the everlasting light that guides my ships home through the void.
A beacon of hope against the plights of man.
No curse can slow your steady march through the nine realms.
Frigg has wrapped you in her golden mantle.
Allfather’s hands guide you through the mists of time.
Life and death are rendered powerless in your presence.
Creatures of the universe praise your bravery and wisdom.
Like Odin’s own daughter—you feast amongst the greatest warriors.
Your hair is spun silk, as gold as the sun.
Your breasts are the highest peaks of any mountaintop.
Your lips are more potent than the amber mead the Valkyries serve in Valhalla.
Your eyes as crystal clear as the warmest sea, beckoning this Viking onward.
Sing for me, my Norse siren.
Your voice melts the frigid layers of my heart.
Dream for me, sweet goddess, and share your secrets.
Breathe for me, my beloved, give life to this old warrior’s soul.
Abandon not this Berserker, unless you wish to cast me into the depths of Hel.
Stay with me forever… untilRagnarokclaims us all.
Rachelle cradled her stomach with both hands. He’d gifted her with poetry, yet she didn’t feel worthy. For the first time in her life, her gut didn’t roil at the thought of intimacy. His love would shield her from the painful past, and promised a joyous future.
“What are you thinking about? I want to know you, Rachelle, every part.” He approached slowly, like a man trying to gain the trust of a skittish animal.
Towering over her, he wrapped his arms about her. The warmth from his body had a healing effect.I’m finally safe, she rejoiced. Her body ached for him.
He framed her face between his hands. “You are so beautiful.”
Her heart pounded in anticipation of what might come next. Then his hands wandered, circling downward, playing with loose strands of her hair, skimming her earlobes, and following the curve of her neck.
“Ooh…” Her sigh came out unexpectedly. His touch felt so good. She sucked in her breath as he straightened, gazing at her. His blond hair was a tangled mess and a lazy grin played on his face.
“I think you want me. Say it for me, Rachelle.”
She swallowed. Saying it wasn’t as easy as thinking it.
“Say it,” he coaxed.
“I… I…” Why couldn’t she bring herself to do it?
He leaned in, brushing a hint of a kiss across her mouth. “Say it.”
In that moment, she realized how vulnerable he truly was. Past experiences with women hadn’t prepared him for his wedding night. More than just their hearts were at risk now.
