Rough Warrior: A Viking Romance by Maggie Carpenter

Author:Maggie Carpenter [Carpenter, Maggie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Stormy Night Publications
Published: 2020-08-26T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Sixteen

Walking along the deck with Ulrick’s hand wrapped around hers, Ailith felt a deep sense of contentment. Once again he’d given her the opportunity to leave, and helped her recognize just how badly she wanted to stay with him.

Had he taken a chance, or did he already know her better than she knew herself?

The question teased her brain as they reached the steps that led down to another intricately carved door. The moment Ulrick pushed it open, tantalizing spices tickled her nostrils. Several bowls offering various delicacies sat on a round table, and empty plates waited to be filled.

“Welcome,” Ekrem said, stepping forward to greet them. “I have some of my favorite dishes to offer you. I hope you enjoy them.”

“I’m sure we will,” Ailith said eagerly. “The smell in here is wonderful.”

“You have me intrigued,” Ulrick declared. “How have you been able to stay hidden all this time, and this food—how did you keep it from spoiling?”

“There’s a specially built compartment with thick walls lined with thin metal and filled with ice. There is some melting, but it’s minimal. I’m sure you’re more than aware how cold helps keep food fresh.”

“What a clever idea,” Ulrick declared. “I’d love to see it.”

“It would be my pleasure. Please, take a seat.”

As they sat down, Ekrem poured wine into goblets and raised his glass.

“To new friends,” he said with a smile.

“To new friends,” Ulrick and Ailith repeated in unison.

Taking a drink, Ulrick nodded his approval. “Delicious. I certainly didn’t expect anything like this when we boarded your boat,” he remarked. “I wanted to find information about its owner, and here I am eating with him.”

“I’ve never tasted anything like this,” Ailith said earnestly. “I would never get tired of drinking it.”

“Sip it slowly,” Ekrem warned. “It’s produced from dark purple grapes grown at my family’s home. The effects can sneak up on you.”

“What kind of effects?” she asked, taking another sip.

“Ekrem is trying to tell you it can make you drunk.”

“Oh. I don’t want that,” she exclaimed, quickly putting the goblet back on the table.

“Ulrick, I’m very pleased you’re here,” Ekrem declared. “I’ve been waiting for the opportunity to meet you alone. I didn’t want to be instantly surrounded by your warriors when I showed myself.”

“But where were you hiding? I would never have known you were on this boat, and how did you get into the bedroom unseen? I was on deck, and the door was in full view.”

“I was beneath the bed.”

“But it’s solid... isn’t it?”

“One of the panels that support the platform can be pushed open, and behind it, a small section of the floor swings down and offers entry into a small cabin in the hull. However, if you were to go down there you’d never find it. Ulrick, this is a spy ship. There are many secret compartments and hidden rooms.”

“I’ve heard about spy ships, but I never thought I’d be on one. I’d like to build a boat like this.”

“I’ll be happy to show you a few of the secrets.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.