Chapter Five
It was clear that Skadi had not expected him to have so many men and he was oddly proud to have surprised her. Endless years of fighting, joining campaigns and selling his sword had slowly built up his skills and reputation enough to lead a formidable army.
All of his focus and drive had been leading to this moment.
The day when he would finally reclaim what had been stolen from him.
He was covered in the scars of his ambition and the hundreds of men under his command were the symbol of his hard work and achievements.
The Agnar who faced her now was completely different to the boy who had been dragged from her hall in a bloody disgrace.
Had she even wondered what had become of him?
He doubted it and that filled him with a dark rage. Years of suffering and struggle and she hadn’t even cared if he lived or died.
But he was here now and she would know. He would force her to look, and understand what she had done. Whether she wanted to or not. She would regret her choice!
Heimdall’s death had been the inevitable catalyst and it had set in motion all of his plans. Like an entire village going up in flames, because of a single neglected spark, and he was that forgotten flame.
‘Army?’ Skadi asked, looking strangely magnificent in his wolf pelt. There was no denying her beauty—it captured his senses like a dazzling snowstorm, obscuring all other sights and sounds in her blinding presence. His attraction was as single-minded as his ambition.
‘You thought so little of me?’ he asked with mocking disapproval, enjoying the irritation that flashed across her face.
He moved to stand closer to her and she stared up at him with a defiantly clenched jaw.
Now that they were officially married, he allowed his possessive nature free reign.
Compelled by some magic, he reached out and stroked a finger down that imperious jaw, marvelling at its softness despite how tightly it was clenched.
‘Did you really think I would come for you with so little preparation? Everything I have ever done is to be with you.’
It was strange that he could so passionately hate and desire her at the same time. But he did. The mere memory of her had caused him to raise an army—he was half-afraid of what else she could make him do.
Kill a child? The idea repulsed him, even though he had threatened it not that long ago out of desperation.
‘But…’ She shook her head, stepping away from his touch, making it clear she didn’t want him in return, and he felt a fool. ‘Who?’
He folded his arms across his chest, still conflicted about whether to allow his desires to rule him so soon.
It was obvious Skadi hated him and would need time to accept him—likewise he needed time to forgive her.
‘My mother’s people, those who were still loyal to her and my father.
There are many that disagree with Sven’s… methods.’
‘Enemies of Sven! He suspected you would betray him.’ Anger flooded her expression and she snapped, ‘You will bring war and death on Thrudheim with this madness!’
Agnar’s own anger began to rise, although it wasn’t just directed at her, but at Heimdall and Sven as well. He tried his best to dampen it, to regain control.
‘War was inevitable. You were simply too blind to see it! For too long you have been safely imprisoned here on your island. I had thought you would have realised your mistakes by now. That you would beg for my forgiveness and accept my help. But I see you are too spoiled and stubborn to even admit you were wrong. You are nothing more than a puppet queen, blinded by pride and a young maiden’s lust! ’
Skadi stiffened, but raised her chin regardless, her tone as haughty as ever. ‘Let me see this army of yours! Sven may have enemies, but I doubt they are significant in number.’
‘Gladly! But first…’ Agnar deliberately took his time trailing his gaze down her luscious body, a heady poison of desire and triumph intoxicating him in her presence ‘…you may wish to get dressed first. Your men might think I have already taken you when they see the blood.’
Skadi glanced down at the stains of blood on her tunic and legs.
She gave a guttural snort of derision, declaring loudly, ‘I have bled more during my monthlies!’ Then she looked up at him with a haughty tilt of her nose, impressive considering she was wearing so little.
‘You think too highly of yourself, young buck! Remember, I am not some innocent maiden easily shocked or frightened by men. I have already been a wife, mother and widow. I have ten more years of experience than you in all matters…including Sven.’
‘Young buck?’ he asked, incredulous at her words, if not her sharp tongue, which was as arrogant and quick-witted as he remembered.
‘No one has ever called me that before. I hope you are not worried about our difference in age… I may have been a child when I last saw you, but I can assure you that I am now a fully grown man in all ways.’
She gasped and colour flooded her cheeks… A blush!
It was the first hint that he affected her emotionally, in more ways than anger and fear.
He stepped closer, pulled by some invisible thread, and it took all of his willpower not to reach out and touch her parted lips. ‘You might have chosen me then…if I’d been this young buck, instead of a boy… You might have preferred me.’
‘I doubt that!’ she snapped, but she could not meet his eyes.
She continued with a pout, ‘I grow tired of your looks and welcome parting from you, even if only for a short time. Perhaps when Sven arrives you will leave me again…’ Bravely, she raised her chin and spat her last words with venom, ‘This time for much longer!’
After her parting barb, she strode away, her hips and hair swinging, her daughter and servant hurrying after her with equal haughty confidence. A female war band, proudly dismissive of him and his men—as if they were no more than unwanted guests.
Agnar watched her leave until she was out of sight, unable to look away from the riddle of her.
He knew he wasn’t the most attractive of men with his scars—but had that blush indicated a desire for him?
He had hoped for affection in time, and gratitude from saving her from Sven.
The latter had proven impossible quickly…
But might her love for Heimdall be gone?
Would she accept him as her husband? Grant him access to her bed?
Or, was he reading too much into a simple blush?
‘Agnar, shall we remove the barricade?’ asked Vali, looking at him curiously, and he realised his men were staring at him expectantly.
Bristling with embarrassment at being caught day-dreaming like a love-addled youth, he snapped, ‘No, we need to wait for the signal from the approaching ships—I have said this already. Three short blasts followed by one long one.’
Vali nodded, looking more than a little sheepish as he pointed out quietly, ‘Yes, it’s…been sounded already.’