A heart closed to love …
Abandoned by the woman he loved, Captain Marteinn wants to escape his misery by winning the summer games in Lagenheim. The champion is entitled to ask one favor from the jarl and he’s prepared to request his freedom.
A woman desperate for passion …
Taken to Scandinavia after the Normans invaded England, Mercia works hard to prove her loyalty to the Vikings. Despite multiple offers of marriage, she fears she’ll never find true love. Until she meets a brooding warrior, who ignites a hidden passion she can’t ignore.
Excerpt…
Jarl Erik blocked his path. “Milord.” Marteinn bowed. “I didn’t expect to see you at the games today.”
“Only one thing could tear me away from my advisors and ledgers,” Erik started. “And it’s not my daughter.”
He knew what his master was implying. “I’m honored you’d watch me compete.”
“I wish to bear witness to the devastation the poor sod who faces you will suffer.”
Marteinn remained silent.
“From my vantage point in the great hall, I see everything—including the way you still lust after Kara.”
Embarrassed by Erik’s words, he nodded. “I wish I could deny your claim, milord. If I’ve brought shame upon you-”
Erik held up his hand. “Silence.” He scrutinized his captain. “If the gods wished you to marry her, I would have happily blessed the union. But fate dictated otherwise. And I’m afraid I am much too old to sire another daughter for you to wed. Regardless, I raised you alongside my own children, always considering you a son.”
“I am forever in your debt.”
“You’re gratitude has never been in question.” Erik grasped his shoulder. “I’m concerned with the ceaseless chatter about the irreconcilable differences between you and Kara since she wed Jarl McNally. This festival has only encouraged the gossipmongers. I’ve refrained from interfering in hopes you’d find a wife.”
“Direct me, and I will silence their tongues forever.”
Erik chuckled. “I’m afraid half the kitchen maids would meet a violent end. Then who would prepare our meals?”
Marteinn was guilty of everything his master accused him of. More reason to escape his old life. “What can I do?”
“Select a bride.”
He shifted on his feet. “I’m of a mind never to marry, milord.”
Erik tugged the end of his beard. “Better to marry than burn,” he said. “One of the wisest sayings to ever come out of Christendom. One that any man can appreciate.”
Oh, he burned—lust roared through him, so did a penchant for violence and unadulterated hatred for Jarl McNally. No wife, no matter how beautiful or obedient, would ever sate his appetite for Kara Dalgaard. “I’d do anything for you, except what you ask now.”
Erik stared him directly in the eyes. Although the jarl’s hands were twisted with age and his facial hair was white as virgin snow, he still wielded his sword as well as any man. “You’ll obey, Marteinn Dalgaard, or I’ll handpick the woman myself. And by that time, I may not be in the mood to present you with a bride that has a full set of teeth.”
Only once before had the jarl referred to him as a Dalgaard. When he was a child, after his mother had died. Marteinn never knew his father, and when all the Odin worshippers were driven out of Reykjavik upon the threat of death, his mother had fled with him to Norway and found sanctuary in Erik’s household. “Allow me time to consider your request.”
“It’s not a request.” Erik sucked in his breath, gesturing to his personal escorts standing just feet away. “Meet me in my solar after the feast.”
“Aye, milord.” Marteinn knew what would happen long before the celebration ended tonight and the jarl would not be a happy man.
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Sounds wonderful!! I’m looking forward to reading this. I love Viking stories. Best of luck.
I’ve read all of Violetta’s book, and they are great.
Who doesn’t love Viking stories? Congrats!
I love them!
What a cliffhanger! Congrats on the new release, Violetta. 🙂
Isn’t it, Barbara?