She followed Thorfinn and Kori to another room located deeper in the back of the longhouse, aware of Hradi a step behind her. Despite despairing over the loss of their affinity, his scent hovered around her, reminding her of his touch, his kiss. To know she would never have it again nearly made her weep but she held the tears at bay. There would be time enough regrets later, when the forthcoming battle had been settled.
Over the next hours, she shared all she could recall from the journeys of the last several years. Each memory, each recalled vision, suddenly answered so many of the questions that had arisen over that time. The only thing she could not decipher was the identity of the man Hradi insisted she was to be given to. She had never met anyone matching his description. Who could he be?
"I have an idea," she said. "If you agree, I will see what I can learn of this man. The only way to do that is for Gunilla to think you don’t believe me. You must hold us together so I can ask her."
"You want to remain a prisoner?" Kori asked.
"I want Gunilla to think I remain a prisoner. Lately, she seems to have lost trust in me and this is the only way I might be able to get her to loosen her tongue and confide in me."
She sent another look Hradi’s way, pleased to see the anger in his eyes appeared to have softened. Did he believe her now? She hoped for that, but did not set her heart on it. His anger and distrust already hurt, she wanted no more pain. Not now.
She faced Kori and the jarl once more. Would they agree? Finally, Kori nodded.
"I think that is a good way to lure a confession. If nothing else, she has always sought to protect you, even if was for her own gain and not yours." He paused and smiled. "For someone innocent in so many ways, you have a talent for strategy."
For the first time since last night, Katrin felt as if she could breathe freely again. The fear that had invaded her senses ebbedand once more, she held out hope for a future she could build for herself. While she suspected she would not share that future with Hradi, she would treasure her memories of him through the rest of her days. The idea he might never forgive her made ignoring the feeling of her heart shattering that much more difficult.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
The shriek of a horn cut through the buzz in the great hall. Beside her, Hradi stiffened, holding still for several moments before rising. On his other side, both his brother and the jarl stood as well, sharing concerned looks. Jarl Thorfinn called out for silence.
"Warriors, take up your arms. Everyone else find safe refuge while we face these invaders."
The clan gathered quickly rushed through the hall, women carrying children, fathers bidding them to be safe before heading toward the door, to the village and river beyond, ready to defend their home.
While what occurred now was not what she had seen with Jarl Thorfinn, Katrin studied the villagers and knew this was indeed the battle of which she had been given glimpses. And though she had yet to see any further details, some instinct told her this conflict would reveal the truth and depth of Gunilla's treachery.
She had remained mostly silent this morning, fearful if she spoke too much, she might reveal her plan to Gunilla. Instead, she had allowed Hradi to treat her roughly and did her best to appear frightened. When Gunilla had protested, Jarl Thorfinn made clear that he had proof Katrin had betrayed them all. Afterdagmál, he would meet with Gunilla to discuss the details. Katrin continued to watch her mistress, noting how her panic increased and her gaze darted around the hall. Several times, she rose to speak with some of the other girls in the retinue, always looking back to Katrin. Did she suspect the truth of Katrin's deceptive situation?
Turning her attention back to the trencher before he, she tried to appear subdued and helpless. It wasn't hard, not with her hands bound and Hradi pressed close to her side. While he had made no move to seduce her last night, his mood toward her had softened, and he spoke almost civilly to her. Then again, she had thesensation he liked having her bound and helpless when he pulled her along behind him.
Shoving the thoughts aside, Katrin caught the older woman's gaze from across the table. Before she started toward her mistress, Hradi's grip on her upper arm halted her.
"Where are you going?" he asked.
"Do you expect me to stand beside you during this attack?" Katrin met his stare steadily, pursing her lips to show her displeasure. "I must ensure Gunilla is safe."
"You will remain here, with several of our warriors to protect you. And ensure you don't escape."
"I told you, I have no plans to leave here. I have not betrayed you. I want to help you. You must believe me!" Desperate for him to trust her, to listen to her, she grabbed his arm while she pleaded with him.
Confusion clouded his dark eyes. Jaw clenched, he grabbed her arm and hauled her close to him.
"I can't."
Aware of Gunilla watching with keen interest, Katrin pretended to choke back a sob. An idea struck. While the idea terrified her, and had come about only as part of this act she now performed, she realized she meant what she was about to do. With Hradi about to head into battle, she realized she'd rather live without her gift than without him. This might be the only way to truly convince him and earn his trust once more.
"I offer you my virtue. As proof that I stand beside you and want to help."
"No! You cannot!" Gunilla shrieked. She moved toward them, but one of Grindafell's warriors grabbed her and held her in place. Katrin's focus remained on Hradi.
His eyes widened, though he remained silent for several seconds, which seemed to Katrin to last an eternity. Finally, he spoke.
"I will hold you to that. As for my trust…" He shook his head. "I must fight now. We will discuss your betrayal when I return victorious."
A quick movement and his dagger sliced through the ropes binding her. He left her stunned into stillness when he slammed his mouth over hers in a rough kiss, one that stirred all sorts of heat, despite the panic and chaos surrounding them. When he drew away, he shoved her toward the back of the hall. Four armed warriors surrounded her. Terror stole her breath, until the feel of Gunilla's hand squeezing hers brought a moment of peculiar calm, simply from familiarity and habit. A breath later, fully aware of how much had changed, how much she had changed, her fury erupted. She whirled to face the older woman, yanking her hand away.
"What have you done?"
