“Bjørn, take Astrid and Randi outside,” I commanded.
He’d gone to his wife to keep her calm. She was as ready to kill everyone as me. An inky blackness seeped into her eyes, a good indicator she was willing to use her most devastating spells to protect her daughter, consequences be damned.
Astrid’s grip on my arm tightened. “I’m not leaving until you put your weapon away and promise me you won’t kill anyone unless they attack you first.”
My gaze flicked to the warriors who readied to protect their king. They couldn’t hurt me, so a weapon wouldn’t be needed. I dismissed my axe. “As you wish, Valkyrie. You have my word I will not kill unless it is necessary.”
She smiled, and her touch slipped away. The simmering rage rose again, but I managed to keep my head clear enough to adhere to my promise.
Astrid and her family left along with their jarl, the door closing behind them.
I stalked toward the king. My pulse beat in rhythm of my steps, like pounding drums of war. His men stood their ground until their knees wobbled and they backed away. Geir’s cocky smirk faded as he watched no one stand up to protect him.
He opened his mouth to speak, but my hand clamped around his throat. I squeezed tight and lifted him off his pathetic throne. The pitiful man scrabbled at my hands, his nails doing nothing to save him.
I pulled him close to my face, our noses almost touching. His fear-stricken eyes reflected the crazed rage of my own expression. “You ever try to touch my Astrid, and you and your line, and even your ancestors before you, will feel the extent of my wrath.”
I shoved him back into his throne, nearly toppling it with the force, and spun on my heels without another word.
No one tried to stop me. They weren’t foolish enough to go against one of their gods. But I knew this king would be. And he’d rue the day he crossed me.
I threw the doors open, immediately looking for Astrid. She and her family were nearby. Astrid crouched by the animal cage, playing with the fluffy kitten inside. The remnants of my anger dissipated, replaced by warmth. “Do you like her?”
Astrid glanced up. “She’s cute.”
I lifted the cage, and she stood. I unlocked it and scooped the kitten out with one hand, offering her to Astrid. “She’s yours.”
She gasped, her eyes going wide. “Really?”
I continued to hold the squirming kitten out to her. She snatched the feline and snuggled her against her chest. I’d never felt more jealous of a cat than in this moment.
“Thank you for your assistance, Týr,” Bjørn said. “I’m sorry my family has troubled you again.”
I shook my head. “The only one who caused me trouble was a pompous king.”
“How did you know we were here?” Astrid asked.
“I didn’t. I was here for my own needs and heard of the two völvur visiting the king. I gathered from there it was you two and thought to drop by.”
She smiled. “I’m glad you did.”
So was I. “What are your plans for the rest of the day?”
She looked to her parents and jarl, who stood a little ways off.
“Supply run, and then we ship back out for home,” the jarl said. “I don’t believe it’s wise for us to remain here longer than we need to.”
“I will accompany you,” I said.
All four mortals seemed surprised by this.
“You needn’t trouble yourself,” Bjørn said.
I shook my head. “I’ve made my decision.” I then shifted my attention back to Astrid. “What do you need?”
She stared up at me as if I’d grown an extra head. Why is it that my insistence to be around baffles her?
“There were a few nice pieces of jewelry she was eyeing earlier,” Randi said casually.
