Page 65 of Merciful Salvation

Surrounded by nine torches, representing the realms of the gods, and a dozen witnesses in the clearing next to Tyr’s house, Aaron removed Thor’s hammer from around his neck and placed it on Kara’s. “In absence of a ring or sword, this necklace represents my pledge of fidelity and love.”

Kara thumbed the amulet. “In absence of a ring or sword, I, too, gift you with a token of my fidelity and love.” She opened her left hand.

Aaron eyed the heavy silver chain.

“Show me your right wrist,” she said.

He held up his hand. Smiling, she connected the clasp. He couldn’t stop staring at her. Dressed in a borrowed linen gown, with a snugfitting bodice and her blond hair combed to silky perfection, he couldn’t help thinking about the first night he’d seen her at the feast table in Lagenheim. When she smiled at him and sucked on that blasted grape—he knew his fate had been sealed. He shifted, his breeches growing tighter. Then he touched the white blossoms pinned in her hair. “I love you, lass,” he whispered.

The warmth of her smile sent hot chills down his spine.

“Aye.” She blinked, then gripped his hand. “I love you, milord.”

“I Odins navn jeg nå uttaler dere mann og kone. La ingen utfordre gudene med mindre de søker døden,”Tyr pronounced. “Don’t gape at your bride, cousin, kiss her.”

Aaron’s lips had barely grazed Kara’s when the small crowd applauded.

“Odin’s blessings,” a guest offered.

“May Frigg open your bride’s womb and give you a son on your wedding night,” a woman said.

Sighing at the lack of privacy, Aaron scooped his bride up, then walked to the white altar stone. “Now we must offer blood to Allfather.”

Tyr signaled to a thrall standing beyond the ring of fire. The slave walked slowly, leading a ewe chosen for the bridal sacrifice.

“This sacred place has witnessed the love of many generations of Sigurdssons, including my father, Jarl Randvior, and my beloved mother, Lady Noelle. It is fitting that my kinsman and his new bride chose this location to exchange vows and honor the gods.”

The ewe’s feet were bound, then Tyr carefully laid it across the altar. Kara slid to her feet and accepted a dagger from Aaron. They faced the altar. With both their hands gripping the handle of the knife, they slit the animal’s throat.

“A life for a life,” Aaron called. “Allfather, I beg your favor. This woman is my future.”

Kara let go of the dagger and gazed heavenward. “Odin, I am yourhumble servant. Give us many sons and daughters who will be raised to glorify Valhalla.”

After pledges were made, Tyr and Rachelle sounded the ceremonial ram’s horn.

“A call for celebration—come to the wedding feast,” Rachelle said. “This is a day of great joy, I’ve gained a sister.”

Chapter Nineteen

Missed

“Three days andnot a moment more.” Aaron kissed the tip of Kara’s nose. They’d spent the whole day and night in bed. If Aaron didn’t get back home, the longhouse would never be properly prepared for his wife. “Not all of us can afford to lounge around in bed all day, milady.”

His bride stuck her tongue out. “You think me lazy and spoiled?”

“I believe you are well on your way.” He rolled out of bed naked, then strode to the table on the far side of the room. Grabbing a linen, he washed himself, stealing a look at his curious wife. “You like what you see, lass?”

She giggled. “Of course I do.”

“Imagine how ardent we’ll be after we’re apart a few days.”

“I’d rather not.”

The coverlet fell aside as she sat, revealing her perfect breasts. He licked his lips, tempted to make love again. Her tiny nipples hardened. “Cover yourself wife or I’ll impregnate you before I go.”

She crossed her arms over her chest. “Is that why you married me, to have children?”

He slipped into his braies. “One of many reasons. Now stop pouting, you’ll get wrinkles.”