"I've had worse."
"That daesnae make it better." Ada moved to the basin, wet a clean cloth, and returned to carefully clean the wound. "Ye shouldnae have done this."
"Would ye rather I'd forced ye last night?"
"Nay, but, there must have been another way."
"If there was, I dinnae ken it." Magnus watched her work, his expression unreadable. "Are ye angry?"
"Nae angry. Just—" Ada wrapped his hand in fresh linen. "Confused, I suppose. And grateful. And feelin’ a bit guilty that ye hurt yerself fer me sake."
"Dinnae be. It was me choice."
A knock at the door made them both jump.
"Me laird?" Brian's voice. "The others are gatherin' fer breakfast. And I'll need tae—" He paused delicately. "Collect what's required."
Magnus stripped the stained sheet, moved to the door, and opened it just enough to reach the bed . He handed it through without letting Brian see into the chamber.
"Here. Now leave us be."
"Of course, me laird. I'll just, I'll verify."
"Verify whatever ye need tae. Just dae it elsewhere."
Magnus closed the door firmly. When he turned back, Ada saw the flush on her own cheeks mirrored faintly in his.
"We should dress," he said. "The others will be waitin'."
"Aye."
Ada moved to the chest, pulled out a simple day dress. Magnus turned away without being asked this time, giving her privacy to change. When they were both decent, they made their way down to the great hall.
The other jarls were already there, along with Claricia and their various retinues. Plates of bread and cheese and cold meat covered the tables, along with ale and watered wine.
Erik looked up when they entered, his expression knowing. "Well?"
"Well what?" Magnus sat down, pulled Ada into the seat beside him.
"How was yer weddin' night?"
"None of yer concern."
"That good, was it?" Ivar grinned. "Or that bad?"
Magnus shot him a look that could've frozen fire. "Eat yer breakfast and mind yer own business."
Claricia caught Ada's eye across the table, raised her eyebrows in question. Ada gave a tiny nod.
They ate quickly, conversation flowing around them. The jarls discussed the best routes back to their respective islands.
Brian appeared briefly to announce that everything was "in order" regarding the consummation, then retreated to prepare for his journey back to the king.
Too soon, it was time for them to leave.
The jarls gathered in the courtyard, their men loading supplies onto the ships. Ada stood beside Magnus, feeling oddly bereft at the thought of them going.
"Ye did well," Harald said, gripping Magnus's arm in farewell. "The lass has spine."
