The Viking's Secret Heir - Chapter four

To Kendra’s relief, Magnus seemed a lot better the following morning. She had spent most of the night cleaning and tending to his wound, and battling the fever that raged through him, until finally he slept with the ease of a natural rest.

She cringed, remembering how the sweat had beaded his brow as he struggled to remain conscious. All because he wanted to be sure he was not the father, and had not offended her in some way. She was the one who should be sorry, not him.

You know what will happen if you tell him the truth! she warned herself.

Magnus would acknowledge their child—he was too good a man not to.

But then what? No son of a Jarl would marry a former slave girl, and they would also know she had lied about Heimdall freeing her. If they did not kill her as punishment, they would certainly make her a slave again… She couldn’t bear that.

To be with Magnus and yet be seen as nothing more than property… It had been a difficult choice before Heimdall’s death, but now it was easy. She had her freedom, as well as a roof over her head. A leaky roof, she thought miserably, glancing at the specks of daylight shining through the rafters. But it is still mine.

Magnus grumbled in his sleep. Instinctively she checked his forehead with her palm. The fever was gone, and with a sigh of relief she eased back into her seat.

He’s so handsome, she thought as she stared at him. So kind.

It was why she had always liked him. He did not take unwilling women to his bed, and had always behaved honourably towards everyone, no matter their status. A golden prince, he was quick to laugh, slow to anger, and his people loved him.

Her gaze swept to the gold chain and Thor’s hammer that lay against his broad chest that could easily feed her through the winter. He also wore a heavy, elaborate bronze arm ring that was equally valuable. It was also a symbol of his status as a Jarl’s son and a warrior. She traced her fingers over the metal, stroking along the swirling patterns.

A plan formed in her mind, wicked and impulsive.

I deserve my wergild! She removed the precious jewellery from his body. Hurrying to a corner of the room, she hid them away behind the sacks of oats and grain.

It was a terrible excuse for her crime. She knew it even as she did it. But she wanted to keep him with her…if only for a little while.