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‘Pray excuse me for a moment.’
Relief washed over her. ‘By all means.’
As the two stepped aside for private speech, Astrid saw the opportunity to extricate herself and took it, slipping away into the crowd of revellers. The tenor of the recent conversation had left her in no doubt that it was a wise move. Leif was both handsome and charismatic, a dangerous combination and one that had not failed in its allure since she knew perfectly well that she wasn’t indifferent to him. It was also quite clear that what he sought was a little light amusement. She guessed that such a man would have plenty of willing takers too. However, she wasn’t going to be one of them.
* * *
When Leif turned round a minute or so later Astrid was gone. Swiftly he scanned the crowd but could discern no trace of her. At once he was conscious of both disappointment and regret. After the recent conversation he did not suppose it had been done on purpose to increase his interest. All the same, it had, and to a degree that surprised him. However, it was evident that she would not fall easily into his arms either. This evading action was an unwitting challenge, and one that would be met.
‘Pretty girl,’ said Finn. ‘Who is she?’
‘The queen’s companion.’
‘Thor’s teeth, she is out of the usual field. Are you sure you know what you’re doing?’
‘I always know what I’m doing.’
‘Even so, it’s dangerous ground, Brother. You risk getting burned.’
‘I’m grateful for your concern, but you of all people should know that your fears are unfounded.’
‘It’s because I’ve been through the same mill that I mention them.’
Leif returned a wry smile. ‘I know.’
‘Someone has to watch your back.’
‘There’s no one I’d rather have at my back. However, this challenge I handle alone.’
‘Ah, like that, is it?’
‘It is.’
‘Well, well. She has lit a fire under you, hasn’t she?’
‘Mind your own business.’
Finn merely laughed. ‘I take that to mean yes, then.’ As he eyed Leif his expression grew speculative. ‘Never tell me the lady is proof against your good looks and charm. I won’t believe it.’
‘She likes me well enough, although she doesn’t know it yet.’
‘I have every confidence in your powers of persuasion. In the meantime, there are other, more willing subjects present. The dark-haired beauty over there hasn’t taken her eyes off you all evening.’
Leif followed the direction of his brother’s gaze and located the woman in question. She returned an inviting smile. He studied her a second or two longer and then looked away.
‘I leave that one to you.’
‘Don’t say later that I didn’t offer you the chance.’
Finn left him and headed across the room. A few minutes later he was deep in conversation with the object of his attention. Leif watched them for a little while and then drank down the rest of his mead, wondering at his own behaviour. The dark beauty had been ripe for the taking, but he felt only indifference—even though, just a few days ago, he would have considered her worthy of his most assiduous attention. He turned away and went to look for another cup of mead.
* * *
Astrid lay awake for a long time, unable to shake off the implications of the discussion that evening. Far from attempting any amorous subterfuge, Leif had made his position quite clear. His interest in her had nothing whatever to do with marriage. If she offered him any encouragement now it would result in her being a mistress, not a wife. Not that she had the least desire to be either of those things. Once, long ago, the thought of marriage to such a man would not have displeased her. Since the married state was inevitable, all girls wanted a handsome, virile bridegroom. Back then it would never have occurred to her to question any of that. Now she did question it. Not that her doubts would carry any weight even if she had voiced them. In any case pleasing her would be the very last consideration when her uncle eventually found her a husband, and nor would she be consulted. Her husband could be old or ugly or cruel, or all three, and it would make no difference to Jarl Einar. He would see her wedded and bedded regardless, and by force if necessary.
Old resentments woke and she tried to imagine a world in which a woman might be free to make her own decisions about such things; a world where she wasn’t subject to the will of powerful men. It was an agreeable fantasy. In the meantime, any dalliance with Leif would be disastrous. They had already spent longer together than was wise and she didn’t want him to take that for encouragement. Moreover, she never wanted him to think of her in terms of a possible conquest. His opinion shouldn’t have mattered. They were mere acquaintances and parting wouldn’t be long in coming once the festivities were done. The knowledge was attended by relief, but mixed with a twinge of regret. Leif was handsome and personable and somehow larger than life. She suspected that he wouldn’t be easy to forget.
Chapter Three
Two days later the first group of guests departed. Now that the wedding celebrations were over the rest would be gone soon enough and life would settle back into its familiar routine. Once Astrid would have felt content with that, but now it induced very different thoughts. Chief among them was restlessness. It had no apparent cause but it was no less strong for that. Perhaps it was a natural consequence of the recent excitement and festivity; one felt the lack when it ended.
She turned away but, unwilling to return to the hall or the bower, headed in the opposite direction instead. A walk might help dispel her present mood. She was so absorbed in thought that she didn’t notice the man until she was almost upon him. When she realised who it was she would have retraced her steps—but by then it was too late.
Leif smiled. ‘This is a pleasant surprise.’
She eyed him askance. ‘A surprise, my lord?’
‘All right, I admit I followed you. Or rather I watched to see which way you were going and then took a short cut.’
‘Why?’
‘I missed your company.’
‘I find that hard to believe.’
‘It’s true. Besides, we never got to finish our conversation the other night.’
‘I believe we did.’
‘If I have offended you I’m sorry for it.’
‘Forget it.’
‘I wish it were that easy. As it is I’ve thought of nothing else.’ He paused. ‘We need to talk, Astrid.’
Her pulse quickened. ‘Everything needful has been said.’
‘No, it hasn’t.’
He surveyed her steadily, waiting. She sighed. Since he wasn’t going to be dissuaded the quickest way to end this might be to let him say his piece. ‘Very well.’
‘I apologise if my manners have seemed rough; it is the result of having spent too long among fighting men. I am out of practice when it comes to gentler speech.’
‘Yes, you are, but it is no matter.’
‘Well, some things are best spoken directly.’
‘Speak, then.’
‘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?’
