To Wed a Viking Warrior by Michelle Styles

Author:Michelle Styles
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2021-11-30T19:26:22+00:00

Chapter Eleven

‘Are you certain you wish to take Narfi with you to Ludenwic? Is it wise?’ Asida asked with a supercilious expression on her face when Hafual confronted her at Baelle Heale. ‘Wulfgar has been regaling me with stories about Elene’s mishaps at court. Her ability to irritate King Ceolwulf is quite the Baelle Heale joke.’

After briefly greeting Asida, Elene had gone to pack the remainder of her things and speak to several of the maids, giving Hafual the opportunity to speak with his sister alone and ensure that she understood why she needed to behave.

Wulfgar, Hafual noticed, remained closeted with his steward.

‘Are you questioning my decisions, sister?’ he asked, attempting to control his temper.

Asida worried her bottom lip. ‘You two should have a wedding trip, alone. Somewhere other than court. And Narfi might become unsettled in a new place. He has never travelled.’

‘Narfi is my son. It is long past time that he met Ceolwulf, his godfather by proxy. Some day, Narfi will serve in his household, all being well. And the king will find Elene charming. You underestimate her. The entire family does.’

‘But that is not for years. You and Elene should do this together.’ She pinched the bridge of her nose. ‘I know I said that I refused to look after Narfi any more, but maybe I didn’t mean it. Maybe I wanted you to beg me.

‘Ceolwulf only reluctantly allowed me to return home. He values my insight.’

‘The threat of your sword arm, more like.’

‘This will show that I can attend to his wishes and my family. I can also see to the outfitting of my ships. There is a profit to be had in the markets of Frankia and beyond. Once I have done one voyage, the entire court will see and clamour for the opportunity to sell wool that way.’

Asida hung her head. ‘I will miss him.’

‘It will give me a chance to get to know him. He is my son, Asida, and I need you here, looking after Wulfgar and ensuring all is in order with the hall.’ He patted her awkwardly on the shoulder. ‘Being at Baelle Heale seems to have put the roses back in your cheeks.’

Asida’s smile was like the sun peeking out from behind the clouds. ‘You are right about that. I’m enjoying pitting my wits against the steward’s wife. It turns out that Wulfgar is partial to a game of tafl. He is not nearly the frost giant I thought he was—merely a lonely old man.’

Hafual raised his brow that his sister had dropped the formality in referring to his new father-in-law and apparently had changed her mind about him. But if Asida manged to oust any influence the steward’s wife had, so much the better. ‘I will keep that in mind and thank you.’

Asida scrunched her nose. ‘That is the first time you have voluntarily thanked me in a long time. I suspect marriage is good for you.’

‘Ask me again after I return.’

Asida put her hand on his sleeve.

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