Page 2 of Merciful Seduction
Marteinn and her eldest brother, Geilir, had trained her to handle weapons and fight like a common soldier. Both to her detriment and benefit. Few men braved her temper because she was able to spar, but the ones who did, often faced a senseless challenge like this.
Her husband had failed to curb her tongue and obviously encouraged her to continue wearing men’s clothes. In Christian lands, a woman faced severe punishment, even death, for such effrontery.
“Don’t tempt me.” He chuckled. “It’s no longer about right and wrong between us—honor must always prevail. You are married now, and breeding.”
“Then apologize for accusing me of not keeping my word.”
“I cannot do that.” And he wouldn’t. “But I will pledge after today to no longer let my disappointment show.”
“Hardly a consolation,” she said. “Had I known you carried this hatred around, I would have sought a way to make peace with you sooner.”
“Hatred?” That offended him. “I don’t hate you, Kara. I’ve loved you since we were children. How could you ever suspect me of anything less?”
“Because I often encouraged you to find a suitable bride and you never listened. Instead, you waited for me, hoping I’d change my mind. I didn’t. Resentment and hatred are the same, are they not?”
He considered her question. “My feelings run deep. That I cannot deny. But my anger and disappointment are my own burden to deal with. You chose a husband. And may the gods grant you happiness and long life. But if I’m ever to recover, ever to find my place in this world, I must start over, away from the people and places that remind me of you.”
“What are you saying?”
“After I win the competition tonight, you’ll find out.”
She gaped at him. It wasn’t easy to render her speechless.
“I no longer entrust anyone with my secrets.” He thumped his chest with a fist. “Or my heart.”
“I-I …” she started, but stopped short when another woman joined them.
“Kara,” the raven-haired beauty greeted her. “Aren’t we going to have our fortunes told?”
Marteinn stared, unable to look away. She could pass for Kara’s kinswoman.
“I nearly forgot,” Kara said.
“Shall we go now?”
“Immediately.” Kara eyed him. “Can we finish our conversation later?”
He shook his head. “There’s nothing left to discuss, milady. If you attend the feast tonight, you’ll hear my plan.”
She feigned a smile, visibly shaken by his brusque response. “I’ll respect your wish, Marteinn, but I’ll never understand.”
He bowed his head, his gaze wandering back to Kara’s beautiful companion. Did his manhood stir again because of Kara’s close proximity, or did the nameless woman actually inspire him this time? He watched as the two wandered off in the direction of the Saami tents.
He’d bedded many women over the last year, hoping to forget Kara. But it hadn’t worked. Her face haunted his dreams. As loyal as any companion, misery accompanied him wherever he went.
A horn sounded and he eyed the game judge who sat in a crudely constructed tower, affording him a panoramic view of the competition field. He elbowed his way through the throng, stopping near the edge of the lake. The Saami had won and now raised his hands over his head in triumph, his smile further proof of his victory.
“Looking forward to seeing you defeat the foreigner.” A man patted him on the back as he walked by.
“Blessings, Captain Marteinn,” someone else called. “I pray you have a swift victory.”
Although he appreciated the accolades, he couldn’t find it within himself to enjoy the moment, not after speaking with Kara. He trudged away, seeking a vendor who sold strong drink.
Finding one, he dug a pence from his pocket. Served in a wood cup, he greedily sucked the warm mead down and ordered another. It burned a trail to his stomach, leaving his mind numb, but not his blasted heart. Slamming the empty vessel on the rickety table, he grunted in appreciation, then continued to explore.
“Acting with restraint might help ensure your victory, Marteinn.”
Jarl Erik blocked his path. “Milord.” Marteinn bowed. “I didn’t expect to see you at the games today.”
