She considered him for a minute or two. She’d never imagined life with him would be easy, but she’d never imagined she would be in danger of losing herself so completely. Well no more. She would be true to herself at all costs from now on. The babe that grew in her belly would need her and Giric’s combined strength.
“Your brother feels that you are miserable and unprotected here. Is that how you feel as well?” he asked as he took a seat by the hearth.
“I do not feel either of those things. I have felt angry however, and confused. I do not ever want to feel like I or any of my kin are inferior to you, Giric. That is how you made me feel.”
With each word, her resolve returned. This was her true self, standing up for what she believed in at all costs. Never again would she cower or run from a room because she didn’t like what she heard. She was a shield-maiden of the north. A warrior who had a mind and a voice of her own and, by Odin, she would use both from this moment forward.
Saga stepped toward him and pointed her finger at his chest. “You do not get to decide alone what happens with these alliances. You invited us here and we will not sit by quietly whilst you negotiate on our behalf. You think we are untamed and unrefined and you are wrong.”
“I do not believe that, Saga. I have always marvelled at the intelligence and patience your people uphold. Your hall, your dwellings, your ships, and your beliefs are all a wonder to me. If I have insulted you or your kin, it was not my intention, and I am sorry. Will you please forgive my arrogance?”
“I will forgive your arrogance,” she said, jabbing her finger into his chest again. “And you will also apologize to my brother.”
“Aye, I will do that. Can I ask you for something first?”
“What is it you want?”
“I want to kiss my wife. Nothing more, nothing less. There was a moment earlier when I thought I had lost you for good and I knew then I could never live without you. I am glad to see you dressed in a way that makes you happy. You have no idea how that makes my heart swell.”
Giric gazed into her eyes. He’d said everything she wanted to hear and more. She would grant him his kiss. And demand an assurance that they would never again reach this level of disagreement.
Saga pulled him toward her and reached up to brush her lips across his. Softly and slowly, she drew him closer and deeper into her kiss. She wrapped her arms around his neck and held on tight as he slipped his tongue into her mouth and danced with hers. Giric’s arms were tight around her waist as they shared their passion for long moments.
He broke the kiss first and leaned back to stare into her eyes.
“Do you know how lucky I am to call you mine?”
“I do know how lucky you are and will ensure you never forget it.”
Giric slipped his hand into hers and led her toward the chamber door. Shall we go speak with Gunnar together?”
“I will be down in a few minutes once I finish my hair,” she said pointing to the one braid that was half complete.
“Do you mind if I stay and watch?”
Saga smiled. She didn’t mind at all, in fact she enjoyed it when he watched her. It made her nipples harden. This man could drive her insane with anger or passion and she wondered if she would always feel this way with him. She hoped what they had now never ever waned.
* * *
Watching her walk was a delight. More than that, Giric loved her strength, her compassion, and her goodness. He’d been such an arrogant arse that he understood now just how poorly he’d behaved. He’d been given a second chance with her and he was not about to foul it up.
Gunnar’s grin stretched broad across his face as they entered the great hall. His trencher was full again and Giric was pleased that despite their differences, he felt at home enough to enjoy himself. It seemed the man had regained his composure from Magnus’ news.
“There’s my sister,” he said, reaching for his tankard of mead. After taking a large gulp, he said, “This drink. What is it?”
“’Tis mead made from honey.”
“It is better than any mead I have had. You will tell me how it’s made, ja?”
“Aye, Gunnar. I will tell you how ’tis made.”
Saga walked to her brother and hugged him tight. “Thank you for being here, Gunnar. This work is important to my husband, and also to us.”
“Ja, I know that. But I was concerned that you didn’t fully understand that.”
“I do,” she said and looked at Giric. “I have been trying so hard to belong here and lost part of myself along the way. I am back now.”
“I am pleased to hear it,” Gunnar said. “Now are we going to sit around and eat and drink all day, or are you planning to give me a full tour of this armoury I’ve heard so much about? Magnus practically drooled while talking about it.”
