘I’m here.’
She winced at how high-pitched her voice sounded.
He lifted his head slightly at her words. His brow knit. He ostentatiously cleared his throat and waited for the room to grow quiet. ‘What is about to pass between us doesn’t require an audience, does it, ladies?’
Much renewed tittering and giggling before the women slowly exited the chamber, whispering and nudging each other. One briefly put her hand on top of Svanna’s ice-cold one, saying that she hoped Svanna would pass a comfortable night. She winked at Rand, whose smile increased.
Svanna dug her fingernails into the fur and her face grew hot. Rand gave her a concerned glance and she prayed to the Norns he’d consider the burn on her cheeks was due to the torches.
After the last woman had departed, he rose and closed the door firmly, setting a heavy trunk against it. ‘To prevent anyone from accidentally barging in.’
‘Do you think they will?’ Wild and uncontrollable laughter escaped her throat. She found it impossible to stop until all air had vanished from her lungs. She lay, gasping for breath, staring at the tapestries.
‘I lack the ability to foretell the future. I hope for the former and wish to prevent the latter.’ His voice had lost its slur.
She turned her head, the better to study him. His eyes appeared alert, his mouth was no longer slack and he’d adjusted his tunic.
‘No great display of passion on either of our parts required,’ he continued. ‘The kiss at the wedding was enough.’
