Page 129 of The Thornwyck Rose

Ragnar moved quickly, kneeling at the other side of the bed. “Father?”

Erik didn’t open his eyes, but he made a low sound, deep in his throat. He tried to turn his head, but lacked the strength.

Seren touched his shoulder lightly. “You’re safe,” she said, holding her tongue not to speak his Norse name. “You’re inThornwyck Keep. The Welsh left in peace. No one here will raise a blade against you.”

Erik swallowed. His lips parted, and his eyes opened slightly.

His voice was hoarse and broken. “Seren.”

She coughed to cover his whisper, hoping no one heard it. Ragnar passed a goblet to her as soon as he whispered. She helped Erik sip without leaning too far.

The water seemed to ease his throat and clear the haze in his eyes. He scanned David, seated behind her, and the audience at the door.

When he tried again, his voice came through clearer.

“Lady de Thornwyck,” he said with bloodshot, unfocused eyes.

“Lady Dowager,” Seren replied.

She returned the goblet to Ragnar and readied herself to stand, but David said, “No one knows how to heal as you do, Mother. Tend to his wounds and have Margot assist you. I want to ensure he lives if it is God’s will.”

Seren returned to her position, and Margot entered. David wanted her to be with Erik; that was why he said what he said. He was lord now, had passed all the tests; his word held weight, but not enough to just give her to Erik in marriage.

She lifted the blanket and checked the wrapped wounds on his arm. David’s stitch was good enough. “I need vinegar, warm cloths, and arnica balm.”

David dismissed his steward to get it with a raise of his finger.

“Also, spiced wine and hot water.”

David pointed to both of his guards and they left to get what she needed.

Seren looked at Isolde, who understood the implicit order. She turned and leaned against the hallway near the stairwell to ensure she’d hear them returning. Seren slid her hand to his. He turned his palm up and closed his hand around hers.

Margot helped lift Erik’s shirt. Seren pressed her fingers to his side; his skin was warm. A good sign.

“Did you really need all of that?” Erik asked, in a haze.

Seren huffed a laugh as did Ragnar and David.

“Of course I did,” Seren said as she brushed his dark gold locks back from his brow. She lowered her face to his. “You will heal.”

Erik kept his eyes on her. “I wish I could see your face, Valkyrie.”

Seren looked over her shoulder at David, who nodded. Margot was too quick to help her with her veil.

Erik’s brow furrowed at the sight of her face.

His other hand grazed her cheek, where Henry had hit her to the floor for raising a prayer against him. “He’ll never hurt you again,” he whispered.

David scoffed. “That’s right,” he said. “And yet she’s still forced to mourn him.”

Erik scanned her face, and she brought his palm to her lips, leaving a soft kiss there.

“It’s now less than a year’s time,” she murmured.

“I will recover quickly, then,” Erik said as he returned his head to the pillow. He looked so pale.

“You are lucky to be alive, Erik. Take your time and rest. Heal, gather your strength.” Seren lifted her eyes to Ragnar to ensure he would make his father return to full strength.