“Von Grym.” Without waiting for me, Von shoved his way toward us. “It is a pleasure to meet you at last, Princess. I was at the vows?—”
“And negotiations,” Skadi whispered. “You stood in the back behind the king and queen.”
Von looked delighted. “I was there, more out of curiosity than any real purpose.”
“He’s still finding his purpose in most things.” I nudged him back. “What do you need?”
“Oh, nothing. Never mind. I’ll manage fine.”
“Don’t do that.” I stepped closer, voice low.
“I am doing nothing.”
“You’re retreating, trying not to ask of me, trying to convince yourself I have no interest in your wellbeing.”
“I saw how you handled me in your bed, Husband.”
The corner of my mouth lifted. “Were you left unsatisfied?”
“You know the answer to that.”
“I will die of shame should I leave you in such a state again.”
She scoffed. “I doubt that very much.”
“Well, let me try now. I’ll ask again, what is it you need?”
Skadi dragged her bottom lip between her teeth, and all at once, I wanted to do the same. She leaned closer, the sugar scent of her hair under my nose. Her voice was low, rife in embarrassment. “I cannot fasten my gown.”
“I’d be honored to help.” Von lifted a hand, laughing when my fist struck his chest.
“Go clean yourself or Brunhild will avoid you all evening.”
Sander, the good brother he was, kept a hand on Von’s arm, guiding them past the door. “Lady Skadi.” He dipped his chin awkwardly. “I don’t hate you, you know.”
I groaned. “Gods, Sander. We just talked about this.”
“What?” He kept his pace, merely spoke over his shoulder. “I don’t. In fact, I’d love to spar again. You are better with a short blade.”
I stepped forward, guiding Skadi into her room, and slammed the door behind us. “Apologies for them. They are fools.”
Skadi held a touch of defiance, or perhaps fear, in her taut jaw. “Does he mock me?”
“Sander?” I glanced at the door for a breath. “No. Not at all. He was just spewing your accolades at the way you use a weapon, but is rather concerned you will never want to know him.”
“He . . . wants to know me?”
Did I desire her to be close with my brother? Did I want the folk I loved best stepping over boundaries I thought we’d keep?
Then again, the people in my life held no sense of boundaries.
I clasped my hands behind my back. “He does. But who you come to know here will be left to you. Now, let us see this dress.”
I opened my palms, dancing my fingers.
Skadi hesitated, then slowly turned in front of her mirror. She gathered her hair over one shoulder, exposing the flesh of her back to me. Lies of boundaries, peace treaties, and duty could spill over my tongue all damn day.
Nothing readied me for being dumbstruck by my unwitting wife.
