Flagons of ale were served and soon the feast turned raucous, much of the talk surrounding Gunilla's execution. Hradi filled a trencher with venison and rabbit then scooped up beets and carrots and placed it before Katrin.
"You must eat. You haven't all day."
She met his stare, a warm smile curving her lips. He resisted the urge to taste her, knowing what could happen if he indulged. Yet, he still wanted to be alone with her, tell her of his intentions. Learn if she felt the same way.
He looked deep into her sky-blue eyes, not surprised to find knowledge of the turmoil roiling his gut in her gaze.
"Thank you." She spared her eldest brother a glance before leaning in close. "I want to be alone with you."
His heart raced, his cock already stirring in anticipation of just that. Even more thrilling was that she offered the idea first.
"And I with you."
She chuckled, the sound light-hearted. He noted that, while she had always been unafraid and strong of virtue, especially with him, she had never sounded quite so free. There were so many layers to this woman and he wanted to spend his years uncovering and learning them all.
"I meant that we must talk," she said. "We must be clear on what is to be in the coming days."
Alarm chilled his blood. What did she intend? "You said you plan to stay here. Have you changed your mind?"
Her smile widened, even as she shook her head. "I worry about their … my brothers', intentions." She paused to look their way before once more returning her gaze to Hradi's and leaning close to his ear. "I fear they may try to interfere in any agreement you and I may come to."
Hradi feared the same, giving her a curt nod while he fixed his stare on her brothers. Though they appeared calm and easy-going, they all watched him closely, studying his every move. He did not like the feeling of being examined so intently. Another worry arose. If he were forced to fight them, no matter who provoked it, such an occurrence could destroy the bond between himself and Katrin.
"Come, we will speak now." He stood, taking her hand and pulling her from the bench.
"Where are you going?" Henrik asked, throwing the bones of a rabbit leg onto the table.
"We will return," Katrin said, before Hradi had a chance to respond. "Remain here and enjoy the feast."
She gave a nod toward a nearby table where several of the girls in her party sat, close together and with worried expressions lining their brows.
"Perhaps you might make some of my fellowVölurwelcome. They do not seem to be enjoying themselves."
Hradi held back a grin at the order in her voice. Something about her had changed inSól's last two cycles. He had alwaysadmired her confidence and courage; now it seemed that had intensified. Her protective actions towards the other witches showed her capable of leading her own retinue.
The idea of her doing so, taking her far from Grindafell, soured his mood. He tugged on her hand and led her to the bunks, away from the raucous celebration, to the cool quiet of the back room.
"What did you wish to discuss?" He knew his attempt to appear unconcerned failed when a knowing smile curled her lush lips. He ran a hand through his hair and began to pace. Never had he been so unsure of himself, of his future and fate, than he was in this moment.
"I must admit, I prefer you like this, rather than the oafish mule you've been over the last days." Her words were soft, yet filled with a steely exasperation.
He spun about to face her. "You mock me!"
She nodded. "I do." Folding her arms, she arched an eyebrow.
"You tread on dangerous ground, woman." He stepped closer, so close he almost touched her, forcing her to tilt her head back to hold his stare. She never cowered. His lust for her grew, tempting him to throw her upon the nearest furs and take her then and there.
"You behaved like afifl!"
He recoiled. "You call me a fool?"
Truthfully, he was more surprised than he was insulted. Somehow, though, shame crept into his veins. Had that been her intention? He narrowed his eyes.
"I listened to your mistress declare you promised to another while in the next breath plotting an attack on our village. What was I to think?"
She took a step back, though judging from the way her shoulders rose, her jaw setting when she lifted her chin, he understood she felt no fear, only annoyance.
"Instead of accusing me, you first could have asked me. And then you should have listened to me when I explained I knew nothing."
