The Barbarian's Stolen Bride (Northmen Barbarians 1)

“Oh, I’ve heard she’s beautiful, with a tight little body.” Audun made a lewd gesture, and I snapped.

I reached out and curled my hand around his throat, growling and baring my teeth. I saw Audun’s guard, Stiles, take a step closer, but Audun held his hand up, stopping him. I bared my teeth at the newcomer.

“No. This is between Fenrir and myself,” Audun wheezed out.

I focused on Audun again. “That is my wife, a queen you speak so obscenely about.” I was right in Audun’s face, but no one moved to stop me. “You dare to disrespect what is mine, what I hold dear and closest?” I snapped my furious gaze at Manning. “Both of you?” I looked back at Audun, my rage becoming hotter and brighter as I stared into his eyes.

“My apologies,” he got out, not bothering to remove my hand from his neck. His face was turning red, his air barely sawing in and out of his mouth.

“My apology as well, Fenrir,” Manning supplied. “We meant no disrespect, even though our words were grossly inappropriate.”

I was breathing through my nose, my body refusing to let up and relinquish this feeling of anger. I wanted to avenge my Prima for the disgusting words spoken about her, but I forced myself to exhale slowly and let go of Audun. I took a step back, my hands curled into tight fists at my sides as I once again forced myself to calm.

It was a long while of me standing there trying to compose myself, Audun and Manning and every other fucking person in the great hall looking hesitant and wary.

Good, they should be. I’d level any and all who think to take her from me or speak ill of my heart.

When I felt like I was composed enough, I nodded, letting them know without words that I was controlled enough not to attack. I saw everyone visibly relax. Marginally. I eyed Audun’s guard for a moment, something to help take my mind off my jealousy and need to protect Prima.

The male had a harsh face, and the air around him told me he had seen much in battle. I was curious to what debt he owed Audun, but I didn’t care enough to ask.

We all made our way to the long table and took our seats. Fruits and breads, dried meats and fish were all set around the table, and our horns were filled with mead. Although I much wanted to share this meal with my wife, I knew this had to be done. I’d go to her instantly afterward, this burning desire in me to just look upon her face making me anxious.

We didn’t talk of business right away and just enjoyed the food and drink, the conversation light and about their travels, and how their kingdoms were doing.

It wasn’t until long after everyone was full with drink and food within their bellies that I rested back against my fur-lined seat and really looked at each man.

Audun seemed playful as ever as he shamelessly tried to catch the eye of one of the female thrallas who stood off to the side, and the sly smiles she gave him in return told me she liked the attention. And Manning held his ever-present stoic expression like armor.

My anger had diminished the longer I sat there, and I was thankful for that. I didn’t want to have to kill one of my allies.

“You all know why I called you here.”

“Is it not the same every season?” Manning prompted and lifted his horn to his mouth to drink heavily of his mead.

I inclined my head in agreement. “And the treaty between our three kingdoms has held firm. We all prosper from each other with trading, sharing crops and supplies, and of course with protection. I’d like to keep that, make sure it stays in place for many more seasons to come.”

Auden and Manning grunted their approval. We might’ve had issues in the past, when all three of us were waging war for supremacy. But the older we got, with age came the knowledge that we couldn’t be bloodthirsty savages anymore. We’d come to the understanding that for everyone to succeed, we had to work together for the greater good. Strength came in numbers.

It took many years, decades, but we got there, and I continued to want that for all of us and the people within our kingdoms.

For the rest of the morning, we spoke of our alliances, the crops and yields of the season so far, and what supplies we’d give to each other’s kingdoms. We came to many good understandings, solidifying and strengthening what we already had. And I felt good after it was all said and done, felt accomplished and proud of the talk and plans for a prosperous year.

I watched Audun and Manning leave to enjoy the rest of their day before the feast tonight. And as I exhaled and felt my shoulders relax, of course Prima was the first thing to come to mind. I felt a smile curve my lips as I thought of what we’d done last night, of how I’d woken her up again with my mouth and with an orgasm, of how I’d kissed her and held her in the early morning before I left.