Page 21 of Viking in Love

He hesitated, then asked, “For how long?”

“One day, or two, or so.” Or fifty.

“The ‘or so’ is what bothers me.”

The man was too astute by half. “All we ask is a few days of your hospitality and protection.”

He straightened abruptly. “Protection…that is the first I have heard of protection. What do you need protection from?”

I best keep my mouth shut or I will trap myself with ill-chosen words. She waved a hand airily. “This and that.”

He narrowed his eyes at her, beautiful blue eyes framed by sinfully thick lashes. “By the by, your sister mentioned being the widow of the earl of Havenshire. When did that villainous poor-excuse-for-a-man expire?”

Breanne could feel heat coloring her face. “Recently. He disappeared recently. And, yea, he was a villain.”

“How did he die…assuming he is dead? Lord Havenshire was not that old, as I recall.”

“Well, no one really knows.” Except us. “He went out one night to visit his mistress and never came back.” How easy a liar I have become. “But his horse did. Return, that is.” Brutus is out in your stable right now. Go check. “Road rogues no doubt murdered him for his purse.” Whew! Lying is hard work.

“They found no body?”

She shook her head. I need to get away from here and his too-perceptive questions.

“Where is the earl?” he demanded abruptly.

She jumped. “No need to yell. I already told you, he is dead.”

“Mayhap he is still alive.”

“Mayhap. Nay, he is more likely dead.” As a fence post.

Just then, Ivan and Ivar, their guardsmen, stepped out of the stable, came over, and stood, legs braced, on either side of her. While she was thankful for this means of changing the subject, she could tell that Caedmon was not happy with their presence. “Go away. Shoo!” she said in a whisper.

But the thick-headed fools did not budge.

“’Tis one thing to ask for hospitality. ’Tis quite another to bring armed men into my keep.” Caedmon threw the words at her like stones, and his one hand went to the hilt of his short sword.

Her guardsmen did likewise.

She motioned for the guards to halt their aggression, then told Caedmon, “They are harmless.” Unless provoked. Then, you should see how good they are at lopping off heads. Eeew!

He gave them a thorough scrutiny. “Hah! Harmless as starving bears.”

Or head-loppers.

Ivan, the guard closest to her, growled, not unlike a…well, bear. Ivar bared his teeth, not unlike a bear, as well.

“I meant that they intend you no harm.” Turning, she scowled at her guards. “Ivan, Ivar, go. I am safe. You must needs help Tyra prepare to leave for home.”

After they departed, reluctantly, Caedmon asked, “Dare I ask, who is Tyra?”

“My sister…your kinswoman by marriage.”

“Ah, wife of my close kinsman, Adam the Healer.”

“Your sarcasm is not pleasing, m’lord.”

“And I do yearn to please you. I am not a m’lord.”