Chapter Fifteen #2
They sat for hours, enjoying a simple meal and fulfilling conversation.
One of Noelle’s two bodyguards, Randvior had left behind, stayed seated in a corner, drinking, and playing cards with Aud’s men while the second made rounds.
Nessa showed Noelle her family heirlooms and gave her a tour of the house.
Four bedchambers were located off the main room, partitioned by painted screens and embroidered curtains.
Noelle’s guards would sleep on the floor outside her door.
So much had happened over the last few days that nights of little sleep had finally started to catch up with her. Noelle yawned; she could barely keep her eyes open. “Would you mind if I retired?”
Nessa smiled and showed her to a room. Once she was settled inside, Noelle washed her face and hands and changed into a long-sleeved chemise.
She crawled under the pile of furs. For the first time in weeks, she felt completely comfortable and welcome in someone’s house.
The soothing sounds of Aud’s family conversing quietly at the table lulled her to sleep.
Violent nightmares, the kind Noelle had suffered from as a child, dominated her sleep.
Blood and screams from faceless women and children ricocheted inside her head.
She shivered, hated when her dreams took on a life all their own.
She woke up drenched in sweat. The recurrent nightmares she had as a child were so severe she’d began walking in her sleep.
Once, she nearly hurled herself from the second floor balcony and soon found herself locked in a chamber at night for the next six months.
She stood and put on her robe and slippers. She languished in the heat and parted the curtains to let cooler air into her room. As she stepped out, she gasped.
Her bodyguard lay motionless in a pool of blood, throat slit ear-to-ear.
She raised her eyes, looked down at the body again, and fought to keep her composure.
Noelle stepped over him. Nothing could be done, so she prayed for his soul and moved to the main room.
No one, only the flicker of flames in the double hearths.
She explored the shadows, staying as quiet as possible, and discovered another body near the table. Aud’s guard this time.
Noelle covered her mouth to keep from screaming. Fresh blood covered the floor. The valuables—silver goblets, platters, and expensive carpets were undisturbed. If not robbery, what was the motive?
“My lady,” a masculine voice sounded.
She threw up her hands and whipped around, searching. She froze after she spotted someone sitting on a chair in the far corner. The darkness might conceal his face, but she knew that buttery-smooth voice.
“Where is Aud’s family?” She squinted to see.
Bravely, Noelle walked toward him. Lord have mercy on anyone if they harmed Aud’s family. And if this man had, Noelle assumed she would die soon, too.
“Safely quartered,” he answered to her relief. “Blindfolded and bound together like slaves.”
“And the master?” her voice warbled as she visualized the worst for the old Viking—falling prey to this villain.
“Don’t concern yourself with Aud Magnusson. Thor’s hammer couldn’t kill that bastard.” A malevolent chuckle followed.
She considered making a mad dash for the back door. But by the time she looked up again, he was on his feet and headed her way.
“I let you sleep, didn’t have the heart to wake you.” Sveinn Ovesen emerged from the shadows.
She squealed and retreated three steps. “Why … have … you … done this?”
“I’ve killed no one of consequence. Aud and his family are alive. Bodyguards are worth but a few pennies. The law provides generously for a dead man’s family and my father will pay the necessary weregild if one is demanded.”
“You place so little value on a man’s life?” She felt her innards twist inside out.
“If any man stands between me and what I want, he will die.”
“Is weregild similar to an indulgence? You pay for absolution?”
“Your acumen is already legendary in the Trondelag. And I think I am the man to put your wit to better use.”
Mere feet away from her now, Noelle knew what would come next. She spun and ran across the room. She reached for the door latch. But Sveinn’s enormous paw slapped her hand away from the lock. Noelle braced herself against the door and let her forehead rest on the textured panel.
“What a tangled web Randvior weaves with you.” He kept his hand on the door.
Noelle raised her gaze. She needed to draw a line in the sand before this man forced her to do something she’d regret for the rest of her life.
She stared him down, wishing her eyes were daggers. “How dare you attack this household and murder two innocent men. Did you think I’d be impressed?”
Sveinn’s dark laughter made her sick. He cuffed her cheek. “I will not tolerate backtalk. I’m not a spineless fool. Your former master indulged you too much.”
She rubbed her cheek, then lowered her gaze and blinked.
Three men, dressed in armor and carrying weapons, entered the hall. Dressed for battle. She knew she better cooperate to safeguard Aud’s family.
“Ready the horses.”
The guards bowed and departed.
Sveinn moved closer. “I’ve come here to make you a legitimate offer, to present my bride price and take you to Ireland where we’ll be married in the Church. A ship will meet us within a week.”
Noelle’s mouth dropped open, flabbergasted by his suggestion.
“I think I’d rather die.” She backed away. “I am already promised to Randvior.”
“Only after I made my intentions known. Jarl Randvior made no public announcement of your engagement until after he caught us in the bathhouse together.”
“But, but …” Tongue-tied, Noelle hunched as if she’d been whipped mercilessly. “I don’t want to marry you!”
“The jarl’s hesitation is my advantage. The law will surely recognize my claim over his. By the time the Thing convenes in spring, we will have shared a bed for months and no man will be able to challenge me. Especially if my child is growing inside you.” He touched her stomach.
“My father would never approve.”
What had she done to deserve this punishment? Yes, she encouraged the oaf for half a minute with a smile. Nothing more.
“If protecting the purity of your bloodline is your concern, fear not, my pedigree is more impressive than Randvior’s. My mother is a Conant, born of Irish and Scot nobility.”
She inhaled swiftly, head swimming. “Randvior is still my legal guardian.”
“Aye.” He reached inside his cloak and produced a coin bag, tossed it carelessly on a nearby side table.
“And I would never consider taking another man’s property without compensation.
There’s enough gold in that purse for the jarl to procure two brides.
I believe Lauga was in the middle of negotiations for one before you arrived.
She will be pleased to find her only son free to marry again. ”
Now he latched onto her, running his fingernails suggestively up her arm. Her eyes widened and she pushed him away. She couldn’t think clearly with him breathing down her neck.
“Time is short,” he warned. “If you try to escape again I will be forced to tie you up and it will be an uncomfortable ride splayed across my saddle. Come now,” he spoke gently. “Gather your belongings and dress as warmly as possible. We have many miles to ride.”
“We can’t leave Aud’s family.”
“Don’t worry. If his daughters work the bindings hard enough for a few hours they’ll be free.”
“What about Randvior?”
“Proper arrangements have been made. I’ve been planning this for weeks, Noelle, and only needed the right opportunity to act.”
“How did you know I was here?”
He grinned and pushed her toward the bedchamber. “Spies are everywhere.”