“Your acumen is already legendary in the Trondelag. And I think I am the man to put your wit to better use.”
Mere feet away from her now, Noelle knew what would come next. She spun and ran across the room. She reached for the door latch. But Sveinn’s enormous paw slapped her hand away from the lock. Noelle braced herself against the door and let her forehead rest on the textured panel.
“What a tangled web Randvior weaves with you.” He kept his hand on the door.
Noelle raised her gaze. She needed to draw a line in the sand before this man forced her to do something she’d regret for the rest of her life.
She stared him down, wishing her eyes were daggers. “How dare you attack this household and murder two innocent men. Did you think I’d be impressed?”
Sveinn’s dark laughter made her sick. He cuffed her cheek. “I will not tolerate backtalk. I’m not a spineless fool. Your former master indulged you too much.”
She rubbed her cheek, then lowered her gaze and blinked.
Three men, dressed in armor and carrying weapons, entered the hall. Dressed for battle. She knew she better cooperate to safeguard Aud’s family.
“Ready the horses.”
The guards bowed and departed.
Sveinn moved closer. “I’ve come here to make you a legitimate offer, to present my bride price and take you toIreland where we’ll be married in the Church. A ship will meet us within a week.”
Noelle’s mouth dropped open, flabbergasted by his suggestion.
“I think I’d rather die.” She backed away. “I am already promised to Randvior.”
“Only after I mademyintentions known. Jarl Randvior made no public announcement of your engagement until after he caught us in the bathhouse together.”
“But, but…” Tongue-tied, Noelle hunched as if she’d been whipped mercilessly. “I don’t want to marry you!”
“Thejarl’shesitation is my advantage. The law will surely recognize my claim over his. By the time the Thing convenes in spring, we will have shared a bed for months and no man will be able to challenge me. Especially if my child is growing inside you.” He touched her stomach.
“My father would never approve.”
What had she done to deserve this punishment? Yes, she encouraged the oaf for half a minute with a smile. Nothing more.
“If protecting the purity of your bloodline is your concern, fear not, my pedigree is more impressive than Randvior’s. My mother is a Conant, born of Irish and Scot nobility.”
She inhaled swiftly, head swimming. “Randvior is still my legal guardian.”
“Aye.” He reached inside his cloak and produced a coin bag, tossed it carelessly on a nearby side table. “And I would never consider taking another man’s property without compensation. There’s enough gold in that purse for thejarlto procure two brides. I believe Lauga was in the middle of negotiations for one before you arrived. She will be pleased to find her only son free to marry again.”
Now he latched onto her, running his fingernails suggestively up her arm. Her eyes widened and she pushed him away. She couldn’t think clearly with him breathing down her neck.
“Time is short,” he warned. “If you try to escape again I will be forced to tie you up and it will be an uncomfortable ride splayed across my saddle. Come now,” he spoke gently. “Gather your belongings and dress as warmly as possible. We have many miles to ride.”
“We can’t leave Aud’s family.”
“Don’t worry. If his daughters work the bindings hard enough for a few hours they’ll be free.”
“What about Randvior?”
“Proper arrangements have been made. I’ve been planning this for weeks, Noelle, and only needed the right opportunity to act.”
“How did you know I was here?”
He grinned and pushed her toward the bedchamber. “Spies are everywhere.”
Chapter Sixteen
