“Yes,” he said quickly. “At least, I hope so. I think we could support six or eight servants if we’re quite careful.”
“And what of Erik? You require his permission?”
He looked troubled. “Aye. I owe him my loyalty. He has given me a place of honor in his life and his castle and I pledged my sword to him as a knight.”
“What do you think he’ll say?”
He shook his head. “I know not, honestly.”
A light knock sounded at the door. “Bear?”
She yanked the covers over her naked body. “Who is it?” she whispered.
Barrett looked taken off-guard. “My brother,” he murmured.
“Ask him now,” she urged in a low voice.
Barrett gave her an uncertain look, then leaped out of the bed and pulled on his hose and undershirt. “One moment, brother,” he called out, tossing her a chemise. “Stay there, under the covers,” he murmured, helping her into the shift and tucking the blankets around where she lay propped up in bed. He opened the door and stepped back to allow the prince to enter. Penrod scurried in behind him and built up the fire.
“How is she?” Erik asked in a concerned tone.
“Bruised, but safe, thank God,” Barrett said, pulling a chair to the side of the bed and offering it to the prince. He sat on the bed, stroking her leg over the blankets.
“Daisy, I do not mean to bother you if you are unwell,” the prince saidkindly. “But I want to be sure I understand what happened this night.”
She nodded, drawing a breath. “Of course, my lord.”
“Can you tell me now, or do you wish to wait until the morrow?”
She plucked at her fingers, her heart beginning to pick up speed. Would the prince judge her responsible for the men’s deaths? She had intended their murder, after all.
Barrett must have seen her trepidation because he leaned forward and stroked her arm. “Do not be afraid of my brother. He is a fair and just ruler.”
She nodded, her gut twisting in knots. Slowly, she recounted her tale, which Barrett had not yet heard from beginning to end. She told them of her sisters’ deaths and her rape and escape to Hohenzollern. She admitted her plan to kill Wolfhart. Tears began to spill down her face. “I had changed my mind, I swear it. Please believe me. Father Albert had counseled me not to take matters into my own hands and I meant to heed his advice. I had gone to the chapel to speak with him again.”
“I believe you,” Erik said simply.
Barrett squeezed her fingers.
“And then, you must know the rest. Wolfhart found me in the chapel and tried to force himself upon me. When Father Albert tried to stop him, his men drew their weapons on him. And then Barrett came and ended it all.”
Erik nodded. “Yes, that is exactly how Father Albert told it as well, Daisy. Thank you for telling me in your own words. It seems a simple story: Wolfhart and his men tried to avail themselves of our women and were killed for it.” He started to stand, but Barrett stopped him with a hand on his arm.
“Brother,” Barrett said, clearing his throat. He glanced at her, as if for support, and she gave him a little nod of encouragement.
Erik searched his half-brother’s face when Barrett hesitated.
“I wish to buy a plot of my own,” Bear said in a rush.
Erik said nothing for a long moment and she held her breath, waiting. “I will be sorry to lose you,” he said at last.
Barrett exhaled. “You will allow it?”
Erik gave a half-smile. “You are a free man. I doubt I or anyone else could stop you from doing something you wished to do.” He sighed. “I guess I always knew this day would come.” He looked at Daisy and smiled. “I didn’t guess you would leave me for a woman, though. I thought someone would make you a better offer, or you would stay in one of the castles you sacked with your mercenaries.”
Barrett squeezed her hand. “Daisy was my missing half,” he said, making her heart trill.
“Have you a plot in mind to purchase?”
