The Last Viking Queen Read online

  “Trosdan, I need you,” she murmured softly.

  “Did you speak to me?” Gavin asked as he entered their chamber.

  Alysa turned on the wooden bench and fused her gaze to his. “I need you,” she murmured, her voice filled with passionate emotion.

  Gavin smiled at her as he came forward and pulled her to her feet. “As I need you, m’love,” he replied huskily. Pulling her kirtle over her head, he tossed it aside and gazed appreciatively at her naked body. He had been daydreaming about this moment for hours and his thoughts had kindled his body into a smoldering flame. It did not matter that he feasted on her each day, his hunger for her was insatiable. Without delay, Gavin removed his garments and allowed them to drop to the stone floor. He lifted Alysa and carried her to the bed, where he placed her and stretched out beside her.

  Her blue eyes locked with his green ones, and each was mirrored in the other’s shiny gaze. The reflections created a dreamy landscape upon which the lovers could explore and savor their emotions. Unspoken messages passed between them. As love conquered their warring hearts and passion invaded their bodies, all other thoughts and feelings were vanquished. All doubts and worries were cast aside, and any cunning guile was forgotten.

  Without words, Gavin’s hands roamed Alysa’s body, and hers did the same on her lover’s supple flesh. Again and again their lips touched softly and briefly as they enticed each other to bolder ventures. Gradually the tentative kisses deepened and lengthened. Their tongues danced wildly and playfully together, then feverishly. They took turns nibbling upon each other’s lips. Their shared breathing was fast and shallow, and exposed the height of their arousal. The wild, sweet promise of rapturous love awaited them.

  Gavin’s mouth drifted leisurely down the slender column of Alysa’s neck. He pressed his lips to the pulsing vein which told him her heart was pounding in fierce yearning for him. He heard her sigh with pleasure as his lips teased the pliant mounds on her chest before conquering their brown peaks. Soon she was moaning in the bittersweet throes of rising need. He enjoyed giving her pleasure as much as he enjoyed receiving it from her, which he was doing now as her hands skillfully stroked him. For one with such a short span of experience, his wife was a superb lover. He had known no female who could satisfy him more than Alysa, nor a female who kept him ever thirsting for her. He was utterly enchanted, enslaved.

  Alysa encouraged Gavin’s blissful exploration of her body by writhing and murmuring approval of. his skilled attention. He tantalized her with his movements, with his manly smell, with his husky voice and virile physique. As his hard body yielded to her soft touch, she was thrilled by his response to her caresses and kisses. It was wonderful knowing she could send his appetite to such a high level, masterfully make it hover there, then sate it so rapturously.

  Gavin’s deft hand roved her flat stomach, her silky thighs, and boldly entered her. It took great care to sensuously wander in and out of the moistness of her and over the flaming peak. Her pulsating womanhood burst into flame and she urged him to extinguish it. Gavin moved atop her and guided his soothing member into her.

  Their bodies locked together. It was a time of giving, of taking, of sharing. They both quivered with anticipation as their hands and lips continued to heighten their pleasures and desires.

  Gavin felt his wife squirming beneath him as she sought to fill herself with him. A white-hot heat burned within him, threatening to consume him with a wildfire.

  Alysa was aware only of their swift pace toward the summit of bliss. When she reached love’s precipice, she hesitated only a moment before willingly and eagerly throwing herself over its rapturous edge. Powerful waves splashed over her shuddering body. She was carried away by the potent current, so ensnared by its force, she could hardly breathe. Time and time again she briefly surfaced to seize a gasp of air, only to be dragged under the blissful surface once more. She helplessly and joyously rode out the feverish storm until she was cast gently upon the quiet beach of love’s paradise.

  Gavin rapidly pursued Alysa over passion’s beautiful peak, savoring each moment and spasm which heralded his own victory. He was finally carried into a valley of peace with his wife in his arms. Contentment claimed both of them, as did sleep.

  When Alysa awakened in the morning, Gavin was not at her side. She wished he were so they could make love again, then talk seriously about their disagreement. Soon the lords and knights would arrive, and the spies would return. Before then, she and her husband needed to reach an understanding about the imminent conflict with the invaders and the role destiny had assigned to her.

  She left her bed and dressed, pulling a dark-blue tunic over a clean kirtle. She brushed the tangles from her hair and allowed it to hang down her back free of any restricting band or covering. Making her way down the castle steps, she encountered Leitis. Alysa asked the head servant where Prince Gavin was.

  “His Highness rode away at dawn with several knights. He said he would return at dusk,” the woman replied.

  “Do you know where he was going?”

  “Nay, Princess Alysa, but it appeared he was in a hurry.”

  Alysa was annoyed that Gavin had not waited for her to arise and discuss his intentions for the day. She did not like this new secrecy and distance which she perceived in him. She was not his underling; she was this land’s ruler. Important decisions should include her. True, Gavin was accustomed to doing as he pleased, but things were different now. True, he needed time to adjust to this new situation, as his entire life had changed, but she felt he was not trying to do so. To protect their love, a compromise had to be reached, and soon. She questioned Piaras’s new wife about their guests, to learn Thisbe and Teague were eating in the Great Hall. The young ruler went to join them.

  Alysa embraced Thisbe, whose brown eyes were damp with tears of joy. The brunette rapidly revealed all the news, good and bad, of the few weeks since the two friends had parted.

  Teague waited patiently for his wife and Alysa to take their places at the table. He smiled at both. “You must forgive my wife, Alysa. She has missed you and Malvern Castle. As you can see, she is glad to be home again. I cannot blame her; Lord Daron’s estate was not a safe or happy place for a new bride.”

  “What shall we do, Alysa?” Thisbe asked worriedly. “What if the Vikings strike here next? There are so many of them and they are vicious men. It was a horrible battle to witness.”

  “Let us speak of other things, dear Thisbe. When my vassals arrive, there will be plenty of war talk. Tell me more of your life at Daron’s castle,” Alysa encouraged, hoping Teague would dismiss himself if they began a conversation only of interest to Thisbe and herself. She was pleased when he did.

  When the two women were alone, Alysa invited Thisbe to her chambers where they could talk privately. They sat on comfortable benches and faced each other. “Be calm, dear friend, but tell me all you observed that day. I am most intrigued by this Viking leader.”

  “He was a handsome man, but a cruel one,” Thisbe said in an excited voice. “He was taller and larger than the other warriors, and they obeyed him without question. Even in battle, a strangely clad man remained at his side. He wore a black flowing robe with unknown symbols sewn onto it. Many times they talked, and I heard the name of Odin called out.”

  “Odin is their head god, Thisbe. Perhaps they were invoking his aid in the battle. Odin is claimed to protect warriors. His sign is that of a hanged man. It is said he is a shape-changer, the creator of man the ruler of heaven and earth. Some say he is a master of the Runes and of magic spells. When a Viking dies, he hopes to be summoned to Valhalla, their paradise. It is all superstition and legend.”

  Thisbe reasoned, “If such is true, why did they defeat us?”

  “Because they were stronger and attacked by surprise. Tell me, did you observe any weakness in this sunny-haired foe?”

  “Nay, not once” came the answer Alysa expected but nonetheless dreaded.

  Having always confided in Th
isbe, Alysa did the same today. When she finished, Thisbe’s brown eyes were wide with amazement and fear. No doubt shone within them. Clearly her former handmaiden believed in the Druid High Priest, as Alysa herself did.

  “I must go to see Trosdan. Do you wish to ride with me?”

  Thisbe laughed nervously and reminded, “You know how I hate riding. While coming here, I feared for my life upon that swift beast.”

  The princess commanded softly, “Remain here in my chambers until my return. I wish no one to know where I have gone unless it is necessary. Gavin is not to return until dusk. If he does so earlier, tell him not to worry or follow me.

  “It is dangerous to go alone, Alysa. What if enemy spies or raiders are nearby? If you are captured, all is lost.”

  “There is nothing to fear,” Alysa told her confidently. “I must see if Trosdan knows more about this blond foe and my impending mission. Before I challenge my husband for leadership, I must be certain Trosdan has read the Runes correctly.”

  “What if Prince Gavin fights you in this matter?”

  A great sadness filled Alysa’s eyes. “Gavin forgets I am a ruler first and a wife second. If he does not understand what I must do, then I must do it alone as Trosdan warned. I love Gavin with all my heart, Thisbe, but it would be wrong and selfish to put that love above the survival of my people. I was raised to accept my duty and I can do no less even when the price and perils are great.”

  “What if the wizard is wrong this time?”

  “Do you think that is possible?” Alysa asked gravely.

  Thisbe sighed heavily and shook her head.

  As Princess Alysa rode toward the hidden cave, she pondered the curious dream she had experienced last night. She needed Trosdan to interpret it for her. If the old man was right about her powers, it could be a vision of the future. She did not want to wait until it unfolded before she acted upon it.

  Alysa searched the cave, but Trosdan was not to be found. She recalled him saying he would come to her when the time was right. She fingered the potions and objects on his work bench, but was afraid to test herself with them. She departed quickly, unaware of the old Druid’s eyes upon her from his hiding place.

  All afternoon Alysa practiced with Piaras, paying special attention to her accuracy with the spear. He had trained countless squires and knights, and he knew all there was to know about combat and weapons. As she exercised with the men-in-training, she noted with pleasure that none could beat her. She knew the men were surprised and pleased by her expertise and she enjoyed their compliments.

  When mealtime came and Gavin’s party had not returned, Alysa allowed the food to be served without her husband’s presence. She concealed her irritation behind false smiles and gay banter with those in attendance. The meal ended and, when long after dark, a minstrel was entertaining them, Gavin and four of his best friends arrived. Alysa realized Gavin must have gathered them to form his band once more in anticipation of a new adventure. She could not help but envy their tight bond. They had been together for years, sharing times and feelings which had united them as closely as brothers. She understood why Gavin missed this vital part of his life, but things had changed. He was married now; he was a ruler.

  Tragan, Dal, Bevan, and Lann—all Cumbrian knights and longtime companions of Prince Gavin Crisdean—sat down at the long eating table. After acknowledging their greetings, Alysa commanded more food and drink be served. Gavin approached her, smiled, and took a seat beside her.

  Alysa noted the change in his mood, but knew their passionate lovemaking last night had little to do with it. He was his old self again, the man she had first met—the adventurous, mysterious, vital warrior who was surrounded by his loyal band. That was the existence which Gavin craved and loved, not the tedious and stationary life of a small-country ruler. The conclusion pained her.

  Between sips of heady ale, Gavin revealed, “We have been setting up warning camps in all directions. Men with fresh mounts have been positioned every ten miles so that news can reach us quickly if trouble strikes. I have ordered scouts posted along our coast to watch for our enemy’s approach. If we allow them a foothold here, they can sneak inland and nibble at the bellies of Cambria and Cumbria.”

  “At present, only the safety of my people concerns me,” Alysa injected, careful to keep her voice light and gentle. “The other kingdoms are larger and stronger than we are. It is we who need their help more than they need ours. We must concentrate on our defense.”

  As if she had not spoken, Gavin continued. “We will set up weapons along the coast to thwart any landings. A sling full of smoldering coals or a flight of fiery arrows should discourage any Viking ship from nearing shore. They will have no way of knowing how many warriors await them, so they will be slower to challenge us.”

  “Your idea is cunning,” said Dal. Following the recent treachery, defeat, and death of Sheriff Trahern, the Cumbrian knight had been appointed Sheriff of Damnonia by Gavin and he spent most of his time traversing this land to ensure law and order was maintained.

  As the men verbally reflected on the strategies of past battles and victories, Alysa silently fumed at her husband’s behavior. She felt locked out of the conversation, locked out of his emotions, locked out of her own affairs. This feeling of confinement and insignificance vexed and disappointed her. Gavin had not treated her this way before their marriage. She had participated in defeating Isobail and the brigands, had helped restore peace and prosperity in this domain. Since King Bardwyn’s departure, Gavin seemed to have taken over her life and principality. Perhaps she should have objected when he placed his best friends in positions of power in her land. Sir Dal was now sheriff; Sir Lann was his second in command; Sir Bevan was Captain-of-the-Guard; Sir Weylin, now Lord Weylin, had been given control of Trahern’s feudal estate; Sir Tragan was in charge of the knights; Sir Keegan, now Lord Keegan, had control of Kelton Castle at Land’s End. Gavin himself was the Prince of Damnonia.

  She glanced around the table at the men talking as they dined. In all honesty, she could not think of better replacements for the “foreign” warriors who had saved her land from Isobail’s conquest. Yet, it was not right that seven of the ten most powerful men in Damnonia were Cumbrians, or that so many of her people were grumbling.

  Alysa had heard the nasty gossip, but did not know how to deal with it without offending her husband and his friends. She had hoped they would grow weary of their dull lives and leave to seek adventure elsewhere. Yet Gavin seemed to be the only member of his old band who was miserable.

  If she did not take her rightful place in the upcoming battle, more dissension could be expected in a time when she needed unity. She must show her people that she was in control and not under foreign influence, that she could protect them, that all obeyed her, the heir of Prince Alric and the granddaughter of King Bardwyn, their ruler. How would it appear to the Cambrians, her future subjects, if others always had to fight her battles for her? It was vital for her to establish her rank and power, to pull the people together under her leadership.

  Alysa called to mind the three Damnonians who held high ranks: Lord Fergus, whose feudal estate was north of the castle; Lord Orin, whose feudal estate was west of the castle, and who was the father of Teague; and Sir Teague, who was in charge of Daron Castle—if it had not been destroyed—and who could not become a lord until his father died. All were good men, strong and dependable vassals.

  But where, she worried, did the Cumbrians’ allegiance lie? If it came to full-scale war in all kingdoms, could she depend on them to stay here to fight? If Cumbria was threatened by destruction, what action would Gavin take? Where would his first loyalty lie? Such things had not been mentioned. She hated these doubts and suspicions, but what did she truly know about men who hired out as warriors to any land or cause which caught their interest and filled their purses? Gavin and his band had come here as a favor to King Bardwyn and to seek excitement. They had not planned to stay after their victory. What if their k
ing, Gavin’s father, summoned them to Cumbria to help defend their homeland, their friends and families? If fate had not intervened, King Briac could have been her father and Gavin might not have existed! Now, Briac could intrude on her life again.

  Perhaps her worries were silly. Gavin’s men had done nothing greedy or guileful. They had knelt before her and Gavin and sworn their fealty to them. They were running things smoothly and efficiently. What reason could she give to dismiss them? And replace them with whom?

  Alysa let the men talk freely without interruption, until the hour grew late. She noticed that Sir Teague had spoken little during the conversation, and she hoped the Cumbrian warriors did not cause him to feel inferior because of his recent defeat. The princess rose from her chair, the usual signal it was time to end a gathering.

  She motioned to them. “Please, sirs, remain and talk longer if you so desire. I am weary and must retire for the night. When my vassals arrive, there is much planning to be done. Think hard, as I will be eager to hear your suggestions for battling these foes before we ride out to challenge them. Good night.”

  Only she, Teague, and Thisbe departed the Great Hall. Gavin and his friends remained behind. Alysa entered her chambers and dressed for sleep. Without waiting for Gavin, as she sensed he was intentionally avoiding her, she put out the candles and went to bed.

  She lay awake a long time, wondering when her husband would join her. Already she had planned to feign slumber to prevent further talk tonight, but it was unnecessary, as she was sleeping deeply before Gavin arrived.

  The princess was not surprised when she awoke to find Gavin gone again the next morning. In a way, she was relieved, but saddened nonetheless. Perhaps it was best for them to reveal their feelings about her plan before the others. No doubt Gavin had not changed his mind and had asked his men to speak against her involvement.