“Did I hurt you?”
She smoothed her hair and sat up, sniffled, and addressed him unchallenging for the first time in days. “I know your duty lies with your tenants and countrymen. Yet, I dared to hope to be a small part of your life, especially after what we have shared.” Noelle swung her legs over the bed, feet dangling. “I realize I have no right to make any demands. But if you feel anything for me, or possess an ounce of mercy where I’m concerned, I beg if you find it necessary to seek pleasure in the arms of another woman, give me warning so I don’t have to see it ever again.”
She loves me …
More than he had anticipated. She looked so helpless gazing up at him. And hot enough to melt the cold fury that still ravaged his body.
“Have I not proven myself worthy of your trust and protection? I’m no longer the gullible maid you abducted from Durham after experiencing the pleasure of your bed. At least I fully understand now why men seek out women. I apologize for my reprehensible behavior. I didn’t want another man, Randvior. I only seek what any woman in my position would—a way home—or a husband to shield me from humiliation. Grant me protection and I will work my fingers to the bone to earn my keep in your household. No task too menial, no position too humble.” A new round of tears began to fall.
He didn’t like her behavior one bit. But if he walked in her shoes… “What safeguards did you employ to protect your reputation when I found you in the bathhouse with SveinnOvesen?” He inched closer. “I declared my feelings and you still defied me.”
“My brother made it abundantly clear what you intended. And I’d sooner serve Lauga than be attached to a man who doesn’t love me.”
“Before you act too rashly and choose spinsterhood over my bed, come with me. I want to show you something.”
“Where are we going?”
He didn’t answer, but unlocked the door connecting their chambers. She’d never been invited to his rooms before; this washissanctuary. Noelle seemed amazed by the lavishness of the décor. He opened a wardrobe and picked a cloak and boots for her to wear. Gracefully, she didn’t comment on the fact that he kept an array of women’s garments in his bedroom. He wrapped the fur around her shoulders and pinned it with one of his own gold brooches. Next, he knelt, proffering the boots, and she slipped her feet inside; he laced them tight.
“Thank you,” she said.
He in turn dressed warmly, and then led her to double doors that opened onto a small balcony. She walked slowly down the stairs. No one would see them slip away.
Inches of fresh, icy snow covered the ground and crunched noisily beneath them as they walked. Randvior stopped to check her, fingered her chin, and looked into her eyes. Truth always lingered on her delicate features—her eyes were red and swollen. He rewarded her stubbornness with a smile and continued into the woods along the northern boundary of his steading.
They halted at a clearing. A massive, whitewashed stone rested at the center. She stared curiously ahead, then turned to him with a questioning look. He patted her arm reassuringly. Randvior knelt and wrapped his arms around the stone.
He called on the gods, “Come Odin, Hlin, Eir, Frigg, Baldr, Magni, and Tyr…” Inscriptions were carved into the face of the rock.
Noelle reached hesitantly, and he nodded approval as she ran her fingers along the surface. He watched as she examined the ancient altar.
“What is this place?”
“Odin’s altar. We’re on hallowed ground, the most sacred on this steading. The place we invoke the favor of the gods, plead our causes, and beg forgiveness.And pray for you,” he added softly. “The words inscribed on this stone,” he ran his fingers over the carving, “are a message the Valkyries delivered on behalf of father Odin, wisdom to sustain my people.” The warrior inside him sparked to life again. The spirits of his ancestors inhabited his body now. “Stay with me,min lille dukke, and someday I’ll reveal the secrets behind these words.”
“Why did you bring me here?”
Before he answered, something flashed overhead. “Look!” Randvior pointed skyward.
She followed his gaze. Colored ribbons of dazzling light were suspended high above, pulsing, and oscillating. Terrified, she covered her face.
Randvior pulled her hand away. “It’s a blessing. Don’t be afraid, my little one, ’tis a good omen.”
They watched the celestial dance in awe as color spanned the breadth of the sky. And as the mystery slowly faded, moving farther north and altogether out of sight, they stared at each other in wonderment.
Once Noelle recovered and could speak again, she said, “I’ve never seen anything so phenomenal before.”
“Nororljos—the northern lights. The Valkyries favored you this eventide and donned their armor, a guarantee there will be a place for you at Odin’s table.”
He fell to his knees again. Only this time, he clasped her hand over his heart.
Her shoulders were rigid. “I can’t deny the way I feel when you touch me—kiss me—hold me. In your arms the world I knew before never really existed…” She clenched her left hand into a tight fist. Randvior knew she had revealed more than she ever intended.
“I want you,” he said as he got to his feet. “I’ve brought you here to swear an oath before the gods.” He reached inside his cloak and produced a small dagger. “You speak so poorly of love,min lille dukke,as if it will never find its way into your heart.” He caressed her cheek with the back of his hand. “The time has come for our love to take root.”
Randvior held his left hand over the altar, and with his right, scraped the blade across his palm. Blood slowly dripped onto the stone. “Odin is my master and witness. I offer this troth as an everlasting pledge of my love. Noelle Sinclair, you are now and forever blood of my blood. If the world should crumble around us, reduced to ash and dust, my promise shall endure.”
She rocked back on her heels in trance. Randvior pulled her closer to the stone. “Will you take this oath with me?”
