She bandaged his hands with strips of linen and, when she’d tied and tucked the ends, she cupped his face with both hands and gently tilted him up to look at her. The softness of her expression startled him.
‘I am sorry,’ she said sincerely and there were tears in her eyes. ‘For everything. For how I treated you in the past and in the present.’
It was what he had wanted from her all along, a heartfelt and tearful apology.
He reached up and covered her hands with his, pulling them away gently. ‘I no longer want you to be sorry. I only wish for you to be happy. This time of uncertainty will pass, I swear it.’
She smiled and his heart swelled in his chest. It wasn’t until this moment that he realised he had always loved her, although in different ways. He’d been in awe of the young Princess, obsessed with the young Queen who had turned away from him… Over the years, bitterness, lust and ambition had combined into a storm of conflicting emotions, but she was the woman he’d dreamed of, wanted above all others—even when he’d hated her, he’d wanted nothing more than to go to her.
Over the last few days, however, he’d seen Skadi for who she truly was, a loving mother and devoted ruler. A woman who was trusting, kind, passionate and honourable. He’d helplessly fallen for her again, for the third time, but this time as a man and as an equal.
As a boy, youth, and man, she had always guided him, like the north star showing the way home.
Gently taking his forearm so as not to put pressure on his hands, she led him to the bed. She clambered in first and patted the feather mattress next to her. Little Astra slept soundly on the other side of her.
He knew it wasn’t an invitation to join her sexually, but a request for him to join her family and gratefully he took it, kicking off his boots and climbing into bed beside her.
As dawn broke, the hall was unusually tranquil, the servants and warriors moving quietly in respect for the sleeping family resting in their chamber.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
The following day, Astra and Skadi were the first to wake, although it was almost noon by the time they left the King’s chamber. They hurried out of the room so as not to disturb the soundly sleeping Agnar.
Thankfully, Astra appeared to be recovering quickly and all her worries seemed forgotten when she was reunited with her doll.
Some of the children gathered around her asking questions about her ordeal and Skadi was about to silence them when Brenna shook her head. ‘Let her talk—it may help her and I swear to keep an eye on her.’
Skadi gave her friend a grateful pat on the shoulder. ‘Thank you, I really need to check our stores.’
After carefully checking and planning the meals with the cook, Skadi was confident there would be enough food to last them most of the winter. But she ordered that all traders pay for their taxes and harbour fees with any grain they had, over luxury items or silver—even if it meant a loss of income, it would help feed her people. It wasn’t much, but it added a few more bags to her stores.
Visiting traders warned her of King Sven raging to anyone who would listen about the ‘disrespect’ of Agnar forcing himself on Queen Skadi. Not because he particularly cared what happened to her, but because it disrespected him and his ‘dear friend’ Heimdall. The news made Skadi’s insides twist with rage. But she intended to fight back.
Determined to help Agnar in his deal with King Erik, Skadi loaded a ship of gifts for Queen Torvi, King Erik’s wife. She didn’t know the woman well, but remembered her speaking kindly about the elegance of her table when she’d last visited.
After she’d reassured herself about their supplies, she went to check on Agnar, who sat up in bed with a jerk as she entered. He sank back against the pillows with a sigh of relief when he realised where he was.
‘Are you well?’ she asked, bustling in and putting another log on the brazier as she passed it. The room was warm, but if Agnar had caught a chill it was best to keep it that way.
‘I needed more sleep than I thought.’ He rubbed at his face absently, frowned at the bandages and began to unravel them. ‘Has something happened? Is Astra well?’
‘She is fine.’ Skadi opened the door and called to a nearby servant, ‘Please heat water for the King’s bath, and bring something substantial for him to eat.’ Then she came to the bed and perched beside him, explaining about the gossip from the traders and the grain supplies. She went into great detail about her plans to increase the grain store at every opportunity—even if the cost was heavy on their purse. ‘I thought it more important to ensure everyone is well fed. Do you agree?’
He nodded and she was frankly pleased by how intently he had listened to her, nodding and muttering words of encouragement regarding her plans, all while he unwrapped the mountain of linen and examined his hands. She thought they looked better than last night, but still looked very sore, and she winced with sympathy.
‘Tell me your other plans, so that I can help,’ she asked. ‘Did you send messengers to my uncle?’
‘Yes, I informed him of King Sven’s attempt to kidnap Astra. I also sent messengers out to the petty Kings. I am hoping they will revolt against King Sven in the spring. But nothing can be done during the dead of winter, except to wait. King Erik promised me grain, but we may have to prepare for the worst. I am worried Sven will claim he was trying to rescue the Princess from me and that will cast doubt in their minds about our marriage and my right to rule. They will fear I forced you.’
Skadi tilted her head with a pout. ‘Well, you did. It was not my choice to marry you.’
‘Would you choose me now?’ he asked casually and she realised that she had begun to understand him better. He asked because he hoped the answer had changed.
‘I am glad we are married,’ she said. ‘But the past is still true. I would not have considered you before… You are too young.’
He chuckled, wincing as he stretched. ‘I do not feel young.’
Skadi laughed, swatting the thick muscle of his arm playfully. ‘You slept too long. Your body has become stiff from lack of use.’
