The Viking's Chosen by Quinn Loftis (21)

“My clan came because our Jarl wanted to raid the ships of the king that was coming to marry you,” Torben said, then added reluctantly. “And your father as well.”

“And why did you come?” I could tell by the sound of his voice that his answer was not the complete story.

“I came for you,” he finally admitted.

“To abduct me?” I asked.

He shook his head. “No. I came to court you, but the only way I could do that was by getting close to you. We came across Myra, and she agreed to help us.”

“Why would you want to court me? How did you know me?”

“You were part of a prophecy that my mother received. She is an Oracle. She saw that our futures were intertwined. In order to save both of our people, we must be joined.”

I started to argue. I was already in a betrothal that was based upon the benefit of two kingdoms. I did not want a marriage based upon political alliances. Before I could say anything, Torben held up his hand to stop me.

“I know what you are going to say, and I understand it,” he said. “I would not want a marriage that wasn’t based upon love. I did not want to be forced any more than you did, I promise you. That is why I wanted to court you. If we are meant to be, wouldn’t it stand to reason that we would be in love? I would never have forced you. And I still won’t.”

I believed him. From what I’d learned about him over the past month, despite not knowing his true background, his actions had proven his character. And, right or wrong, I loved Torben, a Viking warrior.

“And how do you feel?” I asked him. Perhaps I was pushing for something I already knew. He’d expressed his feelings before, but if we were doing something so permanent, then I needed to hear it.

“I love you,” he said simply. “I knew the minute I saw you that you were created just for me. The past few weeks have just confirmed it.”

As I stared up at him, at a future that I wanted to grasp with both my hands, yet seemed so very far out of my reach, I wondered if we could make it happen. Could it be as simple as just trying, as he’d said a couple weeks ago? Did we really have the power to choose our own destiny?

“You need to choose.” Myra broke the silence that had filled the room.

My jaw clenched tightly as I made my choice. I sat up and reached for Torben’s hand. “I need you to understand why I’m about to make this decision.” I could tell that he thought I was rejecting him. It was obvious in the way his body tensed, and his mouth drew out in a tight line. His eyes narrowed and seemed to flash with a near uncontrollable anguish.

“Listen,” I encouraged him and gave his hand a gentle squeeze. “I am not choosing you because I can’t survive without you. I am not saying yes to us because of some prophecy. I am not choosing us simply because the gods ordained it. I’m not even choosing you simply to avoid Cathal, even though that would certainly be reason enough. I’m choosing you because my heart is yours. Even if every army from every kingdom stood between us, I would still choose you and fight to be with you.”

I didn’t wait for his response. I turned to Myra and nodded my head.

“Will you, Allete, Seer and Healer of the Hakon Clan and soul match to Torben, pledge yourself to him? Will you stand beside him as his equal? Will you support him as his queen? Will you be his helpmate and share your insights, encouragement, and advice to ensure he stays on the path intended for him? Will you let him protect you, lift you up when you need it, carry you when you cannot walk, shelter you when the storms of what is to come become too much? Will you bind your soul to his and take his into your keeping as well?”

“I do and I will,” I answered, the words seeming to simply flow from my mouth like the chants that came when I was healing. As soon as the words passed my lips, a soft glow and feeling of warmth surrounded Torben and me. The light grew brighter and brighter, and the heat felt as though it was trying to meld us into one being. I felt a tugging deep inside of me, as though a string was attached to my heart and was being pulled gently, the force directed at Torben’s chest.

I looked up at him, and my lips curved up to match the smile that was glowing on his face. His eyes were filled with a contentment that I felt deep inside of me. As the light and heat slowly faded, I knew it was done. Torben, my soul match and anchor, was bound to me and me to him.

“It is done,” Myra said and took a deep breath. “There are things coming that I cannot speak of, but it is imperative that you let nothing come between what has been joined here today. The gods have blessed this union, and nothing in heaven, in hell, or on earth, can destroy it. Be prepared, a fight is coming your way.”

She melted into the shadows of the room and was gone in a matter of seconds as if she’d never been there.

“That did not sound very encouraging,” I said as I sat back in the bed. Torben sat next to me, his hand resting on my thigh.

“We will face whatever is coming, together,” he said with a certainty that I trusted because he believed it, even though I didn’t feel such assurance myself.

“What now?” I asked.

“Now we pretend as though nothing has happened until the morning of the wedding,” Torben said.

I really did not like the sound of that, but I understood why it was necessary. As he stood from my bed and walked around to the other side, I felt a sudden urge to grab onto him and never let him go.

“I feel it, too,” he said as he looked down at me, his handsome face exhibiting a tenderness that I only saw when we were alone. “I don’t want to leave, not even to be just outside. But I have to keep you safe.”

I nodded. “I know.”

He leaned down and kissed me, a sweet, lingering kiss that had my toes curling under the covers. I kept my hands to myself, knowing that if I wrapped them around his neck I would try to pull him closer.

“One day left,” he whispered against my lips. “The banquet is the evening after tomorrow. Then we will make our escape. I will be honest, I’m still trying to devise a plan.”

I smiled. “You infiltrated my father’s castle as a guard and captivated my heart. I have every confidence in you.”

“Sleep well, princess.” With a final kiss, he stood and walked to the door.

“Torben,” I said quickly. He turned and looked back at me. “I’m glad it is you. I’m glad you are my soul match.”

“As I am glad, Allete Auvray, that you are my everything.”

The door shut quietly behind him, and I laid back in my bed no longer feeling as though I was at death’s door. In a matter of a few hours, my life had veered off one path and been placed on a completely different course, one with a considerably better outlook. I was sure in that moment the smile on my face could not get any bigger without my face splitting in half, and my heart could not swell with any more love without bursting.

Torben was mine, and I was his. For once I felt as though I was exactly where I was supposed to be and that my life finally had a purpose.

When morning came, I still couldn’t wipe the stupid grin off my face.

“Are you going to tell me what happened in there?” Brant asked as he motioned with his head to the door behind me.

“I made her mine,” I said simply.

Brant’s eyes widened. “She allowed that without any vows?”

I shook my head. “Does your bloody mind always jump to the ditch, man?”

“You said you made her yours,” he argued. “How else should I interpret it?”

“We bound our souls.”

“Oh, well,” he nodded. “That’s good.” He scratched his head and narrowed his eyes on me. “What the hell does that mean exactly?”

I could not help but laugh. “Remember Myra?”

He nodded. “Of course. Why you think I look like this?” he said, motioning to his face.

“She was here last night. She explained some things about what it means to be a healer and a seer. Apparently, Allete is both, though she’s never had a prophecy. Myra explained that a seer did not begin to have the sight until she was united with her soul match, her anchor. I am Allete’s match. We took a blood oath last night and bound our souls. She’s mine in every way but one. And as soon as we are off this damn continent, I intend to marry her and make her mine in body as well.”

“And she’s on board with all of this?”

I nodded and the grin I’d had only moments ago returned. “She loves me.”

Brant shook his head. “I really thought she was smarter than that.”

“Shut your mouth, you horse’s arse. You’re just jealous.”

“Why should I be jealous? I’ve got my eye on the future mother of my offspring as well. She will admit her undying love soon enough. Just wait.”

“I don’t doubt she will admit her undying love. And I’m anxious to learn who the object of her affection is,” I jested.

Brant scoffed. “I am not worried, brother. I can simply kill anyone who thinks he can have her.”

“I’m sure murder will endear her to you.”

The object of his affection rounded the corner only seconds after his words had left his mouth.

“Good morning, dashing brutes,” Dayna said with a grin.

“Princess,” Brant said bowing his head. Apparently, he thought that this formality was what would endear her to him because he reached for her hand and tugged her closer. He lifted the hand to his mouth and ran kisses across her knuckles. Dayna looked shocked for a moment, but quickly recovered herself.

“You are sure of yourself, Brant,” she said in a tone that she probably intended to sound severe. Instead it came out husky and breathless.

“No, beauty. But I am no fool when fate drops a gem in my lap. No man finds riches and turns away. He grasps it with both hands and holds it close to protect it from those who might steal it.”

“And you have found such riches?”

“I have found something far greater than riches, lovely Dayna. I have found the one my soul cannot live without.”

My brow rose as I stared at my long-time comrade. When had he become such a poet? When I looked at Dayna’s face and saw her flushed skin, I knew his words were having a profound effect. I coughed, adding some words that I hoped would break his spell. “Too young.”

Brant dropped her hand but didn’t look away from her. “Not for long she isn’t,” he said, responding to my prodding.

Dayna stepped back from Brant and then surprised us both. “I am inclined to think you are full of horse droppings … but … I do not think you are so dense as to try and seduce a princess into your bed while in her own home and under the eye of her father. So I guess you will just have to prove your words to me. You do that, Brant, and I’m yours. Of course, you will have to wait until I come of age. Which means no playing about with other women until then. I know there are many who are much too eager to lift their skirts for a handsome warrior.”

I choked as I swallowed. She was young, and yet she spoke her mind with such decisiveness. I could see why Brant was smitten with her.

“I wouldn’t dare,” he murmured, his eyes taking her in as though she was the first piece of a land he’d seen after being on the ocean for months.

Dayna pulled her shoulders back and raised her chin. Her eyes danced with the same fire I’d seen in Allete. “I am not jesting, Brant. You want me?”

“You know I do.”

Well, damn, these two weren’t going to just continue to flirt. Then again, I knew that once Brant made a decision, he never wavered. There would be no changing his mind. If he said he wanted her, then he meant it with everything in him.”

“If I even hear of you setting those eyes on another woman, then I’ll cut them out and feed them to fish. I won’t allow my heart to be toyed with.”

“So you want me as well?” he asked her. “You do not think you are too young to be making such a declaration?”

“I may be young, but I know my own damn mind, and when I see what I want, I am not afraid to take it. My own ability to wait for you does not need to be a question. I am a female and one of high ranking. Even if I did not respect myself and took a man to my bed before taking him as my husband, I would be disgraced. But a man…” She laughed, but there was no humor in it. “A man can take as many women to his bed as he pleases before taking a bride, and everyone turns a blind eye. Your past is your past, but if you are telling me that I am what your soul wants, then you had better be ready to show me the truth in your words.”

She turned and reached past me to grasp the handle to her sister’s chambers.

“Dayna Auvray,” Brant’s voice came out in a low growl.

She looked back at him over her shoulder.

“I have no problem proving anything to you, and I am not an animal in rut, needing to satisfy my every urge. But hear me, female. You expect my devotion, and you have it. I expect the same.”

She began to speak, but he held up his hand to stop her. “I am not talking about your body. I’ve no doubt you will keep your skirt down and your beautiful legs closed. I am talking about you. You want me to be yours, then you had damn well better be mine. None of that flirty shite that you do so well. No casual touches from other males, I don’t care if they are a member of your father’s court. We clear, little princess?”

Dayna’s lips tightened. She obviously did not care for the endearment.

“We are clear. But, Brant, if you ever call me little princess again, I won’t have to worry about you ever lusting after some barmaid. I will make sure you are cut to be a eunuch, and I will be the one doing the cutting.” After a moment of intense staring between the two hotheads, she grinned and blew him a kiss.

When she was behind the door, Brant let out a sigh. “Damn, I want that one. She’s perfect for me.”

I cleared my throat. “She just threatened to cut your balls off, and you think she’s perfect.”

“Hell, yes,” he grinned stupidly. “A woman who can handle a blade can no doubt handle other things just as well.”

“Bloody hell, man,” I said shaking my head. “I suppose you’re right. She’s just as crass as you are and doesn’t blink an eye at your crude comments. And she’s just as violent as you. I have a feeling there will be blood drawn many times before you two make it to the marriage bed.”

Brant nodded. “Of that I’ve no doubt. Too many of those pansy, court males look at her as though she’s a trophy to be set on their mantle. I’ve no doubt, if we stay here much longer, I will have to kill a few. She’s the type who will flirt with them just to piss me off.”

“And you love it.”

“Aye, I do. Doesn’t mean I won’t beat the shite out of the males she flirts with.”

“Don’t you think that’s a bit unfair to those males?”

Brant shrugged. “Wrong place, wrong time. Not my problem.”

I pinched the bridge of my nose. I had a feeling Allete and I would be constantly intervening where those two were concerned. Brant was like rolling thunder, and Dayna was a bolt of lightning. Put them together, and you’ve got the makings of a volatile storm.

We stood there in silence, both of us lost in our own thoughts. The more time that passed without the appearance of Allete from her chambers, the more I fought the need to barge into her room and see her. I needed to know that nothing had changed in the light of day. I needed to know that she wasn’t panicking over what had taken place the night before. Just when I was about to lose my patience, the door opened, and Dayna stepped out.

“She’s asking to see you,” she said with a knowing smile.

“I suppose she filled you in?”

She nodded. “Just so you know, I was all for you being her beau.”

I smiled. “Well, thank you for your blessing.”

She stepped out of the way so I could walk past her. Before I closed the door behind me, I turned and looked at Brant. “Behave. That’s a direct order.”

As the door shut behind me, I heard Dayna say in a playful voice, “’Tis a good thing he can’t give me direct orders to behave.”

I chuckled as the door latched behind me. My eyes found her immediately. She stood across the room, looking out of her window. I’d noticed that this was a place she seemed to be when she was thinking. I walked over to her and stepped close behind her. My hands found her small waist and slipped around her sides until they rested on her stomach. She leaned back against me as though she’d done it a thousand times before.

“Did you get any rest?” I asked as I leaned my head down and buried my face in the place just behind her ear. Her hair was soft against my skin, and she smelled like home.

“A little,” she answered, and her voice ran over me like a warm summer rain. “I suppose you didn’t.”

I chuckled. “I’m used to it, princess.”

When she turned to face me, her brows drew together. “You still look like a Viking.”

“I suppose once you’ve seen past the magic, you won’t see the illusion any more. Or it could be our bond. I do not know.”

“But everyone else still sees you without the long hair and …” She motioned to my face which had grown a nearly full beard.

“Your sister didn’t notice, so I assume they still see me with the spell on me.”

Allete studied me for a few minutes and then reached up and ran her hand across my cheek. “It’s softer than it looks.”

“Did you prefer me before, without it?”

She shrugged. “I don’t know yet. Give me some time around you now, and then I’ll make my decision.”

I smiled down at her. “Bossy little thing.” As my eyes held hers, I finally gave in to what I’d been wanting to do since the previous night. “I can’t wait any longer.” I leaned down and pressed my lips to hers. She felt so good against me, and the warmth of her mouth urged me to deepen the kiss. I wanted to be selfish with her. I wanted her to feign being sick so she could stay in her room with me, but I knew that wasn’t a possibility, not with the banquet happening the very next day.

When I pulled back, there was a small smile on her face. “That was nice.”

I shook my head. “If the only compliment I get from kissing you is that was nice, then I’m not doing it right.” I leaned down and put my hands beneath her thighs, hoisting her up into my arms. She gasped and then laughed. I walked her back until she was pressed against the stone wall. Her hands cupped my face and when she simply sat there staring at me, I closed the gap between us. Gentleness fled. Consumed by my passion and need for her, I took possession of her mouth and devoured her. My love’s hands ran through the strands of my hair, and it felt so good. Allete felt so very good.

I pulled back to let her take a quick breath. “Torben,” she gasped. But that was all I allowed her before I was on her again. Her small hands moved to my shoulders, and she pulled herself closer to me.

“How am I supposed to be around you all day and not touch you?” I asked her as we both attempted to slow the rising and falling of our chests.

“Consider it a game,” she said with a grin.

“And what do I get if I win?”

“Guess you’ll have to wait and see.”

The flirty smile on her delectable lips had me groaning. The woman was going to be the death of me. I let her slide down from my arms and pressed a final kiss to her forehead.

“So no regrets?” I finally asked the question that had been burning a hole in my brain.

Allete shook her head. “None.”

I noticed an errant hair that had fallen loose from her braid, and I gently tucked it behind her ear. “Have you considered that we will be leaving your family, at least for a while?”

She nodded. “I was leaving anyway, but at least now the circumstances are much, much improved. I will have to conceive a way to let my father know that I left with you on my own volition. I don’t want him to think that you took me against my will.”

I had considered the very same thing. “After the banquet, we will talk to him, together.”

After several seconds, she nodded. “All right.”

“Will you be ready to go down for breakfast soon?”

“Yes, just give me a few more minutes.”

I gave her one last lingering kiss and then left her chambers. With every step, my gut clenched tighter. It was going to be a very long couple of days.

I stared down at my food as I listened to the forks and plates clinking around me. I was afraid if I looked up, I would seek out his eyes. The feelings welling up inside of my spirit seemed so strange to me. I wondered if it was some sort of reaction to the bonding, this driving need to be close to him, to touch him. But I knew that we must be careful not to exhibit any strange behavior. We didn’t want to draw any attention to ourselves. I had to pretend that he was just my guard, nothing more.

“Forgive my tardiness,” Cathal’s voice carried across the room.

My stomach hit the floor, and I had to swallow back the bile that threatened to make an unwelcome appearance. When I’d arrived in the dining hall to see that he wasn’t present, my anxiety was momentarily lessened, but the reprieve was short lived.

“Good morning, Allete,” he said as he took the empty chair next to me.

I took a small breath and steeled myself before looking up at him. I plastered a smile on my face and prayed it seemed genuine. “Good morning, my lord.”

“You are looking especially lovely. Your skin is flushed, and you’re glowing. It seems the thought of our pending nuptials is agreeing with you.”

“Certainly,” I agreed. Although I knew exactly the real reason I appeared flushed and glowing. The memory of Torben’s kisses this morning was enough to have me nearly panting. I daresay that would not have been very ladylike. Which almost made me want to do it, just to see the look on Cathal’s face, and Torben’s, too, for that matter. I smothered the smile that wanted to break free. I was acting like a school girl with a crush. Ridiculous, really.

The rest of breakfast passed in an uneasy silence. My father and mother no longer went out of their way to make small talk with Cathal, and I hoped he hadn’t noticed a change in their attitude toward him. I kept shooting them glares, trying to silently implore them to keep up our charade a bit longer.

“If you’ll excuse my queen and me,” my father said suddenly as he stood and reached his hand out to my mother. “I’ve not been feeling well this morning. Considering the importance of the coming occasion, I think I should take every opportunity to rest until then. I’d hate to be sick during my eldest daughter’s wedding banquet.”

Cathal looked over at them and a small smirk appeared. “Certainly, Albric. It is good you have a queen to wait on you.”

My father’s jaw tightened, and I held my breath, hoping he would keep his temper in check. For some reason, it sounded like Cathal was baiting him.

“It is my pleasure to care for my husband,” my mother said, her tone genuine, leaving no doubt that their love for one another was sincere. She turned to me and smiled. “Do not forget to come find me when you are done, Allete dear. Lidia and your sisters have the final preparations to go over with you for the banquet.”

“Yes, Mother,” I said and then watched as they left the room.

“I am to spend another day apart from you?” Cathal asked, the barely contained anger boiling beneath the surface of his carefully controlled façade.

“What is a few days when we will be married soon, and I will be with you every single day for the rest of your life?” I asked, giving him my most innocent smile.

He stared at me, trying to gauge my tone. I could see him contemplating whether I was being sarcastic. Finally, he shrugged. “I suppose you are correct.”

I had no appetite whatsoever, owing mostly to the fact that the distracting memory of the feel of Torben’s lips on mine refused to leave my mind. Still, I finally managed to clean my plate. I set down my fork and pushed my chair back. Cathal stood as I did.

“I will bid you good day, my lord,” I said.

Before I could turn to go, he wrapped an arm around my waist and pulled me close to him. It was extremely forward in such a public setting, and I resisted the urge, barely, to shove him away from me.

His head leaned down until his mouth was next to my ear. “I see how your guard looks at you. If you do not tell him to back off, I will cut out his eyes.”

I wanted to look at Torben, but I made myself continue to stare at the wall just past Cathal’s shoulder.

“Do I make myself clear?” he asked as his hand squeezed my side painfully.

I smiled and tried to look as though his advances were most welcome. I knew that I couldn’t let my eyes betray me in that moment. Not only was Cathal scrutinizing my face, I could feel Torben’s eyes boring into me as well. There would be no way I could look in his direction at that moment and not betray some sort of emotion. And I couldn’t let him know Cathal was causing me pain. Torben might just kill Cathal right then and there if he saw me wince. If that happened, he’d be arrested on the spot. I had to protect him because I knew he would not protect himself. His concern would be for me alone.

“Of course, my lord,” I said as pleasantly as I could.

He released me, after a final warning squeeze and stepped back giving me a warm smile. The look in his eyes made my skin crawl. “I look forward to seeing you at the banquet. I have, of course, provided an appropriate dress for you. Your mother has it. It is a gift.” Cathal took my hand and lifted it. He pressed a kiss to the back of it and then released me. As he strode from the room, I forced myself to inhale so I would not pass out. I hadn’t realized my breath had been caught in my throat.

Once I’d gathered myself, I glanced around the table and gave a smile to those who remained. Lizzy and Dayna were there, a few members of the court, and Thomas, who was glaring daggers in the direction Cathal had just departed.

“I bid you each a good day,” I said with a small curtsy. Knowing Brant and Torben would follow, I walked from the room without looking back. Dayna would come find me soon enough. Lizzy I wasn’t sure about. She’d been gone so much lately that I did not know what to expect from her. And I’d been so caught up in my own problems that I had not been a very attentive older sister. Thomas would, no doubt, have something to say to me at some point. Yes, my day would be filled with concerned family who meant well, and yet would not understand what had taken place between Torben and me.

Honestly, Thomas was the one I worried about the most. He was so protective of me, and I wasn’t sure how he would feel about Torben being a Viking. Regardless of what he thought, however, he’d just have to accept my new situation as is. It was my life, and I wouldn’t live it without Torben.

We were half-way to my mother and father’s chambers when I felt Torben’s hand on my waist guiding me to my right. We entered a small sitting room, and the door closed behind us. When I turned to face him, I saw Torben staring at the ground. I could imagine Brant standing sentry outside the door.

“Torben,” I said gently. I felt as though I was approaching a wild beast ready to pounce at any moment. “Are you all right?”

His shoulders rose and fell with each heavy breath. One hand was clenched into a fist at his side, while the other rested on the hilt of his sword. “I did not realize how difficult it would be to watch him touch you. That was agony, but it wasn’t the worst part. The worse part was knowing he was hurting you and not being able to immediately hold him accountable for it. That is not the way things are done in my clan.”

I bit my lip. Clearly, I hadn’t succeeded in hiding the pain Cathal had inflicted. “How did you know?”

When he finally raised his head, the rage in his eyes caused me to take a step back. “I felt your pain.”

I covered my mouth with my hand as a shocked gasp escaped. “What? How?”

He shook his head. “I do not know. But as soon as you felt it, I did, too. The sensation in your side, where his hand was, I felt it all. But that’s not everything. I also felt you trying to keep me from knowing about it. I wanted to cut his hand off.”

I didn’t know what to say to that. Had Myra known that the bond between us could cause something like that? Neither one of us had any idea of what to expect, and I felt like a new foal learning to walk. We were simply stumbling along together, hoping to stay upright.

“I know. But it’s only two more days, Torben. We must keep our secret. I will not have to be around him until tomorrow evening. I can make plenty of excuses. It will certainly be understandable that I’ll be terribly busy preparing for the banquet. You cannot attack him. That would ruin everything. Please.”

He stepped closer to me, close enough that I could feel his breath on my face. I knew we were playing with fire. Even with Brant guarding the door, it would not look good if someone caught us alone like we were.

“I won’t attack him. But if he hurts you again, I cannot guarantee that some ill fate doesn’t befall him in the middle of the night,” he warned.

I suppose I had to give him that much. If it were the other way around, I would not like to see Torben hurt either. I understood his frustration and anger. I do not know what I would do if someone caused him pain. “Fair enough.”

We stared at one another for a few seconds longer before he sighed and stepped back. “If I touch you now, we might not leave this room for two days. Your mother and sisters are no doubt waiting for you.” He grinned roguishly as he grasped the handle of the door. “I must insist we be on our way now. Otherwise you will arrive a bit disheveled. I can’t have anyone thinking you’ve been ravished by a madman in the halls of your own castle. What kind of guard would I be?”

My mouth dropped open. I might have had a response ready had I not been so distracted by his handsome face and smirking lips. Instead I simply followed him, attempting to will away the blush that was covering my face. The man was going to drive me crazy for the rest of our lives, and yet I could not wait for forever to begin.

Three hours later, I had been poked and prodded to the point that I was ready to stab someone with the sharpest object near me. Cathal’s “dress,” if that is what you could call it, was so ridiculously revealing that my mother was unwilling to allow me to wear it. So she, along with my sisters and Lidia, had spent that last several hours adding material to it to make it appropriate.

The funniest moment of the entire time had been when I’d first arrived with my guards in tow. We’d walked into the living area of my parents’ chambers to find Dayna strutting about in the dress. Upon seeing us enter, she’d stopped midway through ridiculously throwing her head back and flailing her arms and said in a snobby aristocratic tone. “Sister dear, I do believe your future husband wants to whore you out like a common woman in a brothel.”

I was pretty sure my mother was going to choke to death. Lidia had to beat her on the back to help her collect herself. Lizzy, whose presence had surprised me, had covered her mouth to keep from laughing. Brant had cussed a blue streak under his breath and Torben had muttered four words: “Over my dead body.”

I could not believe the King of Tara had the gall to expect his bride to wear such a spectacle. And I wasn’t too proud to admit that I couldn’t wait to see Cathal’s reaction when he saw our alterations. He would not be able to scold me in front of those people. He would be fuming inside.

After the dress was finished, we each took places on the couches in the sitting area and relaxed. It felt good to just sit.

“It feels like forever since we’ve all been together,” our mother said, looking at each of us.

“There has been much going on,” I pointed out.

“I know what Allete has been up to,” Dayna said. “But Lizzy, you’ve been absent much lately. Don’t think I haven’t noticed. Where have you been sneaking off to?”

Lizzy blushed. “I’ve been out with friends.”

“Friends?” Dayna asked. “Are these female friends?”

“Dayna,” Mother gasped. “Really. Don’t be crass.”

Lizzy glanced at our youngest sister and then looked at our mother. No one said anything for a few moments. Dayna eyed Lizzy with a scrutinizing stare. She seemed to be on the verge of pressing the issue when Lizzy appeared to come to a decision. “I have been seeing someone, Mother,” she said and then quickly continued. “He’s a member of Cathal’s court. He’s a good man.”

The eyes of everyone in the room widened, and a couple of mouths dropped open. My mother said nothing for several seconds. “Then why has he not addressed your father and me to request permission to court you?” she finally asked through tight lips.

“Because it isn’t that simple,” she explained. “Cathal would have to approve the courting as well, and that would never happen.”

“What?” I asked. “What do you mean?”

“Because Cathal’s third queen was the woman this man courted when he was younger. Cathal took her, and then after a year of marriage she died suddenly.”

“What is your beau’s name?” Mother asked.

Lizzy shook her head. “I am sorry, Mother, but I promised I wouldn’t say. Cathal isn’t aware that he is here.”

“Why did he come?” Dayna asked.

“I can’t say that, either.”

The three of us stared at her, shocked that she was willing to keep secrets from us, her family.

“Are you in danger? Is someone threatening you? Is he threatening you?” Our mother spoke up.

“No, it’s not like that at all. We have been careful. No one knows him, and we go to the small tavern on the edge of the village to meet. I’m never alone with him,” she quickly added.

I didn’t like what she was telling us, but Lizzy was eighteen. She was of marrying age and had the right to choose who she wanted to marry, provided his class was suitable.

“So, is he planning on staying here after Cathal leaves?” Dayna asked.

Lizzy’s hands were trembling in her lap, something I’d never seen in our calm middle sister. “I do not think he will be going back,” she answered.

“If he stays, he must speak to your father.”

Lizzy nodded. “I’m sure Father will be speaking with him soon.”

I tilted my head as I looked at her. She seemed sad. Why would she be sad if the man she had been sneaking around with was staying in our kingdom?

“Wouldn’t that make you happy?” I asked. “For him to stay?”

Lizzy finally looked up and met my gaze. There were unshed tears in her eyes, but they were pleading me not to ask why they were there. “I’m asking you to trust me, as your sister.” She turned to Dayna. “And yours.” Then she turned to our mother. “And as your daughter. Trust me that he is no danger to me or my father.”

The stunned silence in the room wasn’t surprising. Lizzy didn’t do emotions. She was calm and collected, and yet every time I’d seen her since she had started seeing the mystery man, she’d been anything but calm. How was I supposed to trust her when she seemed so broken over a man we did not know?

“Fine,” Mother said. “I will leave it alone for now. But after everything is settled, then he must speak with your father about courting you.”

I noticed she didn’t say after the wedding. My mother was making it clear that she had no plans for there to be a wedding and by the seas I wanted to throw myself at her feet and thank her for supporting me. I had no doubt that my parents loved me, but they were leaders of an entire country. The people depended on them for protection and provision. By making this choice, they were essentially choosing me over their duties as king and queen. I wished I could tell them not to; I wished I was that selfless. But now that I’d met Torben, everything had changed. I couldn’t see my life without him, and I couldn’t see my life with Cathal in it.

We spent the rest of the afternoon simply talking. It was so strange to live with people who you loved and yet see so little of them. We were in this palace every day, and yet there were days that went by that I didn’t even cross Lizzy’s path if she did not come to breakfast.

We reminisced about our childhood and how so much had changed. But most of all, we avoided completely the topic of marriage, Cathal, and anything that might remotely pertain to him. No matter how much I enjoyed my time with my family, Torben was ever-present in the back of my mind. I knew he was just outside the door, and I hated that he had to act like my guard instead of my equal.

The door opened then, and in stepped the object of my thoughts. To me, he was a handsome, longhaired, lightly bearded Viking warrior, but to my family they were seeing him as an English guard with short hair and clean-shaven face. He was huge in either regard, and he was also mine.

“Ow,” I growled as I rubbed the shin Dayna had just kicked.

She leaned over close. “You were looking at him like he was the last dessert on the table. Pull yourself together, woman.”

I glanced back up to see Torben watching us with a smirk on his face. I wondered if he’d been able to feel my attraction for him, as he had felt my pain earlier. I felt my face flush when I realized just how embarrassing such a thing would be.

“Forgive the interruption, Your Highness,” Torben said as he bowed to my mother. “Your nephew is here and wishes to speak with Allete.”

“Of course,” my mother said as she motioned with her hand. “Let him in.”

Thomas walked in and gave Torben a pointed look. Whether it was a look of good or ill, however, I couldn’t decipher. Torben turned to close the door and winked at me just as it shut him out of the room. I received another kick from Dayna for the grin I couldn’t suppress.

“Dayna, quit kicking your sister, and Allete, quit doing whatever it is you’re doing to illicit such a response,” Mother said, her voice sounding so much like it had when we were children doing much the same thing.

I started to say something, but Thomas cut me off.

“What exactly happened this morning at breakfast?” His clenched jaw made it perfectly clear that he knew what happened, but he wanted me to confirm it.

“Cathal was simply asserting his dominance,” I responded.

“Allete, he was hurting you. I could see it in your face. Why would you—”

“What?” I suddenly said as I stood up. “Why would I what, Thomas? Why would I let the king of Tara, a man who I am subject to and betrothed to, speak to me in such a way, handle me in such a way?” I was nearly yelling as the anger and humiliation built inside of me. I knew that Thomas simply cared about me, and this was his way of expressing his sorry. I knew that he did not mean his question to be insulting, and yet I was insulted. “I may be a princess. I may be next in line to be queen in my own country, but that holds no value to Cathal. The only value I have for that man is what I can do for him. The alliance I represent to Britain and the sons I can bear him. To openly disrespect him in front of others, especially in front of the court, would be throwing Father at his mercy.” My breathing had increased, and my heart was racing in my chest as I pointed my finger at my now-helpless looking cousin. “I am simply a woman, Thomas. Royal, yes. But still a woman. I have pushed the boundaries that hold my sex back as far as I can push them without causing Father disrespect. I will continue to do what I can, but I could not speak out against Cathal this morning. He would have done more than bruise my side.”

When I felt the steam seep out of me, my shoulders sagged forward. I felt bereft and tired, as though I’d been working in the fields all day instead of sitting on a cushioned chair, calmly conversing with my family.

“Forgive me, cousin,” Thomas said after several minutes. He walked over to me and wrapped his arms around me, pulling me tightly against him. “I just cannot stand to see you hurting, physically or otherwise.”

“I know,” I said as I patted his back. “I am the one who should apologize. I shouldn’t have yelled. I think I am simply tired and have too much on my mind.”

Thomas released me and stepped back. He wiped the tear from my cheek that I hadn’t realized had fallen and smiled at me. “And just so you know, there is nothing such as ‘simply a woman.’ The statement itself is an oxymoron. There is nothing simple about any woman and certainly not you. Remarkable? Yes. Unique? Most definitely. Passionate, good, honest and beyond lovely? Without a doubt. But never simple.”

He pressed a kiss to my forehead and bowed to the rest of the room. “I’ll take my leave, good ladies. And plan to see you all tomorrow evening at the ball. I’m sure it is going to prove to be an interesting evening.”

I snorted out a laugh. Interesting indeed.

To my surprise, Mother insisted we eat dinner in her chambers instead of dining with the court. It was the first time in a very long time that we’d eaten as a family. Even Father joined us. My heart was overflowing with love by the time the evening was ending. As we each said our goodnights, Father came over to me and hugged me tightly to him.

“I want you to sleep tonight, Allete. Do not stay up worrying about everyone else. Do no worry for our kingdom and do not worry for yourself.” He pulled back to look at me. “Tomorrow evening will be the last time you have to see or deal with Cathal. You have my word.”

I kissed his cheek. “Thank you, Father. I will do my best not to worry.”

He chuckled. “Liar. You’re too much like your mother. You care too deeply, even about things you have no control over.” He paused and brushed my hair from my face. “But then I would rather you care too much than too little.”