The realization hit her like a fist to the chest.
What’s wrong with me? I should be thinkin’ of Logan… of the fact that this man…
But even in her mind, she couldn’t finish that thought anymore.
Because Erik had cut his own palm to protect her. Had slept in a chair rather than force her. Had kissed her in front of witnesses to save them both, yes, but had done it with a tenderness that made her want to weep.
And she’dfeltthat kiss down to her very soul.
Just before she could say something a worried voice interrupted her.
“Me jarl, ye need tae come. Now.”
Erik pulled back from Claricia reluctantly, the taste of her still on his lips, his hand lingering at the small of her back. The lad who’d burst through the corridor entrance stood panting, hisface flushed red, his eyes wide with something that looked like fear.
Of course… the gods wouldnae let me have one wretched moment of peace.
“What is it?” Erik kept his voice level despite the frustration coiling in his chest. Beside him, Claricia stepped away, though her cheeks remained flushed and her breathing unsteady.
“Bodies, me jarl. Two of them—found dead near the western perimeter.” The lad swallowed hard. “Throats cut. Clean.”
The warmth that had been building in Erik’s chest turned to ice.
“When?” The question came out sharp as a blade.
“Found them at first light. Aksel sent me tae fetch ye immediately.”
Erik’s mind raced through the implications. Two guards. Western perimeter. Professional kills.
“Tell Aksel I’m comin’. Have him gather the Council in the war room. Every man who serves in me guard—I want names, faces, where they were last night.” Erik was already moving, his hand finding the small of Claricia’s back again, this time to guide rather than caress. “And double the watch on all entrances.”
The boy bowed and sprinted back the way he’d come.
Claricia turned to look up at him, “The attack on me ship?—”
“Aye, I ken.” He wanted to pull her close again, to promise her she’d be safe, but there wasn’t time for gentleness now. “Come. I need tae get ye somewhere secure, then I’ll deal with this.”
“I can help?—”
“Nay.” The word came out harder than he intended, and he saw her stiffen. “I need ye alive, little bird. That means keepin’ ye behind walls I trust until I ken who’s behind this.”
For a moment he thought she’d argue, but then she simply nodded.
Smart lass.
They moved through the corridor toward their chamber, Erik’s eyes scanning every shadow, every doorway. The kiss they’d shared moments before felt like it had happened in another lifetime, though his lips still burned with the memory of it.
Later. We’ll have time fer that later. If I can keep her alive long enough.
The war room smelled of old leather and tension. Erik stood at the head of the table, his hands braced against the scarred oak surface as Aksel laid out what they knew.
“Finn and Broderick—good men, loyal, been with us fer years.” Aksel’s voice was steady, but Erik could see the anger simmering beneath his friend’s controlled exterior. “Killed sometime between midnight and dawn. Nay signs of struggle or alarm.”
“Which means they kent who did it,” Erik said grimly. “Trusted them enough tae let them get close.”
Around the table, his council members exchanged grim looks. Harald leaned back in his chair, his pale eyes calculating. Magnus drummed his fingers on the table, while Ivar simply stared at the map spread before them, his jaw tight.
“The attack on Lady Thorsen’s ship,” one of the older council members began, “ye think it’s connected?”
