“Same thing,” Magnus said. “I am not convinced and Giric is not here. End of investigation. Come Saga and Vigdis, we’re leaving.” With that Magnus reached for Saga’s arm.
Saga reached out with both hands and shoved Magnus hard. “I am going nowhere. When my husband returns you may hear his explanation and he will provide you with a tour of the grounds. Until then, you will be provided a chamber and all other hospitality any guest would receive.” Magnus had the look of battle about him, but Saga would not be swayed. “My sister and I will be in the great hall awaiting the noon meal if you wish to join us.”
With that she turned and walked back inside the castle. Magnus had always overreacted, but this time he took it too far. He had no say over her life anymore, neither did Gunnar for that matter. She had every faith Giric would apprehend the culprits and her safety would never be in question again.
Saga swayed a little before reaching her seat at the table. Vigdis was there to help steady her.
“Magnus only means well, sister. And I have to say, I have never seen you so pale.”
“Not you too.”
“I would never be bold enough to tell you what to do, but you have to admit, the end result could have been much worse.”
“I know that, but Magnus does not have the right to come here and demand I leave this place. Nothing is ever as it appears on the surface, Vigdis. You know that. I am confident all will be revealed when Giric returns.”
Did she believe that? Mostly. Saga despised feeling weak because as was demonstrated, her weakness would lead to someone else controlling her every move. She would rather fly with the Valkyries than allow that to happen.
Magnus entered the hall and took a seat to her left. He said nothing as he filled his trencher with meat and bread and cheese. He glanced at her trencher then flicked his gaze over her face and shook his head.
“What?”
“You always could eat more than most men, now look at you. You eat no more than a small bird.”
“Do you want a record of everything I ate since I arrived here, Magnus?”
“Mayhap I do. I am to ensure your wellbeing.”
Saga placed her bread back in her trencher and leaned toward him. “If you do not cease to pester me about matters that are none of your business, I will drive my dagger into your guts and leave it there to fester.”
“Well that’s a good sign,” he said with a tiny grin.
“Speak plainly.”
“If you’re threatening me, you must be feeling better.”
Saga opened her mouth to counter, but before any words could emerge they died in her throat when she caught sight of Giric striding across the hall. She jumped up to meet him and nearly fell when the room spun around her. Giric caught her before she hit the floor. He swooped her up and without missing a beat, turned toward the staircase.
“Nay,” she said. “I wish to remain here. I cannot take any more of that chamber.”
Giric nuzzled her neck and whispered, “Not even with me there? I’ve missed you.”
Saga sighed and wrapped her arms around his neck. Put that way, she supposed she could tolerate a little more time in the chamber.
“I missed you too, husband. Did you discover what you sought on your quest?” she asked as he kicked the door to their chamber shut.
“Aye, but now is not the time to talk about that. You are wearing too much clothes,” he said as he placed her on the bed.
“As are you, my lord.”
“Oh now I’m your lord. I thought you were never going to call me that.”
“I changed my mind.”
“I am pleased to hear that. And you’re still wearing too many garments.”
Saga wiggled out of her gown and removed her shift. She had always been proud of her body and for the first time felt a little self conscious with her weight loss.
Giric’s gaze burned along her skin. “God’s teeth! I will never tire of looking at you.”
