Erik dragged a hand through his hair—making it stand up in ways that Claricia found altogether too appealing—and nodded.
“Can I come with ye?”
The words were out before Claricia could stop them. Both men turned to stare at her.
“What?” Erik’s voice was flat with disbelief.
“Can I come with ye?” she repeated, lifting her chin. “Tae the village. I’d like tae see more of the isle. And I’m goin’ mad in this castle with naethin’ tae dae but paint and read.”
“Nay.” The word came out sharp and final. “After yesterday? Absolutely nae.”
“But—”
“There’s still a dangerous man loose somewhere on this isle, Claricia. And until we find him, ye’re stayin’ within these walls where I ken ye’re safe.”
“I’ll be safer withye.” She moved closer, watching his jaw tighten. “Ye said it yerself—ye’re the most dangerous man on Skye.”
“Nay.”
“Please.” She stepped closer, watching his jaw tighten. She watched him war with himself—saw the refusal in the set of his shoulders battle against something else. Something that looked like understanding.
“Besides,” she added, a hint of challenge creeping into her voice, “What could possibly get pastye?”
Finally, he swore again. “If ye come, ye obey. Completely. Without question. If I tell ye tae get behind me, ye get behind me. If I tell ye tae run, ye run. Understood?”
Hope bloomed in her chest. “Aye. I promise.”
“And ye stay within arm’s reach the entire time. Nay wanderin’ off. Nay decidin’ ye want tae explore on yer own.”
“I promise.”
“And if there’s any sign of trouble—any at all—ye let me handle it.”
“Aye, I?—”
“Ye have tae actually obey, Claricia. Nae just say ye will and then dae whatever ye please the moment me back is turned.”
She opened her mouth to protest, then closed it again. Because he had a point. “I’ll think about it.”
Aksel stifled a barking laugh from the corridor.
“Ye’ll—” Erik stared at her, something between exasperation and admiration flickering across his face. “Ye’llthinkabout whether ye’ll obey yer husband when yer safety is at stake?”
“Aye.” She crossed her arms. “I’m nae promisin’ blind obedience. But I will promise tae stay close and listen tae yer advice. That’s the best ye’re gettin’.”
For a long moment, he just looked at her. Then, incredibly, he laughed—a rough, surprised sound that transformed his entire face. “Gods help me, but ye’re going tae be the death of me, woman.”
“Is that a yes?”
“That’s me acceptin’ that ye’re too stubborn tae be left behind and I’d rather have ye where I can see ye than worryin’ about what trouble ye’re gettin’ intae here.” He pointed at her. “But if ye get hurt because ye didnae listen?—”
“I willnae.” She smiled, bright and genuine. “I promise tae be sensible. Mostly.”
He turned to Aksel, who’d been watching their entire exchange with poorly concealed amusement. “Have someone prepare two horses. And tell the men we’re takin’ extra guards.”
“Aye, me jarl.” Aksel’s grin was absolutely insufferable. “Should I also send word ye’ll be arrivin’ with Lady Thorsen? Might help if they ken in advance that the Wolf is bringin’ his mate.”
Erik’s glare could have stripped paint. “Just dae what I told ye.”
