Chapter 14

CHAPTER 14

Viggo dropped his head to his hands, leaning into the darkness.

Am I to cling to this life then, purely for Signy’s sake? To protect her from Rangvald and Eldberg? Is such a thing even possible?

And what of protecting her from me?

Perhaps she’d be better off with another…

The grim reality was that he knew not which path to take nor how to safeguard Signy’s happiness.

The one surety was that he worshipped her.

Much good it would do him!

She’s shown her care through action and word, endlessly patient, gentle, and tender. She’s demonstrated her care for me again and again.

She’s professed to love me, regardless of my shortcomings, but it’s impossible that remains true. Not after the violent way I treated her.

If there ever was a chance of demonstrating that I deserve her love, I’ve destroyed it with my beast-like behavior.

What have I done?

Though unspoken, the words choked his throat.

I’ve sabotaged the most wondrous thing in my life. The only thing…

It was evident, even without his sight.

He’d always known he wasn’t worthy of her. It was time to accept; nothing would change that.

The best I can hope for is to keep her safe until the others depart the island. I’ll hide her, if necessary, to keep them from taking her. ‘Twill be better than letting her go to Skálavík, to an unknown fate, among those who may seek to possess her for naught but her youth and beauty.

When the danger is past, I’ll return to the pact we made and ask her assistance in helping me end this life.

We’ll both then be free.

The resolution ought to have heartened him, but his pain prevailed.

Would he ever be free?

Or would he waken in the next life, carrying the memory of Signy and all he’d lost, destined to carry that chasm forever within his soul?

And what of the child she seeks from me?

If she still wishes such, can you trust yourself to lay with her again? How oft will the deed be necessary before she’s blessed by the gods?

To that he had no answer.

He was but a man, and the gift of new life was not in his power alone. Freyja would decide whether Signy would bear his offspring, for good or ill, and ‘twould be the goddess herself who’d watch over child and mother.

Something else played upon his mind, stirring his unease.

Rangvald had intimated the women of the island were keeping secrets.

Viggo couldn’t begin to guess at what those might be. Signy was pure intentioned—of that, he’d no doubt—but he sensed there was much she chose not to discuss with him.

He remained puzzled over the matter of her father and brother. She’d told him they were deceased and asserted that no other male relatives were living. ‘Twas hard to believe, but he could think of no reason for her to lie.

Was there more to the matter than she’d let on?

Or was the secret of some other nature?

Whatever Rangvald believed he knew, ‘twas likely Eldberg was privy to the same…

No surprise that they keep the details from me. They treat me as nothing but the dirt on their boots, unworthy to be brought into their confidence.

But Signy! She, I thought I could trust!

The idea that he could not sliced him like a blade.

His faith in her had kept him at her side these weeks past. But if Rangvald’s sentiment was grounded in truth, who could he trust?

“No one.” Despair ate at the hollow of his chest. “I can trust no one.”

“Viggo.” From the doorway, Signy’s soft voice interrupted his thoughts. Had she heard his sullen confession? Suddenly, he cared not.

“How went your time with Rangvald? You’re feeling… cheered?” she entered, coming to stand before him.

He wanted very much to grasp her close and hold her tight, to tell himself that nothing might come between them, that no obstacle was insurmountable.

However, her naming of Rangvald put paid to that.

Did she really believe Rangvald to be his friend? A man like that!

If so, regardless of her professions of love, how little she truly knew him.

Was even her concern a facade?

“An interesting conversation… though far from ‘cheering’!” He rose to his feet. “Have you aught to tell me?”

“Me? What can you mean?” There was uncertainty there. She was afraid of something.

Afraid I’ve discovered what she’s been hiding!

“Do not play the innocent.” Irritated, he doubled down on his defiance. “I’ve been honest with you, yet you keep secrets from me!”

“Nay! My heart is open. Have I not told you clearly enough? Yet you keep yours closed!” There was disdain in her voice. “It is you , Viggo, who should have something to say to me.”

“You deny it then?” Viggo clenched his fists. “You insist there’s nothing you withhold from me?”

She hesitated. “Nothing of… import. I cannot think what you mean… unless…” A tremble entered her voice.

By Odin’s teeth! Rangvald was right! She does keep some secret!

“Out with it, wench!” He hadn’t intended to shout, but the thought of her dishonesty was too much. “Do not think to butter me with simpering words. I cannot abide a liar!”

She made some strangled sound, though whether rooted in wrath or guilt, he knew not.

A weighty silence fell between them.

For the love of Thor, speak to me!

He waited, but she gave no answer. Wracked with disappointment, he turned away. “So be it.”

After all they’d shared, she couldn’t be honest with him. “Leave me be, woman. I need time to think.”

He could have laughed in bitterness as she fled.

More time alone with my thoughts, to dig deeper into my woe?

‘Twas the cruelest irony yet.

Tears burned in Signy’s eyes as she stumbled from her home. Anger rose at his callous treatment, yet it was her sadness that lingered. She and Viggo had found such connection together, beyond their lovemaking, yet he refused to voice his feelings for her.

Instead, he’d given a barrage of insults, behaving as if he were the victim of her wrongdoing.

What Rangvald had said to Viggo, she didn’t know. It surely could be nothing relating to her pregnancy. She’d spoken not a word to anyone.

Had Elin confided in Rangvald regarding The Great Happening and the way in which the women of the island intended to use the men who’d landed upon their shore?

That, too, seemed unlikely. Elin would know better than to endanger their plan. ‘Twas true that Signy had been sorely tempted herself to share something of it with Viggo, but her sense had prevailed. The knowledge could change little except to make him doubt her sincerity when she spoke to him of her feelings.

And yet Rangvald has told him something to bring about just that!

Viggo had accused her of keeping secrets, and she’d denied him outright.

But I am a liar! I’ve been keeping back the truth in more ways than he can possibly know.

I want his trust and his openness, deep and unwavering, for him to let down his guard. Without that, what hope can there be?

“Signy!” Astrid was suddenly before her, having stepped from Frida’s hut. Her smile made stark contrast with Signy’s melancholy.

So wrapped had Signy been in her misery, she’d almost collided with the other woman.

“You seem cheerful, Astrid.”

Astrid beckoned Signy closer. “Frida has seen my future in the runes. I’m so excited… about what’s to come with J?rgen.”

“Praise be to Freyja.” Signy made herself recite what was expected of her. Naturally, she was pleased for Astrid, but Signy couldn’t suppress her hurt, comparing Astrid’s happiness with her own tumultuous relationship.

She’d hoped for so much when Viggo had come into her care.

Now, we’re barely even speaking to one another!

They’d never seemed farther apart.

“J?rgen seems to have been good for you.” Signy could hardly believe the difference in Astrid. Normally so quiet, the young woman before her appeared emboldened and confident. It was quite the transformation.

“Yes, he…” Astrid hesitated, as though reluctant to continue. “I’ve much enjoyed his company.”

Her brow furrowed. “But what of you, Signy? You’re upset, I can see. Has there been an argument? ‘Tis not always easy, is it? But I’m sure, whatever difficulty there is, you can find a solution.”

She glanced back over her shoulder. “Maybe the runes can offer you consolation, too?”

“Nay!” Signy shook her head vehemently. She believed in the runes’ foresight, just as she believed in the wrath and mercy of the gods, and was terrified of what they might reveal.

If Viggo wasn’t destined for her, then the last thing she wanted was to hear that message in the runes. It would seem so final.

I’m not ready for that.

Despite everything that had happened between her and Viggo, she’d rather continue the pretense a while longer, telling herself that something might be salvaged.

“Come, Signy.” It was Frida who called her now, her tone soft as she beckoned. “I’m happy to help.”

“I do not seek your counsel,” Signy glanced between the two women. “Nor that of your runes.”

“I’ll leave you to talk.” Astrid’s expression was sympathetic as she retreated. “Thank you again, Frida.”

Frida nodded farewell before once more turning to Signy. “We need not cast the runes. Take my hand, and I’ll sense what awaits you.”

Perhaps it’s the will of the gods that we’ve met here this day. Maybe there’s a message they seek me to hear.

A hush seemed to fall as she allowed the other woman to clasp her palm.

Frida closed her eyes. “I see turmoil. Some past and some to come.”

Signy pulled in a shaky breath as Frida went on.

“There is death, dear Signy, but also new life. I see a child in your future.”

As ever, Frida’s instincts were accurate.

She opened her eyes once more. “Have you bled this cycle of the moon?”

Signy looked around to confirm they were still alone. “I haven’t told anyone…but I suspect...”

“And the baby’s father?” Frida pressed. “Does he care for you?”

Signy swallowed deeply. “I… I cannot tell.” She blinked away threatening tears.

“Know this, Signy. If the gods have blessed you, I shall ever be here for you… and the babe, no matter what befalls. We must stick together.”

Signy managed a weak smile. After years living with her mother, she appreciated the sense of sisterhood.

“Something else troubles you.” Frida’s gaze bored into her. “You carry a burden which must be shared.”

Signy’s thoughts turned at once to the bees. She had yet to steel herself to confide in her mother over what she’d experienced at the hives, but she knew it was imperative.

She prayed that The Great Happening was not to come again, but there was no denying—something was wrong on the island.

Can Frida see that, too?

Or has she read more precisely what’s on my mind… and wants me to share my interpretation?

“Now is not the time, Frida,” she answered hurriedly. “I’m not ready… that is, I need to… ponder.”

“I understand.” Frida squeezed her hand before she let it go. “Remember what I said. I’m here for you.”

Wiping her eyes for what felt like the tenth time that day, Signy nodded. If a life without Viggo awaited her, she was going to need all the support she could get.