She stared beyond the trees, focusing on something in the distance. He wonderedwhatshe saw through the darkness, regrets or maybe her future with him. He had spoken from the heart, as plainly and truthfully as he could. If she did not accept him now, he’d send her away. To a convent or to Brandon’s family in Scotland. But never back to Durham where her brother could hurt her.
She offered her hand and dagger quickly met flesh.
His shoulders rose and fell in contentment and triumph. Because he hadn’t coerced her into taking this oath, the gods would consider it legitimate. The act of volunteering her hand was enough. Randvior set the dagger aside and removed a pieceof linen from his pocket. He doctored her wound tenderly, blotting the blood, and tied the bandage tightly around her wrist.
“I love you.”
He could see the surprise on her face and she swallowed. His heart burned and his loins ached for relief.She’s too afraid to give herself away.
Randvior covered her mouth and cheeks with fervent kisses. She returned them with equal ardor. All this time she begged him to respond, to confess his undying love, and reiterate it over and over again. Still the girl refused to admit her own feelings.O my sweet little hypocrite.He swept her off her feet.
“Where are we going now?”
“To announce our betrothal. A man can only endure so much. I’ll be damned if I’ll wait another minute.” For the first time in many days, Randvior laughed.
Guards saluted as they crossed the threshold into the great hall. The crowd responded unremittingly. Noelle’s head rested against Randvior’s chest.
“I give you the freedom to manage this household,” he whispered. “I want you to be comfortable and happy—we are family now.”
He knew they were words she needed to hear.
Randvior hugged her closer as he stepped onto the dais and scanned the many faces of the people standing closest. Noelle snuggled deeper into the folds of his cloak trying to hide.
“Don’t be afraid.” His eyes penetrated hers. “Everyone wants to celebrate.”
“No need to exaggerate, my lord.”
Randvior chuckled at her pessimism as she slid from his arms.
He’d hold nothing back now. “I returned from Durham a wealthier man. Of all the treasures hidden in that English fortress, I desired the lord’s youngest daughter most. I haveoffered Lady Sinclair the protection of my home and name. The gods revealed the pathway to my destiny in the Orkneys and I returned with my future in my arms. No man,” he paused and looked directly at his mother, “or woman, shall interfere with what the gods have mandated.”
Pressing his lips closed, the sting of overwhelming silence both disappointed and angered him beyond words. Had he misjudged the hearts of his people so carelessly? He felt consumed by anything that pertained to her. But once Noelle gifted the assembly with a brilliant smile, they erupted into hurrahs. All they needed to see was that she willingly embraced this marriage.
He relaxed then, savoring the sultry glint in her eyes and admiring the soft contours of her face. He kissed her forehead and called for a cup of mead. The honey taste reminded him of the sweetness of her lips. “A toast for father Odin!” He raised his cup high.
Mugs and fists pounded the tabletops thunderous and maddening, proof of his supporters’ joy.
Another blessing had graced his life.
Lauga looked him over reservedly. She stood with a group of women near the main hearth. Their eyes locked. His gaze drifted beyond her and stopped on a man with a badly bruised face who stared unfalteringly at his betrothed.
What a difference a betrothal could make. Noelle felt a bit overwhelmed by the number of well-wishers lining up along the front of the stage to shake her hand. God, she wanted to run away. But she stayed because she wanted to enjoy every second her future mother-in-law was forced to stand by her son and greet his supporters with as much enthusiasm as him. Cunning and deceptive.
All her life she had longed for a mother and always hoped marriage would provide one. But not this marriage, and never this woman.
Brandon’s company lightened her mood. He grasped her hand and made a ridiculous fuss over the engagement. “I am deeply disturbed the lady chose you over me. To think you could have had my heart and spent your days with a civilized man…” he teased her relentlessly and grinned at Randvior.
Randvior arched his brow. “Did she ever have a choice?”
No.Noelle held her tongue.
They laughed.
Hours later, after most of the celebrants departed or passed out drunk, Noelle yawned—she wanted to go to bed. Randvior had wandered off with a group of men.
As she walked to the stairs, someone flattened her against the wall from behind.
“You chose life with a bloody Norse, and I warn you, I’ll use every inch of that beautiful body to my advantage.”
