Neither Ulf nor Siv want to marry the ones their fathers have chosen for them. Siv runs away to escape her fate; Ulf gives his father a resounding NO, and leaves for his own estates. On his way to his keep, he encounters a feisty serving wench who dares to dump a tankard of ale over his head, and Ulf responds by giving her the spanking she so richly deserves. He proceeds to shock her by asking her to become his wife, and she readily agrees, anxious to leave the tavern and the evil landlord behind.Siv is distraught and wonders if she has made a huge mistake when her new husband spanks her for every little thing, even when she saves his life from men who wish to steal her away! Ulf is frustrated that his new bride is constantly running away from him. Still, they both agree that it was better to choose their own mate than it would be to marry the one picked by their fathers! Neither of them is aware they are the one chosen by the other's parent. What will happen when they find out? Will they deny their love for each other just to spite their fathers?Previously published in 2010 as "Thrall Bride"