‘You were always far too particular. Do you know the danger she is in by being here? Or have you done your usual and acted before you considered others?’
Gunnar put his hand on the door frame, preventing Eylir from closing it. ‘We discuss this inside. You will help me if you value your life.’
‘This is not my dwelling.’
‘We are coming in.’
‘Are we staying here or going somewhere else?’ Maurr muscled forward. He made a disgusted noise at the back of his throat. ‘Eylir, you owe me money from that bet last Jul. I wondered where you disappeared off to. If Eylir is the great warrior you have been going on about, Gunnar, we need to have a serious discussion. The man starts punch-ups in empty rooms.’
Eylir tugged at his collar. ‘You brought Maurr with you as well. How...lovely.’
Gunnar ushered Ragn in. By the fire stood a buxom blonde, the sort he had once favoured, but who now appeared pale and insignificant beside Ragn.
Her eyes lit with genuine pleasure when she spied Ragn. She ran forward and grabbed Ragn’s hands. Ragn kissed her on both cheeks. ‘Trana, why are you here? Why are you not with your family on your estates?’
‘Long story. I’ll explain later. You were supposed to stay away.’ Trana’s pretty face puckered with concern. ‘You promised. Vargr is closer than ever to the King, but I don’t think he knows you survived. We agreed—if things alter, I’d send word.’
‘Things have altered. He sent assassins.’ Ragn rapidly explained about what had happened.
Trana swayed and Eylir rushed to support her. She shrugged off his hand. ‘How...how did he discover where you had gone? We told no one. I didn’t even go down to the quayside to wish you good fortune.’
‘I sold my grandmother’s brooches to the captain.’ Ragn examined her hands. ‘I thought I’d been clever, but obviously not. He must have returned and tried to sell them.’
‘There are other explanations,’ Gunnar said into the silence that followed her words.
‘The important thing is that he found us. Now Gunnar and I are here to deal with the threat.’
Trana nodded. ‘Vargr came to see me with mock tears in his eyes. He has taken over Hamthur’s estate, including that part which belonged to you because there were no survivors of the tragic fire. I clenched my fists, but kept quiet. Eylir knows how difficult that was for me.’
Eylir cleared his throat. ‘Vargr has made it known that you and your sister were killed and that he intends to hunt down the evil murderers who did this terrible thing.’
‘Words are cheap,’ Gunnar said. ‘Is there some reason why he needs both women dead?’
Eylir shrugged. ‘With both women dead, he inherits one of the most prosperous estates in all of Viken. And he is a very greedy man.’
‘That was in the past,’ Ragn said. ‘His men set fire to the estate and murdered my retainers. We lost. I learned that night what was truly valuable. It isn’t land, but my sister. I wanted to start a new life away from my past.’
‘You shall, once we have dealt with your old one,’ Gunnar declared. He squeezed her shoulder as if he finally believed her words. The hollow feeling in her chest increased.
Ragn put a hand over his and stepped away from him. ‘But first, we need something to eat and drink, somewhere to get warm. Vargr will not make a move tonight, even if he has spies watching the harbour. He will be too busy feasting with the King.’
‘My wife makes sense. We need a place to rest and plan.’
Everyone murmured their agreement and Trana offered the house as somewhere for them to stay.
‘Vargr suspected you helped us to escape?’ Ragn asked in an undertone as she helped to prepare the bread, hard cheese and ale. ‘Oh, Trana, tell me that he didn’t do anything to you.’
Trana hacked off another hunk of bread. ‘Eylir was more than capable of defending my honour.’
‘Svana thinks he is sweet on you.’
Trana’s cheeks coloured prettily before she turned her attention to the ale. ‘I have no idea what his true feelings are. He is hiding something, Ragn. I need a man who trusts me with everything. Now, tell me about your warrior. Did you force him to return?’
‘I wanted to disappear. I genuinely thought Vargr would believe my ruse, but he quickly discovered my whereabouts. Gunnar was not about to allow the insult to pass.
Trana gave a huge smile. ‘Gunnar likes you and is a far better person than Hamthur ever was.’
‘How do you know?’
Trana gave a small smile. ‘I made Eylir tell me everything about him.’
Ragn rapidly explained what had passed between them and how Gunnar’s heart was buried with his family. And how she’d offered him her love only for him to reject it. Trana listened with a grave face.
‘Where is Svana?’ Trana asked. ‘Before I give any advice, I want to know what she thinks. Does she approve of Gunnar?’
‘She has stayed in Colbhasa. Kolbeinn wanted to ensure we would return. His daughter guards her.’
Trana lowered her voice. ‘Do you trust them? I’ve heard things about Kolbeinn.’
Ragn gave a nod. ‘She has Gunnar’s wolfhounds with her. She is well protected and away from Vargr. Gunnar does this because we are part of his family.’
Trana smoothed a tendril from Ragn’s forehead. ‘Sweetling, there is always another way. Gunnar could’ve sent word and Eylir could have acted for you. He has proved most useful to my father.’
‘Gunnar fights his own battles and I believe he will need me to help him, even if he doesn’t see it.’
Trana put her hands to her mouth. ‘You can be a very stubborn woman, Ragn, and Gunnar is a lucky man to have you.’
* * *
Eylir gave a knowing smile when he had manoeuvred Gunnar out of the house on the pretext of getting more wood. Maurr had departed to see to his ship and his men.
Gunnar grabbed Eylir’s tunic by the neck and shook him before he let him go. ‘What you did was wrong. Sending Ragn to me without warning. What were you thinking of, man? It was a huge risk you took. Those two women nearly perished on the open sea. Rogues and fools crewed the ship you used.’
Eylir dusted down his tunic before giving a slow smile. ‘So you are not thinking about trading your wife? Good to know. You should be on your knees thanking me, instead of threatening to beat me up.’
‘I would have beaten you to a pulp except I have other concerns and you will have a use.’ Gunnar fixed his friend with a steely gaze. ‘I am here to ensure Vargr no longer bothers me or anyone connected with me. Are you with me? Or do family concerns prevent you?’
‘Why is Ragnhild here?’
‘Same reason. She desires an end to it.’
‘You understand why I sent her.’
‘You sent her for your own purposes, nothing to do with me. But she is with me now, not with you.’
A mischievous twinkle developed in Eylir’s eye. ‘You fit well together. Who would have considered it? Certainly not you. You were always definite about what you desired, but those women never stuck. Ragn is a woman without price. Had I met her before Trana, I might have been tempted, but I did the next best thing, I sent her to you.’
Gunnar struggled to keep his temper. He knew Eylir was winding him up, expecting a reaction. ‘Ragnhild is not the sort of woman I would normally have in mind. You knew that. You were more interested in protecting her.’
Eylir dipped his head acknowledging the fact. ‘I thought they deserved a chance to live. The brother-in-law is an unpleasant piece of work.’
‘Why send her?’
‘I know you have a heart, Gunnar, even when you like to hide it under a gruff exterior. I knew you’d do the right thing. Did she make you come north?’
Gunnar shook his head. ‘She wanted to make me do this by telling me she loved me. I had already decided to do it. I don�
��t want her love, not that way. I won’t be used.’
Eylir’s face became grave. ‘We don’t get to decide who loves us. We can only do what we think is best for them.’
Gunnar pinched the bridge of his nose and tried to rid the buzzing in his ears. ‘Ragn came close to dying when I was out on the sea fishing. I didn’t even consider that the piece of filth would send men after her. I want it stopped. I want to keep her safe. I want to grow old with her and I’m frightened I won’t, Eylir.’
‘Ragn survived.’ He clapped Gunnar on the back. ‘It is up to you to keep her alive. Does Vargr even have to know she is here? Your lands and people were attacked. You have the right to defend them. King Harald will grant you a trial by combat if you ask on the life debt he owes you.’
‘I had not thought of it in that way.’ What Eylir said made sense—keeping Ragn away from court would ensure her safety. And he knew he’d win any contest, even against a man with a reputation like Vargr’s. He might not have been able to stop loving Ragn, but he’d keep her safe from his curse.
* * *
Ragn struggled to breathe properly and turned away from the door. Just when she considered everything might be well, she’d overheard Gunnar detailing why she wasn’t suitable. After the first few words she withdrew, unable to bear any more about how he had no feelings for her.
‘Is there a problem?’ Trana asked.
Ragn quickly shook her head. Gunnar had never agreed that their marriage was based on anything but practicality. It was wrong of her to wish for more. It simply hurt to hear the truth. Despite her pledges, she had not changed as much as she had hoped. When was she ever going to learn that chasing after rainbows led to heartache as things slipped through her fingers?
‘Not all.’ Ragn made sure her lips turned upwards. No one need guess that her heart was breaking.
‘Have you told him you loved him when it was quiet? Or did you just tell him after those men arrived.’
‘He doesn’t want or require my love. I am trying to accept that he will never love me. He is good to me, Trana. I should accept that and not keep wishing for more.’
‘I’ve known you most of my life, Ragnhild. I want you to be happy. Hamthur was rotten to you, but you were stubborn and refused to admit it. You wanted the marriage to succeed because your grandmother had wanted to unite the two families.’ Trana plucked at her gown. ‘Is Gunnar worth fighting for?’
Ragn blinked. ‘What do you mean?’
‘You never thought Hamthur was worth fighting for.’ Trana counted the points out on her fingers. ‘You allowed any woman to run rings round you and claim him as their own. You believed people when they proclaimed you ugly. You stayed with Hamthur because it was easier than leaving.’
‘You know nothing about it!’
‘You are one of the most determined people I know, Ragn, but in matters of your marriage bed, you give up too easily, way too easily. What I want to know is, is this man worth fighting until your dying breath for?’
Ragn stared at her cousin, astonished that she even asked that question. ‘Of course he is worth fighting for. But he thinks I used him. He can’t forgive me for putting his lands in danger. I destroyed everything.’
‘You have a lot to learn about men.’ Trana put an arm about Ragn’s shoulders. ‘Fight your doubts and your pride. Maybe you just told him at the wrong time. True love is always worth fighting for.’
‘Have you fought for Eylir?’
‘You are trying to change the subject.’ Trana sighed. ‘It is over between Eylir and me. Once I thought he might be the one, but then he pledged his sword to my father. And I have always vowed not to marry a man who works for my father.’
‘You mean you like to give advice, but not take it.’
Trana’s peal of laughter rang out. ‘That, too.’ She leaned forward and touched Ragn’s hand. ‘No one can solve this except for you. You know in your heart what you must do. Listen to your heart.’
Ragn squared her shoulders. ‘Do you? Have you? Eylir may not be all he seems.’
Trana glanced towards the door. ‘Maybe I should start making it a habit.’
* * *
‘Trana has agreed to lend me her court dress for tomorrow,’ Ragn said when they went up into the loft for the night. She wiped her hands on her gown which was now stained and rumpled. Despite Trana’s earlier words of encouragement, Ragn knew it would be impossible to have Gunnar reject her love again. She simply had to find another way to show him how much she cared for him. ‘I shall be ready in the morning to greet the King properly.’
‘Eylir and I have agreed another scheme. It is important I go to the King in the morning before he goes out to his estate to hunt.’ He gathered her hands between his. ‘Before Vargr has a chance to strike. Before he knows you are here.’
She nodded. ‘Going before he goes hunting is a good scheme. I can wake up early.’
Gunnar squeezed her hands. ‘You stay with Trana. There is no need for you to go. As your husband, I can speak for you.’
Ragn bit her lip. The old Ragn would have meekly accepted his declaration. ‘Those lands belonged to me.’
Gunnar released her. ‘There is every possibility that your brother-in-law doesn’t realise you have returned.’
‘I thought we were working together.’
‘Once I know the King will hear my petition, I can produce you as a witness. If we alert Vargr too early, he can escape or hide evidence. If something does happen to me, Maurr has agreed to spirit you away to Colbhasa.’
Her stomach knotted and she understood what Gunnar was trying to keep from her. ‘You expect the King to refuse permission. You expect there to be trouble. You are going to challenge Vargr to trial by combat. He is an able warrior, Gunnar, unlike his brother. He enjoys duelling.’
‘Whatever happens I want you looked after,’ he said, inclining his head. ‘I want you to stay with Trana and Maurr where you will be safe. This way no one can claim that you shouldn’t inherit my estate should the King turn against me. Maurr will guard the house while Eylir and I petition the King.’
She clenched her fists. This was not how their relationship was supposed to be. ‘You settled this with Maurr and Eylir before you discussed the scheme with me?’
He put his hand on her shoulder. ‘Let me fight this my way.’
‘And I am supposed to accept that?’ She pushed him away. ‘Just like I am supposed to accept you turning away from me. If you are tired of me, tell me, but stop shutting me out. What did Eylir say to you to make you think that I would sit here meekly while you did this?’
His jaw dropped. Genuine shock crossed his face. ‘I’m not tired of you. I want to protect you. Putting you into more danger serves no good purpose. Eylir believes this is the best strategy to keep you out of harm’s way.’
She looped her hands about his neck and put her face up to his. She started to whisper that she loved him, but the words stuck in her throat. He’d rejected her words of love before. This time, she’d allow her body to show her love. She arched her body towards his, touched his groin with hers. ‘We have tonight then.’
He groaned and pulled her closer. His lips met hers for a hard kiss. The heat was dark and dangerous. She revelled in it and pressed her body forward. His body became all hardened muscle.
He tore his mouth away and put her from him. His chest heaved as if he had run a long way. ‘Can’t you see that I am trying to keep you alive?’
‘Hush. Let me show you how much I trust you.’ She trailed a hand down his body until she reached his growing erection, stroked him and felt him harden. With quick fingers, she undid his trousers. His manhood stood proud and erect. She dropped to her knees and took him into her mouth, suckled, going round and round him with her tongue.
He groaned and cupped the back of her head, holding her there. A surge of power went through her. She
was doing this to him. She was in control as he lost it.
He tugged at her shoulders. ‘My turn to give you pleasure.’
She pushed him back on to the bed and ran a hand down his flank. ‘You mean our turn to give each other pleasure.’
A very masculine laugh filled her ears. ‘I so agree, but we are both overdressed for this.’
* * *
Ragn lay next to Gunnar, her limbs intertwined with his. Their coming together had had a new urgency and edge to it. It had been beyond describing. Both climaxed multiple times. She had allowed her body to say everything about her love for him and he’d responded.
‘I knew I’d win you over,’ he said.
She raised herself up on her elbow. A scheme began to form in her brain, a way to work together rather than fighting against him. It would work. ‘You’re making me the bait for your trap. You should have told me in the first place instead of spouting nonsense about Eylir and Maurr and what they thought.’
‘Bait? What are you talking about?’ He stared at her in astonishment.
‘Vargr knows the court. He knows that protocol will keep you tied up for a long time. He will also know a ship has arrived and where it is from. He will guess that I may be on it. We need to make him show his hand. He will come for me once he sees you and you can expose him for what he is.’ She kissed his temple. ‘You should have told me your plan in the first place. It is sheer genius.’
‘I refuse to put you in danger. It is why Maurr will be here to defend you. But you are wrong. I will go to court, put my case and the King will listen. There may be a trial by combat, but I expect to win.’
‘If there is a trial, send Eylir for me, no other. I will need to be a witness.’
‘Are you paranoid? But, yes, I promise I will send Eylir.’
‘I know Vargr and I know what he is capable of.’
‘I am trying to protect you, Ragn. Keep you out of danger.’
She put her hand on his shoulder. Vargr would find a way to get to her once he knew she was there. And the best time for him to strike would be when Gunnar was at court. She had to believe that Vargr didn’t know they had arrived yet and would not know it until Gunnar announced it to the court. ‘Working together we can solve this. It is more important that Vargr is exposed. I am through running. If he comes here, I will be ready for him. You need to trust that you have taught me well. Leave me a sword I can use. It is my condition for remaining here.’
Sent as the Viking's Bride Page 21
