She drew back and slapped his face. “I didn’t give you permission to kiss me.”
“Did I misinterpret your smiles in the great hall?” he asked innocently. “I’ve never been given a more clear invitation.”
She opened, then closed her mouth. “You’re a fool.” She fisted her hands. “Stay away from me.”
He laughed and edged closer. “You speak boldly for a girl only half my age.” For a moment, Aaron thought he saw a flash of amusement in her beautiful eyes.
“How old are you?” She frowned.
“Twenty-six.”
“Thirteen? You think me a foolish girl of thirteen?” Her chin jutted forward.
He chuckled. Why were women obsessed with appearing older when they were younger, and younger when they were older? Pleased to have found a point of contention, he continued teasing. “Maybe fourteen, but not a day older.”
“My father told me what an insolent, blind bastard you are.”
He reacted without thought, grasping her arm. “Didn’t he teach you to respect your elders?”
She thrust her hand on her hip. “My father says respect isn’t given freely.”
Damn him to the lower realms of Hel if her eyes didn’t glow as brightly as the stars. He let her go. “Your sire is wise.”
“I’m glad you’re honorable enough to acknowledge it,” she said, turning to go. “And don’t ever kiss me again.” She left him standing alone.
Kara slammed her bedchamber door.
Shame on her father
. But Jarl McNally had been so arrogant. That was why she’d lashed out. An apology had been on the tip of her tongue. After he’d accused her of flirting and kissed her, well, all her compassion evaporated. Men assumed much when women admired them or even so much as smiled. Why? Did he think her stupid? Still, she’d do nothing to deepen her sire’s displeasure—especially trying to seduce a man at the feast table.
She sat on the edge of her bed. Something about Aaron’s eyes aroused her passion. His smile, laughter, and ferocity. She enjoyed his attention. All the qualities she’d promised herself the man she’d care for must possess. However, she’d never guessed that the man to capture her interest would be a Scotsman . . . and . . . she couldn’t say it . . . didn’t even want to think it.
A Christian.
That undeniable fact turned her stomach like rotten meat. A tingle travelled up her spine. She must understand her father’s mockery better. Of course he’d be opposed to a bloody Christian. The White Christ had done nothing to improve her country. In fact, he’d divided it. North and south. And now, from what she understood, King Olaf wanted to re-unite it.
She surveyed her room. Spend another long night locked away in here or visit the one place she felt completely at ease? Shadows offered no comfort. The stars did. She needed to commune with the gods, seek Allfather’s blessings. Whenever she doubted herself, she sought refuge outdoors. She tensed, then cursed. If her father caught her outside at night, he’d likely take a switch to her backside. He’d shocked and surprised her tonight. His words, his spiteful stare nearly made her cry. And in front of strangers. She swallowed. Some things were more important than her sire’s bullheaded demands. She rose, then walked to the entry. Without further concern for her father’s orders, she opened the door.
Aaron entered the great hall, ignoring the insulting whispers from the crowd. Thoughts of retaliation filled his mind.
Erik acknowledged his presence. “We thought not to see you again.”
“Listen carefully,” Aaron said. “You’ve tormented me enough. If you don’t cooperate, I’ll bring Olaf’s wrath upon you—confiscate your lands and men. Pledge loyalty to the king and I will forget this insult.”
Erik sobered. He scratched his bearded chin, still seated. “Are you in agony, Scotsman?”
Even under threat of severe punishment, this man wouldn’t yield. “Hardly,” Aaron snapped, annoyed with his haughty manner.
“Then scrape your ballocks off the floor, milord. A sense of humor sees a man through hard times.”
“Aye,” Aaron admitted grudgingly. “But such effrontery can get a man killed. We are not intimate friends, Jarl Erik.”
“No.” the elder
nodded. “Nor do I think we ever can be.”
Short on patience, Aaron tapped his foot on the floor. He couldn’t shake the image of Kara revealing her identity, her golden hair tumbling down her back after she removed her helmet. Of course he’d made a fool of himself already. How could he have mistaken a careless girl for a male? He’d deal with those feelings later.
“My conditions have changed,” Aaron added suddenly. “You will pledge three warriors now.”
Erik smiled widely. “Three? What makes you think I won’t kill you first?”
Aaron pounded his fist against his chest. “If that’s your intention, do it now.”
Erik stared at him for a long time, saying nothing. “I told you before, I have no use for a blasted Christian. If I had my way, I’d sacrifice you to Odin. Your blood would greatly benefit King Olaf, even if he doesn’t realize it.”
Aaron snatched a cup of mead off the table, then drank it down. Every instinct told him to strike. Reduce this blustering madman to a pile of shite on the floor. For the second time today, Erik the Bald made sure to publicly disrespect him. Aaron’s eyes were on his. The elder jarl would likely be a formidable adversary in hand-to-hand combat. In fact, he suddenly relished the idea. Heat rose in his cheeks. He’d seldom denied himself the pleasure of a good fight in the past. Especially one he was sure he could win. Bloody Vikings and their king . . . But bloodshed wouldn’t foster cooperation or respect.
Swallow your bitter pride.
He slammed his cup on the table and sighed, again holding his temper back. “My faith has nothing to do with this, Jarl Erik. You specifically told me you’ve served with men from all backgrounds. Put aside your disdain for me and honor the king. Be the first jarl
to take a stand against any man who undermines the king’s efforts to solidify our nation.”
“Before any decision is made,” Erik said, “perhaps you’d like to prove yourself as a leader. Accept a challenge from my captain. Since we’re all sure of
your
sex, there won’t be any special allowances made.”
Laughter from the crowd deepened Aaron’s rage. He rested his right hand on the hilt of his sword. Sometimes unexpected blessings came at the most interesting time. He couldn’t turn down a chance to recover his honor. “Name your agent.”
“Marteinn.” Erik’s wolfish grin made Aaron’s blood boil.
Why not his son, Gunter? Or Erik himself? By selecting someone outside his family, the jarl silently flung another insult at him. But, he’d not complain. Marteinn strode to the center of the hall, his sword already in hand.
“First blood wins,” Erik declared.
“Are you in need of training?” Marteinn taunted. “Shall I fight with one hand tied behind my back?” He tossed his sword between his hands. Grinning, he tucked his left arm at his side.
“You.” Aaron focused on him. “You will pay for this.”
Back and forth across the room they moved, slashing violently, swords locked and then released. Aaron gained ground first, driving his opponent to the wall. Then Marteinn landed such a powerful blow it numbed his arm. Aaron shook his head. Sweat ran down his face. The captain forced him backward a few feet, hacking wildly. Aaron recovered, jabbing his opponent’s gut, feeling resistance. Although the tip of his sword left a hole in his shirt, there was no blood. Aaron gnashed his teeth. Cheat. The bastard had to be wearing a metal plate. Erik the Bald had no intention of making this a fair match.
Unwilling to end the fight, Aaron propelled forward, pinning Marteinn against the wall. He shoved his knee between the captain’s legs, grabbed a fistful of his shirt, and dropped his blade. “Evenly matched?” He punched Marteinn in the stomach, his knuckles meeting metal. “Well, milord?” he called over his shoulder. “You’ve placed me in a precarious position. Shall I tell you how we deal with dishonest men in the field?” He’d not be played a second time.
“My captain doesn’t question my orders,” Erik said. “Direct your hostilities at me.”
Aaron considered his words while staring into Marteinn’s dark eyes. No fear showed on his face. “Get out of my sight,” Aaron spit, releasing him.
Marteinn straightened his tunic, then sheathed his weapon. “I apologize—”
“It means nothing.” Aaron turned his back on him and glared at Erik. “The game is over.”
“Make no mistake.” The jarl stood. “Anything I choose has nothing to do with you, Jarl McNally. You were little more than a worm inside your mother’s womb when I commanded King Hardrada’s army. I know what it means to devote my life to this country—to Odin—to my brethren whose sons were lost—whose mothers still shed tears whenever they remember what they’ve sacrificed. I’ve professed my loyalty. You’ll get your conscripts.”
“At what cost?” Aaron asked as he circled the high table. He’d held his tongue on more than one occasion tonight. Given up his honor to placate an intolerant old fool. It wouldn’t happen again. He stood next to Gunter now. “Move your chair aside.”
Gunter gazed at his father, then back at Aaron. “No.”
Aaron growled and kicked Gunter’s chair. The frame splintered and he tumbled to the floor. Pulling a knife from his boot, he straddled the jarl’s errant son. He held the blade to Gunter’s neck. “First blood wins?”
Gasps of shock sounded.
“Tell me what I should do, Jarl Erik . . .” Aaron pierced Gunter’s flesh, drawing blood. “My victory is official now.”
“Hold off. Let my son go.”
“And risk being made a fool of again?”
Kill him.
It took every bit of forbearance he possessed to keep from fully sinking the blade into Gunter’s body.
“Forgive my insolence, Jarl McNally. By dishonoring you, I’ve insulted the king.”
“Do you think I’d call you a coward for protecting your son? For showing fear at this moment?”
“No.”
“Am I a coward for enduring your insults?”
“No.”
“Speak your oath, praise King Olaf—recognize my authority.”
“In Odin’s name, I pledge fealty to our king and will meet your demands without question.”
Aaron grunted, withdrawing his knife. “I’m glad we’ve reached an understanding.” he said. “I expect to see your men assembled and ready to ride by sunrise.”
“I’ll need an extra day to make preparations,” Erik added. “I’m going with you.”
Aaron wiped his blade on his breeches, then sheathed it. Why would the jarl travel with him? “Perhaps we should speak alone.”
Erik gestured for Aaron to follow him to his solar. The elder scratched his head. “Peace between pagans and Christians . . .” His deep-set eyes met Aaron’s. “You’re a dreamer. And a bloody Scotsman.”
“My birth is of no importance. I follow orders.”
“Aye.” Erik took a swig of wine from a cup on his desk. “I bear you no malice as a servant to the king. Olaf is methodical, and may be a capable ruler someday. Until the kingdom is at peace, I’ll be watching.”
“Goddamnit, Erik.” The man was relentless—just when he believed things were reasonably settled. “How long will you seek to keep this kingdom divided? Men of influence should rally around Olaf. Whether you wear Thor’s hammer or the cross, that shouldn’t determine the country’s future—not now.”
Erik’s heavy brows rose. “It matters greatly.”
“To whom?”
“The gods.”
Aaron despised fear mongers. The war had crippled Norway, robbed the younger generation of hope. Only unity could heal this country. “Where are the gods now?” Aaron looked about the tent. “Who is here? Two men, flesh and bone and blood.”
“And
where
is our young king? Sitting on his cushioned throne in Oslo. Instead of showing his face, he sends an outlander to convey his demands.”
Aaron fisted his hands at his sides. Silence hovered between them. This was no longer a conversation, but a pissing match. Erik wanted to intimidate him, not support the crown. The old man despised Aaron’s past and would use it as leverage against him if he could. His mouth sagged in disappointment.
“Remember my original thoughts, Jarl McNally? If I divulge your past to the young men outside, they’ll resist you.”
“Aye.” Aaron couldn’t deny it. “But I’ll offer your bloody head on a pike as a deterrent for future disobedience if you do.”
Men with extensive assets could afford to be critics. Erik’s title, wealth, and
comitatus
offered him protection
.
The boys Aaron recruited were vulnerable, easily manipulated by whatever politics dominated the moment.
“Perhaps you will.” Erik gulped his wine like water. “All men, free or thrall, deserve truth. Your character will be revealed soon enough.”
Infuriated by his sudden change in attitude, Aaron shook his head. “Is your disapproval solely based on my behavior with my cousin? If so, I was punished and have since repaid my debt. How can you judge me when you too are a deceiver?”
Erik pounded his hands on the desk. “Dressing my daughter in armor to make a fool out of you doesn’t compare to your misdeeds.”
“A liar is a liar—the sum of your flawed philosophy. Men can’t change, milord, isn’t that how you feel?”
“My actions were meant to humiliate, not destroy you.”
Aaron turned his back. Hatred had dominated his life four years ago. He’d been driven mad by it. Damn his past. “I cannot deny it.” He faced his accuser again. “You eagerly remind me of my faults. And I have no defense. All of it is true.”
Erik seemed to be reassessing him. “Few men own their crimes so easily.”
“Does it make any difference?”
“Maybe.” Erik stood, then paced. “My daughter—”
The thought of her made Aaron’s loins ache.
“We need not discuss her.”
“Why? She played a large part in my deception, as you call it.”
“She’s blameless.”
Erik blinked. “If you do not wish me to offer an explanation, what do you want from me?”
“Nothing.”
The look Erik gave him made him think the jarl didn’t believe him. “You scrutinize everything I say.” If that was the kind of relationship the two of them were destined to have, he might as well ask for more support. “Pledge more men.” He didn’t feel guilty for asking now.