In the islands off of Scotland there was a lively legend of a Warrior Princess whose name was sung in song and carried on the winds. A violet eyed beauty, faithful to her people, full of cunning and strength whose only wish was for peaceful lands and people. Princess Gwyndolyn was her name.
Can a Viking who has never known defeat yield to a mere woman? Can a woman who has never given in submit to a triumphant male? When worlds collide and Viking meets Warrior it will only be the strong who survives.
Join Wyndham and Gwyndolyn as they learn to live and love together despite all odds, to embrace their future.
"Come with us Viking.” Barrid told him grasping his shoulder.
Wyndham pulled away from his grip. What now? He was exhausted. Did they intend to work him through the night as well? He was familiar with Barrid’s hatred and it was returned equally, but tonight it was powerful in its urgency. What had he done now to anger the man?
He was led into the manor and pushed roughly up the stairs. This was a part of the manor he had not seen before. Then a door was partially opened and Barrid remarked in a threatening voice. "Tis I who shall guard this door this night. Forget not Viking." Then he was shoved inside.
Wyndham righted himself and his eyes were drawn to princess Gwyndolyn. Many torches bathed the room in light and she stood before him proudly. She said not a word. The comely wench would drive him crazy. He was lorded over by a woman!
"Why have you summoned me in the middle of the night?" He asked bluntly. It was the first time in weeks he had been so near to her.
"Tis my perogative and I sought to have a private word with you Viking.” Her voice was barely above a whisper.
Wyndham did not respond. She did not want Barrid to over hear her? Mayhaps it was a trick of some kind and Barrid was waiting for him to make a move so he could spill his hatred on him again.
He sought her eyes again, she was being so quiet. Surely if they desired to hurt him they would need no reason to do so. She lowered her gaze modestly. What new game was this?
“I bid you speak that which is on your mind then that I might return to my sleep mistress." Wyndham yawned for effect. He did not want her to know what the mere sight of her did to him. He felt the familiar tightening in his loins. She was still a woman, despite how mannish she tried to act and be. A beauty.
"You said once if I would lay down for you that you would be gentle with me, is this not so?"
Wyndham was so startled at her words that he could only nod his head. The gray green of his eyes turned dark just thinking of her laying underneath him.
“Twould it still be so?" She asked.
Wyndham still was not certain this wasn't some kind of a trap. She wanted to partake of physical pleasure? With him? "Why do you seek an answer to this now?"
He could see her defenses rising. "I seek an heir, a son.” There was a slight pause. "I wish for you to give me one." Her violet eyes did not drop from his this time. For many long moments they stood staring at each other.
Wyndham was convinced it had to be a trick now. What would this woman need with him? She probably wanted to tease him and torment him with what he could not have. There were plenty men at this castle. And plenty of men on her lands to give her an heir if that were all she desired.
“Why do you hesitate?" Gwyn frowned. “Am I so repugnant to you?"
"Then tell me the terms for yer...this child." She urged him impatiently. “We shall barter.”
"My terms?" He frowned, not understanding.
"What would you seek of me in return?"
Not for a minute did Wyndham think she was really serious and he turned to leave not liking this game.
Her voice stopped him. "Nay Viking. I did not tell you to leave. Have you forgotten you have yielded to me?" "Nay, nor do I do more than I wish. If it pleases you to make sport of me then you will get no cooperation from me."
"You refuse my offer then and do not wish to barter?"
"Aye I do. I would sooner bed a hellcat than a woman who thinks she be a man." He laughed at her but he saw the way his words hit her as if arrows hitting a mark. He wondered over it.
She was still a woman, Gwyn thought, not that she had ever been allowed to explore it much. She wasn’t a woman in this mans eyes either. He saw her as a woman who was trying to be a man and came up lacking! So be it. This at least she knew.
She stood prouder as he watched. She straightened her body as if for battle. "I could take what I want Viking?" She glared at him.
Wyndham laughed even harder. The thought was so ridiculous it didn’t warrant any measure.
"I ask one last time what you would barter against the child I wish?"
Wyndham thought he might double over in laughter.
"Barrid." She called out.
The door opened immediately. He must have been leaning on it.
"Restrain this Viking.” She waved a hand over the bed.
Wyndham straightened immediately. Surely not.
