Chapter Four
Sufferance
Kara regarded the crowd in astonishment, shocked to see her father reveling in Aaron’s humiliation.
Until the moment she beheld Aaron’ shock and despair, she had enjoyed participating in the masquerade.
But not for the same reasons her father did.
After Geilir told her Aaron intended to recruit her, she couldn’t resist the opportunity to demonstrate her swordsmanship.
She’d worked too hard at it. What higher compliment could be given to a woman?
Her skills had fooled an experienced warrior.
With Aaron gone—guests resumed drinking and eating as if nothing had happened.
“Daughter.” Erik signaled for Kara to approach the high table. “Sit with me. You’ve earned an extra cup of wine.”
She chose to stand instead. Geilir patted her shoulder reassuringly.
“Perhaps the fool won’t return,” Gunter observed.
“Don’t underestimate Jarl McNally,” Erik assured them. “If he leaves here without filling his quota, it will only increase his disgrace.” The jarl regarded his youngest son. “I’m afraid you must go.”
Kara shook her head in disbelief. Although Gunter had broad shoulders and was stronger than a bull, little substance existed between his ears.
At times, he acted intelligent, but everyone in Lagenheim knew the truth.
Without her father or brother at his side, he’d get hurt or killed.
Better to exclude him completely and send someone else.
But with Geilir seriously injured, who could take his place?
Kara leaned closer to her father. “Gunter isn’t the right man for this assignment.”
Erik kissed her cheek affectionately. “I know.”
“Who will you substitute?”
“Jarl McNally’s actions will help determine that. His holy book states pride proceeds a man’s fall. If he is modest, I’ll pledge Marteinn. If not . . .”
Her heart flipped. The gods were most generous tonight. What better way to rid herself of the man who couldn’t keep his feelings for her secret? “And if Jarl McNally fails to humble himself?”
“Gunter.”
“Or,” she started. “You could send me.”
Her father’s smile disappeared. “Elskede datter, vet riktig sted.”
She knew her place, stuck inside the keep while the men enjoyed all the freedom and adventure they craved.
The harsh comment he’d made earlier about raising three sons would stay with her forever.
He’d never criticized her before. As his only daughter, she’d be expected to provide an advantageous alliance through marriage.
From an early age, Kara assumed she’d remain with her family since her mother had died.
The discontentment in her father’s eyes suggested otherwise.
“Wish your brothers and our guests good night,” he said.
Aaron scooped up a handful of gravel and rocks, then threw it at the stone wall.
Arrogant piece of shite. If he allowed his rage to consume his mind and heart, he’d march inside and kill the old bastard.
Sometimes honor took precedence over everything.
This premeditated charade hit him hard, slashed his pride.
And knowing that lovely wench had a part in it made him angrier. He paced, cursing in Gaelic.
“The king wouldn’t fault you for dealing harshly with the man,” Varinn offered.
Agni agreed. “Draft both bloody sons.”
“And make the jarl a full adversary? As soon as we leave his lands, I’ll have a bounty on my head.”
Agni huffed. “Perhaps you should take your frustrations out on his daughter—explore her skills further.”
Aaron glared at him. “Silence.” The thought had crossed his mind already, but he’d never admit it. “There’s only one way to proceed, we go back inside and act as if nothing happened.”
Varinn turned stiffly, staring at the building. “You expect me to overlook this humiliation?”
“Aye.” Norsemen abhorred disgrace. Aaron’s expectations countered everything these men believed in. “Take what time you need to collect yourselves, then join me in the hall.”
Aaron couldn’t believe his eyes when he entered the house. Kara was lingering on the stairs a few feet away. Should he confront her now? No one else was about. “Girl,” he called.
She glared at him, then fidgeted with a loose strand of hair. “I have a name.”
“Why should I show you any courtesy?” He stalked closer.
“Because you are a guest in my father’s house.”
“A guest?” He scoffed. “Did your sire treat me as such?”
“I didn’t expect him to carry the charade so far—I thought it was meant to be a joke to entertain you.”
“Did I laugh?”
She looked away, openly ashamed, then turned back to him. “No.”
“Why?” he asked. “How could you deceive me after flirting with me at the table?” The tatters of his honor demanded he question her.
How long would this mockery continue? She possessed larger bollacks than most men.
Regardless, his mind and body played tricks on him now—the image of her seductively sucking on a grape would haunt him forever.
Aaron squeezed his eyes shut, remembering how good her round little arse looked in leather.
Then realization hit. No wonder she attracted his eye in the bloody clearing.
Of course he didn’t know her true nature at first, but his animal instincts did.
Somehow he’d always known she was female . . .
She clutched her chest. “I don’t know what you’re speaking of, milord.”
Shite. He didn’t believe her—wouldn’t fall for that innocent look.
Any girl that caressed a grape with her tongue the way she had.
He grabbed her hand. “I concede, milady,” he said gruffly.
“Your father’s trick succeeded. I didn’t know you were a female in the forest or while you sparred in the hall.
I’m a fool and blame myself for that careless mistake.
But I demand an explanation for your behavior at the table.
Did your father further instruct you to flirt with me? To deepen my humiliation?”
She jerked her hand free. Had he completely lost his mind? Dressed as a lad or lass, he was attracted to her. Goddamn his weakness. “Well?”
“Any conversation I had with my father is private. You don’t deserve further explanation. You’re rude and conceited beyond measure.” She tossed her head defiantly.
Truly, he wanted to kiss her pouty lips.
His body reacted violently to her. He tried to convince himself that with a sire as shrewd and dominating as Erik, she’d never really resort to trickery on her own.
She only did as she was commanded. How could anything so sweet willingly deceive the king’s loyal servant?
Rage and lust collided inside him. Why deprive himself of the opportunity?
“Will you stand there gawking all night or are you going to say something intelligent?” she asked.
“Shall I tell you what you are?” He didn’t wait for her to answer, but gripped her by both shoulders and then slanted his mouth over hers.
The kiss awakened a powerful desire for more of her.
Aaron didn’t hesitate before clamping both hands onto her hips.
In turn, she palmed his chest, perhaps regretting her words.
He laughed at her feeble attempt to hold him back.
Inside, he roared as wildly as a beast. Mine.
It translated into a fierce kiss. He forced her lips apart with his tongue, wetting her bottom lip.
Sweet Virgin Mary . . . his groin throbbed cruelly.
She tasted so goddamned delicious. A prudent man wouldn’t tempt his enemy’s daughter. Consequences were certain.
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.