Silence fell between them, the darkness of the night becoming tense and stiff.
“Henny really seemed to enjoy the ale,” he said, trying to ease out of the formality they’d fallen into.
North laughed lightly and Vali’s shoulders relaxed at the sound. “That he did. I wasn’t sure who would win their competition, him or Bo.”
Vali chuckled, shaking his head at his youngest brothers. “Don’t tell him I said this, but I believe Bo will win.”
“And why is that?”
“He’s more likely to resort to swords in the likelihood that they bed the same number of people tonight.”
As if remembering herself, she unbuckled the sword at her hip. His sword. She held it out for him to take, but he made no move for it.
“What’s this?” he asked.
“Your sword,” she said like it was obvious, and he tried not to smile at the condescension in her tone. She was an eldest sister, after all.
“Itwasmy sword. I gave it to you.”
“Only because of tradition. I do not want to take it from you.”
Vali’s heart fluttered as she pushed the sword towards him, bringing her close enough for him to smell the floral scent that was her. He backed away, hoping she would follow.
“You cannot take what is freely given.”
“Why will you not take it?” she asked, frustration cinching her brow. He found the expression maddening, never having seen it directed at him before.
“Because it is yours.”
“This is an arranged marriage, Vali, I do not expect the same as I would in a love bond.” Her voice broke on the last word.
Without thinking, he sprang into action, taking the sword. Relief and something else he couldn’t name flashed across her face. Disappointment? That didn’t make sense. Vali placed it on the desk beside them.
He took her hands in his and kept silent until she was forced to look at him. Her green eyes twinkled in the evening light, and he ached to lick away the tear that slid down her cheek. The runes that shimmered on his forearm tingled, as if reminding him of the promises he’d made.
As if he could forget.
“Arranged or not, you are my wife, North Stjarna Erikdottir. My vows were true. My heart and sword are now yours to do with as you please.” He lifted her chin with his finger as she turned away from him. “Except give them back to me.”
“Vali—”
“North.”
He pushed as much sincerity into his eyes as he could, hoping she would be able to see what he couldn’t yet say. What he didn’t yet know. When he saw the same vulnerability finally soften her, he relaxed.
Her pulse throbbed as he slid his hand from her chin, fingertips tracing the slender line of her neck, his canines aching. Like he wascompelled by an ancient magic, his fingers continued downward, grazing the creamy skin at her collarbones before removing his touch.
He parted his mouth, and his tongue dragged over the sharp points to try to ease the urge. It was fascinating the way her eyes flicked down to follow the movement.
Her eyes were full of lust only for a moment before uncertainty took its place. He couldn’t have that.
“North,” he said softly, entreating her to speak with him. He wanted to know every thought she had.
She cleared her throat. “I haven’t ... I mean, it has been a while since I’ve been with anyone,” she said, nervous energy emanating from her as she shifted on her feet. Her vulnerability touched his heart.
She must not have realized that he’d opened his mouth to speak, because she kept going.
“And I might not be what you’re used to with other females. I’m not—that’s to say, I don’t really know how to ...” She struggled for words. He didn’t quite know where she was going, but it was sweet, endearing even, to see her ramble.
