As entertaining as some of this was, I needed to give my parents a break from the jarl’s anger.
“Father? Mother?” I called out, approaching the door. “I’m back.”
I poked my head inside to find my father and Jarl Rune standing toe-to-toe in a glaring contest. My mother sat at the table watching with a bored expression, and Leif was nowhere to be seen. Probably off with his betrothed.
“Did you get everything?” my father asked me without looking away from the jarl.
“No, not everything, but I do have something extra,” I said. “Plus, we have a guest.”
My mother’s attention snapped up, and my father finally looked away from the jarl. The jarl also turned at the same time to see me leading Týr into the house. He had to duck low due to his height, and the bear only made it a little more complicated.
My mother gasped, and my father’s brows shot up. “Týr, I do hope our daughter didn’t cause you any trouble.”
Týr smiled. “She never does. Only keeps my life interesting.”
My father nodded approvingly. “Randi, I think bear would be better for tonight’s meal than fish.”
“I agree, my love. Týr, you’ll be staying of course, yes?”
He smiled at my mother. “I would be happy to.”
“Jarl Rune, will you be joining us as well?” I inquired, only out of politeness. I knew by the frustrated look on his face what his answer would be.
The jarl shook his head. “No, I must be returning home. However, Astrid, I have a question for you.”
“Rune…” my father warned.
“Yes, what is it, Jarl?” I could handle this scrutiny.
“Was my daughter correct in telling me you and my son parted ways in the village?”
I blinked, putting on my best innocent act. “Yes, that’s right. Father said I only had to go into town with him.”
I could see my father trying to bite back a proud smile in front of our jarl.
“But you didn’t insist he join you with your tasks outside the town, as I had requested?” the jarl pushed.
Before I could speak, Týr did. “You have an intelligent son, Rune. He knows who he can and cannot compete with.”
I swallowed and squeezed my legs together at the possessive tone to his words.
Jarl Rune sucked in a tight breath and then nodded. “I should be leaving. Have a good day, all of you.”
He left without even a glance back and slammed the door behind him. There was silence in the house for a moment, and then my father laughed. He came up and kissed me on the forehead.
He then turned to Týr. “Thank you for keeping my daughter safe out there.”
“You do not need to thank me,” Týr said. “I do it of my own free will.”
My father smiled and then looked down at the bear. “Why don’t we take care of this so my wife and daughter can create a delicious meal for us?”
Týr nodded. “After, I would like to see some of the work you do. Astrid speaks highly of your craft.”
My father’s eyes flicked to me; I smiled in return.
The two men left, Týr lifting the bear with his godly strength, leaving my mother and me to store my herbs and fish and prepare for the meal.
My mother patted my hand and gave me a knowing smile. I cocked my head, but she didn’t elaborate. What was that look for?
