Dream of Me/Believe in Me

he was coddling her.
    They made camp on a sandy shore close to a swift-running brook. While some of the men formed a perimeter guard and others went out to hunt, Hawk enjoyed a rare moment of tranquility with his bride. Beneath the star-draped sky, they supped, laughed over tales Thorgold told, and finally withdrew a little away to sleep until the first faint light of dawn drew them back to their journey. Thus did they proceed until on the afternoon of the fourth day, the cliffs near Hawkforte came into view.
    Standing in the bow, his arm around Krysta's shoulders, Hawk looked out toward the fair, green land lazing in the early fall sun and knew a sweetly piercing contentment. Krysta felt it too, for she looked up at him just then and said softly, “I will miss Winchester, my lord, but it is very good to be home.”
    Home.
His and hers together. Hawk's arm tightened around her. His pleasure in the moment was boundless.
    “Truly, sweetheart, I am so glad to get you back here safely that I swear, I'll even be glad to see Daria.”
    Krysta gasped a little at his bluntness but she smiled. No doubt or worry hovered over them as the ships turned toward the quays and the crowd already gathering there.
    T
HEY WERE BACK, HER OVERWEENING HALF-BROTHER and the Norse whore who should by all rights be dead or at the very least dismissed. Inexplicably, she was neither. The fierce pleasure of the moment when that Viking fool stood in Hawk's own hall and denounced the stupid bitch, even calling her a creature of unnatural union, was no more than cherished memory. The dark joy of what should have followed—Hawk outraged at the insult done him, the alliance of Norse and Saxon shattered beyond repair, the land torn by violence that would destroy the hated Alfred and bring the honors and riches so long overdue—was still denied. So cruel and perfidious was fate that defeat seemed snatched from certain victory.
    Almost but not quite, for she was not done yet. She had come too far, endured too much to give up. Besides, it would be easier now. They would imagine themselves secure and would drop their guard. She would hide herself behind false humility and bide the moment she was sure must be coming. Then would she strike, the instrument of righteous justice, and all the poisoned torment of her twisted heart would be satisfied at last.
    God of vengeance, let that moment come quickly. Let the sins committed against her through all the years of slight and derision be washed away in blood.
    “Let me not wait long, Lord, that I may do thy bidding.”
    “Lady?” Beside her, Father Elbert turned with that look of concern in his eyes she saw far too often. Abruptly, Daria realized she had spoken out loud.
    Her thin face hurt with the effort to smile. “A prayer, nothing more, Father. Surely that is permitted?”
    “Most certainly. I only wonder if this is the best moment.”
    She frowned at the implication of criticism, however mild, but swiftly hid her thoughts.
    When Hawk stepped onto the pier, habit causing him to sweep his keen gaze over the assembled crowd, he saw nothing to cause him any concern. Turning, he held out his arms to Krysta and lifted her from the ship. The moment he did so, the crowd erupted in wild cheers and pressed forward to greet them.
    Edvard and Aelfgyth were right in front. Even as the steward struggled to control a grin that proved uncon-tainable, Aelfgyth said, “Oh, my lady, welcome home! We were all so thrilled to hear the tidings of your marriage! Rumor has it yours was one of the grandest weddings ever seen in Winchester. Do say you will tell us all about it.”
    “Every little bit,” Krysta promised with a grin. “I shall so bore you with details that you will never want to hear tell of any wedding again.”
    “Oh, I doubt that, my lady. Indeed …” She shot a shy glance at Edvard. “I could do with much advice in the planning of mine.”
    Which set off a round of squeals and hugs that made the men sigh patiently as Hawk thumped Edvard on the back and congratulated him for being smart enough to snare the girl.
    Only then did he take note of Daria and Father Elbert standing a little way to one side. They each looked sour as usual but at least they were present. He nodded to them but there was no opportunity to speak as the crowd closed around the newlyweds. Hawk and Krysta's horses were brought. He ignored hers and lifted her into the saddle with him. That inspired yet more cheers thataccompanied