“How long will you be in this part of the country?” she asked.
“I’ll stay until I prove myself to these hardened warriors.”
“It seems we are both in need of a little hope to see us through our troubles.”
Hugging her with his gaze, he asked, “How did you become a guest in this house?”
A question she wasn’t sure she should answer. Knowing thejarlwas monitoring their conversation, she looked up. The jealousy in Tyr’s eyes made her nervous. Surely, he didn’t care if she told the truth. Her family history had been made public. Why not her misadventures with Tyr? “Jarl Sigurdsson found me on the battlefield near York.”
“Found you?” Edwin repeated. “And what was a frail creature like you doing out there? Where’s your father? Does he know you’re here?”
Tears formed in her eyes. She leaned forward, then touched Edwin’s arm. “My sire is long dead, sir.”
The prince snatched her hand, then squeezed it. “Who takes care of you?”
His touch didn’t bother her. Those dark consoling eyes had a peculiar effect. It must be more than the mere fact they both lost their sires. Perhaps this man had the same gentle spirit as Onetooth. Naturally, she’d be drawn to that type of character.
Rachelle could feel the unease rising around her. Although she spoke softly, she knew Tyr overheard everything. The more information she volunteered, the more flustered he became. She didn’t care. Tyr had assumed responsibility for her without seeking her approval.
Eyes narrowing, she wondered if his duties included telling her whom she could form friendships with.So this is how a man reacts when he feels threatened by another.Sexual attraction existed between them. That teasing rogue made sure she didn’t forget it. Surely, he didn’t consider Prince Edwin a rival. These two men differed in every possible way. Thejarlexpressed himself through brutality. Edwin communicated on such a higher level, relying on intelligence and grace.
“I’m afraid I cannot answer that question directly,” she said solemnly. “After my parents died, my uncle assumed responsibility for me. I haven’t seen or heard from him since the war ended. I fear the worst.”
The prince seemed genuinely concerned. He released her hand, then leaned back in his chair. “I’m sure Jarl Sigurdsson felt mightily compelled to provide protection for you once he learned of your unfortunate circumstances.” Turning to Tyr, hecontinued, “I now have a deeper understanding and respect for you. I didn’t realize how gallant you truly are.”
The compliment was met with a moment of total silence as Tyr leveled his stare at the prince. “Save your praise for someone more gullible,” he snarled.
Rachelle gasped. Why in God’s name would he show contempt for a nobleman? Such mood swings. Tyr drained his cup, then poured another serving of wine.
“I apologize for any misunderstanding,” Edwin said.
Tyr waved him off.
“Shall we concentrate on the purpose of my visit?” the prince asked. “Although Rachelle is a pleasant diversion, there is the matter of recording your account of what happened—”
“If Magnus requires a full report, I’ll pen it myself and have one of my captains deliver it posthaste.”
“Jarl Sigurdsson,” Edwin addressed him sincerely. “I understand the delicate nature of all this. Believe me. My father is dead. My brother intends to find out what went wrong. His order supersedes all else. Perhaps if I spent the night, we could revisit the subject in the morning.”
Tyr bellowed with laughter. “That’s not going to happen.”
Chapter Nine
Denied
At times, Tyrfound it difficult to control his aggression. Tonight, his hospitality ended at the feast table. Honorary guest—a damn shame to waste those words on a man as slippery as a snake. Prince Edwin masked his true intentions for spending the night. The knave wanted to stay close to Rachelle, nothing more.
“Have I done something to offend you, Jarl Sigurdsson?” Edwin asked pointedly.
On too many levels to count.He probed the man’s features. “That depends on your perspective,” Tyr answered. He was under no obligation to treat this man any differently than one of his own tenants. He’d remain civil for now. “I’m overly tired. Return tomorrow night, we’ll deliberate further.”
That seemed to satisfy Edwin. He wiped his face with a napkin, then dropped it on the table. Turning to Rachelle, he said, “The privilege has been mine.” Standing, he claimed her hand and pressed a lingering kiss on her palm.
Tyr smirked. If he had a say in it, that half-blood would be the last man allowed to touch his woman.If she were mine. After watching them say goodbye, it made him desperate to get Rachelle alone. She’d flatly rejected him before. Would it be the same again? He couldn’t read her—not like other women. Still, he had a sick feeling in his gut. The prince had made a lasting impression. And why not? Tyr had isolated her after their fight.Latching on to the elegant bastard seemed quite natural for a woman who felt slighted.
Tossing back another serving of wine, he grinned as Edwin and his entourage exited the hall. Finally, he’d get that clever slip of a girl alone. Raw desire wreaked havoc inside him. Only somewhere private would serve his need.
“Will you walk with me?” he asked.
