Calder folds his arms. “Why are you naked?”
“I’m enjoying some time with a lovely lady. We needed a break for mead.” He wags the bottle.
Calder motions from Aura to the man. “Meet Sigvid Thordsson’s daughter.”
Aura extends her hand with a soft smile. “Aura Sigvidsson-Redwood.”
His jaw drops almost comically as he lowers the bottle to cover himself. “Uh, it would have been nice to know you were saving my great niece.” He slowly turns his head toward Calder, gritting his teeth. “And bringing herhere.”
“Briny! You must be Uncle Argnier!” She drinks him in as if he were a rare curiosity. “Father said you disappeared one night and never returned.”
He scrutinizes the floor. “Yes, I traveled the continent until I found the comfort of Coldheart.” His sarcasm nearly oozes onto the floor.
“Why did you never return to Salt?”
“What use was the spare when the heir already had two sons?”
Aura takes a step back, shaking her head slightly. “Grandpapi Thord would never-”
A haunting expression darkens the features of the late King Thord Hilmirsson’s brother, Argnier. “You don’t know my brother and thebullshit I have been through. Please excuse me. I have a nimble woman awaiting my return.” He turns around striding down the corridor, exposing his saggy ass cheeks.
“When did you plan to sharethat?” Her fists shake at her side.
“After we settled in. I had planned a proper introduction.” He drags his hand through what little hair he permits to grow. “You were never meant to meet him naked.”
Aura chews on her lip, and he wonders how much she actually knows of her great-uncle or the unspeakable horrors he suffered under Lavinia.
18
CALDER
September 6th, Year 21, 10th Era
Coldheart Keep, Skalor
Calder drops Freyja in the weapons rack beside the front door of the Keep. There is not enough mead in Skalor to alleviate the growing tension in his upper back.
He removes Aura’sseidrice shackles and then throws more logs on the fire of the main sitting room. He settles into his chair beside the hearth and rests his head along the back.
It took longer than usual for the adrenaline to leave his system. Even now, in the safety of his keep with only his Second nearby, he watches the Princess move with apprehension. He should never have forced her into a position to accept Guy’s offer. Her capture was a result of his dismissal of Isabel and the other Jarls throughout the Conclave.
My role is to be her protector.
As he spreads his legs, he catches her staring. The firelight dances across her form, and every hesitant thought in his mind incinerates as he pats his knee.
“Have a seat, pretty girl.”I cannot stay away from her.
A pink blush spreads over her cheeks, and she looks around, expecting someone to admonish her.
“Last I checked, it was Calder Avardsson, who is Jarl of Kaldrgataness. Sit on my lap, Aura.” He pats his leg again, knowing what she needs to hear from him, but questioning whether he can admit how ingrained she is in his soul.
Indecision wars across her face. Finally, she steps forward and perches on his knee, leaning against him as she places her delicate fingers along his chest. “You said you did not want me,” she whispers.
I know, beautiful girl, and I hate myself for it.
“Do you consider me an honorable man, Princess? A respectable man?” His fingers trace her jawline even as he needs her to turn him away.
She swallows hard. “Yes.”
