He laughs, like it’s nothing.
“Volvas do what they want. But don’t worry, your secret is?—”
“Where the fuck is my robe?”
He shakes his head as he hands it to me. I grab it gruffly.
“Is it late? I have to go.”
He sits on the bed, placing a hand on my leg.
“No one is up yet. It’s early. I assumed you wouldn’t want to be seen.”
My entire body relaxes.
“Truly?” I ask as I lie back.
“Truly.”
“Thank you. I couldn’t bear?—”
“I know, Kilda. I know. But I can’t let you go anywhere without eating.”
“Eat? But I?—”
“No arguing, my love.”
My love? Did he just say that? Ari stands and cuts meat like what he just said was normal. A warm glow spreads in my chest.
“Your love?” I ask.
He turns, flicking a strand of dark hair from his face.
“My love,” he states simply before grinning.
“So I’m not just another notch on the skald’s belt?”
He scoffs without moving, his eyes locked on mine.
“I loved you last night, surely you noticed?”
I stifle a giggle.
“I’ve heard love under the moon does not always translate to love at dawn.”
“Perhaps true, yet when it truly strikes, a thousand stars in winter sky could not outshine it.”
My eyes widen. I’m perplexed. The words every charmed girl is dying to hear. Is he really serious? He’s already gotten what men want most. I saw our glow last night. Was it real? He strokes my hair. I don’t pull back, letting him run the back of his finger down my cheek.
“I think… I… I knew the first time we met. When you were shackled, in the hall. It’s hard to describe, but… when you entered the room, I felt… complete… yes complete is the word.”
“A skald at a loss for words? How can I?—”
“Like the gaping wound I am born with had finally healed. I had to have you.”
“Have me?” I say with a haughty laugh. “So that’s what the strawberries were about? A plot to have me?”
“I wouldn’t phrase it like that but… sure. Did not go as planned though.”
