Good Morning, Smár Einn!
For those concerned, the goat last chapter was in fact NOT Alistair. Not even I could do him dirty like that two stories in a row, lol.
Thank you so much to Mel and Jill.
.: Fimm Tigir ok Ein :.
The hall of Kári Einarrson is packed to the brim, guests spilling out into the night as the celebration grows. There is a feast the likes of which I've never seen in my life, and every corner of Kári's farmstead is alive with laughter.
Edvard has not stopped touching me since the ceremony—not that it's been one-sided. I can't let go of him either.
Edvard is my husband.
It's such a surreal and heady thought, one that makes my knees weak if I think about it for too long. Married at eighteen to a man I've only known a few months.
Were I back in my old life, I would have thought myself crazy.
But whenever I look up at Edvard's strong profile, his handsome face shining with his joy and love for me, I know in my heart no matter where—or when—Edvard and I are, we would be soul mates, meant for each other.
The thought makes me tug him a little closer to me.
He looks down as I slip under his arm, and his smile is bright when my eyes meet his. He leans down, pressing a firm kiss to my lips, and I'm glad I'm in his arms, or certainly I would have swooned.
I'm a little dizzy when he pulls back, and I realize that at least part of that is hunger.
I'm starving, having skipped most of my meal this morning in my anxiousness. Edvard leads us to the table, and together we sit on the bench that has been decorated with flowers and fresh furs.
As soon as I see the food, my stomach rolls. Can I really eat, knowing what it is I'm dying to get to next?
Edvard begins gathering food in front of us, putting it all in a bowl before setting that bowl on the table. He looks at me, motioning for me to eat. I hesitate, and Edvard frowns, bending toward me to whisper in my ear. His proximity sends my heart into a frantic rhythm, and my skin breaks out into gooseflesh.
"Eat, Smár Einn. You will need your strength."
He punctuates the sentence with a kiss to the corner of my jaw, and I take a stuttering breath in. He pulls away slightly, his eyes seeking mine. I meet his gaze, and it's a miracle I don't burst into flames in the middle of the hall.
"Okay," I whisper in English. He smiles, turning to the food once more. I force myself to focus on eating.
Someone nearby us is telling a story that has people laughing, and I grab a piece of flatbread with some beautiful white fish, trying to listen. I can't hear much beyond the heavy thumping of my heartbeat.
I want Edvard more than I've ever wanted anything.
His hand shifts lower down my back, and my breathing hitches again. There is nothing inappropriate about his touch, but it is unquestioningly the most intimate moment I've ever shared with anyone.
I reach out with a shaking hand for my cup of honey wine, taking a larger sip than I usually would.
Someone is speaking directly to Edvard, but for the life of me, I cannot figure out who. My entire being is solely focused on Edvard's hand, which has shifted from my back, his long fingers grazing up and down my side.
I take another sip of wine.
"Come, Smár Einn," Edvard says, gently prying the cup from my hands. "Let us dance."
I'm startled enough to snap back to focus on the moment we're currently in.
"You want to dance?" I ask, my voice squeaky with my surprise. Edvard grins and gently tugs me up from the bench.
I abandon my half eaten food and follow him eagerly.
Edvard is a beautiful dancer, which shouldn't come as such a surprise to me, knowing how well he moves in general, but it does. He is strong and graceful, and when he spins me around, I feel as if I'm flying.
I'm so giddy, I cannot help but giggle every time.
Edvard himself has a smile on his face that is brighter and wider than I've ever seen on him. It takes my breath away every time I look his way.
Abruptly, Edvard stops dancing, pulling me against his chest. I gaze up at him, his eyes dark and burning, and my mouth goes dry.
"I can wait no longer," he says, his voice quiet. "Come, Smár Einn."
My breath hitches as he takes my hand and guides me away from the dance floor.
This is it.