The desperate sobs of a frightened little girl found their way into the Viking warrior’s heart but, when his father announced that Aric must wed the child when she came of age, his sympathy turned to rage.Aric fled his home to seek adventure in distant lands and for ten years he traveled, hoping the child would die before he returned.As years passed Christina, the child, grew into a beautiful and talented woman who had but one wish…for Aric to return and take her as his wife.Having drunk too much on his return he searched for a woman to satisfy needs too long denied. Seeing a beautiful slave, he lead her away, dismissing the pleas of the young girl who walked with her.At his father’s house the next day, Christina heard her name called out and was not prepared for what she heard."For ten years I have traveled, Father, and for ten years I have prayed for Christina Etton’s death. Why do you force me to marry a woman who will always be ugly to me?"After the night just passed in Aric’s arms, Christina could not understand the cruelty of his words or…why he prayed for her death?