I crossed my arms, managing a look of boredom. “I’m terrified.”
Tara’s face darkened and she took another step forward. Then her eyes focused on my wrists. “Where are his irons, Seren?”
Curpiss.
“I took them off. Just for a little bit,” she added hastily.
“Fucking hell.” Tara looked from me, back to Seren, her face dark, then she stormed out of the tent.
Tense silence descended between us. Tara had dredged up a host of fear inside Seren.
I scrubbed my face with my palms, trying to think clearly. “I’m not the source of all this evil, Seren. You can feel it, can’t you? That’s part of this bond, isn’t it? If I meant you harm, wouldn’t you know by now?”
“Will you tell me why you came into the territory?” Her voice sounded empty. “He can’t be what Tara claims. I feel it in my core.”
At least that thought had come through loud and clear, providing a shred of consolation.
I held her gaze, unblinking. “I was lost.”
Her voice intruded again. “He’s lying.”
So much for consolation.
“You know I swore to protect you, right? It’s part of the oath. And even if I wanted to break that, I can’t. So you better start believing you can trust me, Rykr. I’d prefer to defend you against falsehoods, including from my family, but you make it hard when you won’t defend yourself by telling me the most basic information.”
“You have the most basic information.” My unyielding stance continued, the muscles in my arms flexing. “Including that I’ve despised Brogan Ragnall my whole life. You can’t expect that to change just because you ask.”
She tore her gaze from mine. “Why do you hate my father so much? What difference does it make to you that he’s viewed as a traitor?”
I hesitated, searching for a reasonable answer. “I met the princes and the princess when I went to Ederyn to be Sealed. I know”—my voice cracked—“knew them well. They were friends. The death of their mother crushed them. King Magnus could be cruel at times, but the queen … she was beloved. Known for her kindness. She didn’t deserve what your father did to her.”
Before Seren could respond, Tara strode back inside, brushing past me on her way to a bookcase. She yanked one from the weathered wooden top, then marched back and thrust it into my face. “This book is sacred. Swear on it you didn’t bewitch Seren.”
I flinched, a slow frown tugging my lips. “And then you’ll believe me?”
“I may not be able to kill you without risking Seren, Rykr, but that doesn’t mean I won’t break every bone in your body if you hurt her. Swear you’re an honest man.”
My eyes narrowed. “I don’t think I can go that far.” Still, I set my hand on the book. “But I swear on all the deities—real or fake—of Eldris and Skaldra, I did not bewitch Seren.” Leaning toward her, I added, “Also, if you break every bone, she’ll feel it, so you’ll still be hurting her.”
Tara scowled and lowered the book. “You’re not taking this seriously.”
“I am.” I took the book and kissed it. “I seal my solemn oath with a kiss. That’s a bigger pledge than I was able to give this delightful marriage of mine.”
Seren groaned and Tara knocked the book back against my jaw. “You’re a real swiver,” she seethed.
But she also appeared satisfied, for the moment.
As she put the book back, I scrutinized her. “What, exactly, would you expect to happen to me if I lied? Burst into flames? Drop dead?”
“We could only be so lucky. Honestly, it’s your lack of reverence that’s more convincing. Someone evil would fear making an oath on a sacred book. You’re just a skeptic who doesn’t even think about the consequences in the first place.” Tara’s glare didn’t lessen.
“Just so we’re clear, do you still want me to consummate my marriage to your sister or not? I’m having a hard time keeping straight the requests you make in the name of being a protective sibling.”
Seren’s face flamed red, her eyes flying to her sister. “Tara!”
Tara shrugged. “Now that I reluctantly believe you, feel free.”
“Glad to know I have your blessing once again.” Sarcasm dripped from my voice.
