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Holly looked for Einar, and she easily spotted his tall, massive, proud frame standing on the longship. By his side was Solver, who, Holly guessed, would probably lead the ceremony. The ship was decorated in flowers, as well.

Her heart drummed so hard that she thought it would break her ribs and jump out of her chest. Her feet wobbled. And then Einar’s eyes found hers, and everything else ceased to exist.

It was as though the earth stopped turning, the wind stopped blowing, and people stopped breathing. All nervousness was gone from Holly’s body, and instead, strength and confidence filled her. He was a rock, his eyes said. He had her. He’d always have her.

Holly didn’t remember how she got there, but soon, she was by the ship, and Einar was helping her in. His fingers wrapped around hers. His skin was warm and calloused, his fingers big and strong. A wave of tingling went through her from his touch. Their eyes met, and she was swept into the stormy depths of his.

When they stood by the mast, Solver beamed.

“See, Einar, I told you. Listen to Solver. He knows.”

Einar made a dubious “hm” sound and looked at Holly.

“Now, the betrothed, please join your hands,” Solver said.

Einar took both of Holly’s hands in his. The boat tilted under her feet, but she didn’t know if it was from a wave or from his touch. Solver wrapped a narrow white linen towel, embroidered with runes and Viking-style ornaments, around their hands.

“This towel is the symbol of ties that will unite you forever,” Solver said. “In front of gods and in front of men, let us bless this union of Einar and Holly and wish them a long, prosperous, and fertile marriage.”

Fertile? Holly’s cheeks burned. Her stomach squeezed. She was likely a barren woman; although, she would have loved nothing more than to give birth. Einar must get married again after her if he ended up having three sons. But as she glanced at him, all thoughts evaporated. All of the connection that had previously been between them was gone. His eyes were ice-cold and panicked.

What had happened? She shook her head. She shouldn’t care. This marriage would never be long or fertile in any case. Maybe he was just reminded of that.

“Do we have a sacrificial sow to receive Freyja’s blessings?” Solver asked Einar.

“No,” Einar said, his voice hard. “None of that is necessary. I doubt Freyja will bless us with children anyway.”

It was as though he had slashed Holly with a knife. How did he know she couldn’t have children?

“As you wish,” Solver said. “Then, please say your vows now.”

“I have no vows,” Einar said.

Holly’s heart sank. Yes, it would be a short marriage, but still, this stung. She wanted him to care. And all this told her was that, yet again, a man didn’t want her. All she was for him was a means to an end.

The familiar pain of rejection crushed her to her core. Her mother’s voice came, “I told you. No one will ever be interested in you if you behave this way. If you’re too willful and too strong. No man wants a woman who is stubborn and independent.”

“I have no vows, either,” Holly said, trying to blink away tears.

Solver looked at his feet, uncomfortable. “Then it is time to exchange the rings and get you married. I believe there is a sword, Einar?”

Einar coughed. “Yes. There is.” He walked to the nearest bench and picked up a beautiful sword in both hands. On the blade, two rings lay. “This sword belonged to my ancestors,” Einar said when he returned to his place in front of Holly. “It is normally given to the bride so that she will give it to her sons once one of them can hold it. It will stay in the family. Usually, a bride would also give a groom her father’s sword. But I understand you came with no possessions, so let this sword take both roles.”

Solver nodded and picked up the rings while Einar laid the sword on Holly’s stretched-out palms. She breathed heavily, the significance of the moment daunting.

“What do I do?” she whispered.

“Say, I accept this sword for our future sons,” Solver said with a wink.

Holly thought she heard Einar’s teeth grind against one another.

She raised her chin. They’d never have sons. “I accept this sword for our future sons,” she said with a strong voice. Solver chuckled. He seemed to be the one enjoying this wedding ceremony the most.

“Put it on the bench, Holly. You will now exchange the rings,” Solver said.

Holly did as was asked and turned to Einar. Solver held out both rings on the palm of his hand. They were simple silver rings, with the same ornate Viking pattern engraved along their circumference. Einar picked up the smaller ring and took Holly’s left hand. Surprisingly gently, he put the ring on her finger.

“I take you as my wife,” Einar said, his voice velvety, low, and intimate.