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my mistress’s connections. She and I subsequently became good friends.’

      ‘Your uncle?’

      ‘He is my guardian now. My father died some years ago.’ She sighed. ‘My uncle was ever an ambitious man and it suited him to have a foothold in two camps.’

      ‘Two camps?’

      ‘Vestfold and Vingulmark.’

      ‘I see. Well, he isn’t the first man to hedge his bets thus.’

      ‘No. In any case I was glad to be out of the way. He is not an easy man to be around.’

      ‘Do I know him?’

      ‘Possibly. He is Jarl Einar of Ringerike.’

      Leif’s cup paused in mid-air. He had miscalculated; he had supposed her to be of good birth, though possibly a poor relation placed in an advantageous situation. He could never have guessed that her family was among the foremost in Vestfold.

      ‘An influential man,’ he said.

      ‘He has influence,’ she agreed, ‘and wealth, and yet it seems the more he has the more he wants.’

      ‘It’s a common complaint.’

      ‘So I believe. At all events he holds jealously to what is his. Most of his lands lie just beyond the territory ceded to King Halfdan. Tensions remain high in the region.’

      ‘I know it. I too have lands there.’

      ‘You have?’

      ‘They were granted by the king in recognition of my family’s service to him.’

      ‘I see.’

      ‘It makes us near neighbours in that sense.’

      ‘I have not returned there since and have no wish to do so. Nor do I share my uncle’s political sympathies. My loyalty is to Queen Ragnhild.’

      ‘That’s understandable in the circumstances, but it may not be an easy position to maintain.’

      ‘By that I suppose you mean that I am technically still in my uncle’s control.’

      ‘Just so.’

      ‘He is too busy to concern himself with me. He resembles my late father in that respect. Only sons were of real interest.’

      ‘But daughters are useful for strengthening alliances. Nieces too.’

      It was the bald truth and unwelcome withal. ‘I’ll cross that bridge when I reach it.’

      ‘Does the thought displease you?’

      ‘In principle, no. However, much would depend upon the man.’

      ‘Of course.’

      ‘Are you married, my lord?’

      His expression changed. ‘No, I’m not married.’

      Astrid was aware of having made a false step, and that he might have interpreted it to mean that she had an ulterior motive in finding out. Mortified, she retracted hurriedly. ‘I didn’t mean that the way it sounded. It was said out of curiosity alone.’

      ‘It is no matter.’ He paused. ‘As it happens I did have a wife at one time but the marriage was not a success and it ended a year later.’ To say that it was not a success was a massive understatement, he thought, and the mere mention of it threatened to curdle the wine in his stomach. The spectres of the past were best left alone.

      Divorce was not uncommon but she could well imagine that it wouldn’t be easy either. ‘That is unfortunate.’ She paused. ‘Do you have any children?’

      ‘Not any more. My son died in infancy.’

      Gods, this was getting worse. ‘I’m so sorry.’

      ‘It was long ago. Now I follow the whale road.’

      ‘The call of adventure?’

      ‘Something like that. At all events it suits me well. I shall not take another wife.’

      The reply was lightly spoken but it also held a warning, one she would do well to heed. At the same time, and for reasons she could not explain, it saddened her too.

      ‘However,’ he continued, ‘that does not mean I am incapable of enjoying the company of a beautiful woman.’

      ‘I’m sure you must have known many such.’

      ‘Some.’ He paused, surveying her steadily. ‘What of you? Are you betrothed?’

      ‘No.’

      ‘Why not? There can have been no lack of suitors.’

      There were several answers she might have given, all concerned with deep inner reservations and each more complicated than the last. Instead she sought refuge in evasion. ‘My uncle has more important matters on his mind.’

      ‘He is remiss.’

      ‘Perhaps he is holding out for a king, and I shall make as splendid a match as my mistress.’

      Although the tone was flippant, she wouldn’t have put such a notion past her uncle. Indeed she wouldn’t have put anything past him.

      Leif’s eyes gleamed. ‘What king in his right mind would refuse such an offer?’

      ‘Kings marry for political advantage. I fear I cannot offer any such.’

      ‘Kings are still men. Leaving politics aside, it seems to me that you have much to offer.’

      Astrid swallowed a mouthful of mead. This conversation was straying into dangerous territory again. ‘You exaggerate my appeal there.’

      ‘I was speaking for myself.’

      ‘I regret that I can offer nothing, my lord.’ And particularly not to one who was clearly not over the loss of his wife and had just said he had no intention of remarrying.

      ‘Not so.’

      Before she could reply, another man appeared at his shoulder. Facially he bore a startling resemblance to Leif, although his hair was a little darker. They were much of a height too. Evidently good looks ran in the family.

      The newcomer acknowledged her with a bow and then murmured something to Leif. She saw him frown.

      ‘Pray excuse me for a moment.’

      Relief washed over her. ‘By all means.’

      As the two stepped aside for private speech, Astrid saw the opportunity to extricate herself and took it, slipping away into the crowd of revellers. The tenor of the recent conversation had left her in no doubt that it was a wise move. Leif was both handsome and charismatic, a dangerous combination and one that had not failed in its allure since she knew perfectly well that she wasn’t indifferent to him. It was also quite clear that what he sought was a little light amusement. She guessed that such a man would have plenty of willing takers too. However, she wasn’t going to be one of them.

      * * *

      When Leif turned round a minute or so later Astrid was gone. Swiftly he scanned the crowd but could discern no trace of her. At once he was conscious of both disappointment and regret. After the recent conversation he did not suppose it had been done on purpose to increase his interest. All the same, it had, and to a degree that surprised him. However, it was evident that she would not fall easily into his arms either. This evading action was an unwitting challenge, and one that would be met.

      ‘Pretty girl,’ said Finn. ‘Who is she?’

      ‘The queen’s companion.’

      ‘Thor’s teeth, she is out of the usual field. Are you sure you know what you’re doing?’

      ‘I always know what I’m doing.’

      ‘Even so, it’s dangerous ground,

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