Sold to the Viking Warrior Page 18

  ‘But you are going. Soon.’

  ‘It needs to be done. Aedan mac Connall’s men have been fishing where they shouldn’t be. He needs to understand where the limits lie.’ The half-truth made his guts churn, but too many people could hear. There had been an incident yesterday, but that was an excuse. The king of cennell Loairn wanted to speak to him.

  ‘Pure provocation. Ignore it. He is simply annoyed you refused his offer of gold.’

  ‘I will not have him encroaching on my territory. He needs to learn a lesson.’ He rubbed the back of his neck. ‘I thought you had no desire to go there. You said as much the other night. I want to go quickly.’

  ‘I have the right to change my mind. Now that you are actually going.’ She drew her upper lip between her teeth. ‘Now that things are changing.’

  Sigurd’s heart twisted. He wanted to take that terrible sadness away. He’d hurt her and it pained him worse than he thought it would.

  He motioned to his men who disappeared, leaving them alone.

  He pushed the hair from her forehead. ‘Tell me the truth. What made you change your mind? Tell me that and I will let you go to Kintra with me, but I want the truth.’

  She broke away from him. ‘I understand we are preparing for a guest who will arrive on the next tide.’

  ‘Which guest?’

  Liddy hid her face in her shoulder. ‘Beyla, your first love. The woman you are planning on marrying. The woman you were involved with when your father died.’

  Sigurd silently cursed. He never considered that Liddy would believe the rumours or would take them seriously. ‘Hring has been spreading rumours. Don’t you think I would know if I was planning to marry? He also proposed an alliance with his daughter, Ragnhild. Did you hear that rumour as well? Who else is in the running?’

  She gave a hollow laugh. ‘You would know that better than me. Apparently your brother was like this when his eye began to roam.’

  Sigurd winced as the barb hit home. ‘I didn’t think it important. I am content with the woman I have.’

  ‘You should have told me about Beyla’s expected arrival. I deserved to know. You sent for her. You kept her hidden. Why?’

  Her words struck him harder than any blow from a sword. It was his way to keep things contained and separate. He realised that he wanted Liddy in every part of his life, but he also wanted to protect her. Liddy would play no part in his scheme to expose Thorbin’s treachery through his wife. She’d done enough. ‘Beyla deserved to know of the manner of her husband’s death.’

  ‘You intend to marry her. They say she is beautiful.’

  He reached out and gathered her to his chest. She stood stiffly rather than melting against him. ‘You do me a disservice. Beyla belongs to my long-past youth. My mother had hopes for our marriage, but they never happened. Beyla chose someone else. I have a new life.’

  ‘Then you don’t deny it?’

  Sigurd winced. He knew unless he gave something, he’d lose her and a world without Liddy at the moment was unthinkable. It also frightened him that he could even think that. ‘I’m not my brother, Liddy.’

  ‘What is that supposed to mean?’ Her anger was palpable.

  ‘Whatever happens between us, I will see you safe and protected. I have never sacrificed my mistresses to the gods and I am not about to start with you.’

  Her face became like thunder and he knew he had not said it right. His feelings for Liddy were far too new and raw. He cared for her more than he’d cared for any other woman, but he had no idea about her feelings for him.

  ‘What is Beyla to you exactly? I deserve that.’

  Sigurd stared at the ground for a long time. He owed Liddy something. He had shut her out, hoping to keep his heart whole, but he didn’t want that.

  ‘Beyla and I once were lovers. We had dreams,’ he said, choosing his words with care. ‘I offered to marry her, but she chose a safer option. I have spent the last seven years hating her. I’ve no wish to marry her, let alone bed her. She has a son which Thorbin claimed could have been mine.’

  Instead of clearing, Liddy’s face became paler. ‘You had best tell me the full story. What precisely is this woman to you?’

  Sigurd rapidly began to relate the tale of how he had fallen for Beyla, the only child of the jaarl in the next estate. His mother had seen them together and had encouraged the match. Beyla seemed to return his feelings. He had asked her to come away with him and make a new life. She kept giving excuses and reasons why they should stay. His mother counselled patience as Beyla’s love could be seen in her face.

  On the night his father died, Sigurd had discovered Thorbin and Beyla together, locked in an intimate embrace. Beyla had attempted to make excuses, but Sigurd had known what passed between them.

  His mother continued to believe that Beyla would follow her heart. She agreed to be sacrificed on the condition that Sigurd be allowed to have his inheritance. She had died, believing that true love would out. Then Sigurd had received a summons from Beyla to their secret place, only to be confronted by Thorbin and his followers who beat him up. Beyla found him and led him to safety. Later he discovered she had left him food, his father’s second sword and a bow and arrow.

  ‘Beyla made her choice. She wanted riches and an easy life. Any child she has will be tied to Thorbin’s fate, not mine.’

  ‘Even if this child is innocent?’

  ‘It is the way of my people.’

  ‘Perhaps that way should be changed.’

  Sigurd slammed the door on the memory. However, the terrible ache that had always been there when he thought of that time had vanished to next to nothing. It was more a ghost from the past. ‘I vowed the next time I saw her again—I would be a great warrior. My fame would eclipse both Thorbin’s and my father’s.’

  Liddy’s eyes grew thoughtful. ‘Did you invite her?’

  ‘In a manner of speaking,’ Sigurd admitted.

  ‘You don’t know women very well, do you?’

  ‘Normally I am busy with other things.’ Sigurd rubbed a hand across his face. ‘You are the first woman I’d consider a friend since Beyla tore at my heart.’

  ‘A friend? Only a friend.’ Liddy broke away from him. Her chest heaved as she bowed her head.

  ‘What would you call us?’ he asked, perplexed. He had just admitted that he cared about her.

  ‘Lovers, for a start.’

  Sigurd inwardly winced. ‘You are more than a bed-mate.’

  The tension in Liddy’s face eased slightly. ‘I see.’

  Sigurd ran his hand through his hair. He hoped she did.

  ‘Do you still want to go to Kintra? Or were you merely trying to escape from Beyla?’

  ‘I’m through with allowing Brandon or Aedan to dictate my moves.’ Liddy straightened her shoulders and lifted her head. ‘I will travel on the sea. I can do it. Aedan needs to understand that I am wise to his tricks. He means to make you another offer for me.’

  Sigurd wanted to take her in his arms and whisper that he was frightened of losing her, but that would have revealed too much. ‘Why would I accept it?’

  ‘Good.’ She raised her chin and stuck out her hand. ‘Now will you give me your word?’

  ‘My word for what?’

  ‘That you will keep the peace and will not provoke a fight with Aedan. Let me speak with him first. I can stop him from doing something that everyone will regret.’

  The muscles in his shoulders tightened. ‘What sort of man is Aedan?’

  ‘He was kind to me once. He made sure Coll could stay with me when I first married, when Brandon would have sent him away.’ She gave a half-shrug. ‘He is a man of honour, but he can be reckless. He will have done this to get your attention. He wants you to meet him, but the people of Kintra can’t afford a war with you.’ />
  He stroked his chin and beat back the twinge of jealousy. Despite how they had treated her, Liddy remained loyal to Kintra and its people.

  ‘For the gift of the dog, I will not provoke him and I will hope that I do not have to raise my sword.’

  She did not answer his smile. ‘I pray you don’t as well.’

  Sigurd fought against the urge to enfold her in his arms and beg her not to go. He had a bad feeling about this, the same sort of feeling he had had before his mother died...for nothing but an empty dream.

  Chapter Twelve

  ‘Are you sure that boat is safe?’ A knot had developed in the pit of her stomach. It was one thing to agree to go by boat and another to actually do it. The breeze had whipped the normally still loch into white-capped waves. She couldn’t help remembering how the boat had rocked just before it tumbled over. ‘The sea appears rough today. Is there another way?’

  ‘It is the quickest way. And I had not expected you to go.’

  ‘I want to go.’ Liddy swallowed hard. ‘But is it the right way? Are you just playing into Aedan’s hands?’

  ‘What do you suggest?’

  ‘We could walk—less confrontational. Aedan will have his men in place for a sea battle.’ Liddy waited, her heart thumping. But more than that the success of her plan needed her to be outside where she could see Aedan and stop any problems before they started.

  Sigurd shook his head. ‘Impossible. I want to go across to the island at a quicker pace.’

  She clamped her hands together and regarded the sea once more. ‘I haven’t been in a boat since Keita and Gilbreath died. Somehow it doesn’t feel right to use one to visit their graves. I thought I could, but I can’t. I am begging you not to leave me behind.’

  Sigurd lowered his brows. ‘Do you always argue back?’

  ‘One of my worst faults. What can I say? I like getting the last word in.’ Liddy breathed a little easier.

  ‘But why walk? You can ride with me. You have done that before.’

  Liddy examined the ground. ‘I am not sure what my brother-in-law’s reaction to that would be.’

  ‘It is hardly a secret that you are now my mistress. Are you becoming shy suddenly? Do you actually care about what Aedan thinks of you?’

  Liddy shook her head. She did want a little more time of being close to Sigurd, but confessing that she knew their time was ending was impossible. As long as there was the slimmest chance, they could be together, she wanted to forget about what the future might bring. ‘As it is the best way to get there, I accept your offer.’

  He burst out laughing.

  Liddy pressed her lips together. ‘What is wrong? What have I done to amuse you?’

  ‘The joke is on me. I thought perhaps the offer to ride with me would offend you. I love to see your eyes flash. It is getting harder.’

  Love—the word made her heart turn over. She loved Sigurd and she had no idea of his true feelings for her.

  ‘Once it would have,’ Liddy admitted. ‘But if it is the next quickest way after sailing, then I will take it. It will be intriguing.’

  ‘You are unlike any woman I have ever met.’

  ‘A compliment, I think. Then shall we share a horse?’

  ‘Much as I might like it, I have a better idea as I have no wish to offend your brother-in-law. And I’ve no wish to overtax Floki.’

  ‘A better one?’

  ‘I have a horse, a sturdy mare, for you if you can ride.’ He motioned to one of his men who went to the stable and returned with a sweet-faced mare.

  The horse was sturdy and definitely not as high spirited as the stallion Sigurd favoured, but Liddy loved her instantly. Liddy held out her hand and the mare’s ears twitched forward as she nuzzled it.

  ‘Next time,’ Liddy quietly promised her, ‘I will bring you a bit of carrot to munch on.’

  The mare lowered her head slightly.

  ‘Does she have a name?’

  ‘You can name her. I purchased her earlier for you.’

  Liddy tilted her head to one side. ‘To keep?’

  ‘You will need a horse to ride if we are to travel the island together. I had remembered about you being wary of boats.’ He gave a crooked smile. ‘I was going to give her to you when I returned from Kintra.’

  Liddy threw her arms about Sigurd, burying her face against his shoulder and breathing in his masculine scent. She made a memory.

  ‘What’s the matter?’

  When she trusted her voice, she raised her head and discovered that he was regarding her with such tenderness that she wondered how she’d ever doubted that he had a heart.

  ‘It has been a long time since anyone has given me such a wonderful gift. I shall treasure her always.’ She gave the mare another stroke. ‘I will name her Hope, because it is always good to have hope in your life.’

  He frowned. ‘Where is Coll?’

  ‘I left him in our chamber with a bone. He doesn’t feel the need to be my shadow so much these days.’ She put her arms about her waist. If Coll wasn’t there, Aedan would be more inclined to let her return with Sigurd. He knew her fondness for the dog.

  Sigurd gave a little smile. ‘Perhaps he trusts me to look after you.’

  ‘Perhaps.’ She smiled. It was a pity dogs, even wolfhounds, had no real concept of the realities of life. Coll might trust Sigurd, but Sigurd needed a wife with a dowry if he failed to find the missing gold. ‘They say you never forget how to ride.

  ‘My men and I are at your disposal.’

  ‘Your men?’ Liddy concentrated on the ground, all the pleasure in her new gift vanishing. The way Sigurd said it, he made it sound like an invasion force. ‘How many are you bringing?’

  ‘Enough. Aedan mac Connall needs to understand that while I may not be ruthless like Thorbin, I am far from weak. He caught my attention this once, he should not do so again. You will remain my woman. I protect my own.’

  Liddy’s heart thudded. Sigurd had called her his woman. She had to be careful. It wasn’t a declaration of love or marriage. ‘Your woman?’

  ‘It is what others call you. I want to banish those clouds from your eyes, Liddy.’

  She blinked rapidly. Her heart wanted to believe that he had feelings for her but her head kept saying that she’d been wrong once. ‘You already have.’

  * * *

  Shortly before they arrived on Kintra’s lands, Sigurd stopped his horse and slid off. The seven bodyguards did the same.

  ‘Is there a problem?’ she asked, pulling Hope to a halt. The horse was sturdy, she moved well and Liddy had found it easy to keep up.

  Her feelings of foreboding had grown throughout the journey. She had tried to talk to Sigurd, but he seemed distracted. She couldn’t help thinking that he had another motive for going out to Kintra, something that was linked to Beyla’s expected arrival.

  ‘You may get down now. We will all walk. It will be safer that way.’

  He held out his hands and she slid into them. The strong arms enfolded her for an instant. She stepped away.

  Liddy gave him a grateful glance. ‘Thank you.’

  ‘For what? It is easier to fight if I am off the horse.’

  ‘It won’t come to that. Aedan will understand that I want to visit my children’s graves. He told me that I always could. You can speak to him about the incursion after that. Once he meets you, he will understand.’

  Liddy stared at the small plume of smoke which rose from Kintra’s hall. The way Aedan had said it when they parted had shown that it was more out of duty than out of any real expectation that she would. The things they had said to each other probably could not be unsaid. There was little point in explaining this to Sigurd, though, as he would only get defensive.

  Sigurd inclined his head. ‘I
shall be interested to see if he is a man of his word.’

  Liddy put her hand on his sleeve. ‘Allow me to speak to Aedan before you start making threats. He reacts badly to threats. I swear he has a worse temper than his brother.’

  ‘I never threaten. I deliver on my promises. And no one will be allowed to insult you.’

  Liddy’s stomach tightened. The last thing she wanted to be was a pretext for war. ‘Allow me to speak first. Let Aedan prove that he is a man of honour. He won’t know you can speak Gaelic. You can listen and learn the measure of the man.’

  Sigurd gave a half-smile. ‘I’m sure everyone knows by now. There is no such thing as a secret on this island.’

  ‘Aedan will discount it. It is the way he is. He thinks all Northmen are brutes who steal women and hang them when they have no further use for them.’

  ‘Too proud to believe that someone could learn his language? Is it any wonder that the Gaels failed?’

  ‘If you wish to lose your advantage, it is up to you.’ Liddy patted Hope’s neck. She’d been right to come. ‘I’m trying to help.’

  ‘Very well, Liddy, who am I to deny you? You may speak first as you know your brother-in-law, but remember I can understand what you are saying as well.’

  Liddy’s heart did a little leap. He had faith in her and her abilities.

  Kintra’s great hall was bathed in a rosy light. The fresh tang of sea air and grass pervaded her senses. This had been one of the things she had loved about living there, but it also reminded her of the bad times she’d experienced there.

  Liddy wished she felt better about this. In her panic about the imminent arrival of Beyla, it had seemed the best thing—a way to escape and to keep Sigurd with her for a little while longer. Except now that she was in the bay’s shadow, the enormity of being here with a host of Northmen warriors weighed on her.

  As they approached the farmhouse, a host of Gaelic warriors appeared, blocking their way. Sigurd signalled discreetly to his men.

  ‘Tell your master the Northern jaarl is here to see him on business of great importance,’ she said, spying the oldest of Aedan’s retainers.