The Witch He Loved

Chapter 54

Maybe we should have gone on a honeymoon. That's all I can think as I stand next to Odin waiting for the other council members to join us. I didn't even get to have my bath but it's fine for them to all be running late.

Loki and Thor are talking between themselves at the bottom of the stairs but I'm not really paying attention, I'm having a hard time concentrating when every time I shift my trousers rub against the tender skin on my bum. 

He was right, I hadn't stopped thinking of him taking me against the wall. Every time I'm reminded of the soreness heat floods through me as I think about him pounding into me. 

I shift my weight to one leg but inhale sharply when the pain hits again, my eyes narrow on him as he looks up at me, a sly smile on his face. He knows exactly what is happening and he's enjoying every moment of it. 

The sound of the doors opening break our trance, I stand up straighter, biting my cheek as my clothes shift again. The councilmen all trail in and bow before the throne but I notice two are missing. 

"Where is Ragnar and Ivar?" I ask the room, one of the men, Holfdir I think his name is, steps forward. 

"Ragnar is with his daughter, she is sick so he doesn't want to be away from her." My eyes flick to Loki and he understands instantly, giving me a subtle nod. How long had she been sick?

"Ivar hasn't been seen since your wedding, my princess." He bows his head and steps back. 

"That is why I have called you all here." Odin says and we all look at him. "Ivar's absence was brought to my attention by his wife, He and his daughter haven't been seen in three days and I'm concerned that this ties into the attack on the east." 

"We have people searching the palace and city for him but we haven't had any luck yet." One of the men says, my head cocks at the information. I don't even remember him being at the wedding, I look at Loki and he looks as puzzled as I feel. 

"Holfdir." Thor says. So I did get his name right. "You say he was last seen at the wedding?" 

"That's what we we've been told but we are still waiting on confirmation." 

"When was the last time anyone here saw him?" Loki asks them all, everyone pauses as they think it over.

"I saw him the evening before our wedding." I say, looking at Loki. "He was with his wife and daughter. I don't recall seeing him at the actual wedding or the celebration afterwards." 

"So it's possible that it's been longer than thought." Thor answers. "When did his wife bring this to attention?" 

"Two days ago." Odin says. "We started the search but as time has progressed we thought it best for all of us to be made aware." 

"Do we have people looking outside of the city?" I ask him. 

"Some but we don't have many to spare until the initial search is finished without leaving us defenceless." 

My head bobs and I look down, frowning while I try to figure it all out. It's almost like someone has it out for Ivar, after the attacks and now his disappearance but from what I know everyone likes him, except Ragnar but after spending time with him I can't imagine he cares that much about Ivar to go to such lengths. 

The meeting comes to an end, we all agree to wait a couple more days in the hope that we get some information or Ivar and his daughter turn up but the searches are going to be expanding to outside of the city walls. 

They all leave the room and I walk down the stairs slowly, my trousers rubbing against me every step. 

"I'm sorry to intude on your time but you needed to be made aware." Odin says as I take Loki's hand.