Master of Craving Read Online Free PDF Page A

to be purchased at market!” he boomed.
    Dag had the decency to pale and quickly bowed. He kept his subservient posture and said, in a deep accented voice, “One thousand pardons, my lord, I was but awestruck by her beauty. My lord Magnus did not do her justice in his descriptions of her.” He bowed lower as he turned toward Arian. “You are most beautiful, my lady. Please forgive my boldness. I am at your service.”
Arian did not believe one of the Viking’s words. ’Twas lust, not admiration, that filled his bold eyes.
    Hylcon turned and sat angrily upon his throne. “You are quick with your words, Lord Dag, but I am not a blind man. Return to your master and tell him that until such time he comes in person to claim my daughter as his bride she will remain here.”
    Arian gasped, as did everyone else in the hall. Lord Dag stood upright, and though his face had reddened and it was obvious he was alarmed, he kept his composure. He bowed again and when he stood, he took a step closer to Hylcon. “My lord, please, allow my scribe to read the words my lord Magnus would have had me read to your daughter in a private moment. Mayhap it will soften your mood.”
    Hylcon scowled, but waved his hand. Dag motioned to his scribe—a tonsured monk—and handed him a sealed document. He broke the seal, and as he unrolled the parchment, he cleared his throat.
“My dearest, Arianrhod,
    “I pray this missive finds you healthy and happy. It is my sincere regret that I cannot come to you myself, for I have thought of naught but your smile and sweet voice since we first met this spring past. Nary a night goes by that I do not dream of you.
    “Whilst your good father made his concern for your welfare clear, I was most happy to assure him he has nothing to fear. For you see, my love, I have refused many noblewomen in my pursuit of the perfect wife, but when my eyes landed upon you that glorious spring day, I knew that instant you were to be my lady. I place you and your heart’s desire above my own.
    “Please accept my nephew Lord Dag as my proxy. He, as I, has only your best interests at heart, and if I could, I would not wait another heartbeat to come to you. But my king has requested my presence. Whence my affairs for my king are concluded, I will rush to your side. So until we meet again, please, give Lord Dag your hand as if you were giving it to me, pledge your troth to me, sweet Arian, as I, through him pledge mine to you.
“I eagerly await your arrival at Moorwood, my estate in Yorkshire, and promise to come to you, my wedded wife, at my first chance.
     
“Your faithful husband and servant, Magnus.”
    Arian stood rooted to the floor. Warmth filled her belly. No one had ever put her wishes before their own. Magnus’s words rang true, and it was because of his clear heart that she had agreed so quickly to wed him. For, as he, she had many suitors vie for her hand, but her father had left the choice up to her. And ’twas Magnus of Norway she chose. He was handsome and kind, and they had from the moment they met fallen into an easy camaraderie. Her gaze rose to the icy eyes of Dag, and a hard shiver rent her entire body. “I will not say the words to you, Lord Dag, but I will go to Yorkshire and await my betrothed.”
“But my lord Magnus wishes it!” Sir Dag countered, clearly distraught.
     
Arian smiled. “Aye, he does, but he places my wishes above his. Did he not say it there in his letter to me?”
     
Slowly Dag nodded.
     
Arian’s smile widened. “Then it is my wish, Sir Dag, that I do not say the vows with you or any other man, but to my betrothed in person.”
     
“Nay!” Hylcon bellowed, coming to his feet. “You will not travel through England an unwed woman, and even were you wed, ’tis not safe, not even with an army as escort!” Arian stood her ground. She would not remain here. She could not! “Papa, I will go to Yorkshire and marry Magnus!”
    As Hylcon strode furiously down the steps toward