Her Heart's Desire Read Online Free

if no one else will.” She tugged at his hand.
    He allowed her to lead him, but he pulled the neck of his hood high around his ears and clasped his cloak around him. She didn't think he did it to ward off the bitter wind.
    The scents of baking bread and roasting meat filled the dining hall. Idunna's mouth watered when they entered. Some of the wounded men took their meals at the tables near the cooking fires, but the hall wasn't too crowded.
    A few scowled at Eoghann. He kept his head down as they made their way across the floor to the high table. Birgir lay on his stomach beneath the table, playing with carved wooden animals. The king and queen sat next to each other on their thrones, heads bent low as they dined and whispered.
    Hella glanced up as Idunna and Eoghann approached. He nodded at her and nudged his wife.
    Ealasaid smiled. She gestured for them to come closer.
    “You see? She's welcoming us and it won't be long before the others do as well.” Idunna squeezed Eoghann's cold hand. “You must tell them about the torc you're creating.”
    “I doubt they wish to hear about it.”
    She forced her smile wider. Later they'd have a discussion about how he had to show some pride or the Norsemen would continue to think of him as the enemy.
    “Your Grace.” She bowed to Hella and then Ealasaid. “I hope the evening finds you well. Where is little Fulla?”
    “We're well indeed. Ulrika is caring for Fulla. Would you care to join us?” Ealasaid gestured at the wooden bench across from her throne. She looked Idunna over, then cast her gaze on her brother. “How are you faring?”
    “Healthy and hungry. Is that not so, Eoghann?” She settled on the bench and looked up at her husband.
    “Indeed.” He swept his cloak out behind him and joined her on the bench. “If Idunna hadn't come for me, I might have forgotten to eat.”
    “Forget too many and you'll waste away. There's plenty to share. Despite the rush to bring in the harvest, we're well provisioned this year.” Hella's voice held a hint of gruffness. “What's on our table is yours as well, brother.”
    Eoghann raised his gaze. “My thanks, Your Grace.”
    It must have pained Eoghann to accept help as much as it did Hella to give it to a man who was once his enemy. Having no such issue about taking food freely given, Idunna served herself a dish of fish soup. She held the bowl in one hand, grateful for the warmth from it and the nearness of the fire. She sat as close to Eoghann as she dared without interrupting his ability to eat.
    “Eoghann has started work on a fine torc.” She smiled at him. “The engravings are truly impressive.”
    “It's nothing anyone with the proper tools couldn't do.” Eoghann picked a roasted carrot apart with his knife and fingers. “I've seen examples of the work the goldsmiths in Freysteinn completed. Mine is not nearly as fine.”
    “Modesty does not become a Norseman.” Hella slammed his cup on the table. “We're proud of every task we undertake. You think your work is nothing? Then the world shall see it as nothing. Idunna will starve if your work is as poor as you claim.”
    Eoghann lowered his gaze. “Of course, Your Grace.”
    Beneath the table, Idunna squeezed Eoghann's knee. “We're not going to starve. It's beautiful work. Perhaps you could design the king a new set of wrist torcs as a gift. If our neighbors saw your craftsmanship, they would surely desire your work.”
    Eoghann nodded, although he'd abandoned his knife and the food before him.
    “Join me in the weaving room later, Idunna?” Ealasaid kicked her under the table. “Perhaps we'll leave the men to drinking and bragging on their work.”
    “I had planned on returning to my room, but if you need me.” She loosened her grip on Eoghann's knee. Her hopes of bedding Eoghann again after the meal fluttered away.
    “Is your task important, my queen? Idunna and I thought we might use the evening to learn more about one another.” Eoghann's hand