Honestly, she was offended.
A part of her was tempted to tell them both to shove it up their hindquarters, but she knew better than to be so stupid. Once word of this spread…
And she was sure her brother would make sure that it did…
She’d be ruined. What Valteri offered her was beyond kind and decent.
He was doing the noble thing.
Even if the tone of his voice equated marrying her to the same level as mucking out a pigsty.
Valteri raked her brother with a warning glare. “No one is to know of this morning. I’ll not have her shamed for what I’ve done. Speak one word and so help me, I will rip out your tongue and serve it to you.”
Smug satisfaction glowed in Belial’s eyes.
And struck a familiar memory.
Only it wasn’t of him.
It was a wolf. A white wolf…
Why?
Belial straightened his tunic with a pert tug. “I won’t have this marriage made in secrecy. For my sister’s sake, I want a banquet and full fanfare.”
Valteri’s jaw tensed. She expected him to resist, or refuse.
But after a momentary pause, he nodded. “I’d have it no other way. She’ll be my wife before all.”
A malicious smile curled Belial’s lips that sent a winter frost against her spine.
“Then her future is now your concern. I charge you take care lest you harm her more than you already have.”
Those strange words hung between them. She knew Belial had a hidden meaning, but she couldn’t think of what it might be.
There’s something you need to remember.…
“I’ll make sure the priest is notified.” Belial laughed before he left them.
Valteri sighed heavily as he faced her. “I didn’t ask you before, milady, but I do so now. Do you wish for marriage… with me?”
She would laugh at the dread tone except she was sure it would offend him. He was such a contradiction of insecure arrogance.
Of cocksure uncertainty.
When it came to her brother and other men… of his place in this world, Valteri never flinched or faltered.
Whenever he drew near her, he was unsure of himself. It was so charming and sweet.
And it sent a wave of tenderness through her. She might not know everything yet, but she trusted him.
“Aye, Lord Valteri. There’s no other I would have.”
Heated fire sparked in his mismatched gaze. “Then you, milady, are a fool.”
His sudden fury surprised her. “I don’t understand.”
With angry jerks, he pulled his tunic over his head. “You’ve tied your fate to a man who’s damned.” He let out a sound of disgust. “I’ll send a messenger to my brother to let him know of this. The hall and lands shall be yours to control so long as you finish and maintain the castle I’ve started. I’ve a few lands in Normandy that will also be yours.”
