Page 64 of Alliance Bride
Braan slapped the table. “Ten pieces of silver on the Essian.”
Aevar gaped at him as if wounded. “Betting against your own brother?”
“He’s bigger than you.”
“And older and slower.” Aevar smirked at Galen.
“Keep talking, Nord,” Galen responded with a scowl as the others chuckled.
Kian leaned toward Braan. “If Galen wins, I’ll eat my belt.”
“I hope it’s well-seasoned.” Braan turned to Erik. “What about you? Where are you putting your money?”
Erik sighed as if the entire exchange pained him deeply, but Eadlyn knew him well by now. He was just as invested as everyone else. “I suppose I’ll be the supportive older brother and bet on Aevar.” He pointed a stern finger at him. “Don’t lose my money.”
“I won’t,” Aevar replied, casting Galen a dismissive glance.
“I’m in,” Kian said. “My silver’s on Aevar.”
“This is going to be fun.” Braan grinned like a man already counting his winnings.
Eadlyn wasn’t sure what to make of it. She’d seen both Aevar and Galen spar before. Both were fierce, competent warriors.
The moment breakfast ended, the men filed outside to prepare for the match. Eadlyn lingered behind with the women as they cleaned up the children and turned to her sister-in-law.
“What is it with men trying to beat each other senseless to prove something?”
Ranvi laughed. “You’ll get used to it. They’re all just overgrown boys.”
Once the children were wrangled and wiped down, they headed out to the training field. The morning sun filtered through the drifting clouds, casting a soft light over the packed earth. Huskarls and Essian guards had already gathered in a wide circle, exchanging coins and grins. More wagers. Hopefully, no bruised egos followed.
As the women drew near, Aevar stepped away from the crowd. He already carried his shield and a wooden sword and met Eadlyn’s eyes, searching her face.
“Who will you be cheering for?”
She glanced at the ring, then back at him. “I’ve never cheered against Galen before.”
He nodded with a look of resignation, dropping his gaze, and something in his posture seemed to droop. Before he turned away, she reached out, letting her fingers rest on the leather rim of his shield.
“But you’re my husband,” she said softly. “I want you to win.”
A smile broke across his face, wide and boyish. He stood taller in that instant, pride straightening his spine like armor. That her words and support held such power over him thrilled her.
They rejoined the others, and Aevar and Galen stepped into the ring. Cheers rang from both sides. Eadlyn stood beside Ranvi, her pulse quickening as the men circled each other. It didn’t seem right to pray for one to win over the other, so she prayed neither would get hurt. At least they were using wooden swords.
The match began at a measured pace. Aevar shifted his weight from foot to foot, watching Galen’s stance with a practiced eye. Galen moved as he always had, efficient and calculating. No unnecessary movement, no wasted energy. They traded light strikes at first. Taps meant more to test and provoke than to land.
After a minute or two, Kian called out, “You two going to fight or just flirt with your swords a while? Remind me to bring a chair next time.”
Laughter rippled through the spectators.
Galen aimed low. Aevar knocked it aside and went high. Galen stepped back. Their shields clapped together with a jarring thud, then separated. Neither of them smiled now.
Then, as if by silent agreement, the pace shifted.
Swords sliced through the air, meeting and hammering each other’s shields. The crowd gasped as the tempo surged. They fought like warriors used to the chaos of actual battle, not the rules of sport. Eadlyn’s breath caught as they locked shields, twisted, and broke apart again, the smack of wood-on-wood echoing off the houses nearby.
Aevar landed the first real blow, striking Galen’s shoulder with a solid thunk. Galen grunted but didn’t falter. He responded with an attack aimed at Aevar’s ribs, but Aevar caught it with his shield. The shock of it jarred his stance, and he staggered half a step before regaining control. Eadlyn’s heart pounded, adrenaline rising even though she wasn’t the one fighting.
