Guest Author: Michelle Styles

Harlequin Historical author and longtime contributor Michelle Styles is back to talk a bit about her new releases--three books and a free online serial. The online serial, HIS STAND-IN BRIDE is set in Tyne Valley, the same place as her North American releases: A QUESTION OF IMPROPRIETY and IMPOVERISHED MISS, CONVENIENT WIFE. Her UK release is the THE VIKING'S CAPTIVE PRINCESS. Join us on Sunday for an interview with Michelle as well as a chance to win all three books!

The following extract is from A QUESTION OF IMPROPRIETY. The blurb reads:

A very improper seduction...

Diana Clare has had enough of London--the balls, the rakes you can never trust... Now, having returned home in disgrace, she is trying to forget what drove her from the ton.
But rake and gambler Brett Farnham, Earl of Coltonby, seems intent on making Diana remember exactly what it was like to be whirled around the ballroom and seduced by the glint in your partner's eye...

But Brett has 'mistress' rather than 'marriage' in mind, and Diana is not sure her reputation can stand up to another scandal...

Three releases in two months, plus an online serial. Michelle, how did you manage that?

It is all down to scheduling rather than superhuman feats of writing. Last year, THE VIKING'S CAPTIVE PRINCESS was out in the US, and the duo A QUESTION OF IMPROPRIETY and IMPOVERISHED MISS, CONVENIENT WIFE appeared in the UK in November 2008 and April 2009. However to help celebrate that duo's US publication, in September I was asked to write an online serial, HIS STAND-IN BRIDE. It is e-Harlequin's free weekly serial, which started on 15 November. The last segment goes out on 3 January. HIS STAND-IN BRIDE takes place in the Tyne Valley several months before the start of A QUESTION OF IMPROPRIETY and gave me a chance to revisit the world I had created. You can read the result here. The blurb reads:

Tyne Valley, 1813

When her sister eloped with someone other than her betrothed, Lady Anne Dunstan knew two things. One, that she completely supported her sister's making her own choice about who she would marry. And two, that Anne--the responsible one--would have to clean up the mess.

What she didn't know was how her sister's intended, Jason Martell, would take the news. Or how Anne would respond to the force of his presence, his rugged good looks, his less-than-gentlemanly advances.

Or to his proposal of marriage.

How does writing a serial differ from say writing a short story?

When my editor called and asked if I would write it, I knew I couldn't refuse even though the two week deadline was very tight. But it was only when I put the phone down, I thought--oh help! What have I done now? Particularly as I had just signed a new contract for four books which also has tight deadlines.

A serial has its own demands. Each chapter or segment must be a specific length and end with a definite hook or cliffhanger. Because people might start the story in say chapter four, it has to always be comprehensible. And the story needs to be able to stand alone and also be fully developed.

Did you enjoy writing it?

After I overcame my initial terror, it became quite fun. I was able to really concentrate on delivering a punchy story. Thankfully during the Unusual Historical panel at RWA Nationals in July, Carrie Lofty said that I tend to write self-made men. I knew when she said those words that they were my favourite type of hero. Part of my core story, if you will. And so I knew I had to take the opportunity and write a self-made man. And because of that, the story fell into place. I am happy to say that thus far I have met all my deadlines.

Core story?

Just before the Unusual Historical panel at the RWA Nationals, Jayne Anne Krentz gave an inspirational speech about her career. One thing she said was to know your core story. Know why you like telling a specific type of story. So I spent the afternoon wondering and then Carrie said the magic words and I knew.

So you write self-made men?

I am not really comfortable writing about men who have lived a life of privilege and have never had to struggle, who are merely caretakers of inherited wealth. Even the hero of A QUESTION OF IMPROPRIETY, despite being born into the aristocracy, has to struggle and has earned his own fortune. Some of the tension between Brett and the hero of IMPOVERISHED MISS, CONVENIENT WIFE, Simon Clare, is that neither recognises the other's struggle. All of my Vikings, including Ivar, the hero of THE VIKING'S CAPTIVE PRINCESS, have had to earn their place at the top table.

What's next for you?

After these three, my Roman Undone "A PERFECT CONCUBINE" is released in February. It is my first Undone and gave me a chance to revisit the world I created with SOLD AND SEDUCED. It was tremendous fun to write. Again the hero is a self-made man. (And it was written before Carrie gave me the insight!)

I am currently working on the first part of my early Victorian duo about two sisters who were kidnapped in the Sinai. The revisions are due this week and my editor is very excited about the story, provided I do the revisions correctly. The hero is a second son of a marquess who has found adventure and a fortune outside English society.

Are you planning on doing any more Vikings?

I had toyed with doing Thrand's story as an Undone, but I don't think the shorter format would do it justice and currently I am really enjoying writing in the early Victorian period. My current contract calls for more early Victorians in unusual settings rather than more Vikings. But never say never. I may eventually go back and give Thrand his story or I may start a new set of Vikings, perhaps later in the Viking period.

Thank you, Michelle, for stopping by and good luck with all your releases!

You can learn more about my work and read extracts from her releases on my website.

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For a chance to win all three of Michelle's current releases, please leave a comment or question. Michelle suggests commenting on what you think about the idea of core stories. Do you know your core story? Do you have a favorite core story to read? I'll draw one commenter at random on Sunday, December 12. Void where prohibited. Best of luck!

Excerpt Thursday: Michelle Styles

Harlequin Historical author and longtime contributor Michelle Styles has three books and a free online series out in the next two months. The online serial, HIS STAND-IN BRIDE is set in Tyne Valley, the same place as her North American releases: A QUESTION OF IMPROPRIETY and IMPOVERISHED MISS, CONVENIENT WIFE. Her UK release is the THE VIKING'S CAPTIVE PRINCESS. Join us on Sunday for an interview with Michelle as well as a chance to win all three books!

The following extract is from A QUESTION OF IMPROPRIETY. The blurb reads:

A very improper seduction...

Diana Clare has had enough of London--the balls, the rakes you can never trust... Now, having returned home in disgrace, she is trying to forget what drove her from the ton.
But rake and gambler Brett Farnham, Earl of Coltonby, seems intent on making Diana remember exactly what it was like to be whirled around the ballroom and seduced by the glint in your partner's eye...

But Brett has 'mistress' rather than 'marriage' in mind, and Diana is not sure her reputation can stand up to another scandal...

In this extract, Brett Farnham has convinced Diana Clare to go driving with him as part of his scheme to further their friendship. Diana is equally determined to teach him a lesson and continue on living in her narrow world. Only the temptation of being able to drive the horses proves a bit stronger...

***

His fingers closed over hers, a warm firm grip but one that did not allow for refusal. 'Then would you care for another challenge and a wager?'

'What sort of wager?'

'A simple one. I will wager you driving the Bays whenever you want against a dance at the Bolts' ball.'

'But I am not going to the ball,' Diana replied quickly before she could give into the temptation. Wagering with him could only be dangerous. How could she even be contemplating such a thing?

Brett raised one eyebrow. 'Are you not confident of winning, Miss Diana? Is this why you are mentioning the fact?'

'In order to dance with you at the ball, I would have to be going to the ball. I am not.' She clenched her fists. 'In any case I do not make a habit of wagering.'

'And the thought of going to a ball is dreadful that you are not prepared to risk it for the pleasure of driving my bays...whenever you want to.' He rubbed his hand across his chin. 'It appears to me that you do not consider yourself an expert driver, and this is why you have no wish to take up the challenge. It has nothing to do with wagering and everything to do with you not feeling confident.'

Diana bristled. Not confident? She could tackle anything. 'What do you want me to do?'

'I have set up a little obstacle course. Something to test my reflexes. It occurs to me that if you can complete a clear round, you will prove to my satisfaction that you can drive...unless you are afraid of losing.'

'I am not afraid.' Diana drew a deep breath and ignored the sudden warning voice in her mind. This was not a wager per se. It was about proving him wrong. 'But I have doubts that you can complete this course.'

He pursed his lips and she thought for a moment he would refuse.

'How sensible you are, Miss Diana.' His voice became liquid honey. 'The rules of the course are that you do it as quickly as possible and the curricle does not hit any of the hurdles. Shall I demonstrate?'

The curricle went through a gate into a harvested field. Bits of stubble and gleanings still lay about but the ground was firm. Five sets of hurdles were placed at odd angles to each other, providing a series of quick turns.

Diana wrinkled her nose. 'The hurdles seem to be set awfully close together.'

'It can be completed...if you know what you are doing.'

Brett clicked his tongue and the black gelding set off at a fast pace. Once the curricle tipped onto one wheel and bounced back down, but he managed to make it through all the openings.

'Well done.' Diana clapped her hands.

Brett gave a boyish smile. 'It is your turn, Miss Diana. At trot, if you dare...'

'Of course I dare.' Diana spit on her gloves and took the ribbons. She regarded the first opening, went over the course in her mind. It was the fourth set of hurdles that was the most difficult. Once she got passed them, everything would be straight forward.

'Whenever you are ready.'

She flicked the reigns and the horse set off. The first set of hurdles flew passed. The second and the third. She reigned in tightly and felt the curricle slip slightly. Corrected her grip and aimed for the fourth set. Held her breath and heard the carriage wheels slide pass.

She let out a breath. Risked a glance up at Bret's face and saw it had become set.

The last set of hurdles loomed towards her. An easy set, slightly narrower than the others but her line was true. She would do this. She could almost see the Bays in front of her, responding to her every moment. She would drive out every day. She flicked the ribbons, urged the horse forward, to complete the final obstacle.

The curricle started to go through. Diana winced as she heard the slightest crunch of the wheel against the left hurdle. She pulled back, trying desperately to change the angle as the hurdle seemed to hold. The curricle went through and she pulled the horse to a stop and prayed.

She released a breath.

'I have done it! I have done it!' She raised her hand in triumphant.

Behind her, a distinct thump resounded. She glanced back and saw the final set of hurdles down on the ground. 'I...I'

Brett lifted one eyebrow and his lips twisted upwards in a sardonic smile. 'I believe you will be going to the ball after all, Miss Diana, but a solid attempt all the same.'

Copyright 2008 Michelle Styles and Harlequin SA.

Weekly Announcements - 20 Nov 2010

Michelle Styles has a number of good things going on this week. First, she's holding a Goodreads contest for THE VIKING'S CAPTIVE PRINCESS, that runs through November 30.

Michelle was selected by Harlequin to write a serialized Regency romance, HIS STAND-IN BRIDE, which is connected to her forthcoming December release, A QUESTION OF IMPROPRIETY. The serial will run through the first week of January. Check it out!

In addition, the UK hardback version of her latest early Victorian romance, BREAKING THE GOVERNESS'S RULES, which is loosely connected to COMPROMISING MISS MILTON, will be available in January.

'How delightful to meet you again, Miss Louisa Sibson.'

Jonathon Lord Chesterholm's eyes bored holes into Louisa Sibson's back. The former fiancée he's thought dead is very much alive...

Louisa has rebuilt her life, after being dishonourably dismissed from her post as governess for allowing Jonathon to seduce her. Now Louisa lives by a rulebook of morals and virtue--the devastating Lord Chesterholm will not ruin her again!

But Jonathon will get to the bottom of Louisa's disappearance--and he'll enjoy breaking a few of her rules along the way...

***

Join us Sunday when Kate Allan will be here to chat about KRAKOW WALTZ, a Regency-era romance set in England and Poland. She'll also be giving away a copy to one lucky commenter! Be sure to join us then.

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We'll also draw the winner of Kristi Astor's first Edwardian romance, A MIDNIGHT CLEAR, from her guest appearance on Sunday. You still have time to leave a comment or question for your chance to win.

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Stay with us through the coming weeks when we'll be featuring the best unusual historical authors! Zoe Archer, Michelle Styles, Michelle Beattie and our fourth anniversary bash will be coming up. Join us!

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Have a good weekend! Remember, you don't have to be an Unusual Historicals contributor to submit good news to the weekend announcements. If it has to do with unusual historicals, we'd love to shout it out to the world! Send announcements to Carrie. See you next week...

THE VIKING'S CAPTIVE PRINCESS Winner!

We have a winner for Michelle Styles' THE VIKING'S CAPTIVE PRINCESS guest blog. A free copy goes to:

Amber Leigh Williams!

Contact Carrie to provide your mailing address. The book must be claimed by next Sunday or another winner will be drawn. Please stop back later to let us know what you thought! Congratulations!

Guest Author: Michelle Styles

Unusual Historicals is delighted to welcome back long time contributor Michelle Styles who is here to speak about her new novel THE VIKING'S CAPTIVE PRINCESS, which is Michelle's third Viking romance. She assures us that while linked, each is a stand alone adventure. Romantic Times gave THE VIKING'S CAPTIVE PRINCESS four stars!

"No one touches my woman. She bears my mark. I claim her."

Dangerous warrior Ivar Gunnarson is a man of deeds, not words. With little time for the ideals of love, Ivar seizes what he wants--and Princess Thyre will not become the exception to his rule!

Mysterious and enchanting, Thyre rouses Ivar's desire the moment he lays eyes on her. With Viking factions engaged in a bloody feud, Thyre is yet another captive this hardened warrior conquers--but to be king of Thyre's heart will entail a battle he has never engaged in before...

***

What inspired you to write THE VIKING'S CAPTIVE PRINCESS?

While I was writing TAKEN BY THE VIKING, I knew that I wanted to tell Ivar's story. Anyway, I happened to read Queen Emma and the Vikings, which is a biography of an 11th century English queen (wife to Ethelred the Unready and Canute) and peaceweaver. Her father was a Viking who settled in Normandy, and he met her mother when the mother took her sister's place in bed. And I thought what an interesting premise.

I did some more research and discover the whole concept of hospitality did extend to women sleeping with warriors. Several of the sagas mention it as well. And I knew I wanted to look at the relationship of Viken to its immediate neighbour to the East. Surprisingly this proved slightly more difficult to research, as really the only primary source documents covering the period had been well used by Tokien and Wagner to create their masterpieces. It would be difficult to have a king called Gandalf for example.

Was it easy to write, after all you already knew the time period and the characters?

THE VIKING'S CAPTIVE PRINCESS was an incredibly difficult book for me. I knew the story I wanted to tell but somehow I kept missing. My editors were very patient with me and believed in my ability to turn the story around. I think that faith and pushing paid off with the final story.

How long did it take you to write THE VIKING'S CAPTIVE PRINCESS then?

I write every single day and I try to write 2,000 words per day or thereabouts. However with THE VIKING'S CAPTIVE PRINCESS, I ended up taking a wrong turn to begin with or rather it wasn't a wrong turn, it just wasn't the right way to tell the story. And I realised this a few weeks after I turned it in. Once the revisions came back, I made sweeping changes and turned those in. However, my editor still was not happy, so I had to revise the ms again and again. All told it took about nine months. But there was waiting while I worked on another manuscript (COMPROMISING MISS MILTON).

And what can you tell us about the cover? It's lovely!

Isn't a great cover? I think it ranks up there with my favourite covers. I love the feel of it and the artist even managed to capture the fact that Thyre has a dimple in her chin. It is an important plot point and so I was pleased to see it there. Also I love the whole feel of the cover. It captures the mood of the book.

So Michelle, is the Viking time period popular and are you going to be writing any more Vikings?

Ah, the Viking time period is popular. My Viking books have been published all around the globe. It has always done well for HMB Historical and they are actively looking for new voices. I am just writing Regency/early Victorian at the moment and my editors think I am making a good contribution there and so they want me to concentrate on that. However, my editors are swayed by readers writing into them directly and I tend to follow editorial direction on which time period they would like. One of my great strengths apparently is that I am versatile and can bring a number of time periods to life. Also there are more publishing slots for Georgian/Regency/Victorian than there are for Unusual Historical. So if people want more Vikings from me, they will have to convince my editors who will then say in their very lovely voices--Michelle, you will write another one, won't you? Or at least a woman can dream!

On a more serious note, the editors, in particular Senior Editor Linda Fildew, are very committed to the concept of Unusual Historical and are looking for strong manuscripts in any time period. So if you have a good Viking, medieval, Australian western, Far Eastern, Egyptian that fits the Harlequin Historical guidelines, it is worth submitting. The bar is set high but it does happen. It is the first three chapters and a synopsis and you can submit via email. The short story line Undone has also expanded and is now publishing two stories per month, so they are actively looking for more stories there.

You are recently back from a research trip to Istanbul, will you be setting any Vikings there?

At the moment, I am researching a Regency set duet which has two cousins who were captured by Algerian pirates. But I know all about Varangian Guard in the Byzantine period. Carol Townend is currently working on something with Anglo Saxon warriors who were forced out after the Norman conquest and went to Byzantium. It all sounds rather wonderful and I can't wait to read it.

So what is next for you?

Next up is the February 2010 release of SOLD AND SEDUCED in the North American Direct market. This means it is going e-book (the Kindle edition, for example) and sold through the eHarlequin website.

After that, my May 2010 release will be COMPROMISING MISS MILTON. My editor sent through the blurb the other day and it reads like this:

Marrying the Governess!

Buttoned-up governess Daisy Milton buries dreams of marriage and family life in order to support her sister and orphaned niece. But maddeningly attractive Adam, Viscount Ravensworth, is one distraction that shakes Daisy's safe, stable existence.

Now ghosts from Adam's past in India threaten Daisy's future. Just what will it take to convince a tightly-laced miss to forgo society's strict code of conduct...and come undone in the arms of a reformed rake?

***

Thank you, Michelle, for visiting. Remember to leave a comment to be put in the draw for a signed copy of THE VIKING'S CAPTIVE PRINCESS. I'll draw a winner at random next Sunday. Void where prohibited. Michelle suggests answering the question: Does a good cover make a difference when you buy a book, or does the back cover copy sway you more? We'll be curious to hear your feedback!

Excerpt Thursday: Michelle Styles

This week on Excerpt Thursday we're featuring the latest Viking romance from our long-time Harlequin Historicals contributor, Michelle Styles. RT Book Reviews gives THE VIKING'S CAPTIVE PRINCESS four stars and says: "Basing her love story on an ancient Viking legend, Styles spins the tale of a Viking warrior and a princess. She maintains the myth while adding sexual tension, nonstop action and spice."

Come back to us on Sunday when Michelle will be answering questions and giving away a signed copy!

"No one touches my woman. She bears my mark. I claim her."

Dangerous warrior Ivar Gunnarson is a man of deeds, not words. With little time for the ideals of love, Ivar seizes what he wants--and Princess Thyre will not become the exception to his rule!

Mysterious and enchanting, Thyre rouses Ivar's desire the moment he lays eyes on her. With Viking factions engaged in a bloody feud, Thyre is yet another captive this hardened warrior conquers--but to be king of Thyre's heart will entail a battle he has never engaged in before...

***

When Viking warriors come calling, Thyre knows exactly what to do and how to treat them. Only has she made a fatal mistake this time?

'We greet the Viken with the respect any man should show his neighbour,' Ragnfast pronounced, using the words Thyre had agreed with him as the household stood on the shoreline waiting, watching the dragon boat draw slowly closer.

The shields still hung on the side of the Viken dragon boat, indicating that its occupants travelled in peace, for the moment. Peace was a fragile thing where Viken warriors were concerned. The tales the jaarl, Sigmund Sigmundson, had told about Viken treachery the last time he visited made her blood run cold.

'The rules of hospitality are very clear in the North and we shall keep them, just as we have always done.'

Thyre heaved a sigh of relief.

After the initial explosion of incredulity, Ragnfast had agreed to her plans. All the gold and silver, and furs were hidden; tapestries had been taken down and stored. The majority of the livestock remained on the summer pasture, so it was possible that the Viken would feel theirs was a poor farm, rather than a prosperous estate. Thyre remembered the ruse working once before, when she was a little girl and Dagmar was little more than a babe in arms. Then the Viken came and her mother had dealt with them, sending Dagmar and Thyre to the hiding place in the woods.

'But King Mysing decreed all Viken ships are fair plunder...or so the jaarl Sigmund proclaimed the last time he was here.' cried a voice at the back. 'What have the Viken ever done for us except burn our lands and take our wives?'

Thyre kept her back resolutely straight. She did not need to see Ragnfast's face to know how he'd react. He disliked the young jaarl and his ideas about how to solve the problem of the Viken plundering their coastline. He had even rejected her suggestion of lighting the bonfire to alert Sigmund to their potential danger.

'Sigmund and his cronies may have broken frithe with the Viken King Thorkell, but I haven't,' Ragnfast thundered. 'I remember the days, the days of our old king, King Mysing's father, when Ranrike prospered and the markets overflowed with goods. Ships sailed to Ranhiem rather than to Birka or Kaupang. Now it is all bloodshed and plunder. My taste for bloodshed vanished a lifetime ago.'

'Dagmar, are the horns of drink filled properly?' Thyre asked, seeking to draw Ragnfast back to the present difficulty. Dagmar held up her horn of ale. Thyre was pleased that Ragnfast listened to her suggestion of ale rather than mead. It was only one ship, not a fleet. The Viken would understand. He was not high enough status to warrant a better drink. 'The other women and I can follow Dagmar after the Viken captain has the first drink.'

'It is a good idea, Thyre, 'Ragnfast said. 'We do not have the men to provoke him. A soft word and a timely batter eye can do much as your mother used to say.'

'Thyre, that is your second-best apron-dress,' Dagmar whispered. 'And your face is far too solemn. What is there to worry about? Greeting warriors is supposed to be a happy occasion. We should honour them.'

'I have had more than enough swaggering boasts from Sigmund's warriors. I wonder if the Viken will be any different. All brawn and very little brain is my educated guess though.' Thyre pasted her smile firmly in place. She remembered her mother's stories of her time as a hostage in the Viken court and how the fights broke out at the least provocation.

What excuse would the Viken use to destroy this farm? And what they say if they knew who her natural father was? That her mother had disobeyed the time honoured custom and had not sent her to be killed by the Viken king and had instead prevailed on Ragnfast to accept her as a true Ranrike woman and member of his family.

'Thyre, I think I forgot to put the weaving frame away.' Dagmar's voice broke through her reverie. 'Do you think I should go back? That bit of cloth is nearly done and I was particularly proud of the raven pattern.'

'I already put it away.' Thyre struggled to keep the doors of her imagination closed. 'With so many warriors, it would have been in the way. You know how clumsy they are with their feet.'

'You are a love. You always know just what to do.' Dagmar patted Thyre's arm. 'Think positively. Who knows you may find a mate amongst the Viken. They are supposed to be wealthy.'

Mate, not husband. The words were unmistakable and ill-chosen. Thyre made her face into a bland mask. She was well aware of her options without Dagmar's thoughtless reminder. It was unlikely any warrior would make an offer for her. She had no family, no land, nothing to make a true warrior desire her for a wife.

She gave a wry smile. Ragnfast had held true to his promise and let her manage the estate, but she also knew he would not provide a dowry. She refused to be just anyone's concubine. Royal blood ran in her veins. She deserved better. Her mother would have approved of her decision to stay unwed rather than to marry beneath her. In her dreams, Thyre longed to find the one man who would cherish her in the way her mother had been cherished. Some day, she wanted to meet a man with whom she could exchange loving glances in the way Ragnfast and her mother had exchanged glances. In the end her mother had discovered love with a man who treated her as an equal, rather than as an accessory or a stepping stone to the throne of Ranrike. In order to marry her mother, Ragnfast had taken an oath of loyalty to King Mysing, vowing never to claim the throne in his wife's name nor to permit any of his children to make a claim.

'I am not looking for anyone. I love it here. It is safe and secure. And if I did, he would have to be more intelligent than those Viken warriors. Can you see the biceps rippling on the leader? Definitely more brawn than brain.'

Dagmar put her hand on Thyre's sleeve and whispered in her ear. 'Love can just happen, like it did between Sven and me. One day, I glanced up and there he was all silhouetted in gold, his cloak slightly drawn back and I knew that he was the right man for me.'

'I am not you, Dagmar – in love one day and the next out of it.'

'You mean the warrior from Gotaland last summer who wanted to buy Far's lumber and thought to get a better price by seducing his daughter? That was nothing. A pure girlish fantasy. I have quite forgotten why I shed all those tears.' Dagmar sighed dramatically. 'I have sworn to be true to Sven. I want him to know that should I bear a child, it will be his.'

A warning twinge went through Thyre. Child? That was fantasy. Dagmar's monthly flow had come since Sven left. Dagmar was given to dramatic statements, but there was something in her eyes. Exactly what Dagmar had sworn to Sven? Dagmar should know that she had no right to swear anything with her father's consent. It could only lead to heartache. Silently Thyre cursed Sven for being so selfish, and for Dagmar's fear in telling her father.

Once the Viken had departed, she would make discover more about this oath. Unless it was made with Ragnfast's consent, it was empty words.

'The dragon boat has landed! The Viken have arrived!' The cry echoed up and down the beach.

Thyre pressed her lips together. Dagmar appeared normal enough, smoothing her skirt and biting her lips to make them appear cherry ripe red. All the actions she normally took. Thyre hoped her concerns about Dagmar were just wisps of doubt. And perhaps another warrior would capture her fancy, and her oath to Sven would become a distant unwelcome memory.

Up close, the Viken dragon boat showed signs of battering from the storm – a broken oar, a battered prow and loose ropes, but nothing major. Not like the poor Ranrike ship whose remains were still scattered over the shore. Had it been hunting this Viken one? And if so, what had this Viken ship done? Which other farms had they attacked? Thyre shifted uneasily, weighing the possibility but knowing they had no choice but to offer hospitality.

The Viken warriors splashed ashore. The leader disembarked first, without a helmet or a shield. A gesture of peace but also of arrogance, Thyre thought. He could have no idea of Ragnfast's strength, or defences of the farm.

The Viken's golden brown hair shone in the sunlight and despite the jagged scar running down the right side of his face, his face held a certain grace combined with raw power, a man unafraid to face the future.

His vivid blue gaze lingered on her for a heartbeat, tracing her form. She looked directly at his face, rather than blushing and looking away as custom demanded. He gave a nod, and turned towards where Ragnfast stood and it was as if that instant had never been.

'We are grateful for the warm welcome after the rough seas of last night.' The warrior made an elaborate bow. Ragnfast's face reddened slightly and his chest puffed out at the courtesy. 'We are returning to Kaupang after a successful voyage to the markets of Birka. Last night's storm caused some damage to my trading vessel. It must be repaired before I continue on.' His steady gaze met Ragnfast, and words were a thinly disguised command rather than a polite request He held out a stick covered in thick runes. 'We come in peace.'

'We have no quarrel with the Viken, nor do I seek reassurance from your king.' Ragnfast barely glanced at it before he handed it back. Thyre bit her lip and wished she dared grab it. She highly doubted the truth of his words. If they were peaceful, why had the Ranrike ship been wrecked? Sigmund had promised that Ranrike ships only defended. They never attacked the more skilful Viken ships.

'What is your name, Viken?' Thyre asked, making sure her voice was firm and clear.

'Ivar Gunnarson, jaarl of Viken, my lady.'

Thyre froze as the murmur rose behind her. Ivar Gunnarson. Ivar the scarred. Even here in the back waters of Ranrike, they had heard of him and his fellow Viken jaarls who had braved sea serpents to cross the Atlantic and had returned with a vast treasure from Lindisfarne. They were said to be some of the luckiest men alive, basking in Odin and Thor's favour, Ivar particularly. It was his prowess with the sail and ships that enabled the Viken to cross the sea. And he had fought the Ranrike before, killing Sigmund's brother. Now he was here, formidable and capable of wrecking the same destruction on her home as he and his companions had on Lindisfarne.

She stifled a gasp as Dagmar began to trip forward, holding out her horn of ale. Her earlier plan had been shoddy and wrong. She should have thought about the pitfalls and how easily a jaarl could take offence.

Sour ale was unlikely to cement anything but war. It would give them the pretext for burning the farm to the ground. She had to act before the jaarl tasted it, realised the intended insult and destroyed them all.

Thyre raised her hand, signalling the danger to Dagmar, but Dagmar seemed oblivious to the potential disaster. Her smile became more flirtatious as she held out the horn to the Viken jaarl. Thyre forgot to breathe. Dagmar hadn't seen her warning.

Ivar Gunnarson took the horn from Dagmar's grasp and slowly lifted it to his lips.