‘My Queen asked where the rest of her ships were. Why do you not answer?’ asked Agnar with a bored expression.
King Sven shrugged. ‘Oddmund was sent to tell you of Heimdall’s death by the Usurper—it is a shame you did not heed his warnings. The rest of Heimdall’s men are with me, ready to avenge their master and liberate Thrudheim from Agnar’s clutches!’
Agnar had the audacity to chuckle. ‘It is well known that I was the one originally betrothed to Queen Skadi. It is also known that I openly challenged him for my birthright. Do you honestly think the petty Kings will support you in attacking Thrudheim now? I do not. In fact, I suspect they will be grateful to no longer have to deal with you when trading for Thrudheim silver.’
King Sven stiffened, but then his eyes narrowed. ‘King Olaf will live to regret his alliance with you,Rus scum!’
Agnar shrugged, but did not answer.
For the first time, King Sven turned towards Skadi and said coldly, ‘You should never have let him in! He will kill you and your daughter before the end of the month and replace you with a Rus princess. I am aware, Agnar, of the other match presented to you! You could have had a young and fertile Rus princess…’ he glanced at Skadi and gave a dismissive snort ‘…but instead you chose—’
Agnar stepped forward, his hand braced on the top of his throwing axe and shouted, ‘Enough!’
The guards on either side bristled and placed their hands on the pommels of their swords. But Agnar was not done and he glared at King Sven, before snapping, ‘You have denied me for too many years as it is! I am married to Queen Skadi, I am the King of Thrudheim and I accept Princess Astra as my heir.’
King Sven’s gaze had not shifted from Skadi and she knew he saw the doubt and fear in her eyes, because his voice softened to a serpent-like persuasive tone, ‘We spoke about a betrothal for Astra. Consider her safety, as well as the upcoming winter without my grain… If she leaves with me, she will be safe.’
Skadi’s fists clenched and unclenched. She could not trust either man. This was the first time she had heard about a Rus princess and she began to worry about what that could mean for herself and Astra. Agnar had not denied it, but then, would Astra be safe with Sven? She doubted it… She would be his hostage and a way for Sven to reclaim the throne of Thrudheim at a later date.
‘My daughter remains with me until it is her time to wear the crown. She will remain on this island and rule it, as I have done, and as all her ancestors have done before her.’
‘A kingdom requires a king to rule it!’
Agnar replied coldly, ‘This kingdom has one.Perhaps you should return to yours?’
King Sven gave a disgruntled huff and turned away with a parting hiss to Skadi, ‘You will regret this!’
He left with a swish of his cloak and the clatter of his armoured guards hurrying after him.
Skadi still wasn’t sure if she’d just snubbed the only man left who could possibly help her. But she could not waste time regretting her decision, so she turned on her heel and left.
Hating all men and their selfish plans.
* * *
Vali came to stand beside Agnar as he watched King Sven’s longship row out of Thrudheim’s harbour to rejoin his fleet.
‘Did you count them?’ Agnar asked quietly.
‘Yes, we outnumber him. But I will wait for the man we sent to higher ground to confirm if any were hidden from view.’
‘I doubt it. He wanted to show his fleet. He hoped to intimidate me, but King Olaf’s support has now been confirmed to him. He will not attack openly… At least not yet.’
‘What are your orders?’ Vali asked, his eyes squinting into the distance as the fleet sailed eastwards.
‘Keep a close watch on Astra and her handmaid. King Sven wants Skadi to give her up to him… Be sure she doesn’t.’
‘Do you think she will let her go to him willingly?’
Agnar shrugged, turning away and walking back through the gate, Vali following close behind. ‘I doubt it. But there may be men and women loyal to King Sven here. Keep an eye on that Oddmund, too… I do not trust anyone Sven knows by name. Especially one I have heard nothing of until now.’
They made their way through the smaller door of the gate and, with a silent nod from Agnar, it was barred and locked.
It seemed Skadi hadn’t made it that far back to the hall, as she was now speaking with a woman on the wide cart road that led to the market.
‘Who is she speaking with?’ asked Agnar curiously and Vali peered at the woman before answering.
‘Hmmm, I believe her name is Bodil and she runs the brothel. Their tavern also supplies the ale for the hall—I’ve seen her delivering it.’
