He turned back to Katarina. Despite his uneasiness, he revealed none of it to her. “I will not let him lay a hand upon you. Trust me in this.”
Her blue eyes met his, but he saw the doubt within them. Even if Valdr could teach him how to fight like a Viking, he lacked their strength. But he didn’t want his wife to be afraid—not when he was guarding her.
Eric edged her cheek with his knuckle, and she tried to smile. “I will try.”
He answered her smile and turned his attention back to rowing while she returned to the bow of the ship. Beside him, Hrafn admitted, “You surprised me, Thorgrim. I never thought you would wed my sister. You only had eyes for Svala before your last journey.”
“Not anymore.”
“Treat her well, or I will gut you,” Hrafn warned. But a smile tilted at the man’s mouth.
They rowed alongside one another, and Eric welcomed the burn through his muscles. It felt as if he’d been trapped within a life of manners and rules. Here, strength meant everything. He vowed to train hard, to become a man equal to the warriors around him.
One of Valdr’s men turned to him and smirked. “Katarina looks tired. You must have ridden her hard last night.”
Without thinking, Eric shoved his oar aside. He stood and seized the Viking, slamming his fist into the man’s jaw. “Do not speak of my wife in that way.”
The man started laughing, rubbing his chin. All around him, the others joined in. Hrafn sent him a knowing look. “It’s good that you haven’t forgotten how to fight, Thorgrim.”
He stopped rowing and faced the men. “I have forgotten nothing. And you would do well to remember what happened to Leif.” With that, he left the oars and went to join Katarina. She was staring out at the water, but he didn’t doubt that she had heard every word.
The wind caught the sails, and the men worked to harness it, pulling hard against the ropes. Katarina held on to the edge of the boat, her long blond hair streaming behind her. Tension lined her face, and her blue eyes were wary.
“We should reach the settlement by nightfall,” she said quietly.
“You’re still afraid, aren’t you?” He rested his hand upon the small of her back, and she nodded.
“I can’t help but feel that Leif will not let me go. His pride will not allow it.”
“I swore I would keep you safe, and this I will do.” He pulled her to him and was rewarded when she rested her head against his shoulder. Despite her inner strength, there was a worry within her. He wanted her to trust in him, to believe that he had the same strength as these men.
“Do you like being on the water?” he asked.
She met his gaze and offered a slight smile. “I do. Hrafn sometimes took me out fishing or we would sail along the coast. I love the wind.” She closed her eyes and turned toward the breeze. It shifted direction, blowing her hair directly into his mouth.
He turned his face, pushing it away, and she started to laugh. “Do not spit in my hair.”
In response, he twisted his wrist around the thick length, drawing her face close. Her laughter ceased, and she suddenly appeared embarrassed. She cast her gaze downward, and a faint flush stained her cheeks.
“You have no reason to fear me, Katarina. I would not harm you.”
Despite her nod, she still appeared nervous. Yet, as Eric stood beside her in the boat, letting the wind carry them through the waves, it felt right to be with her. Never had any woman fit against him in such a way, as if they were destined for one another.
The wind slashed at his face with a sudden chill, reminding him that it could not last. If he let himself get too close, she would only be torn away from him.
She reached up and touched his face. “I know you are keeping secrets from me. But I am glad we married.” There was a softness in her voice, and he gave in to the urge, stealing a swift kiss.
After he pulled back, Katarina flushed. “There is something I did not tell you.” She covered her face with her hands, looking back at the sea. “SomethingMóðirGerda said to me.”
He waited for her to continue, resting his hand at her waist. She appeared embarrassed, but finally said, “She told me that you were brought back from death so that I could conceive a child. And then you would be taken from me.”
He had no idea what to say to this. It had never been his intention to lie with her or risk a child being born from them. And yet, each moment spent with Katarina was a strong temptation. He wanted to join their bodies together and watch her come apart with her release.
At last, he answered, “We do not know whether any of what she has said will be true. Not every prophesy will come to pass.”
His words seemed to ease her fears, and she nodded, resting her head against his shoulder. “You are right, I know.” Then a moment later, she turned to face him, resting her palms upon his chest. With her voice in the barest whisper, she added, “But I should tell you, if you do want to consummate our marriage, I would not deny you. I would…be glad of your touch.” The color deepened in her cheeks, and he knew it had taken all her courage to voice such honesty. If he refused her offering, it would shatter her feelings.
For now, all he could do was hold her and stroke her hair. There were no answers for why he had been sent to this place. But he suspected he would soon find them.
