Page 23

“Come,” she called absent-mindedly, expecting a thrall.

The door opened wide; Marteinn appeared to be drunk.

They stared at each other. “What-what are you doing here?”

“I couldn’t sleep.” He staggered inside uninvited, closing the door.

“Open the door. We can’t get caught in my bedchamber without a chaperone.”

He laughed. “You weren’t concerned about your reputation when you followed me to the woods.”

She sighed, unwilling to explain herself. “A lapse in judgment,” she lied. “It won’t happen again.”

His dark gaze made her feel too vulnerable, stripping her of her dignity and clothes. She shivered, averting her eyes.

“I’ve spent a year suffering in silence—desperate to find something to fill the cracks in my heart.”

His words rendered her defenseless.

“I grew up with Kara …” He sat down on a chair near her bed, staring out the narrow window on the far wall. “Imagine living in a household with two brothers and a sister you knew weren’t really yours. We all pretended I was part of the family, and I even called Jarl Erik father for several years. But once I reached thirteen seasons, it changed. He was my benefactor—my master.”

She nodded, settling on the end of her mattress, observing him with renewed interest.

“I can’t remember the day I fell in love with her. It happened so gradually. And after I reached full manhood, a match between us seemed so natural. I’d won her father’s trust and respect, and some say his heart.”

“I’m sorry.” She wanted to comfort him, despite the jealousy she felt.

He waved his hands. “Tis nothing to apologize for, milady. I opened my heart.”

“You did what anyone would do.”

He gazed at her. “I don’t understand.”

“Without the support of your own kinsmen, you clung to the next closest thing. I, too, grew up without an extended family, having only a mother to love. I sought comfort from Rachelle and her uncle growing up.”

“I’m familiar with your story.”

He’d inquired about her? She didn’t know how to feel about that. Did it mean he cared? “After I arrived in the Trondelag—without a mother and homeless, I found nothing but warmth and kindness. Rachelle helped heal my own broken heart.” She knew she sounded desperate, but she wouldn’t hide her deepest feelings after he’d so bravely opened up to her. “We are cut from the same cloth, Captain Marteinn.”

“Are we?”

“I won’t pretend to not have feelings for you.” She straightened her back, holding her head high. “I’ve spent four years watching everyone around me fall in love or take a lover.”

His dark eyes sparkled. “You chose me?”

Heat flooded her cheeks and nether parts. Having him this close and in her bedchamber alone excited her. “Aye.” Maybe she was asking him for more than he was prepared to give. “But I can’t rid you of your heartache—I’m afraid I’m not a worthy competitor.”

He shifted, resting his chin on his fisted hand. “So, you’ll marry out of duty instead?”

“I’ll do as Rachelle bids me—find a suitable husband before one is selected for me.”

“And if you could have any man you wanted, who would you choose?”

“That’s unfair, Captain. I’ve had no sleep and am not thinking clearly.”

“It’s a simple question.”

For a moment, the world spun slowly around them. She wanted to say his name, but didn’t. “Domarr.”