Page 62 of Alliance Bride
Outside, she led Galen along the path she and Aevar often walked in the mornings. The familiar crunch of gravel beneath their shoes mingled with the low murmur of village life. Now that they were alone, Galen’s shoulders relaxed, and his stride eased as the tightness in his jaw faded. Still, his eyes flicked from face to face as they passed, a familiar habit of measuring threats. A woman tending dyed wool paused to eye them curiously, her hands stained crimson to the wrists. Galen offered a polite nod, though his fingers brushed instinctively toward the sword at his side.
“Any word or threats from Waelon?” Eadlyn asked, drawing his attention. So much could have happened in the weeks since she’d left her brother and Essix behind.
“Not a peep, and our spies haven’t reported any suspicious activity. Sounds like they’re too busy trying to fend off Nord raids.” He gave her a pointed look.
A quiet confirmation settled deep inside Eadlyn. “So the alliance was the right choice then.”
Galen’s expression remained keen. “Was it?”
“Yes.” No doubt or hesitation tugged at Eadlyn, only a comfortable surety in her answer.
He continued to watch her as if waiting for her to break down with the truth. She didn’t blame him. She’d spent so many years putting on a brave face when things were hard. But being able to share the truth of her life here brought deep joy and thankfulness.
“I hardly dared hope for such an outcome, but I am happy here. Truly. Happier than I ever was in Kenwich.”
A fisherman passed them, a bucket sloshing at his hip, and the pungent odor hit them both. Galen wrinkled his nose but refocused on her, clearly not convinced.
“And your husband?” He said the word as if it left a foul taste, shooting a glance over his shoulder like he expected to find Aevar skulking in the shadows behind them. “How is he treating you?”
“Very well. Honestly, I think he’s treating me better than most Essian lords I might have married would have.” She paused, trying to be delicate. “He has not forced me into the role of a wife. He’s been nothing but honorable since we wed. We are friends right now…becoming more.”
She thought of Aevar’s growing affection toward her, and the way his fingers had traced along her arm after theknattleikrgame the other day. Her heart fluttered even now and drew a smile toher lips. She tried to dampen it, Galen’s gaze resting heavily on her, but failed miserably.
After a long moment of observation, his brows rose, shock edging his tone like an accusation. “You’re actually falling for him.”
Heat crept into her cheeks, and she ducked her head. “Yes.”
He appeared caught between relief and disappointment. “So I don’t need to find a way to sneak you out in the night?”
“No, you don’t.”
He grunted somewhat unhappily. “I was looking forward to that.”
She laughed. “Sorry to disappoint.”
They rounded a bend in the path, the fjord becoming visible.
Galen sighed in resignation. “Well, I guess I’m glad to be disappointed and proven wrong in this instance. I did not think you would find such care.”
“A lot of notions we had about Nords back in Essix I’ve found to be wrong, at least here amongst Aevar’s family and people. There have been those who’ve shown opposition to the alliance and to me, but the majority have treated me kindly and with respect. Aevar’s family has been wonderful from the start.” Happiness welled up in her chest. “And Aevar even lets me read Scripture to him every night.”
Galen’s brows shot up. “How did you convince him to do that?”
“I didn’t. He asked me to. I think it was idle curiosity at first, but now…I hope he is at least intrigued by it. It has given me much hope that God is working in his heart. So, I would like you to give him a chance and get to know him while you’re here.”
He hesitated, though Eadlyn could tell it was more for show. “We shall see.”
Now that she’d assured him of her wellbeing, Eadlyn shifted the conversation to other important matters. “How is Edward?”
If only her brother were here too. For a brief heartbeat, a dart of pain pierced her. There would likely never be a reason for Edward to visit Nordra, so unless she traveled to Essix, she would probably never see him again. But she pushed the thought away. Now was not the time to mourn such things. Not with Galen here.
“He misses you. That much is certain. Oswin keeps him busy with matters of state. He balks at the responsibility…but he’ll get there.”
Though not the glowing report she had hoped to receive, as long as he was well, she was thankful. After all, she’d only been gone a couple of months. He still needed time to adjust to her absence and his throne.
“Did he send any letters?”
Galen’s mouth twitched in something like a wince. “Sorry, no.”
