Page 20 of Merciful Salvation

“Drit,” she cursed. “Marteinn’s hands never excited me.”

“Watch your wicked little tongue,” Amelia scolded. “You never shared Marteinn’s affection, never desired him.”

“We held hands.” Kara conveniently forgot to tell her about the kiss.

The maid folded her hands over her stomach. “You shouldn’t require further explanation then.”

Defeated, Kara stood, then brushed dirt and grass from her backside. “No. I wouldn’t dream of giving you the opportunity to hear yourself speak again.”

“Irrational creature.” She slapped Kara’s backside playfully. “Make ready to leave, we’re wasting precious daylight.”

By late afternoon, the heat had grown unbearable. Amelia mopped her forehead with the back of her hand as they brought the horses to a slow walk. Wetlands dotted the countryside and Kara searched for a lake in a secluded area to bathe in.

“I can’t remember a hotter spring,” the maid complained.

“Nor I.” Kara searched the horizon. “I’m beginning to think itwould be better to ride at nighttime.”

They traveled a couple more miles and found the perfect place to stop, a pool surrounded by spruce and oak trees. They tethered their horses in the shade. Soft grass and wildflowers carpeted the ground. Kara stripped off her armor, then struggled to unlace her boots and get free of her tight braies. Once she did, she felt as carefree as a wood nymph. Careful to check the area before emerging from cover, she smiled after she confirmed they were indeed alone. Praise the gods. She unpinned her long hair and then stepped out. Amelia spread a blanket on the ground, then unpacked some food.

“Afraid to show yourself to the gods?” Kara taunted.

“Me?” the maid asked, wiggling out of her gown. “If I traipsed naked in front of the same man for eight years without blushing, I think I have the courage to face the gods.”

Kara eyed her admiringly. Tall and thin, Amelia had perfect breasts and finely muscled legs from years of hard work. Why hadn’t she married again? Kara gazed at her own legs. Father called her slender and graceful. She couldn’t disagree more, she felt awkward oftentimes. It didn’t matter if she was wearing silk slippers or leather boots—she’d never feel comfortable in her own skin.

“Are you going to admire yourself or swim?” Amelia called over her shoulder as she headed for the lake.

“Etter at jeg sparke deg i ræva.”

“Catch me first.”

When Kara entered the water, her toes curled. It was freezing. There was a flash of amusement on her companion’s face as her teeth chattered uncontrollably. She swam several yards, then submerged herself, snorting and choking as she resurfaced. Water dribbled down her chin. Amelia wasn’t as adventurous and stayed close to the shoreline. Kara treaded water as she admired the dark woods across the lake. Nothing pleased her more than being outside. Free to explore, free to do as she wanted without her brothers harassing her.She thought she saw movement, but realized it was nothing more than flickering sunlight and shadows. The pleasure of the moment dominated her senses. Nothing could ruin it.

As she floated on her back half dozing, the thundering sound of approaching horses shattered her daydream. She twisted around and searched wildly for Amelia who disappeared into the woods. Kara rushed to reach the shore.

Please . . .

But before her feet hit land, six riders surrounded Amelia, who was now standing at the edge of the forest. Kara froze. She’d stupidly left her weapons by the horses. Now they had no chance of defending themselves or escaping. Two riders dismounted, striding toward her.

“Come out of the water,” the largest demanded.

Unwilling to shame herself by allowing these strangers to see her naked, she crouched in the shallow water. “Turn around first.”

“If you don’t comply, I’ll pluck you out like a wet rat.” There was nothing friendly about this man. His companions chuckled.

Silence ensued as everyone seemed to contemplate Kara’s next move. She’d not risk Amelia’s safety by disobeying. But, what if she could swim to the other side of the lake and find help?Without clothing or money? Never.Swallowing her pride, she looked up. The dark features of the man who demanded she come out scared her.

“Now,” he reminded. “If I wanted to rape you, you’d be on your back by now.”

She was trying not to overthink things, but failing miserably.

“Drit,” he yelled, then rushed her.

The moment his boots hit the lake, Kara filled her mouth with water, then shot up, spitting in his face. “Merciless beast.”

He wiped his cheek, his hot gaze sweeping over her body. She refused to tremble. Animals like him thrived on fear. Without warning, Amelia intervened. She ran to the beach, offering her cloak.

“Put it on and I’ll rip it off you. Do as I bid,now, and get out of thewater.” He glared at Amelia. “You, move.”