“Saga, if it is pent up energy you have, let us walk or ride. You are like a caged cat.”
Vigdis was right. She was coming apart at the seams and she had to find a better way to manage herself. She’d never been idle in her life, and the past few weeks had been more than a challenge. Now with a babe growing in her belly, she needed to set her pace up front. She’d seen other women at the castle, namely Giric’s sister, who was fat with child and lazed about all day with servants waiting on them hand and foot.
She needed to clear her head and set some boundaries with Giric. Otherwise she may as well pack her chest and return to Islay. The mere thought made her chest tighten.
“A ride, you say?” she asked Vigdis. “I believe that would be a welcome distraction.”
Saga and Vigdis left her chamber and proceeded to the keep and entrance to the stables. Giric possessed many fine horses, but Saga had been gifted the most beautiful mare she’d ever seen. Sif snorted and bobbed her head up and down as soon as Saga came into view, as if they’d already forged a bond. The stable hand prepared Sif and a small grey mare for Vigdis.
They rode for nearly an hour until they reached a high crag overlooking the glen below and the sea in the distance. Saga tugged at the hem of her gown to keep it from riding up her legs.
“‘Tis beautiful here, Saga. Fortune has smiled on you.”
She had not thought about her current situation quite in that way, but she could certainly admit to the beauty before her. She’d not imagined the mainland of Scotland to be so different from her island. But different it was. And was that such a bad thing? Differences were what made life interesting. She’d been so worried about holding on to her traditions and rituals that she could not see that exposure to Giric’s world could help her find even better ways to live her life. Instead of fighting against that which was before her, what if she let a little in? In truth, she was a little more than curious about Giric’s religion. Nothing would sway her from her gods, but she was curious as to how one single god could serve so many purposes. How could he be the god of love and war at the same time?
She didn’t have the answer, but wondered if asking the question might help her adjust better to this new world. Too much change had been thrust upon her in a short span and the time had come for her to regain control of her world.
“You’re smiling,” Vigdis said.
“This place holds much beauty.”
“Are you certain that is the only reason why you suddenly look at peace?”
She may not be completely at peace, but she had settled the clutter in her head. Saga had always navigated her life with clear direction. That’s how she must approach her new world. If she was going to find her place here, she must be observant and use her senses to learn how she could combine two very different worlds.
“Come, sister. Let us return to the castle. I wish to know more about it and everyone who provides services to the laird.”
“That is a smart plan, however, I am surprised at your transformation.”
“As am I, but if I am to remain here, I must discover every secret of this place, else I will lose all of myself within it.”
Thankfully, Vigdis remained silent during the slow trot across the winding pathway and onward to the stables. When they arrived, a concerned looking Giric met them.
“I was worried,” he said quietly when she dismounted and approached.
She reached up and wrapped her arms around his neck, inhaling his scent and pulling him toward her waiting lips. She kissed him softly and tenderly as she wrapped her arms tighter around his neck. Giric wrapped his arms around her waist and lifted her as he deepened the kiss. His hot mouth pressed against hers and his tongue slipped inside to dance with hers. Her womanhood clenched when he groaned deep within his throat.
When he placed her back on the ground, he said in a breathless voice, “I am not worried any longer.”
She smiled. “Nor am I.”
They linked hands and walked in silence to the keep. Had they found their truce yet? Nay. But they would. Saga would be sure of it.
* * *
They returned to the great hall and to a confused looking Gunnar. The man’s expression mirrored Giric’s own thoughts. He could not fathom what had upset his wife, but he was pleased all appeared well again. The king was set to arrive on the morrow and he wanted this meeting to run smoothly for all parties involved. He prayed Saga was onside else she could convince her brother to return to Islay and they would be no further ahead.
“Exactly what is it you wish from me, MacDomnail?” Gunnar asked when they took their seats.
“I want an alliance between you and the king in order to strengthen our efforts against Athelstan. That’s it. There is no hidden agenda here. I cannot speak any more plainly than that.”
“And what part of that do you not like, Sister?”
Giric turned to Saga to see her frown again.
“I do not believe we have any business fighting someone else’s war. The business between the English and Scottish kings is just that, between them.”
Giric understood, he really did. “Saga, I ken you are trying to protect your way of life and your people. But the situation is far more complicated than that.”
