Shaking his head he said, “That is not true. Though she is a lovely woman in every sense, you did not notice how many of Gunnar’s warriors glared at you the entire time you were there. The only two people you noticed were Gunnar and his sister. Truly, I was not certain with whom you wished a union.”
Just as Giric took a step toward Osgar to put the man in his place, a silhouette crossed the doorway drawing his attention. Moving back into place he watched Saga as she made her way slowly toward him. Once inside the chapel, the light from the side windows illuminated her and the sight caught his breath.
Instead of the long green gown she’d worn on the crossing, she now wore a flowing crimson gown similar to those his sister wore, with a wreath of the same colour flowers in her hair. She carried a handful of wildflowers in front of her which caressed the top of her breasts as she walked. With a square neckline, her breasts appeared firm and heavy. Giric looked into her eyes and was transfixed. Clear blue like the sea on a calm, clear day, her countenance was that of wonder and the pink in her cheeks showed a tiny amount of shyness he’d never witnessed in her before and he suspected was not an emotion she often encountered within herself.
Once she was before him, he smiled. God’s breath, she was something to behold in all of her honesty and purity of heart. It did not matter to him if she was raised by Vikings or toads. This stunning woman had more honour and intelligence than most men he knew. Aye, he was a lucky man to have gained her acceptance.
“You are enchanting,” he whispered and gloried when she smiled.
“Thank you husband,” she said. His cock engorged as her gaze drifted down across his body and he was glad he’d taken the time to don his fur trimmed cloak and chest plate. He hoped she would approve of how he appeared as well.
Once she stood in front of him he took her hands in his, Father Gilwin recited the scriptures and had them repeat many vows. It was as if he was trying to ensure the ceremony did more than secure marriage. Eventually, Father Gilwin pronounced them husband and wife.
“We are joined before your gods and mine,” he said. “Nothing can separate us now.”
Her brow knit for a moment. “Unless we stop liking each other and then we can divorce.”
Her words took him back. How could she possibly think about divorce the moment after they were wed? Never mind the fact that he couldn’t divorce.
“Our lord does not allow divorce,” Father Gilwin said.
“What do you mean, ‘does not allow’?” Saga asked. “If we wish to divorce we can.”
Giric took her by the hand and walked away from the Father. This conversation was not going down a path with which he was comfortable. “We need not discuss this right now,” he said. “It is our wedding day and I for one am anxious for you to enjoy our feasting and hospitality as I have enjoyed yours.”
Nodding, she said, “I will allow that. But we will return to this conversation on the morrow when I am rested. And I will not be addressing you as ‘my lord’.”
Of that he had no doubt. His new wife was intelligent and used to exercising her free will. It would be an adjustment for her here and he would do all in his power to allow her as much freedom as security would allow. But he would never risk her safety no matter if he had to keep her locked in the tower. Then again, he would simply lock himself in there with her. His cock lurched as he envisioned her naked body writhing beneath him day and night forever.
“Come let us feast,” he said. He took her by the elbow and led her back to the great hall. He was proud of his castle and pointed out various extensions that had been built in his father’s and grand-father’s time. All detailing a need for added security from Viking raids or attacks from other clans trying to expand their region. Only once or twice did she stop and regard him with a sad expression. There was no point in sugar coating any aspect of how things had been. She knew he sought peace and she agreed to be a part of it. Understanding the full extent of how the raids had affected him and his people was important for her to grasp if she was going to be able to settle here.
“Your people must despise me,” she said.
“Nay. But some fear you. I only want you to understand why that is. Many here have lost family members to your raids. That is not something easily forgotten.”
“So you expect me to apologize to everyone on behalf of my brother?”
He could see she was getting upset. How could his words be twisted so, he was not sure? “Nay, wife. I am trying to help you see why some here may need extra time to adjust to our union.”
“I may also need extra time.”
“Aye, I see that too and I will do everything I can to aid your adjustment.”
Giric and Saga walked the rest of the way to the great hall in silence. Though he held her hand and squeezed it a couple of times to try to urge a smile from her, she continued her pensive stare forward.
He took it as a small victory that she made no attempt to retrieve her hand.
Once inside the hall, Giric smiled at the efforts of all his servants. The tables had already been adorned with flowers and wreaths and garland. Pitchers of mead and ale were surrounded by goblets, and platters of bread and cheese had already been laid out.
“Come, my Viking wife. Let me show you how we feast here.”
He brought her to the head of the table and pulled out a chair to the right side of his. He motioned to the lute and whistle players to come forward and begin their tunes. Saga perked up immediately and gave them all her attention. Before long she was clapping along with them and Giric’s heart soared. She’d remembered how to keep the tempo and it was clear she enjoyed the music. He’d be sure to hire as many musicians as the castle could employ to keep her happy.
“They are wonderful,” she said as the tune ended.
“Not nearly as wonderful as you,” he said and kissed her hand. She squeezed his and somehow he was sure it would all work out in time.
Chapter Fourteen
