Her Heart's Desire by Allison Merritt Read Free Book Online Page A

tight, her fingers popped, but she didn't begrudge him the right.
    “Hold him down while I remove it.” Ealasaid flexed her fingers around the shaft. “I am sorry, Eoghann, for this.”
    The curse that spilled from Eoghann's mouth wasn't fit for a woman's ears. He strained against Hella and Bjorn's holds, but they kept him pinned to the oak table. Dark blood ran freely from the wound as Ealasaid pulled the arrow out little by little. With a wet squelch, it slid from his flesh, then clattered to the floor.
    Ulrika pushed through the door. “What do you need, my lady?” The old thrall grimaced at the scene. Her wrinkles deepened as she stared at Eoghann. She shifted her gaze to Hella. “You know whose fletch that is.”
    Hella nodded. His eyes were dark, his expression stormy. “Jarl Ofbradh's. A less than subtle attempt on my life.”
    Ealasaid pressed a folded cloth to Eoghann's wound. Her eyes rounded. “Why would he try to kill you?”
    Hella shrugged. “We'll learn the reason when we catch the marksman. Do you require further help from me?”
    “No, with Ulrika here, I can manage what must be done.”
    “And Idunna?” Hella placed his blood stained hand on her shoulder.
    She wanted to throw off his hand, but allowed it to rest where it landed. “I'll stay. I don't wish to leave him.”
    “Someone needs to care for Fulla,” Ealasaid said. “Ulrika must stay to help me.”
    “I can't—I will not leave him, my lady.” She bowed her head, but kept her gaze on her husband. “Please.”
    Eoghann squeezed her hand. “Go. Safer near the dining hall where the others are.”
    “But—”
    “Then make yourself useful. I'll need the dried yarrow. Steep it with agrimony and marigold too. Bandages. Ulrika, a bit of nightshade to help him sleep. There's no need for him to suffer through my tending.” Ealasaid smiled, though it was weak. “There will be a hero's welcome for you when you wake again, Eoghann.”
    “No. I need one favor from Hella.” He turned his head toward Hella and reached for the king. “Keep Idunna safe. Protect her as I would.”
    “You have my word, brother.” Hella clasped Eoghann's wrist. The king's knuckles turned white under the force of his grip. “No harm will befall Idunna as long as I watch.”
    Touched by Hella's gesture, Idunna forced back tears. Such a show of emotion wouldn't help her husband.
    Hella motioned at Erik and Bjorn, then took silent, pale Birgir by the shoulder.
    Part of her hoped the marksman was already dead. Another part demanded to know why he'd come. The name Ofbradh wasn't familiar. What could he have against Hella?
    She fumbled with the jars of healing herbs, grateful when Ulrika came to help.
    “Here now, give him tincture of nightshade in wine first. Just two drops to make him sleep. He needs rest to heal while Ealasaid cleans the wound.” Ulrika mixed the liquids, then passed them to Idunna.
    She'd done the same for the many men wounded at Freysteinn, but her hands shook as she held the cup to Eoghann's lips. He offered no resistance. Perhaps he desired the swift release of sleep—or hoped for something more permanent without the suffering putrefaction brought.
    “Ulrika and Ealasaid are good with herbs. Such a small wound is easily treated and you will return to your workshop in little time.” She twined her fingers through his. “To our bed where I will tend you in more intimate ways.”
    “A delightful prospect. One I hope to attend, but...” His eyes were glassy as the beads on Ealasaid's necklace that clacked while she mixed the poultice. “Another will desire you. A proper vikingr. One of your own. Give you the many sons and daughters you hope for.”
    His gasping words hurt like a blow. “I didn't save you from the noose to watch you die with the pull of a bowstring. I do not accept that, Eoghann.”
    But he was asleep, carried away by pain and the drowsing effects of nightshade tincture.
    “If you hope he'll live, send your prayers to