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Sidroc sputtered. “My co— manpart is plenty big enough.” Holy Thor! He hoped Finn didn’t hear about this. He would no doubt have a dozen holes drilled in his fool head.
“Well, I hope so. I have been trying to get Drifa married for many a year. After all this time, she deserves something ... big.”
Drifa tsked some more.
Everyone laughed, except him. He was crossing his eyes with frustration.
“Since you apparently already know my intentions, King Thorvald, do you then agree to give your daughter Drifa to me?”
The king rolled his eyes. “I do not give my daughters to any man. They have the right to choose. A promise I made to their mothers long ago.”
“What kind of lackbrained thing was that to do?”
Five women snarled.
“That does not mean like-minded men cannot influence them, however,” the king added.
“Influence her,” Sidroc sputtered. “Drifa has already accepted my suit. Have you not, sweetling?” he asked, picking her up and setting her on his lap. If Lord Hawk could take such liberties with his woman, so could he. Besides, if it was influence the king wanted, he was more than willing to ... influence.
Drifa tried to escape, but he held on tight.
Everyone, even the women, stared at him, impressed at his finesse, no doubt.
“Let me up, you brute,” she said halfheartedly.
“Stop squirming.”
“Stop poking me with that ... thing.”
“Your father wants to drill a hole in my head to make it bigger.”
“So I heard.”
“Some folks think bigger is better.”
“Some folks are lackbrained.”
Tyra narrowed her eyes at him. “I thought you were already married.”
He had hoped to avoid the subject, but ’twould appear he was not going to be so fortunate. “I was. My wife died,” he replied, stiff-lipped.
“When—”
“Stop, Tyra. Sidroc does not like to talk of his wife who has gone to the Other World.” She squeezed Sidroc’s hand.
He stared at Drifa with surprise. Drifa is defending me? He had conflicting feelings over that circumstance. A rather odd joy filled him that anyone, least of all a woman, would come to his aid. And he was filled with guilt that she did not know his true reason for being here. Ah, well, he would make it up to her later. He squeezed her hand in return.
He started to say, “It’s not that I—”
“Nay, Sidroc,” Drifa said. “It is for you to discuss if and when you choose.” She silenced Tyra and her other sisters with a glare.
Who is this woman I am about to be betrothed to? Can she possibly be as amazing as I am beginning to believe?
“So, what think you, daughter, of a combined wedding/birthing day celebration ten days hence?”
Sidroc was about to protest the delay, but bit his tongue. That would still allow him another sennight for what should be only a two-day trip back to Vikstead.
Drifa nodded, and he kissed her thoroughly afore she could raise any objections. To his surprise, and pleasure, she sank into his kiss as everyone cheered their good wishes.
