“A halfling, Prince Edwin.” Tyr responded.
A prince… She should be relieved to be in the company of someone so civilized. This place could use a bit of refinement. And how clever of Tyr to figure out her parentage without asking. She frowned at him again.
“Jarl, you continue to impress—such diversity in your household.” Edwin complimented.
“This woman’s father was a simple gentleman. It’s through her father and mother’s lineages that we discovered herwellbornNorman blood.”
Tyr’s caustic tone, along with every word he spoke, hurt to the core. Her eyes burned, but she refused to give in.
“Sit with me, Lady Rachelle. We shall enjoy this meal together.” Edwin saved her.
A thrall immediately responded to his invitation by placing a chair next to the prince. Rachelle didn’t bother seeking Tyr’s approval. She stepped onto the dais, then passed between Edwin and Aaron. Edwin rewarded her with a dazzling smile, took her hand, and brushed a soft kiss across her knuckles.
“I look forward to getting to know you, sir,” she said with as much flare as she could muster. “Meaningful conversation and a good meal is a most welcome change.”
Bastard, you mean… Tyr focused on the largest fireplace across the room. He didn’t like being reminded of his mistakes with Rachelle. Overhearing every falsehood Edwin whispered set his blood on fire. What a preening rooster—fatherless weasel.
Of all nights, why did she choose this one to disobey him?
The prince’s pomposity continued. “I’ll provide an escort and give you a personal tour of the countryside.”
Over my dead body. “The lady stays here.” Edwin’s ridiculous suggestion needed to be curtailed before it went any further.
The nobleman frowned.
“I have yet to earn my host’s complete trust,” Rachelle explained.
Edwin’s dark brows slanted. “How could that be?”
Tyr was beginning to despise the man. “She’s a quarrelsome wench.”
“What if I personally guarantee the maid’s safety?”
As persistent as any pestilence. Tyr shook his head vigorously.
“Perhaps we can discuss this another time,” the prince persevered. “There are other issues of importance we need to focus on, Jarl Sigurdsson. If you’ll reconsider supporting me, and make a public oath that you recognize me as one of my late father’s legitimate heirs, I promise to increase your holdings. As you know, my mother’s family hails from this region, less than a day’s journey northward. We are connected by more than just duty, we are brothers.”
“Andsisters,” Rachelle added.
Tyr sucked in his laughter when he realized Edwin had missed her sardonic tone. Exchanging a quick smile with her, Tyr’s heart cheered at her audacity.
“Yes.” The prince patted her hand. “Women are welcome, too. Anyone from the Trondelag who endorses me will find favor in my eyes. My beloved father misjudged the intentions of the northern lords. These aren’t barren lands. Odin’s spirit is alive everywhere I go.”
“But you’re a Christian,” Rachelle suggested with surprise.
“I’m open-minded, dear,” Edwin boasted. “And prepared to share my lands with anyone who seeks sanctuary here. I’ll ask very little in return.”
“With the exception of our money,” Onetooth blurted.
That raised enough laughter from the lower tables to cause the prince’s face to flush. He deserved it. Tyr knew he’d never traveled farther than Oslo in his pathetic forty years of pampered life. No king allowed his bastards to be seen. “Forgive my captain, his prejudices parallel your father’s.”
“Aye.” Edwin acknowledged. “It will take time and patience to reverse the damage done by such misconceptions.”
Tyr would expose this fool’s treachery. If he guessed correctly, as soon as Edwin had received the news of his father’sdemise, he’d raced to Oslo to reunite with his half-brother. Norwegian law didn’t specify standards for the maintenance of illegitimate children. Hardrada’s holdings were considered a private estate. How he divided his wealth amongst his vassals was his choice. Instead of deflating Edwin’s ambitions, Magnus must have seen a strategic use for him. Appoint him as an honorary minister and send him on his way. Out of sight, off his mind, and out of his way.
Now, the ingrate was abusing his newly forged alliance to rally support for a claim on the throne. Not a bloody chance in Hel. If Norway was divided into thirds, it would cripple the country. Hiding his true feelings, Tyr raised his goblet in salute. “To our distinguished guest…”
For a moment,Rachelle thought she detected a hint of sarcasm in Tyr’s voice. It seemed odd to her that he offered a toast. He obviously didn’t care for the opinions or presence of Edwin. She shifted her hips, sitting at an angle where she could give her full attention to the prince, while keeping an eye on Tyr at the same time. She began a new conversation with the prince.
