Page 61 of Alliance Bride
From the corner of her eye, she caught the pleased smile that spread across Aevar’s face, and deep in her chest, something unfolded, warm and new.
Chapter Twenty-two
Theechoingcallofa horn cut through the air, halting Eadlyn’s work. She looked up from the garden, her fingers still tangled in the roots of a stubborn weed. Around her, the other women paused as well. Trygg, who had been galloping up and down the rows swinging his wooden sword, stopped mid-battle cry.
“That’s from the southern lookout.” Ranvi shielded her eyes and scanned the horizon.
Inga squinted toward the trees. “Might be travelers from one of our other settlements.”
Eadlyn, too, peered out over the village but found nothing amiss. “Is it cause for concern?”
Inga shook her head. “No. If it were a threat, the signal would’ve been different. And everyone would be armed by now.”
The moment settled back into weeding and chatting, but Eadlyn kept glancing toward the road with growing curiosity and maybe a little apprehension despite Inga’s reassurance. The aircarried a faint tension, like the hush before a storm. Whatever group warranted a signal horn would surely bring some excitement.
Several minutes later, the sound of riders approaching rose above the hum of the village. Shouts echoed. Eadlyn stood and followed Inga and Ranvi out of the garden as a group appeared. Aevar, Runar, and a few huskarls marched at the head, guiding them toward the longhouse. Eadlyn scanned the strangers behind them, realization striking her. These men were not Nords; they were Essian. Then the man in the center captured her attention.
She gasped, her heart leaping. “Galen!”
Aevar and the others parted to let her pass as she rushed to meet him. Galen was already dismounting, and she flew into his arms the moment his boots hit the ground. His embrace wrapped around her in an instant, strong and familiar. Worn leather and the tang of mail enfolded her like home. For a moment, she pressed her face to his shoulder and just breathed, fighting back an onslaught of tears.
When she stepped back, Galen’s piercing gaze swept over her from head to toe as if expecting bruises or heartbreak. No doubt he noticed the moisture still pooling in her eyes, but she met his examination with a smile.
“You’ve turned into a Nord,” he said at last. She couldn’t tell whether he was impressed or dismayed.
She laughed, brushing the garden dirt from her apron. “I guess I have.” She took in the other riders—Essian guards and a line of wagons behind them. “What are you doing here?”
“We brought some of your belongings from Kenwich, as well as the first shipment of grain.” He gestured to the wagons, and his attention shifted to Runar standing close by. “There arealso merchants interested in trade now that an alliance has been established.”
“Your merchants are welcome. My men will show them where they may set up.”
Runar issued instructions to two of the huskarls. As the main caravan rolled away, his attention returned to Galen and the remaining guards. “You may stay with my huskarls during your visit. Ingvald will show you to the men’s quarters. We have thralls to tend your horses and unload the wagons.”
At the mention of his name, Ingvald stepped forward. At least he was one of the few who knew passable Aerlish.
As the men prepared to follow, Eadlyn turned to Runar. “If it’s all right, I’d like Galen to stay here at the longhouse as my guest.”
He nodded without complaint. “Of course.”
But Galen hesitated. “Oh, that’s not necessary.”
He always grew uncomfortable with anything that elevated him above his station as a guard, yet Eadlyn insisted. “I’d really like for you to be here and get to know Aevar and his family.”
He relented with a grunt. “Very well. Thank you.”
Once everything was settled, they led him inside the longhouse, where Inga welcomed him with the graceful hospitality Eadlyn had come to admire. Galen scanned the interior, his focus drawn to the carved pillars and rafters before snagging on the weapons displayed near the entrance.
“It’s impressive,” he said.
They showed him to a chamber across the hall from the family rooms. Meanwhile, Aevar and his brothers carried Eadlyn’s things inside from the wagon. Galen watched them closely, andhis eyes narrowed when they brought the chests into the room she shared with Aevar. His fingers twitched at his sides, as if he wanted to step between them and the door.
As soon as they finished, Eadlyn made formal introductions. Leeriness lingered on both sides, but she had confidence it would fade with time. Once that was done, she turned to Galen and motioned to the doors.
“Would you like to take a walk with me?”
“Of course, my lady.” She sensed his shared eagerness for a chance to talk privately.
They turned to leave, and Eadlyn traded a glance with Aevar. Something protective rested on his face. His gaze shifted, growing more guarded, and Eadlyn realized Galen was giving him the same impenetrable glower he reserved for untrustworthy nobles and overeager suitors. She stifled a laugh. These two would take work.
