Tavia was relieved to hear Ingrid’s warning.
“I have cared and tended you, your sisters, and all your brothers since you were all young. I know what is best for each of you. I knew you loved Sven before your mother and father did and I spoke in favor of him for you, for I knew he was good for you. This one,” Marta said with a dismissive wave at Tavia, “is no good for your brother.”
“I appreciate the care and love you gave me, my sisters, and my brothers, and I thank you for speaking up in favor of Sven. But my mother chose Tavia as wife to my brother and I believe it is time we all respected her choice whether we agree with it or not,” Ingrid said. “And while some refuse to see it, it is obvious my brother loves his wife.”
Marta went to argue.
“Enough, Marta,” Ingrid said, “or you chance falling out of favor with my whole family.”
That threat had Marta gasping and it actually brought tears to her eyes. With a lift of her chin, she turned and rushed off.
Ingrid took hold of Tavia’s arm to walk along with her. “Marta has been a part of our family for as long as I can remember, and it truly hurts me to speak that way to her. I cannot understand why she has taken such a dislike to you or why she lied as she did about what went on between you and me. She has always been protective of me and my sisters and brothers, but I have never known her to be as unfair as she has been with you.”
It made Tavia wonder as well. Why was Marta so vehemently opposed to her?
Ingrid stopped a moment, her hand going to rest on her large-rounded stomach.
“You are feeling well?” Tavia asked, concerned something might be wrong.
“I am and I will be glad when the little devil is born, he is forever kicking me,” Ingrid said with a soft laugh and began walking again. “No doubt we will hear good news from you and Bhric soon.”
“It is possible,” Tavia said glad she could speak the truth and glad it might be possible that she could be with child.
Let’s sit and have a hot brew and talk,” Ingrid said and Tavia was only too happy to agree.
Bhric and Sven found their wives in the Great Hall a couple of hours later.
“Is all well?” Ingrid asked anxiously as both men approached the table.
“Aye,” Sven said. “It was nothing more than a dead animal mauled by another animal. His heart still intact.”
Tavia breathed a sigh of relief at the good news for a change.
Bhric joined his wife on the bench beside her. “We will eat and seek an early bed.” His arm hooked her around her waist, and he yanked her close to nibble teasingly at her neck.
“I agree,” Sven said and went to do the same to his wife.
“Whoa!” Ingrid said, her hand pressed to his chest, stopping him from getting close. “Do you see the size of me? I do not need anything else that is big inside of me right now.”
Bhric shook his head and Tavia chuckled.
Sven stuck his chest out. “At least she admits I am a good size.”
Tavia’s cheeks blushed and Bhric kept shaking his head.
“You two really are made for each other,” Bhric said.
“As are you and Tavia,” Ingrid said. “I simply did not want to admit that Mum was right.”
“As she usually is,” Bhric said and called out, “food and drink!”
Talk went on as warriors from the tribe and clan entered the Great Hall for supper. Laughter filled the air, food was enjoyed, and much ale and wine drunk.
“Time to keep that promise, wife,” Bhric whispered in her ear and rubbed his face in her soft dark hair, the scent of mint pleasing his nostrils.
Tavia smiled and responded by slipping her hand beneath the table to rest it between his legs and give his aroused manhood a squeeze.
Eager to have his wife to himself, Bhric went to announce their departure when a warrior burst through the doors.