After the meal was over, Frida rose to clear the plates from the table. She took them into the kuhhina to begin cleaning them. She was intent on her task and didn’t hear footsteps approaching above the clatter of the dishes and pans. Suddenly a hand reached around from behind her and groped her breast, squeezing hard. She screamed and lashed out, catching Fritjof on the chin.
Alfonso came running in.
“What is wrong, Daughter?”
Fritjof turned to him. “She was startled by a mouse,” he said smoothly.
Alfonso frowned. “You have seen many mice before,” he said, disapproval in his tone. “Why the fuss now?”
Fritjof bored holes in her with his eyes, daring her to speak up.
“I am sorry, Father,” she mumbled.
That evening, Sigrid was curious as they lay in their beds.
“Did you really see a mouse?” she asked.
“No. That was Fritjof’s story.”
“So, what really happened?”
“He grabbed my breast and squeezed hard. It hurt and it startled me.”
Sigrid gasped. “Have you told Mother?”
“No. She would not listen to a word I had to say about Fritjof. She insists that he is a nice man and I should be friendly to him.”
“I would try to talk to her again,” Sigrid advised.
“It is no use,” Frida said sadly. “Neither Mother nor Father will believe me. I know not what to do, Sigrid. Why do my parents believe a stranger instead of their own kin?”
Sigrid had no answer.
“I am afraid of him,” Frida continued. “I am sure he is going to do something bad to me. And our parents will stand by and allow it to happen because they do not believe me.”
“I believe you,” Sigrid said. “If that counts for anything.”
“You are a good sister,” Frida said. “It means a lot to me.”
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When Halvar takes his younger sister Freja to the festival of the Disting, he expects her to be on her best behavior. After all, she’s supposed to be finding a husband.
But Freja cannot help herself. Wild and free-spirited, she is a skilled archer and a keen competitor who ignores the rules for women in her society. She finds a way to join the men-only archery competition and her talent catches the eye of a jarl, who decides he must meet her.
Freja’s mind is as sharp as her aim and she eagerly engages in the discussions surrounding the politics of the land. The jarl has never met a woman like Freja and he cannot stop thinking about her.
But with trouble looming in the form of a new king, the jarl must do his best to keep his people safe and he is forced to attend to political matters. When the crisis passes, the jarl’s thoughts turn to Freja. Is the difference in their social status too great? Can they be together? Or must the jarl bow to the will of the people and take a wife who will offer a political advantage?
This novella is set in the days of King Haakon of Norway, a time when the Vikings left their homelands to raid and plunder; when Christianity was making tentative approaches and kings fought for the right to rule.
More Titles by Kaitlynn Clarkson
Eira: Banished (Viking Guardians Book 1)
Eira has some unusual talents. Unfortunately, they land her in so much trouble that even her father, a mighty warrior, cannot save her. She finds herself alone, banished to a village that doesn’t want her and facing hostile strangers with nowhere to go.
Things go from bad to worse and Eira is certain that her end has come. But when Halvar, the village chieftain, comes to her rescue, she’s safe. Or so she thinks.
When fresh trouble finds her, she is forced to flee into the forest for her own safety. Will Halvar be able to find her in time to save her life? Can she trust him with her heart?
This sweet and clean novella is set in the days of King Haakon of Norway, a time when the Vikings left their homelands to raid and plunder; when Christianity was making tentative approaches and kings fought for the right to rule. It can be read as a standalone or enjoyed as the first of a series.
Crescent Head Series
Meet Me At Crescent Head
Crescent Head Series Book 1
Madison Allan isn’t looking for love. She’s peacefully enjoying a holiday with her family. But when a good-looking surfer falls at her feet in the most adverse of circumstances, she starts to think about it. Greg is not only handsome, but he’s also thoughtful, funny and generous. But when a misunderstanding arises, it triggers painful memories of the past and threatens to tear them apart forever. An unexpected encounter forces Madison to be honest with herself – but can she be honest with Greg?
This is a novelette-length prequel to My Heart Belongs In Crescent Head.
My Heart Belongs In Crescent Head
Madison Lockyer has the perfect life. She’s married to the man of her dreams, she lives in a cozy cottage overlooking the beach, and she has a little son who means the world to her.
But when tragedy strikes, Madison’s world is turned upside down. She tries to make sense of her new reality but has to accept that she’s lost the life she knew and loved. Torn between the life that she knew and her need for support, she faces some tough decisions that leave her struggling to adapt.
When even her closest friends betray her trust, Madison is forced to take a
