“I am certain my brother is more taken with you than I have ever seen him with anyone.”
“I see that too,” Vigdis said. “From the first moment we arrived on Islay, Magnus seemed unable to tear himself away from you. Surely you must have magical powers, for you have enchanted him and I never thought that would happen.” Her soft smile and kind expression made her all the more believable.
But was it true? Could they really see the connection she had felt for Magnus almost from the first moment she’d met him? The more she thought about his tall muscular frame and piercing blue eyes, the warmer her whole body became. An image of his tight leather trews flashed across her mind and her cheeks grew hot.
“I see just the mere mention of his name makes you flush,” Saga said. “You are not the first to find my brother attractive, but you are the first to conjure such devotion from him. If I were to guess, and I am no Volur, I would say you are two halves of one soul.”
Elspeth didn’t quite know what to say in response. She was certain of what she felt, but had no idea if those feelings were in any way reciprocated. She was a little hurt when he didn’t want her to ride with him the day before and so had thought he was not interested in her. But his declarations of protecting her and staying with her in the chapel told of a different story. She’d been so wrapped up in her episodes, she supposed she could have missed any indication from him that he felt something for her.
“There is one way to find out,” Saga said.
Realization dawned on Elspeth and she shook her head which made Saga laugh.
“And I believe you just proved how you feel about him too.” Thankfully she didn’t add anything to that statement.
Elspeth wanted Magnus. Both physically and otherwise, he was hers, she was sure of it. But the thought of voicing that to him was daunting. Her belly did a million flip flops at just the thought of him touching her or kissing her. Having grown up thinking that at some point Osgar would make some sort of arrangement for her to secure their lands and wealth, she’d never fantasized about love and romance. Not that she didn’t want it—of course she did. But she was surprised that these feelings were upon her and she hadn’t been looking for them.
“Saga will not embarrass you, I promise,” Vigdis said.
“I will say nothing if it is your wish. But I believe that if two people look at each other the way you do, they should be able to talk openly about it free from shame.”
“It is all a great deal to process at the moment,” Elspeth said.
She appreciated the insight and encouragement from his sisters, but her world had just sped up to a degree she was not able to comprehend and she desperately wanted to catch her breath.
“Oh look, there’s Magnus now,” Saga said looking at the entrance to the hall.
Elspeth turned her head quickly to find an empty door. Saga’s boisterous laughter filled the hall as she turned her attention back to her. The woman was an enigma. She was a warrior, wise and clever, free spirited, and filled with mirth. Aye, Saga the shield maiden did not disappoint Elspeth’s anticipation of meeting her. The woman had lived up to every expectation Elspeth had of her from the moment Osgar told of the marriage.
Magnus would return soon enough and she would feel better when he did. Freydis would help her understand her gift and she would reconcile her faith with whatever she learned. She had to remain positive that all of this was happening for a good reason and that all would be well.
CHAPTER TEN
The woman was a terror when she dug in her heels. Oh yes, his brother would have his hands full with her if they ever smartened up and realized they were meant to be together.
“Saga said to pack everything since you will not be returning,” Giric said.
Magnus grinned and stepped out of the cottage with an armful of glass jars and bottles of various substances. He had no idea what they were, but he was firmly aware that they smelled awful.
Freydis didn’t appear to care that Giric was laird and master here and she was supposed to go wherever he told her to go. Clearly the man kept forgetting he was not dealing with the ladies of the castle anymore.
But there was one lady of the castle who was never far from his thoughts. Elspeth was not docile nor meek or in contrast, aggressive, but her demeanour was different. She was more like Vigdis than Saga, yet there were times he’d seen a ferocity about her when she set her mind to something. He had to admit he liked that about her. He’d never been so taken with anyone in his life and he was not at all upset or concerned.
The thought of Gunnar having arranged a marriage for him had made him want to drive his broadsword through something. But the thought of that someone being Elspeth was not worrisome at all. Rather, he would welcome that. He placed the box of bottles in the cart and scratched the back of his head. Freya must have conjured up that thought. Either that or Loki was playing tricks with his mind.
He barely knew the woman, how could he possibly be thinking of claiming her? But the second the thought entered his mind, somewhere deep inside him he knew it to be true. Shewasmeant to be his. He knew no other truth to match in his entire existence.
“…and another thing,” Freydis said following Giric to the cart, “if you think I will be dining in your hall like the other ladies, you may think again. I am a free woman and I shall eat wherever I please.”
“Freydis. This is for your protection. I hope you can see that. You are not being punished.”
“It certainly feels like it. I told Saga from the beginning, I would remain here to aid her as long as she is with child. But my conditions were that I could live in the village on my own.”
“That was before,” Giric said.
“Before what?”
“Before Lady Elspeth’s brother decided to draw attention to anyone in this area who has the power of sight,” Magnus said to her. “You understand the threat, Freydis. You always have. Even Gunnar was always careful about you when we had certain visitors and played down your abilities.”
