Chapter 17: Chapter 17

FJORN

Just outside the house, I clenched my teeth. Every instinct told me to go back to her, to rush in and hold her. But I was seething. How could she think I would ever hurt her? I’d killed for her, and I’d do it again. Seeing her recoil in fear made my blood boil. I turned toward the village, needing a drink.

The mead hall was filled with laughter and merriment, and I hoped it would raise my spirits. I spotted Sten and Ulf, drinking mead and joking around.

“What’s wrong, lover boy? Is the honeymoon over already?” Sten teased.

I snatched the mead from his hand, taking a long swig before sitting next to them. “I don’t want to talk about it.”

“We figured you’d be busy with Kendra,” Ulf said. He put on a high-pitched voice, mimicking, “Oh, Fjorn, I love you. Yes, just like that.”

Sten joined in, his voice equally high-pitched. “Only you can love me like that.”

I shook my head at them, laughing. But my smile faded as I looked down. “I went to reach for her, and she covered her face like I’d hit her.”

Sten and Ulf stopped drinking and exchanged glances. “Have you hit her?” Ulf asked.

“No! And I never would,” I said, taking another drink.

“Well, someone has,” Sten said.

I dipped my head. “Her brother,” I admitted, finishing my drink and pouring myself another.

Sten nodded knowingly, as if he held a deep understanding of the situation. “She hasn’t known you a week, Fjorn. And you have to admit, the way you met was less than ideal.”

Inhaling slowly, I let all the air out with a heavy sigh, feeling like shit. Her father was killed by Vikings, her whole family perished in the aftermath of their raid, and her brother beat her mercilessly.

Then, I came in and destroyed the life she had made for herself, stealing her away without a thought of what she wanted. Of course she’d have insecurities about me, not only as a Viking but also as a man.

I was an idiot.

“We should kill him. No, we should skin him and then kill him,” Ulf suggested.

Sten and I exchanged a look before taking another drink.

“Skin him first, and then kill him, huh?” I asked, eyeing my friend. Ulf nodded eagerly and gave a devious smile.

Sten shook his head in disbelief. “Who hurt ~you~?”

“What? No. It’s just that Kendra is a good person. She doesn’t deserve that pain. I like her,” Ulf said.

“Yeah, me too,” I agreed, downing my mead.

“Where is he, her brother?” Ulf asked.

I shrugged. “I don’t know. There’s a lot I don’t know.” I rubbed my face with the palm of my hand.

Sten patted my back. “Just give her time,” he said. “She’s strong and brave.” He smiled. “She came after us with an axe!”

We all laughed at the memory. Yes, my beautiful frue was strong and brave, and she was witty and kind. She was everything I wanted in a woman.

After drinking late into the night, Ulf helped me back to my house. I sang an old Norse song the whole way, stumbling and laughing. Upon opening the door, I looked around.

“WOMAN, COME HERE,” I bellowed. “We’ve come up with a plan to kill your brother.”

Kendra tossed a pillow and fur down from the loft without uttering a word. Ulf looked at me and walked out, saying, “This is all on you. I’ve done my part.”

“Did you hear me, woman?” I slurred, still stumbling. She remained silent. I tried my best to climb the ladder to the loft, and after a few attempts, I made it. “Hey, I’m talking to you,” I said, flopping into bed.

Kendra lay there, a blanket and furs pulled over her head. “Hey, what’s going on?” I asked, pulling back the blanket.

She was sobbing softly.

“Shhhh, no. No, don’t cry. Please, I’m so sorry,” I said, instantly sober. I pulled her into my arms. She tried to push away, but I held her tight, pressing my lips to her head. “Is this because I yelled?”

“No,” she whispered.

“Then what?” I asked, pushing her back so I could see her face.

“I don’t understand you!” she said, her brow lowering. “Sometimes you get so angry, so cold, and I’m afraid… Other times, you make me feel like I’m the only one who matters, the only one you want.” She shook her head and tried to roll away.

I gently lifted her chin to face me and gave her a soft smile. “I will always want you,” I said, kissing her gently. “I was angry… No, I was hurt that you could think I’d ever raise my hand to you. But I didn’t take into account all you’ve been through. That’s on me. I’m sorry I left.”

We lay there in silence until we fell asleep. I knew I had to make it up to her tomorrow.