Pure

ERIK

I left Tova’s chamber and almost ran into Birgir who backed against the wall and inclined his head slightly, showing respect.  I ignored him and the pang of jealousy that ran through me when he entered her chamber door, going to her to check on her wellbeing.

I didn’t regret making my mother’s lover my future wife’s Keeper.  There was no one better to keep her safe and I knew that he would die for her, and he would not betray me with her.  I smiled ruefully.  My mother kept him too busy to consider taking another lover.

I marched back to my wing of the castle, ignoring the concubine that came out of her room to intercept me.  When she stepped in front of me, I pushed her aside, causing her to stumble.  I did not even look at her.  She was nothing to me anymore. 

Ever since dinner last night I have been unable to get Tova out of my mind.  She was smart and sassy, and she commanded re