Chapter Twenty-Three

The waiting was the worst part. At least, she thought it was initially. Countless women must have stayed behind wondering if their husbands, brothers and sons – in some cases, their fathers – would return unscathed from a battle. Miriam had never experienced such a thing and it was setting her teeth on edge. No, her sister was doing that all by herself.

For some reason she had suggested a dancing competition. Sassa was willing but not Ruth.

“Let us show Jenna how it’s done. How else will she persuade someone of higher rank to wed her?”

Tactful, as usual, that was Daphne.

“They are very happy together. And Orm is not related to Ketil and Magnus. Can you not see they love each other?”

“What a naïve girl you are, sister dear. Why don’t you wear the green costume, if Ruth isn’t participating? It matches your eyes.”

In order to keep the peace, Miriam went along with it, though it was a pain to be wrapped up in the many separate veils. She quite liked the one covering her face. Sassa had to