It must have been a goddess. That he was sure of. In the middle of those dark ashes, a body was laid down, wrapped in a cape that must have been green before but which was now covered in brown because of the ashes. Her face was strikingly pale, of a rare whiteness, but it was also dirtied by the ashes, hiding her cheeks and forehead. But despite those ashes and these dark smudges, one thing was absolutely certain: she was divine. She had a beautiful face with a straight, small nose, lips that were plump even if they were dry and a bit blue from the cold. Her eyes were closed, but her lashes seemed to be long and thick, resting on her cheeks like she was sleeping peacefuly. But all of those traits were not what attracted the Jarl. What did was the streak of hair that rested on her forehead, which had leaked from her hood. Its color was so unique and uncommon for a girl from this country that Tharn remained fixated on it. It was impossible to decide if this girl was a red-head or a blond. It seemed like the gods had not been able to chose in-between those two hair colors and had to give her the tone in between those two: gold. What a waste for such a heavenly creature to be dead, Tharn thought. Well, was he sure she was dead? After kneeling down, he bent over her, placing his fingers on her throat to check if her heart was still beating and placing his cheek in front of her mouth to see if he could feel a breath against his skin. As faint as it was, a light breeze touched him and a slow beat came under his fingers. She was barely alive, but she still was. A sigh of relief escaped him without him controlling it. He had no idea why he was so glad she was alive, but he was sure of one thing : she was coming back with him, and she would be his.

When Vikings are seen off the shore of a small town in Ireland, seventeen year old, Clare, is determined to drive them away. Being clever and strong-willed, she makes a courageous attempt to protect not only her village, but also herself. Though, this brave action only fuels the attraction of the Jarl who takes her back to Norway as his future bride.

Author Note: If you have already read my story 'The Northman's Bride', this is the same story with no changes or edits. I have written a full length novel, book 3 in my Sons of the North series and have decided to use the title 'The Northman's Bride' for it. I apologize for any confusion. What would you do with only a few days left to live? Would you do throw your pride aside and dare to love? Aleksi has lived his life by the motto that woman were to be worshiped, not understood, much like religion. Now, one of the last two survivors on a plague ship, he has begun to wonder if he hasn't missed out on enjoying the comfort that a charming young wife might have brought him. Wounded in a recent battle, Commander Aleksi Ekstrom awakens on the Norrland ship to discover the priest's ward, a young French woman, locked below deck in a cabin of dead nuns, all other passengers and crew lay dead or dying of what looks like plague. Feeling fevered, yet unwilling to surrender her life just yet, Mimi has the forty-day ship quarantine to live her final days to the full. Her sole wish is to not die a virgin. Promised to the church since birth, she always knew she'd be a terrible nun, and so apparently had the evil priest that was selling her to a warlord in Estonia, where the ship had been heading before contracting the deadly plague. Anchored off the coast of Sweden, the quarantined plague ship is well supplied by Aleksi's grieving father and Jarl Magnus, who generously provides his loyal commander with anything requested, grateful to Aleksi for years of brave, loyal service to Tronscar. Aleksi and Mimi toss social restraints aside and speak openly and honestly, holding nothing back, both desiring to live out their final days with no regrets. But, if they survive the quarantine what then, will Aleksi return to his old life and will Mimi be returned to the warlord she was promised? **Adult content.**