Defiant in the Viking's Bed

‘In a few days’ time I leave for my estate in Vingulmark. The place has been left in the hands of a steward and there are many matters requiring my attention.’

The news created a flood of unexpected emotions. After this they really would not meet again. She realised she was going to miss him rather more than she’d thought. ‘Yes, I can see that.’

‘Come with me.’

She stared at him. ‘What?’

‘Come with me, Astrid.’

‘You must be crazy.’

‘Perhaps. What I do know is that I don’t want to leave you behind; that I want you with me.’

His arm slipped around her waist and then he was very much closer. She could feel the warmth of him, breathe his scent. The pulse became a drumbeat. She felt his lips brush hers, light, tentative. The touch sent a shiver through her that was not entirely to do with fear. The kiss became a little more assertive, more seductive, coaxing her mouth open, allowing his tongue to tease hers, persuasive and infinitely more dangerous, awakening sensations she had never known existed. His hold tightened and the kiss became intimate. She could feel the start of his arousal. Desire was replaced by something very like panic and she tensed, turning her head aside.

He drew back a little to look into her face. ‘What are you afraid of, Astrid? You cannot believe I would hurt you.’

She shook her head, not in agreement but in denial, knowing instinctively that he had the power to hurt her very badly. She wasn’t the woman he really wanted.

‘Well, then, what is it?’

‘I won’t go with you to Vingulmark.’

‘Why not?’

‘How can you ask that?’

‘You know how I feel about you, and I think you are not indifferent to me.’

‘You’re wrong.’

‘You’re a poor liar, Astrid.’

‘It’s not a lie.’

‘No? Then look at me and tell me you feel nothing.’

Her gaze met his and yielded. ‘I confess I do like you, and I have enjoyed your company, but there is no future in this. You know that as well as I.’

‘All I know is that I haven’t been able to put you out of my mind since first we met. When I’m awake I think of you; when I sleep you fill my dreams.’

‘I cannot do what you’re asking.’

‘You have no reason to be afraid. I would treat you well; whatever you desire you shall have if it be in my power to give it.’

‘Will you offer me honourable marriage, Leif?’

‘In my experience there is precious little honour to be found there, and I will not deal in false promises.’ His gaze never wavered. ‘I have already intimated as much.’

‘So you did, and I am grateful for that honesty.’

‘I don’t want your gratitude, Astrid. I want you, but I would not have any pretence between us. If you come with me it will be with your eyes open.’

‘They are open and I’m not coming with you.’ You love someone else, she thought.

‘You don’t have to make up your mind now. Take some time. Think it over.’

‘There is nothing to think over. I will not be any man’s whore.’

With that she stepped away from him and hurried away down the path. For a moment or two he watched her go, strongly tempted to fetch her back and at the same time knowing he wouldn’t. What he wanted from her could not be compelled. It still surprised him that he did want her that much. His offer had been an impulse and yet he couldn’t regret making it, even if she had turned him down flat. Realistically he ought to have been better prepared for that. It was also ridiculous to feel quite so disappointed by her refusal.

* * *

Astrid reached the buildings a short time later, barely registering the lathered horses or the group of men outside the hall. She had no wish to see anyone until she had recovered her composure so she ducked around the corner and headed for the bower. The encounter with Leif had left her shaken for many reasons, not least because he was right; she was not indifferent to him. His kiss lingered still. The strength of the attraction she had felt in that brief embrace was profoundly shocking and it could only lead to disaster. Thank all the gods that good sense had prevailed.

On reaching the bower she bathed her face and tidied her hair, by which time she was calmer and better able to face the world. She was about to leave when the door opened to admit Ragnhild. When she saw Astrid she smiled.

‘I hoped I might find you here.’

‘Forgive me. I went for a walk...’

‘Then you will not have heard.’

‘Heard what, Highness?’

‘Your uncle is but lately arrived.’

Astrid stared at her in dismay. ‘My uncle? What is he doing here?’

‘I imagine he will tell you that himself. He wishes to speak with you.’ Ragnhild paused. ‘I wanted to prepare you first.’

‘I thank you. It was a kind thought.’

‘He is in the hall.’

* * *

Astrid paused on the threshold, surveying the newcomers uneasily. There were half a dozen of them, all slaking their thirst with ale. However, she had no problem locating the burly figure of her uncle. Although only just above the average height, he was powerfully built, reminding her of nothing so much as an old bear. Foreboding grew. Then, taking a deep breath, she went in.

Her uncle failed to notice her until his companion gave a discreet cough alerting him to her presence. He looked round. Cunning dark eyes subjected her to a cool and thorough appraisal. Then he nodded in grudging approval.

‘Well, well. The cygnet has become a swan.’

She dropped a polite curtsy. ‘Your visit is an unexpected surprise, my lord.’

‘No doubt.’

‘May I ask what brings you here?’