“Rachelle has her own room?” Henry asked.
“Did you think I locked her in a cell?” Admittedly, he remembered threatening to do so when she’d insulted him.
“I didn’t know what to expect.”
“Tibi seris tibi metis.” This time, Tyr spoke in Latin.As you sow, so shall you reap.
The Saxon smiled ruefully, then raised his cup. “I cannot deny that bit of wisdom.
“Your niece has earned my admiration.” Worry gnawed at Tyr’s gut. The longer she was gone… “Clear the room.” He intended to win this man’s trust in the next few moments. He was the closest thing to a father-in-law he’d ever get.
“Rachelle often refuses to stay where’s she’s told. On more than one occasion, she’s placed herself in danger,” Tyr reported.
“She’s been that way since the day I first met her. Unfortunately, after my young wife died in childbirth, I left England. I wasn’t a part of my niece’s life until after her parents died. I’m afraid I’ve overindulged her. She answered to no one growing up—she ran wild, disappearing for a day at a time.”
“I must find her.” Tyr wouldn’t rest until he did.
Aaron sat ona high stool and crossed his legs. He accepted a cup of wine from Prince Edwin’s hand. The transformation from a stately nobleman attending a feast in Tyr’s great hall to the man that stood before him now was disturbing. The prince seemed overly anxious and unpleasant. Of course, being forced out of ajarl’shall so violently, when you’re the son of the late king, gave this man good reason to be bitter. Aaron hoped Edwin didn’t hold him personally responsible. Surely, he knew how ardently Aaron had pleaded with Tyr on his behalf. Aaron took a sip of his wine and glanced over at Rachelle, who slept peacefully on a pallet in the far corner. Safely delivered as promised.
Edwin drained his cup, slammed it down, then locked gazes with Aaron. “I asked you to bring Lady Rachelle to me,” Edwin said. “Not to deliver her in bonds.” His agitation crested.
At least Aaron knew why he was angry now. The marks on her face and her dirty gown didn’t garner trust. “She ran away. What else could I do?” Aaron leaned back and crossed his arms over his chest.Goddamnit, even bastards expect the impossible.
“Console her. Slowly introduce her to the idea of marriage with me. I didn’t ask you to put the fear of the Almighty in her. Look at her. You’ve passed the whole bloody night alone together—need I ask what else happened?”
A trick question if he’d ever heard one. In truth, Aaron wanted to say he’d tupped her silly, but that would cost him his life. As his captive, he’d done what was necessary to maintain control over the high-spirited lass.
“Everything I did was reasonable. She’s headstrong—has her own idea of the way things should be done. She’s proven to be nothing but trouble for the length of her stay at my cousin’s home. And I assure you, marriage withanyoneis the last thing she wants.”
“If I find out you’ve harmed her—”
“Wake her and ask.” He was tired of accusations.
Edwin grimaced. Color slowly returned to the prince’s face. He shrugged unapologetically and reached inside his pocket for a leather purse. He threw it on the table near Aaron. “Your payment.”
Aaron retrieved it. The weight of the gold felt good in his hand.
“Our business is finished for now,” Edwin said. “The wedding vows will be exchanged tomorrow. I expect you to appear as a witness for my bride. Until then, you’re free to enjoy the comforts of my camp.”
Aaron wished that included Frida’s open arms and legs.
Once the Vikingmade his intention of marriage known to Sir Fiennes, a pledge of cooperation swiftly followed. “I clasp your arm in friendship, Jarl Sigurdsson.”
Satisfied with the arrangement, Tyr excused himself. He went to the courtyard where thirty guards waited. Two thralls handed him his helmet, shield, and sword. “Where is my cousin?” Tyr sheathed his weapon.
“Gone,” a swordsman answered.
“You’ve checked the grounds?”
“Twice.”
He didn’t believe in coincidences.Henry’s words rang strong—his obstinate niece couldn’t be trusted to watch out for herself. What if Aaron…
Suddenly, Onetooth appeared with Frida in tow.
“Let me go, old man!” she screamed, trying to wiggle free.
“Tell thejarlwhere I found you, or I’ll do it myself.”
