Viking Claimed (Triad Series Book 4) by Kate Pearce

they do in my world.”
    Her laugh was low. “That is a good lesson to learn. You have come far in many ways, Aki.”
    “I suppose I have.” Aki considered the moonlight that was now brightening the sacred grove. “Tomorrow I will meet with your Oracle and find out if she is as great a seer as everyone says she is.”
    “I believe she is considered very competent.”
    “Well with all due respect, my lady, seeing as you serve her, you would say that.”
    “I also happen to believe it.”
    Aki touched her hand. “I meant no offense.”
    “And what if she tells you that she knows of a way for you to return home?”
    He went still. “I am not sure if I would want to go back. Four thousand years of being alone has changed me.”
    “But what of your family?”
    He slowly exhaled. “I will always miss them and pray for them, but I suspect they would know I was not the same man anymore.”
    She nodded. “That is very true.”
    “And I have Einarr here with me and the possibility of a new life serving your Oracle and two people who love me.”
    “Also true.”
    Aki frowned. “I just hope the Oracle understands that Elli and I are meant to be together.”
    “And the Hakron warrior?”
    He gave her a swift searching glance. “You know of this matter? You must be in the Oracle’s confidence.”
    “I would like to think so.” She paused. “So what if she doesn’t proclaim that you are now mated to your two choices?”
    “How can she not?” Aki thumped his chest with his fist over his heart. “I know these things are meant to be in my very marrow.”
    The woman rose gracefully to her feet. “Then let’s hope you are right.”
    Aki stood and took her hand. “Will you offer the Oracle your counsel on this matter for me, my lady? Will you tell her that I will be loyal to Elli and Morek for the rest of my days and will live with them in her service?”
    She met his gaze and he couldn’t look away as the power of her mind sifted through his as if he had no shields at all.
    “I will consider your request.”
    For some reason, Aki found himself falling to his knees and kissing her hand. By the time he looked up, she was gone and Morek stood at the bottom of the stairs smiling at him.
    “Were you looking for me?”
    He wore the more formal robes of the Oracle’s bodyguard, which consisted of a silk-like garment belted at the hips. It came over one shoulder and was fastened with a bejeweled pin at the waist, leaving one half of his chest bare. Morek’s dark hair was also tamed and braided in one thick plait down his back.
    “I was speaking to one of the Oracle’s handmaidens,” Aki said. “She might ask the Oracle to favor us tomorrow.”
    “That is good. Did you pray?” Morek held out his hand and helped Aki rise. He had his spear but his arrows were absent.
    “Aye.”
    Morek smiled into his eyes. “That is also good. Did the goddess of the spring accept your offering?”
    Aki pointed toward the cave. “It disappeared down there, so I suppose that means it was accepted.”
    “It does.” Morek took a moment to bow in the direction of the cave. “May the Oracle find favor with our wishes and desires tomorrow.”
    They turned together and made the journey back up the stairs. By mutual consent, Aki followed Morek toward his lodgings, which were far simpler than the rooms Aki currently inhabited and shared by many guards. Morek, at least, had a room to himself.
    “Have you seen Ungar?” Morek asked.
    “Aye.” Aki smiled at the other man. “He was with my brother and his female.”
    “That explains why he isn’t responding to me. Thank the Gods Ungar has excellent shields.”
    “They seemed to be getting on very well.”
    Morek nodded. “I am pleased for him. He deserves to be happy. I hope he is mated tomorrow.” He sat down on his narrow bed. “And you? Was your female pleased to see you?”
    “Aye. She… accepted me.”
    “I am very pleased for you, Viking.” There was something about the