Erik visited Helgha at her new home several times a week. Sometimes he stayed all day and into the night, sometimes it was a quick visit. Helgha no longer wondered if he loved her. It became increasingly obvious that he did.
Liv was discreet. She understood she was not to say anything about the Jarl"s visits. Her job depended on her not talking to anyone else about it. On days when Erik could not stay long, Liv took Biorn for a long walk, leaving the pair to themselves. Helgha had not asked her to do this. She had suggested it herself, and Helgha smiled her gratitude.
One night, the familiar pains started. The baby was about to be born. She called Liv, who rushed over to her.
“Please go and get the midwife,” Helgha told her, gasping between the pains. “The baby’s coming.”
Liv hesitated
