Page 45 of A Viking's Captive

Erik nodded in permission for them to discuss aspects of battles with his son.

With the men speaking of battle, Ilona excused herself and walked to the outhouse. Returning, she ran into Rathnon. “Are ye well, my love? I missed ye,” he growled in Gaelic, and pulled her into his embrace.

“I am fine. Ye must be tired. Do ye wish to sleep in my bed with me now?”

“That is an invitation I cannae turn down. Will ye walk with me to find a place more private for our needs?” Rathnon’s eyes sparkled in anticipation, nae longer appearing tired.

“Of course, husband.” Ilona smiled with invitation and allure in her eyes. “I ken a place ye would like.” They walked deeper into the woods until Ilona found the place she wanted.

Rathnon wasted nae time in showering Ilona with kisses and caresses. He freed her breasts, held hostage in her bodice, attending her with his mouth and tongue. Within minutes, Ilona was overcome with their passion for each other.

Ilona could nae stand but leaned her weight into him. Rathnon reverently laid her down on top of his cloak. He slid his hands up her legs slowly as she moaned and grabbed him in response. He lay behind her and pulled one of her legs up at an angle. Poised at her entrance, Rathnon slid inside her welcoming heat and brought them each to an exquisite climax.

Afterward, as he held her in his arms, he said, “I am hungry for ye, wife. I could nae wait to be with ye again. Please forgive my clumsy words before I left to see the king. Did ye receive any of my letters I sent ye?”

“Nae, I did nae receive any letters before arriving here. If I had, I would have replied to ye. As ye ken, my coming here was unforeseen.”

“The lad seems much improved. I am eager to return home with ye in plenty of time before our bairn is born. When can ye safely leave the lad?”

“If he continues to improve, in two more days. I am looking forward to returning to our home with ye Rathnon. I am worried Ivar will nae have the cradle made before our bairn arrives.”

“I will check with him when we return to set yer mind at rest. Now, my love, let me love ye one more time before we return. Otherwise, I fear I will have a hard time keeping my hands off ye in yer bed.”

Her husband worked his magic on her body again, conjuring unimaginable pleasure for her with ease. They returned to the longhouse, and Ilona immediately checked on Hákon, listening carefully to his breathing as he slept. His coughing had diminished, and Ilona was grateful he had responded positively to her treatments. He had nae fever. Hákon breathed easier than before—all good signs.

Erik greeted them and said, “I will sleep by his bed and call you if anything changes. His sleep is more peaceful, and his color has improved. He is not pale like a ghost. I am deeply indebted to you, Ilona. Fearing he would succumb to his illness, I was lost. I don’t know what I would have done if he had not improved. I feel as if you have healed a part of my dark soul too. Thank you.”

“I’m glad I could help him. Hákon is a sweet lad with a keen mind. I ken you are proud of him, and he will make you even prouder of his accomplishments in the future. I’m happy I couldhelp you.” Ilona met Rathnon when he returned from conferring with Woden again.

“I brought ye a clean shift, socks, and two other comfortable dresses. From what Sigrid told me, yer departure was in haste, and I thought ye may want clean clothes.”

Ilona flung her arms around Rathnon awkwardly; with her pregnancy, she could nae get as close as she wanted. She kissed him and said, “Thank ye for yer thoughtfulness, Rathnon. Those things are just what I needed.” Rathnon leaned over her and kissed her head, deeply inhaling her soft fragrance of heather and wildflowers.

They slid into bed and gazed at each other, smiling. Rathnon tangled his hands in Ilona’s hair, trying to distract himself from putting his hands elsewhere for now, and sighed deeply. He couldn’t wait to take his wife home. They drifted off into sleep. With Rathnon’s arrival, Woden slept across the room to afford them more privacy.

They awakened early, dressed, and walked to the outhouse together. Back inside the house, the maids brought towels, soap, and a basin of warm water for Ilona and Rathnon to wash.

Ilona checked on Hákon, who remained asleep. His father returned from a meeting with men outside and smiled as he gazed at his sleeping son. Now, thanks to Ilona, when he gazed at his son, he did not see the past—only the promise of the future. From their conversations with Rathnon and Woden, he had a healthy respect and admiration for Ilona’s husband.

“Did you sleep well?” Erik inquired. “You must feel relieved your husband has returned from his duties with the king.”

“I am glad the king did nae command him to be away for months, returning before winter blizzards stormed in earnest. If Hákon’s progress continues as I expect, we will return home in two days.”

“I’m sure, especially now your husband has returned, you are eager to settle at home before your bairn is born.”

“I am concerned about the cradle being ready as the carpenter promised.”

Rathnon listened to their easy interactions as he spoke with Woden. Hákon awakened, and his father initially assisted him. Ilona administered more medicinal teas, which Hákon accepted without complaint.

Rathnon drew up a chair to the lad’s bedside. “Are you ready for a game of chess, lad?”

“Yes, thank you. I would love to play now and learn from you.”

“Let’s see how much you have learned by playing with my cunning and shrewd wife. Set up the board.”

Hákon set up the pieces on the board. He confused only two pieces. Rathnon praised him for his command of the board positions already. “You move first,” Rathnon said. Hákon moved boldly and watched intently Rathnon’s response. The child studied the board and the figures as they played across the board.

“Are you sure it is the move you want to make?” Rathnon asked Hákon wanting to ascertain his reasoning for the move.