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“What in the name of the gods is that?”
I sighed. “Never mind. Anything will do.”
His grin widened, his white, perfect teeth shining even in the darkness of the barn. Why was this man’s smile so compelling to me?
“Now that is more like it.” He leaned in closer. “Princess.”
Thank goodness it was dark. I could feel heat rise to my cheeks and couldn’t help but smile back. Which annoyed me horribly. But maybe this peasant wasn’t so bad after all. He seemed honorable and kind.And despite the fact that he’d dared to turn down my father’s offer of my hand in marriage, maybe he wasn’t that rotten.
“Berta,” he suddenly said.
“What?” My smile vanished.
“Well, we can’t keep calling you Princess or Mina. So, we will call you Berta.”
Henrike barked a laugh.
“Berta?” I crossed my arms. “That is one of the worst names I have ever heard.”
Sarolf shrugged. “It’s just for a short time. Who cares?”
“I do! I won’t be called Berta.”
Before I could offer my own suggestion, Sarolf winked at me with a devilish grin, then turned and rushed out into the rain. “Follow me, Berta,” he shouted back, running into the cottage.
Henrike grinned at me.
“Berta was the name of our first dog. She was lazy and whined a lot.” She followed her brother, leaving me behind in the cold barn.
“I’m not lazy and whiny!” I shouted after both of them. Just as I did, one of the pigs let out a loud scream, startling me.
I straightened my posture, chin held high. In my head, I took back every nice thing I had just thought about Sarolf. I couldn’t stand him or his unbearable sister. But for now, I would have to make do. Chin still high, I stepped into the rain and strode confidently over to the cottage. The noise of laughter and chatter coming from inside grew louder with every step. I swore to myself that I wouldn’t let either of them have another go at me. I would be stronger than their cruelties and endure the hardships of the road with grace and calm.
