Despite her relatively secluded position she stepped back quickly, not wishing to attract his notice. What in the name of all the Aesir was he doing there? She wasn’t naïve enough to suppose it was merely on account of her forthcoming marriage to his cousin.
As the leading riders drew rein in front of the hall Hakke dismounted and Jarl Einar hurried forwards to meet his guest. The two men exchanged a few words and then went inside together. Feeling much disturbed Astrid stayed out of sight and took the long route back to the bower.
She was passing the back of the weaving shed when a servant stepped out in front of her. Astrid checked mid-stride to avoid a collision. The man bowed.
‘Beg pardon, my lady.’
Her heart leapt towards her throat as she recognised the voice. It couldn’t be. She must be imagining things. Her startled gaze scanned the plain homespun garb but the face under the hood was unmistakable like the smile greeting her now. She returned it, albeit somewhat tremulously.
‘Leif! What are you doing here?’
‘I came to see you.’
She glanced furtively over her shoulder, hoping they were not observed. ‘You must be mad.’
‘Perhaps. All I know is that I can’t get you out of my mind. I had to come.’
‘You took a terrible chance.’
‘Not so terrible.’
‘How on earth did you know where to find me?’
‘I’ve been watching the place for a couple of days, waiting for an opportunity to speak with you.’
‘It’s too dangerous for you to be here.’
‘Would it be a matter for concern, then, if I were caught?’
‘Of course it would. How can you ask that?’ She took another swift look around but there was no one else in evidence. Relief mingled with a raft of other emotions.
‘I needed to know.’ He stepped closer, letting his hands ride her waist.
Her heartbeat accelerated. ‘Please, just tell me what you came to say and then get out of here while you still can.’
‘Do you want to marry Gulbrand?’
‘My wishes were never consulted when my uncle arranged this match. The alliance is dear to his heart.’
‘You haven’t answered the question.’
A lump formed in her throat and she looked away.
‘Astrid?’
‘No, I don’t want to marry him.’
‘Then don’t.’ He paused. ‘My offer still stands.’
‘This isn’t fair, Leif.’
‘Fairness doesn’t enter into it, not with men like Einar and Gulbrand. They’ll have you bound fast—if you allow it.’
‘You make it sound like a simple choice.’
‘It is a simple choice, but only you can make it.’
She took a deep breath, trying to order a maelstrom of conflicting thoughts, torn between fear and wanting. Not so very long ago she’d believed this chance lost for ever, and regretted her decision—yet now he’d come back to offer her a lifeline and she was hesitating. It made no sense. Either she was going to trust him or she wasn’t. He had been honest with her so far. Now she needed to be honest with herself.
‘Then I choose you.’
For a moment he was quite still. If she hadn’t known better she would have said he was surprised. Then he bent and kissed her, a gentle salute that set every nerve tingling. ‘I am honoured.’
‘What now, Leif?’
‘Now I must make arrangements to get you safe away from here.’
‘Where will we go?’
‘To my estate in Agder.’
‘Overland?’
‘Only as far as the coast. We’ll take a ship from there.’
‘If we are overtaken...’
‘We won’t be. Your uncle will have no idea where you’ve gone.’
‘It isn’t just him, Leif. Prince Hakke arrived today, along with a large escort.’
He frowned. ‘Hakke, here? Are you certain?’
‘Quite certain. I’d know him anywhere.’
‘That’s something I could have done without.’
‘I don’t like it either. The wedding isn’t for another five days yet. Why should he be so early?’
‘Keep your ear to the ground and see what you can find out.’
She nodded.
‘As soon as all the arrangements are in place I’ll get word to you,’ he continued. ‘Two days at most.’
‘I’ll be ready.’
He stayed just long enough for a parting kiss and then left her. Astrid watched until he was out of sight among the trees. Then the enormity of the decision she had just made set in. It felt terrifying—and yet, oddly, it also felt right. If she were offered a chance to retract and change her mind she wouldn’t do it. Her imagination didn’t extend quite as far as sharing Leif’s bed. She would cross that bridge later.
* * *
When Leif returned to his own hall he lost no time in finding Finn and Erik. First and foremost he needed to take them into his confidence. They heard him in silent astonishment.
‘You’re planning to steal Gulbrand’s bride?’ said Erik.
‘That’s right.’
Finn regarded his brother in grudging admiration. ‘I’ve got to hand it to you, Leif. When you think of a wild idea there’s no limit to your imagination, is there?’
‘There will be nothing wild about it. On the contrary; it will need to be planned and executed with meticulous care.’
‘More likely we’ll be the ones executed with meticulous care.’
‘Why so?’
‘The royal house of Vingulmark is still smarting over its defeat at Eid and the deaths of two princes of the blood. Hakke is robbed of a bride and now you propose to do the like to Gulbrand.’ Finn paused. ‘Are you serious?’
‘Never more so.’
‘I thought you’d given up on this one.’
