You were excited that day, waiting for Ivar to return from a raid. Sure you and your husband had struggled with the arranged marriage. But you had quickly grown to love him. You'd been studying his language the whole time he was gone, hoping to surprise him. Ubbe had helped you learn, to which you were forever grateful.

But when Ivar hobbled into the front room, your heart dropped. He had a woman with him. A gorgeous, blonde, Viking woman. All of the things you were not. Ubbe was already scolding him, angry on your behalf.

"I finally married for love, brother," Ivar said pointedly. "My first marriage was arranged for duty, nothing more."

The woman at his side caught you staring. She turned red and looked to the floor, having the decency to feel somewhat bad for you.