Tro (Elsker Saga Book 3) by S.T. Bende

you wanted to spend our honeymoon learning to fight; that even after months of studying, you worry you will not know what to do when the moment comes; that diligence proves that you have the tools to get through this.
    “Ull,” I whispered.
    “We never know when our time is going to be up. If Gunnar had not saved my life that day, I never would have come to Midgard. I never would have met you. I never would have known what it feels like to be truly happy, and I never would have let myself experience love.” Ull held my chin between his pointer finger and his thumb. Then he pressed a soft kiss to my lips. “The point is, life, even an immortal life, is unpredictable; messy; heartbreaking; and at times, downright beautiful. All you can do is your best in any situation you are dealt. And then you have to trust that the people around you will have your back. You might not feel like you are ready to take on whatever it is the Fates have asked of you.” He held my gaze. “But I know you. You are smart, determined, and one of the most driven individuals I have ever met. If I thought I could convince you to run away and let me keep you somewhere safe until all of this is over, then believe me, Kristia, I would try. But you do not operate that way. And I know you are not going to back down, no matter what I say. This is not going to be easy; we are fighting for Asgard’s very existence. But I have every confidence that you will do exactly what you set your mind to.” Ull’s lips curved up. “I would hate to be Loki about now. He has no idea what is coming for him.”
    My eyes filled with tears as Ull rested his forehead against mine.
    “ Tro , love.”
    “What does that mean?” I wiped my cheek.
    “It means faith. Sweetheart, when the only thing you have left is faith, just take my hand and believe.”
    “Oh, Ull.” I threw my leg across his hip and rolled on top of him. “I love you.”
    “I love you more.” His eyes twinkled at me. He cradled my cheeks with both hands and brought my face to his. His lips pressed lightly against mine in a sweet kiss. Then he gently shifted me so I was beside him, tucked securely under one arm. “We should try to get some rest. Tomorrow is going to be a long day.”
    “I know.” I closed my eyes and willed myself to go back to sleep. But the effort was about as useful as a trapdoor on a canoe. And if the steady tapping of Ull’s finger on his chest was any indication, I wasn’t the only one with insomnia.
    Neither of us got much sleep that night. Instead we lay in the darkness, trying not to think about the uncertainties the morning would bring. Soon enough we would be with Olaug and Elsker. If I did my job right, we would all be safe soon. It was time to master my abilities—fast.
     

     
    When we got to Bibury the next day, dusk was falling on the quiet country town. We made our way up the gravel drive, too somber to appreciate the familiar musicality of the trickling fountain. When we opened the door we were overcome with mouthwatering smells. We entered the kitchen to find Olaug pulling a roast out of the oven while an apple pie cooled on the counter. Her expression was grim.
    “Eat,” she instructed. “Ull, your father wants to see you when you finish your meal. Go downstairs and instruct Heimdall to open the Bifrost. Kristia, you are to stay with me.”
    Ull squeezed my hand and shot me an anxious glance.
    “It is all right, Ull—I will protect her in your absence. I promise,” Olaug finished. I nodded at him, realizing she was giving me the privacy I needed to focus on this, my greatest task. Saving Asgard.
    “Fine. But do not get into trouble, either of you.” Ull held out my chair and we sat down to eat. “Kristia, do not do anything brave. Just stay here with Olaug. No heroics. Agreed?”
    Olaug caught my eye and gave a small nod. We would have to tell Ull what he needed to hear or he would never leave for Asgard. I didn’t want to worry him any more than