Her Heart's Desire Read Online Free Page A

settled over hers. All traces of his worry and uncertainty fled.
    Idunna's heart raced. He met her gaze and smiled. Warmth spread from her center.
    “No, it's nothing I can't put off for another time.” Ealasaid's eyes lit up. She looked at Hella. “Tell your son it's time to ready himself for bed.”
    “Tell your thrall to tell your son.” Hella rose. He offered his hand to Ealasaid and helped her from the chair. When she stood beside him, he lifted her off her feet.
    She laughed, drawing the attention of nearly everyone in the hall.
    Hella carried her away, their laughter mingling as they departed.
    Birgir poked his head out from under the table. “They might forget to tell Ulrika. Sometimes they do.”
    “You ought to honor their wishes that you prepare for bed. It sets a good example for the other children.” Eoghann leveled his gaze with Birgir's. “You need plenty of rest to become a vikingr king.”
    Birgir's face was solemn. “I don't think Da sleeps much. Late at night he often stands in my door. He worries because of the battle.”
    Idunna smiled. Most days, Birgir was a happy child, but he had his share of worry too. “I'm sure he checks on you because he wants to make certain you're safe. The battle is over, the Saxons are no longer a threat. We defeated them and all is well.”
    “Is it true?” Birgir looked at Eoghann. “The Saxons won't come for us again?”
    “There's nothing for them here. Diarmaid wished for Suibhne, but I have no cares for it. This is my home.” Eoghann's voice was firm. “The Saxons want no part of the Danelaw. Let them battle the men of Strathclyde and one another.”
    “I would fight them if they did come. This is ours and it must be defended.” Birgir lifted his chin. “It's what a king has to do.”
    “You'll be a mighty king,” Eoghann said. “But even strong kings must have good rest before they're capable of making the right decisions.”
    Birgir nodded. “All right. Good evening, Aunt Idunna, Uncle Eoghann.”
    Idunna smiled. Aunt. Coming from Ealasaid's son, it meant everything to her. She'd already come to love the child, just as she loved Fulla. “Sleep well, Birgir.”
    He ambled off, shouting for Ulrika.
    Eoghann's smile faded, but he didn't take his hand away from Idunna's. “I hope you're not displeased because I wanted to spend time with you.”
    “Of course not. I'm grateful for your intervention. I love Ealasaid as a sister, but spending time with her in the weaving room will not yield the child I desire.” She leaned closer to him. “I hoped for your attention after our meal, husband.”
    The fine lines around his eyes relaxed. “I shall do my best to provide, I swear to you. Your happiness is the most important thing to me.” A hint of fear came through in his voice.
    “I am happy. I would be happier still if you would eat. Do not allow the king's good food to go to waste.” She lifted a goose leg from the platter in front of them, then lowered it to his plate. “When did you last see such a fat goose?”
    “A lifetime ago.” His gaze was far away. “Placed on a table I was not allowed to approach.”
    “Forgive me.” She reached for it again, but he stopped her.
    “There's nothing to forgive. I enjoy goose and I shall enjoy it more because you gave it.” He picked up the leg. “I'm famished. Hella's presence is enough to make my appetite flee. Particularly when he displays his kingly authority.”
    “It's true. You must take pride or the others will scorn you. It's not so hard to be a Norseman. Act confident and they will soon forget you're not one of them by blood.” She bent over her soup, soaking the broth with a grainy piece of bread while Eoghann devoured the goose. “You'll grow used to him in time. Hella seems fierce, but he wants the best for his wife and people. You are one of them. If he didn't believe you, there is no doubt he wouldn't have let you live.”
    “Thanks to you.” He lowered the goose leg. “I have