Anna Markland - Viking Roots Medieval Romance Saga 02 by The Rover Defiant Page A

and I understand the reasons for it.”
    Bryk smiled, putting his hands on her hips. “But you chose your mate and you want the same for our son.”
    Surprised relief unknotted her belly. “You understand.”
    He pressed his forehead to hers, causing her heart to flutter. “Don’t worry. I won’t arrange anything for Magnus.”
    This man was indeed a gift from God.
    He pecked a kiss on her lips. “At least not until he’s older.”
    Her spirits fell, but his wink reassured her so she soldiered on. “I suppose establishing a friendly alliance with a wealthy and influential family can’t hurt. Magnus will have a playmate, and—” It had been on the tip of her tongue to mention Torstein and Sonja, but she stopped in time.
    She swayed into him when he swirled his tongue in her ear.
    “Karl Ragnarsen was a great warrior, but he’s getting old and likely won’t go back to the front,” he said quietly.
    His whispered words echoed in her brain, but his warm breath on her ear was distracting.
    “His sons Frits and Kennet will use any excuse to get into a brawl. As I recall, this new child’s mother isn’t a beauty.”
    She scowled, feigning jealousy, but she stretched her neck, hoping his lips would find their way to her throat. “You’re a married man, Bryk Kriger. You’re not permitted to look at other women.”
    He pulled her to his body and there was no mistaking the hard evidence of his desire pressed against her. “I’ll never need another woman, Cathryn. You’re the mate of my soul.”
    It elated her that he seemed to understand this important aspect of her Christian faith. Change was difficult for him. His struggle with what to do about Torstein was proof of it, but she didn’t think any less of him. He was a man steeped in his culture.
    She too wrestled with conflicting emotions. Meddling might prove to be disastrous, but if Bryk were to allow Torstein to be her escort—
    Her husband’s next words brought her back to reality. “I will see you safely to the Ragnarsen’s on the morrow, as protocol demands.”
    She wondered if he suspected what she’d had in mind, but his deep kiss chased away thoughts of slaves and traditions.

    Scowling, Bryk paced in front of the cold grate in the Archbishop’s office. “You cannot go alone to the Ragnarsen house, and Rollo has summoned me to another strategy meeting. Unfortunately, Torstein will have to escort you.”
    Elation and desperation warred within Torstein. When Cathryn had mentioned the invitation, hope had soared in his heart. Ironically, his uncle was providing him the excuse to see Sonja, for he had no doubt she would be present at the gathering.
    Allowing Torstein to be his wife’s armed escort was a measure of Bryk’s growing esteem.
    But after an hour in the training field, he was sweaty, his clothing caked with dust.
    Cathryn eyed him. “Very well. But he’ll have to bathe first.”
    Bryk grinned.
    She turned to her husband, her nose wrinkled. “You too before you present yourself to Rollo.”
    Bryk’s grin fled. “The river then,” he said grudgingly.
    Torstein was heartily glad Cathryn had suggested leaving his new clothing at the house after the baptism, given the cramped living conditions at Alfred’s. “I can change into the tunic I wore to the cathedral,” he suggested, hoping his weak smile didn’t betray his desire to look presentable for Sonja.
    Cathryn seemed relieved. “Good idea. We want to look our best for the Ragnarsens and I’d like to get to know Ingeborg better. I should make more friends among the Viking community, and our children were born the same day.”
    Then she said something that took him by surprise. “Torstein and I will stay out of the way of her sister, Sonja. She seems flighty. What a state she got into when she was here, almost dropping Magnus. You remember, Torstein.”
    He doubted coherent words would issue from his mouth if he attempted a response. Was Cathryn testing the waters?
    His uncle