“Osana!”
The edge of outrage in Hagona’s voice made Osana scramble to her feet. She could not imagine who was paying her a visit. She kept to herself here in Jedworth, and apart from her visits to the market, she had little to do with folk. She hoped none of the men in town had taken a liking to her from afar and decided to woo her. She did not have the patience for it.
Why can’t Hagona just send them away?
“I’m coming,” she called. Osana left the garlic patch, dusting soil off her hands as she went. A butterfly fluttered past, its red and black wings catching the sunlight. It was a balmy early summer afternoon, the kind that made it hard to believe winter existed. The sun warmed Osana’s back as she made her way around the side of the hall and up the path, past her annex, to the gate.
A group of men on horseback had drawn up on the dirt road outside. Clad in mail and leather, they sat upon heavy horses. One of their number, a man astride a magnificent grey stallion, stood apart from the rest. A thick wolf-pelt cloak hung from broad shoulders. His blond hair glinted in the sunlight.
Osana’s step faltered, and she came to an abrupt halt.Mother Mary … no.
Sensing movement in the garden behind Hagona, the man’s gaze swiveled and came to rest upon Osana.
Heart pounding, she stared back. The devil take him, Aldfrith of Northumbria could still make her feel exposed, like she was standing naked in front of a village of people. Just one look and her knees wobbled beneath her. Those dark blue eyes remained on her as he swung from the saddle. Behind him, Cerdic took the reins of the king’s mount.
Aldfrith moved toward the gate, a hand reaching out to open it.
“Wait there.” Hagona’s voice cracked between them. “I didn’t give you leave to enter my property.”
Aldfrith stopped short, his gaze swiveling to Hagona. The woman stared back, hands on hips, not remotely intimidated.
“I’d rather talk to Osana in private,” he replied.
“You can speak to her here.”
“Hagona,” Osana spoke up, finding her tongue. Clearly, her aunt had no idea whom she was addressing. She risked getting herself in trouble if she was allowed to continue. “It’s alright … I can—”
“I’m not inviting him in,” Hagona shot back. “He can say his piece at the gate.”
Aldfrith’s gaze narrowed, while behind him his men shared dark looks. Cerdic placed a hand upon the hilt of the sword at his side. “Would you deny your king?” the warrior demanded.
Hagona stiffened, her thin face draining of color. When she spoke, her voice came out in a low rasp, as she gazed at the blond stranger before her. “Lord Aldfrith?”
The king nodded, stepping forward and letting himself inside. “Aye … although I’d prefer you kept the news to yourself. The ealdorman doesn’t know I’m here.”
Hagona nodded, suddenly struck mute. Her gaze swiveled from Aldfrith then and shifted to her niece.
Osana saw realization dawn in her aunt’s eyes. Panic flooded through her, making Osana break out in a cold sweat.
Keep a leash on your tongue, she silently begged.He doesn’t know.
Aldfrith entered the garden and strode up the path toward her, ignoring Hagona now. His attention was focused entirely upon Osana. He stopped four feet away, his gaze fixed upon her. “Shall we go inside?”
Osana nodded curtly, not trusting herself to speak, and turned, leading him back down the path to her annex. Stiff backed, she walked past a small herb garden she had recently planted, opened the door, and ducked inside. The smell of pottage greeted them, reminding Osana that she had put her noon meal on to cook before going out into the garden.
“Mind your head,” she instructed, her voice coming out colder and steadier than she had anticipated. Inside, her belly was churning; her heart felt ready to burst from her rib cage, but her voice gave none of that away.
Good. Hold onto your anger. He deserves it.
Aldfrith followed her into the annex, straightened up, and looked around. The space, although neat and clean, was cramped, and she saw the shock in his eyes. “You live in here?”
Osana nodded.
“Why doesn’t your aunt let you stay in her hall?”
“She likes her privacy … and in truth, I prefer these lodgings. As you’ve seen, she has the tongue of an adder.”
His gaze roamed over her face. “Osana,” he said softly. “How have you been?”
