Page 9 of Alliance Bride
Galen’s voice drifted through the tent flap. Was it time? But she wasn’t ready. Not yet. Her composure shattered like glass across a floor.
Gathering what resolve she still possessed, she untied the flap and stepped outside. The rain had ceased, though the air remained heavy with dampness. Galen stood in the muddy grass. His dark hair plastered his brow, droplets of rainwater sliding down the hard lines of his face. It wouldn’t surprise her if he’d stood guardthere all night, in case the Nords snatched her away early. The thought made her skin crawl, but her attention snagged on the Talt just beyond him.
“Says he has something to ask you.” Galen jerked his thumb toward the man.
The Talt stepped forward, glancing at Galen as if for permission. The scabbards on his belt were empty, so unless he had a dagger hidden somewhere, he wasn’t much of a threat. When Galen didn’t move to stop him, the man’s gaze shifted back to Eadlyn.
A bright smile split his bearded face. “Morning, my lady. My name’s Kian.”
He seemed far too cheerful for a day like this. Then again, he wasn’t the one marrying a stranger.
Eadlyn dipped her head in greeting.
“I was sent to see if any of these fit you.” He opened his hand to reveal a small pile of silver rings. “We’ve been gathering them, hoping to find one suitable for the exchange.”
The ring exchange, of course. They’d dispensed with so many traditions by holding this wedding so quickly she hadn’t even thought of it. She stared at the collection. The rings were worn, tarnished, and engraved with foreign patterns, grime clinging in the crevices. A far cry from the delicate silver ring her mother had worn. Not that it had done her much good.
“It’s only temporary,” Kian added, as if reading her thoughts. “Proper ones will be made once we’re home.”
Eadlyn cleared her throat, a lump still hanging on. “Of course.” She reached for a ring and slid it onto her finger, the metal damp and cool against her skin. It was too big, so she returned it to the pile. She searched for something to distract herself while she tried on the next. “You’re a Talt.”
“Aye. That I am.” His grin had a calming effect, and his eyes sparkled with a genuine kindness that made him far less frightening than the Nords. Perhaps they should have made this alliance with the Talts after all. But she could not think that way. Not now.
“I figured as much during negotiations.”
“You’re observant.”
“Well, you don’t look much like a Nord.”
Kian chuckled, a cheery sound in the gray gloom. “No, I don’t.”
If only Eadlyn could have had a conversation like this with her to-be husband. Then, possibly, she wouldn’t feel as though she were going to throw up at any minute. She drew a chill breath into her lungs, glancing at Kian between rings.
“Do you know him well?”
“Aye, Highness, I do.”
“May I ask…what sort of man is he?”
Kian paused, tilting his head. “A fierce warrior. Loyal. Honest. He’s saved my skin more than once.” He leaned in as if sharing a secret. “Honestly, I’d fight my own kin for him.” His face crinkled with another smile, but it faded to a much more serious expression. “He’s a good man. He won’t harm you if that’s what you fear.”
Eadlyn searched his face for the truth in his words. Could she trust him enough to find comfort in them?Lord, please show me. While no answer was immediately forthcoming, she managed a nod. “Thank you.”
She wiggled the ring currently on her finger. While still a bit large, it shouldn’t slip too easily from her finger. From the looks of it, it was her best choice.
“I think this one will do.” She pulled it off and dropped it into Kian’s free hand.
“Good. I’ll get these back to the jarl.”
He headed off through camp toward the river, and it felt as if he’d taken the sunshine with him. Not that any could be found today, choked out by stifling gray clouds. A shiver worked its way through her, alerting her to the bitter bite in the breeze. Though spring had newly arrived, the frigid air suggested winter might have one final say in the matter.
She ducked back into the tent, rubbing her ring finger. The coldness lingered.
Mildred turned to her. “Is there anything else you need, my lady?”
Eadlyn shook her head. “No, Milly. I think I’d like a few minutes to myself. Once the ceremony begins, please pack the rest of my things for the journey.”
“Of course.” Mildred curtsied and grabbed her cloak as she slipped outside.
