Page 32 of To Tame a Viking Warlord

"Do not mistake me, Samira. I am a reasonable man. But I do not share. Even the thought of another man being your husband makes my blood boil."

Samira turned the edge of her sleeve over in her fingers, blushing at the possessiveness he had just displayed. Then she changed the subject. "Tell me a little about your homeland. I have imagined frozen lands and nothing else for three days."

"There is ice and frost." He almost smiled. "There is also a large house and homestead with livestock and farming land. I built the house several years ago, up on the cliffs above Scapa Flow, with the hill behind it to break the north wind. Long hall, stone to the roof beam, turf over that. Two hearths, not one, because one is never enough in winter."

"Two hearths."

"I built it for my wife." He said it plainly. "I did not know who she was. No woman has ever resided in it or claimed any part of it."

Samira found she was smiling and could not entirely stop.

"Who lives in it now?"

"'Tis just me in the main house. It will be your home as well and you can do what you want with it. But there are sixteen other people who live on the land in six cottages. They are mainly crofters, farmers and their families, including serving staff. I also hire guardsmen from the local village who patrol the estate. They keep the place running and protected, especially when I am away at sea."

Torstein moved closer now, so they were almost touching.

Samira was quiet.

"What happens if I need to guard the pendant far away from you?" she said.

"Then I will come with you. As your protector."

"You cannot promise that. What about your land, your people?"

"They have managed without me before and they will do so again."

"What if your jarl demands I leave and—"

Torstein placed a finger across her lips to stop her. Then he leaned closer.

"Samira, do not fret about what has not happened. You are my wife. We will create a life together. Whatever troubles come, I'll be by your side."

Then he removed his finger, leaned in and brushed a chaste kiss across her lips.

Samira blushed, then smiled at him. They were married now. He could kiss her, but still it was the first time she had experienced something so intimate and pleasurable.

Torstein forced himself to move back. It took every amount of restraint not to take the kiss further. But he had to admit, for something so innocent and sweet, it was the best kiss bar none. It felt as if the moon and stars threw their aura and power into that small contact. He knew if it felt like this just kissing her, imagine how it would be when he made her his completely.

That thought lightened his heart. He would need to tread carefully, woo his wife slowly until she willingly gave herself to him.

Torstein's heart felt elated at the concept. He could not wait to return to Orkney with her by his side.

They sat a while longer, this time just watching the stars. Finally, he rose with her and offered his hand, and she took it as they descended to the lower level to take up separate rooms.

"Why did you readily agree to marry me?" she asked, curious about his motivations.

"Because you're my destiny."

The birthmark did not itch or burn. It only tingled slightly with warmth. Samira realized then no matter how many dangers she would face in the future, Torstein Hagansson was not one of them.

***

THEY LEFT AN HOUR BEFORE dawn, the gate opened only wide enough for the animals to pass. The watchers were still at the end of the lane. Dawud's men stood along the wall with bows they had not carried a week ago.

Tiziri wept and gripped her hands. "You will send word. Whenever a ship comes south."

Zohra did not weep. She took Samira's face in both hands and turned it to the lamplight.