Chapter 15 Halvar
Halvar
Once Freija was safely back in her chambers, I returned to my quarters.
After storming over the threshold, I slammed the door behind me.
In two swift strides I was across the room.
My hands flew beneath the table in the middle of the space and flipped it.
The wood furniture crashed against the floor, splinters flying among the maps and papers that fluttered through the air.
My chest heaved.
How had I lost control?
I’d been a second away from pressing my lips to that luscious mouth. I’d had her beneath me. On top of me. Grinding against my cock.
The member in question throbbed in my trousers again, and I readjusted myself.
This was torture. I shouldn’t be feeling like this.
Being intimate with someone was one thing, but this far surpassed how I’d felt with others over the years.
There was more than just physical attraction and desire here, which could lead to emotions.
And I wouldn’t let myself go there. Attachments and affection got people killed. Could get me killed. Or worse: her.
And yet…
I couldn’t stop thinking about her. Every second of every day, Freija filled my thoughts.
Tonight would no doubt be another restless night of sleep.
Fuck me.
A few days later, as I finished pulling on my black shirt for the day, a knock sounded on my door. I strode across the dusty room and yanked it open. “What?”
A tall man with a broad jaw, crooked nose, and gold hair stared back at me. “You’re as charming as the rumors say.”
I growled. “What do you want?” And who the fuck was this bastard?
He extended his hand, and I made note of the pine needles stuck to his brown wool coat. “Aksel Andreassen. Hans Fredrickson’s new guard.”
Well, well, well. Looked like Hans and his entourage were here.
I glared at the outstretched hand until Aksel retracted it with a clearing of his throat.
“Hans has arrived and is getting settled in his guest chambers, but sent me to speak with the mountain’s guards.
The soldiers at the entry told me to talk to you.
Said that you are Princess Freija’s personal guard.
I was quite surprised to hear the great general and King’s Head Guard had been given such an assignment. ”
Crossing my arms, I leaned against the doorway and let the man talk himself into an early retirement.
“Anyway, thought I’d introduce myself and put in some requests regarding Hans’s protection when with the princess.
He doesn’t leave home much, but with his family’s considerable wealth, position, and landholdings, they and he prefer to have personal guards on hand.
I’m sure you understand. With that in mind, I’d also like a word with the princess about how we might allow them to see one another in a safe manner.
” He leaned closer and held his flattened hand to one side of his mouth.
“And what privacy measures we can put in place for… well, private time. If you understand what I mean.”
Sex? He was talking about them having sex?
“I’ve heard she’s a stunning lady with legs that Hans—”
“Are you done?”
His brow furrowed, and he nodded.
Wise. Or I’d be severing his head and handing it to the Queen as a new ornament for the throne room.
“Good,” I replied. “If you ever talk about her like that again, I will personally see to it that your intestines get shoved down your throat before I snap your neck.”
Aksel raised his hands and took a step back. “No need to lash out. Warning received.”
Good.
“The princess will be the one to initiate any interactions between her and Hans,” I said. “Should he wish to see her, he will make a request for her time.”
“And who should we talk to about that?”
“Me.” I slammed the door in the man’s face and raked my hands through my hair.
So it began.