Randvior spent a few moments saying goodbye to Noelle. He swore a silent oath that if he found rebels amongst his people, who wished to sabotage his future happiness, he’d forgo trial and mount their severed heads on stakes as a deterrent for future uprisings.
Everything about Noelle crippled his mind and he needed time to recover. Right now, her pouty smile, the translucence of her silky skin in the soft evening sunlight, and those eyes—those damn eyes threatened to change his mind about leaving her behind.
He kissed her goodbye and watched as she disappeared inside the house with Aud. Randvior rode outside the fenced courtyard and spent the next hour patrolling the grounds to make sure no one lurked in the shadows. Satisfied, he rode home.
Noelle walked slowly behind Aud as he escorted her inside his hall. Her gaze took in the features of the comfortable room. There were two hearths and his family waited patiently for them.
“This is my wife, Nessa.” Aud took her hand and kissed the soft flesh on her palm. “And my daughters—Tyra, Ingrid, and Eir.”
Noelle collected herself. She felt at ease here, but his daughters were so lovely, they more resembled sea nymphs than mortal women. Tall and elegant, they regarded her. As for Nessa, no wonder Aud chattered endlessly about her, his daughters were the spitting image of their mother. ’Tis no wonder the man is incessantly happy.
The girls’ curious fascination with her made her smile to herself. Noelle pictured Ophelia and Margaret standing there. A knot started to form in her stomach. The eldest daughter, Tyra, possessed a stern brow as Margaret. Stubbornness showing all over her pretty face, and Noelle greatly missed her own sister’s company.
“I am grateful for your hospitality,” Noelle said graciously.
“It iswewho are honored to have thejarl’sfuture wife in our home,” Nessa declared as she grabbed her by the hand and led her to a table.
They sat for hours, enjoying a simple meal and fulfilling conversation. One of Noelle’s two bodyguards, Randvior had left behind, stayed seated in a corner, drinking, and playing cards with Aud’s men while the second made rounds. Nessa showed Noelle her family heirlooms and gave her a tour of the house. Four bedchambers were located off the main room, partitioned by painted screens and embroidered curtains. Noelle’s guards would sleep on the floor outside her door.
So much had happened over the last few days that nights of little sleep had finally started to catch up with her. Noelle yawned; she could barely keep her eyes open. “Would you mind if I retired?”
Nessa smiled and showed her to a room. Once she was settled inside, Noelle washed her face and hands and changed into a long-sleeved chemise. She crawled under the pile of furs. For the first time in weeks, she felt completely comfortable and welcome in someone’s house. The soothing sounds of Aud’s family conversing quietly at the table lulled her to sleep.
Violent nightmares, the kind Noelle had suffered from as a child, dominated her sleep. Blood and screams from faceless women and children ricocheted inside her head. She shivered, hated when her dreams took on a life all their own. She woke up drenched in sweat. The recurrent nightmares she had as a child were so severe she’d began walking in her sleep. Once, she nearly hurled herself from the second floor balcony and soon found herself locked in a chamber at night for the next six months.
She stood and put on her robe and slippers. She languished in the heat and parted the curtains to let cooler air into her room. As she stepped out, she gasped.
Her bodyguard lay motionless in a pool of blood, throat slit ear-to-ear. She raised her eyes, looked down at the body again, and fought to keep her composure. Noelle stepped over him. Nothing could be done, so she prayed for his soul and moved tothe main room. No one, only the flicker of flames in the double hearths. She explored the shadows, staying as quiet as possible, and discovered another body near the table. Aud’s guard this time.
Noelle covered her mouth to keep from screaming. Fresh blood covered the floor. The valuables—silver goblets, platters, and expensive carpets were undisturbed. If not robbery, what was the motive?
“My lady,” a masculine voice sounded.
She threw up her hands and whipped around, searching. She froze after she spotted someone sitting on a chair in the far corner. The darkness might conceal his face, but she knew that buttery-smooth voice.
“Where is Aud’s family?” She squinted to see.
Bravely, Noelle walked toward him. Lord have mercy on anyone if they harmed Aud’s family. And if this man had, Noelle assumed she would die soon, too.
“Safely quartered,” he answered to her relief. “Blindfolded and bound together like slaves.”
“And the master?” her voice warbled as she visualized the worst for the old Viking—falling prey to this villain.
“Don’t concern yourself with Aud Magnusson. Thor’s hammer couldn’t kill that bastard.” A malevolent chuckle followed.
She considered making a mad dash for the back door. But by the time she looked up again, he was on his feet and headed her way.
“I let you sleep, didn’t have the heart to wake you.” Sveinn Ovesen emerged from the shadows.
She squealed and retreated three steps. “Why… have… you… done this?”
“I’ve killed no one of consequence. Aud and his family are alive. Bodyguards are worth but a few pennies. The law providesgenerously for a dead man’s family and my father will pay the necessaryweregildif one is demanded.”
“You place so little value on a man’s life?” She felt her innards twist inside out.
“If any man stands between me and what I want, he will die.”
“Isweregildsimilar to an indulgence? You pay for absolution?”
