"Nae a word. Just stared at me like he'd rather die than speak." Magnus downed the whisky in one swallow, felt it burn all the way down. "Tomorrow mornin', I want ye there when I question him. Bring whatever tools ye need tae make him understand we're serious."
Torvald was quiet for a moment. "Magnus... torture daesnae always work. Some men would rather die than betray who they're loyal tae."
"Then he'll die. But he'll tell us what we need tae ken first." Magnus set down the cup with enough force that it cracked. "I'm done playin' games, Torvald. I'm done reactin' tae attacks instead of preventin' them. This ends. Now."
"And if he really daesnae ken anythin'? If he's just a soldier followin' orders?"
"Then he'll tell us that too. And we'll find whoever gave those orders." Magnus's jaw clenched. "I willnae let them hurt her again. I cannae."
Torvald studied his face. "Ye love her."
It wasn't a question.
Magnus wanted to deny it. Wanted to say it was just duty, just protectiveness, just the natural instinct of a husband to guard his wife.
But after finally opening himself to Ada completely, and letting her see the broken parts of him and discovering she didn't flinch away—there was no point in lying anymore.
"Aye," he said quietly. "I love her."
"Daes she ken?"
"Maybe. I havenae said the words." Magnus moved to the window, stared out at the courtyard where guards patrolled with weapons drawn. "I'm nae sure I ken how tae say them. Every time I try, I remember Freydis."
"Ada's nae Freydis."
"I ken that. In me head, I ken that." Magnus pressed his palm against the cold stone. "But me heart? Me heart is still afraid. Still waitin' fer her tae prove that trustin' her was a mistake."
"Then maybe it's time tae stop waitin'." Torvald moved to stand beside him. "That lass has proven herself over and over. She's loyal, she's brave, she cares about yer people. What more daes she need tae dae before ye believe she's nae goin' to betray ye?"
"I dinnae ken. Maybe naethin'. Maybe it's nae about what she daes, but about what I'm capable of believin'." Magnus's voice turned rough. "What if I cannae dae it, Torvald? What if I'm too broken tae give her what she deserves?"
"Then ye'll regret it fer the rest of yer life. And she'll spend hers wonderin' why she wasnae enough." Torvald gripped his shoulder briefly. "Get some rest. Tomorrow's goin' tae be a long day."
He left, closing the door quietly behind him.
Magnus stood at the window until the sun began its descent toward the horizon, painting the sky in shades of amber and crimson.
His mind kept circling back to Ada, to the way she'd looked at him yesterday in the garden, to the way she'd given herself completely despite knowing he was damaged.
To the way she'd whispered his name like a prayer.
He knew he should go to her. Should tell her about the captured prisoner, warn her that the threat was still active. Should probably lock her in their chamber again for her own safety.
But the thought of seeing that trust in her eyes—that absolute certainty that he'd protect her—when he felt so close to failing was almost unbearable.
A knock at the door pulled him from his thoughts.
"Enter."
Ada slipped inside, closing the door softly behind her. Her noted her expression, concern mixed with determination.
"Ye've been in here all day," she said without preamble. "Isla says ye havenae eaten. Torvald says ye're broodin'. And the guards are whisperin' that somethin's happened."
Magnus tried to smile. Failed. "I'm fine."
"Ye're nae fine. Ye look exhausted." Ada moved closer, her gaze searching his face. "What's wrong? What happened?"
He could lie and tell her it was nothing, just keep business. But after promising himself he'd try to trust her, the lies felt heavier than the truth.
