“What difference would it have made? Your other slaves are Christian and yet they are still slaves.”
“It makes a difference, Kristen. It gives us a common bond, and gives me the leverage I have lacked to deal with you. It gives me something to trust in.”
Her eyes slanted suspiciously. “What are you saying, Saxon?”
“I can accept your word if you will swear in God’s name. Swear you will never try to escape from here, and you will have the same freedom afforded the other servants.”
“No more chains?” she asked incredulously.
“None.”
“Then I swear—”
She stopped herself. This was too fast. She was committing herself without thinking about it first.
“Kristen?”
“God’s teeth!” she snapped. “Give me a moment.”
Never, he had said. Never was forever. What would happen when he no longer wanted her, when he had a wife to see to his needs? She would hate it here then, and no doubt come to hate him, too. And yet by her word she would have to stay here, to go on serving in this hall—forever.
She gave him a level look. He would like that. What did he care for her feelings? But then, he must care something, or he would not be willing to make this bargain with her.
“Very well, milord. I swear in God’s name that I will not try to escape from Wyndhurst—until such time as you marry.” His eyes narrowed, and she added reasonably, “I am sorry to say it, but I do not like your betrothed. I do not think I will be able to tolerate this place once she rules the hall.”
“Done,” he snapped.
“You mean it?” she asked in surprise. “You accept those terms?”
“Aye. ’Twill just mean you will be back in chains at that time.”
She gritted her teeth, chagrined. “So be it. But that is all I will swear to.”
“Nay, you will also swear you will not aid your friends in escape.” He touched a finger to her lips to still her angry cry. “Until such time as I wed.”
“Done!” she retorted bitterly. “But I willnotswear off my vengeance!”
“Nay, I know you will not,” he said regretfully. “Alden is sufficiently recovered to protect himself against you. I will trust in his ability, as long as you do not attack him in his sleep.”
“I seek revenge, not murder,” she replied with contempt.
“Very well. Then I only need warn you that if you do kill Alden, I will be forced to take your life in payment.”
Those were his last words. He walked away, leaving her simmering in exasperation. Somehow she did not feel she had come out the winner in this bargain, either.
Chapter Thirty-five
Royce returned to the hall in the late afternoon after putting his men through strenuous practice on the training field, something they had lacked in the last five days. The hall was back to rights. Tables had been put away during the day, and Darrelle was back to holding court in her sewing area. Darrelle. She had barely spoken to him since it became clear to her that he was sleeping with Kristen.
She was expressing her disapproval in a sulk, which ordinarily would not bother him in the least. But Royce found himself again comparing her with Kristen, who did not sulk, who did not keep her displeasure to herself but voiced it most bluntly. Strange, but the bluntness was not as irritating as getting countless sullen looks over a matter of weeks.
Mayhap he should find Darrelle a husband, despite her adamant insistence that she did not want one.
“Did your sister give particular attention to any of our departed guests?” Royce put the question to Alden.
They sat at the game table, the game in progress one of war strategy. Alden paid scant attention to the question, as it was his turn to deploy his army.
“I have not given it much thought.”
