Reimund Swiđhun has it made. With the king’s blessing, he will capture Lady Mildthryth, marry her, and finally have land to call his own.
Lady Mildthryth Rúna has been fighting off would-be ‘suitors’ for months. She will marry on her terms or not at all. On their world, a noblewoman is expected to marry and accept her subordinate place.
Unfortunately for Reimund, Milthryth’s people have other traditions. She refuses give up and be a broodmare for any of the knights and lordlings the king sends after her. And before long, she has Reimund right where she wants him.
For Reimund, the only thing more shameful than being captured by a woman is bending knee to one, but he will do what he must to keep his friends and followers safe. Even if it means spending the rest of his life Bound by His Oath.
Excerpt
“I have a proposal for you, Sir Reimund. I doubt it will be to your liking, but you might find it has its merits.”
“I am, of course, at your service, Lady Mildthryth,” he said, choosing his words like his footing over those damnable rocks.
To his surprise, she laughed again. “Yes, precisely.” She took a deep breath, and Reimund braced himself for her charge. “You will take oath as my liegeman.”
She spoke softly, so only he could hear her. But the words landed like a blade through his guts. He snarled, unable to restrain himself in that moment of shock. “You dare…”
The warrior stepped forward, but Lady Mildthryth held up her hand, stopping him.
“I suggest you control yourself, sirrah.”
Reimund forced himself to step back, to uncurl his fists. “If you were a man, I’d challenge you for such an insult.”
She looked at him for a moment as if he had two heads, then shrugged, “If I understand you Norns, if I were a man, it wouldn’t be an insult.” She gestured out to the distant woods. “You have built your ship, invader. You may live with it or die in it.
“Your man was ready to die for you. Will you have the courage to live for him?”
She waited, but he said nothing. “For the time being, I would keep this oath private. Only you and I would know of it. Once you have given your oath, I will wed you, making you lord of Oak Haven. You will rule all here. I will rule you.”