"Geira? Your brother's wife?"
Hradi twined his fingers with hers, noting the way her touch soothed his agitation. "Yes. But that is a tale for another time."
"Tell me more of Dota."
"She almost died from being beaten. My father gave her to me in an attempt to save her life. And for a time, she seemed grateful."
"Did you love her?"
He shrugged, his gaze darting away from hers. He wasn't sure he had ever loved Dota, but she had been an obedient slave who had pleased him well in bed.
"I thought at one time, I may have. But she betrayed us all when Geira's first husband, who we all thought was dead, came for her." His jaw clenched, recalling the day Geira's family had sailed into Grindafell.
"There was a battle?"
"Not really, no. Kori killed the husband. Dota… she revealed the truth of her betrayal just before, swearing her loyalty to our enemy. Even after all Geira had done to protect her, she blamed Geira. She even threatened us all. I… was furious. Her actions disgusted me and I gave her back to to the one who originally stole her. He beat her to death several months later."
More silence enveloped them. He caught Katrin's gaze once more, finding compassion and sadness in her wide blue eyes.
"You feel responsible. Your dreams are where the gods make you see the truth of your feelings."
He searched her face, looking for any hint that she might be mocking him. But all he found was understanding.
"Feelings are for the weak. There is no time to consider feelings when facing your enemy in battle, hoping to find yourself in Valhalla when it is over. Feelings will only earn you the gods' contempt and mockery."
She shook her head, the flame-colored locks flowing around her head like an exotic cloud. He wanted to bury his face in the silky strands. He willed his cock to calm.
"If you did not have feelings, you would not fight for what you believe, or to protect those you love."
He narrowed his eyes. What did she mean? He demanded she explain.
"Do you not love your father, your brother?"
"Of course, but – "
"Do you not always wish to protect them, and your clan?"
"Yes, but – "
"Those are feelings, Hradi. And there is no shame in having them."
"I know, but – "
"Let me ask you this. Your anger at Dota comes from your wanting to protect your family. Your disgust comes from the truth that she was not an honorable woman. But your hurt? I think that comes more from you not seeing the truth about her. You are angry with yourself."
Hradi shook his head, vigorously. He'd done nothing to betray his clan. He had been the one betrayed. He jerked his hands from her and shoved back the furs. Her immediate scramble away made him still. Wariness filled her stare.
"You will not leave," he ordered.
Something about the way she gnawed on her lower lip made him wonder if she laughed at him, rather than fearing him.
"I am not leaving, although I may sleep better if I did so in the next room."
He reached for her, catching her arm before she evaded him. Pulling her close, he noted the mirth in her gaze.
"You mock me," he accused.
She shook her head, lowering it, but not before he saw the smile upon her lips. She kept her head down when she spoke.
