Tides (Time of Myths: Shapeshifter Sagas Book 3) by Natasha Brown

Author:Natasha Brown [Brown, Natasha]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Publisher: Future Impressions
Published: 2017-05-25T04:00:00+00:00

Eilish was invigorated by her experience. She had expected injury to befall her, but instead she had learned to float on the waves like a wooden ship that was made for such things. A sense of pride filled her chest. Though her fears of the merrow and sea gods hadn’t abated, her wariness of swimming had changed.

It hadn’t gone unnoticed that Leif hadn’t taken advantage of the situation, either. He hadn’t touched her in a way that was improper, and as far as she could tell, he hadn’t watched her undress. As a result, her trust in him had grown. If her father could see her now, he might have been shocked at the kindness of the barbarian, for Normanni were not known for such things.

They were, however, known for their good looks. Bathing and beard trimming seemed to improve their rugged appearance. It was against her better judgment to observe Leif’s muscular chest, which she’d found herself clinging to in her efforts to stay afloat. Likewise, she tried not to notice his watchful green eyes.

Given the circumstances, it might have been wise for a slave such as she was to use her feminine charms to put herself in his favor in exchange for companionship and protection, but it seemed clear that he had already assumed the mantle of guardian without requiring more from her. While they walked through the grass, heading back toward the ship, she combed her fingers through her hair, putting it back in place covering her face. “You make your wife proud.”

She wasn’t sure if he’d heard her at first, for he didn’t answer right away. His jaw tightened, and his eyes narrowed as he stared at the horizon. “It is best I am not married, for I would bring shame to our family.”

Eilish had only intended to compliment him and was unsure how to answer without bringing embarrassment to them both. He seemed to realize the awkward position he’d put her in and continued to speak. “I have not sought a wife, because as long as I do my father’s bidding, I cannot find pride in my actions.”

She had not traveled the world as this seafarer had. Maybe that was why she found his existence so baffling. She had known of people who were free and highborn, or even monks in the church, who had to answer to their superiors. Even she listened to her father’s wishes and followed them to the best of her ability. But from the start, before she’d heard any words spoken of his struggle to obey Ragna’s command, she could see Leif was no freer than herself. He might not hold the label of slave, but he was just as unfree.

“If I could take the shape of a bird like you,” she said with a sigh, “I would fly far away from here.”

“It is not that easy,” he answered with a leaden voice.

The dampness of her cloak chafed her neck, so she adjusted it onto her tunic. “No?”

Leif shook his head.

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