The color had drained from Erika’s face, but it began to return with the word “regrets.”“Are you saying you will not kill me now?”
“The decision is not mine to make, but nay, I would not. Death, like tempers, is too quick after all.”
That sounded so ominous, Erika was not sure she should be relieved. “But what doeshemean to do?”
Brenna shrugged. “He did not say, but do not be so eager to find out. You have a reprieve whilst he recovers, which is more than you deserve.” Having said all she cared to, she turned to the servant. “Take her down to the bathing chamber, Eda, and she will need new clothes.”
“Nay.”
The denial came from the bed, clearly stated. Selig had not been sleeping after all, had been listening to every word.
Brenna glanced toward him and answered with the obvious. “She stinks, Selig.”
“She can have the bath, but here. She does not leave my presence.”
“Why?”
“Ask me about anything else, Mother, but do not question me about her.”
His voice was cold, not meant to be argued with. It was the man speaking, not the son. Which would not have stopped Brenna, except she had already decided not to interfere.
All she said was, “I never thought to see the dayyouwould hate a woman.”
“All things are possible with the right provocation,” he replied.
“True.” She sighed. “Very well.” And to Eda:“Have the bath brought here. He will need it on the morrow anyway.”
They were ignoring Erika, had not asked her if she wanted a bath, much less where she would have it. She would certainly not have it here and said so. “I cannot bathe with him watching, Lady Brenna.”
Gray eyes just likehiscame back to her. “You do not have a choice.”
Erika’s chin shifted upward. “I do. I will keep the stink.”
“Nay, you will not. My daughter does not abide slovenliness in her hall, nor do I intend to smell it each time I enter this chamber. You may take the bath yourself, or I will summon the women back to give it to you.”
At which point Selig made his own wishes known. “Not the women. They will be all over me again. Send Ivarr and two other of my men—”
Erika could not interrupt quickly enough. “I will bathe here!”
“I thought you might.”
The smugness in his tone grated on Erika’s already distraught nerves, but she refused to say another word. Stating her preference only got her the exact opposite. Obviously, he had decided to toy with her some more.
Brenna returned to the bed long enough to grumble, low-voiced, “I cannot see what you hope to accomplish in your insistence, Selig. ’Tis not as if you are in any condition to—take advantage.”
“You mistake the situation, Mother,” he saidjust as low. “She will never know my touch. What I will accomplish is exactly what I mean to, her discomfort.”
“I hope not at the expense of your own,” she remarked with meaning.
“You worry for naught. The only thing she tempts me to do is strangle her, which would not be nearly as satisfying as what I intend doing.”
“Which is?”
He grinned at her. “None of your business, Mother.”
At any other time she would have boxed his ears for that answer and he knew it, which was why she laughed and ruffled his hair instead. “Your father and brothers will be up to see you later. After you have finished ‘discomfiting’ the prisoner, get some rest. I will not be gainsaid on what is needful for your recovery.”
“Somehow, I knew that.”
