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‘We’ve arrived.’ Brand appeared at the door of the cart.
They had barely spoken since the aftermath of the attack. Edith hated that her body leapt every time she saw him. She wanted to sink into his arms and ask him to take away this terrible fear about what was going to happen to her.
‘Will Halfdan see us today?’ she asked in a small voice.
‘I’ll arrange an audience. There is an order to such things. Hrearek’s body will have to be laid out in the palace’s yard for him to inspect.’
Edith nodded. Her entire body felt numb. This was probably the last time she’d be able to speak to Brand in private. ‘Once you have returned home to Breckon, I trust you to make sure the appropriate number of masses are said for Athelstan. Father Wilfrid might be tempted to skimp, but don’t allow him to. He must say them all.’ She paused, hating how her voice broke on the word home. She swallowed hard. ‘When you see Godwin and his mother again, I know you will tell them in the appropriate way of Athelstan’s heroism. You gave your word.’
Half of her waited for him to give some easy answer about her going back there as well.
‘I will be sure to do that.’
She peered out of the cart. ‘Where are we?’
He lifted an eyebrow. ‘At my house.’
‘You have a house here?’
‘Where else would I live?’ He tilted his head. ‘There have been times when I haven’t been out campaigning. I wanted somewhere to lay my head which isn’t infected with palace intrigue. Halfdan understands.’
‘I hadn’t thought about it,’ Edith confessed. Her senses spun. They were going to his house, rather than having her endure proper captivity. He was true to his word. But that added to the danger. She couldn’t bear it if he took the punishment for her wrongdoing.
‘I see no point in sending a message when I can tell him the full story, refreshed and the dust from the road washed off. Sometimes stories need to be told face to face. Once he knows, you have nothing to fear.’
It was easy for him to say, but she knew the stories. Her limbs trembled.
‘Do you think he will believe it?’
‘He will. Hrearek’s challenge to me was also a challenge to Halfdan’s kingship. Halfdan is now more secure than ever on the throne. I will put it in the right way. They will be cheering you from the streets when I am done.’
‘You are going to lie.’
He gave a small smile. ‘I prefer to call it—telling the story in the correct light.’
‘I will take your word for that.’
‘It is a start.’
‘What?’
‘You believing me on this.’ He lifted her chin and looked her in the eyes. The ice that had been around her heart melted and all the desire she thought she’d never feel again came flooding back. ‘After tomorrow, I hope you will believe me that I intend to protect you for as long as I can.’
Edith knew that she wanted to walk into his arms and lay her head against his chest. And that would be the worst thing in the world to do. He only felt an obligation towards her because she had saved his life, rather than this overwhelming need to be with her. He had been quite clear on that. ‘I have done a fair job thus far.’
‘And I haven’t appreciated you enough.’ He reached out and pulled her into his arms.
He put his mouth on hers and Edith allowed herself to sink into his embrace. She knew it was wrong, but she needed to use the passion to forget about her future.
‘I won’t regret this,’ she whispered against his chest. ‘Ever. You taught me there was more to life than duty.’
He recaptured her lips. ‘No more talking, Edith. Kiss me.’
* * *
Norseman in their resplendent furs, along with a few exotic women, crowded the palace yard. It seemed the rumours had already circulated around Jorvik and everyone wanted a glimpse of the woman who had defied the king.
Edith looked neither to the right or left, but kept her gaze focused on the grey-haired man who sat on the throne. Even his pointed beard bristled with importance. This was the man who would decide her fate.
Edith found she was more than calm. The peace had descended some time in the middle of the night. She’d lain in Brand’s arms and she knew that whatever happened, she discovered there was more to living than simply existing to serve others.
‘Who do you bring, Brand Bjornson?’ the king boomed out.
‘Lady Edith of Breckon. I believe you knew her father. Her husband was one of the leaders of the recent rebellion.’
