"That will not happen," he growled, his humor fading at the very thought.
"Then behave."
"You try my patience, woman," he muttered.
Slight tremors shook her shoulders and he realized she laughed. At him. He squeezed her waist and with a sudden gasp of breath, her trembling stopped.
"If you mock me, I will turn you over my knee."
She stilled so completely, he wondered if she had turned to stone. Finally, she gave a curt nod. He held back his laugh and guided the horse toward the village.
When they rode into the square, Hradi felt as though he might go mad with unfulfilled desire. Having the little witch so close, unable to touch her as he wanted, was a torture he hoped never to endure again. He reined in the horse and dismounted quickly, taking a few moments to acknowledge the approaching villagers. He turned back to help Katrin down and tossed the reins to the waiting stable slave who led the animal away. Placing an arm around Katrin’s shoulders, he turned toward the longhouse.
"Katrin!"
The sound of the older witch’s voice sent a shudder of annoyance along Hradi’s spine. He doubted he would ever grow to like Gunilla, despite her importance to Katrin. He still did not trust her and suspected Katrin also now doubted her mistress. If he was truthful with himself, he would admit that pleased him, for it gave him a stronger position when the time came to ask Katrin to stay with him. Even though he had not enjoyed every delight of her body, he had known last night that he wanted this woman beside him, to enjoy for many years.
"Katrin! Thank the gods you are safe!" Gunilla cried, reaching them. She embraced the younger witch, though Hradi noted Katrin’s hesitation to return the embrace. The sight tempered his anger at Gunilla’s words.
"Did you think I would kill her?" he asked.
Gunilla released her hold on Katrin and faced Hradi, her face pale and eyes wide with worry. "No, I never meant to say that at all. I just…"
"It’s fine, Gunilla," Katrin cut in. "He knows that is not what you meant."
She faced him, eyes narrowed in annoyance. He did the same in return, before turning to see Kori and his father heading toward them. After greeting them, they all headed to the longhouse where the Winter Nights celebration continued. Tomorrow would be the last day of the feasting, and preparations forJuland the winter hunting season would begin. Hradi looked forward to continuing training the grey stallion and a return to his routine. The only change he wanted to that routine was that it included Katrin. No matter how he had to make that happen.
"Did you learn anything?" Kori asked once they were seated at the long table at the head of the hall.
"A little. Katrin is going to use her gift today, so you can all see it is real."
"Katrin," Thorfinn called out. "Hradi tells me you will offer us your visions today."
Katrin nodded. "Yes, and I believe I should begin with you, unless you prefer otherwise."
"I would be honored to go first. Once the meal is over, we will start."
"As you wish."
CHAPTER TWELVE
When Katrin followed Hradi into the longhouse, the voices filling the hall fell silent, as everyone gathered turned to face them. She hesitated, but Hradi turned and grabbed her wrist, ensuring she continued a half-pace behind him.
"What are you all staring at?" Hradi barked into the hushed room. Laughter and the resumption of chatter followed his words.
Finally, they were beside the jarl, and next to him was Gunilla. Katrin smiled at her mistress and moved to take a seat beside her, but Hradi merely tightened his grip. Katrin jerked free.
"I wish to sit with her. We have plans to make for upcoming ceremonies and sacrifices for Winter Night."
"You will sit beside me. After we eat, you may join your mistress."
"I am not some slave to be ordered about!" She folded her arms and lifting her chin in defiance.
"You will pay for this later."
Her bottom tingled, his words a reminder of how he'd responded to her slap. Part of her anticipated him repeating the punishment, but she refused to let him know that.
"You will not beat me again, and you will not deny me Gunilla's company." She stepped around him, darting out of reach of his outstretched hand.
