Blind Redemption (6 page)

The jarl nodded. “I’ll consider it.”

The next night, the full moon cast silvery light across the courtyard as Kara walked. No one was patrolling the west side of the keep, so she decided to go to her favorite spot, an island in the middle of the small lake that edged the southwest corner of the stronghold. At least she felt safe and comfortable there. When she desired to be left alone, she’d spend the night on the island, then slip into her bedchamber at dawn before anyone had the opportunity to discover her absence.

Kara dragged her feet in the silty sand as she approached the water. In reality, she simply didn’t have the courage to openly question her sire. His harsh words left her insides in knots. Instead of thinking about it longer, she desperately searched for something more pleasant to focus on. Aaron’s handsome features. She moaned in frustration. Jarl McNally’s face brought more grief than her father’s words. No man had
ever
impressed her.

Instead of staying in her room the night before, she’d gone downstairs to rejoin her father, but stopped when she overheard Aaron arguing with him. When Marteinn challenged the Scot, she was sure he’d fall. Aaron won. Then proceeded to rebuke her father. As if whipped into submission, her father apologized for his bad behavior.

What good were beautiful eyes if they belonged to someone her sire would never approve of?

She found a small boat tethered to a post, climbed in, then slowly rowed across the lake. She often visited the sacred place in secret. Inexplicably, she believed her mother’s spirit followed her. Someone had erected an altar on the island years ago, which she now used to make sacrifices to the gods. Allfather spoke to her heart whenever she prayed to him. Once on land again, she trudged to the altar, then knelt beside it.

Evidence of her past sacrifices stained the ground. The gods preferred larger beasts, but birds were acceptable sacrifices from a virgin. A fortnight ago, she’d offered up a dove. If she had another, she’d repeat her effort tonight. Begging Odin to reveal her future had proven unfruitful. Allfather never answered inquiries about her fate. Did his silence signify early death? Or indifference? She’d convinced herself her future remained undecided. Maybe she should run away and find her destiny.

Kara sat cross-legged on the grass and gazed sadly across the water. Dozens of torches illuminated the west wall of the keep. Patrols passed by often and she could see their shadowy forms now. What most captured her attention was the cloudless sky. The stars captivated her more than a
skald’s
tale. She gazed at Thor’s fiery chariot and Thjazi’s eyes in the heavens, mapping the constellations in her mind. Sighing, she heard something splashing in the water. A large bird or fish? She leaned forward and squinted—watching. It moved closer.

A person?

After dealing with Jarl Erik yesterday, Aaron needed some time alone. Upon his arrival at the steading, he’d noticed a lake along the back side of the house. It was a perfect night for a swim. He disrobed, leaving his boots, shirt, and weapon belt in the sand. No one would seek him at this time of night. He wanted to explore the islet. Reaching shore, he spotted a boat and prayed no one else was here. Very much in the mood for a fight still, he feared if he met one of Erik’s foul mouthed guards, he’d kill him out of sheer pleasure.

Something or someone ducked behind the trees. Did wildlings inhabit this place? Curiosity gripped him as he chased the shadow. A well-used footpath took him deep into the woods. The moon provided the light he needed to pick his way along the narrow trail. A few minutes later, feminine laughter stopped him dead in his tracks. A chill spiraled down his spine. There was something unnatural about this place. Spirits? Gods? He advanced slowly, finally reaching a clearing. A woman clad in white was standing in the middle of the field with her back facing him. Her silhouette looked ghostly against the pitch. She stared heavenward and he followed her gaze. Thousands of stars glittered overhead.

“The heavens are ablaze,” she whispered.

No voice had ever sounded so enchanting, so potent. Could this be a walking dream? The spirit-woman turned.
Christ’s blood,
the last person he wished to see again, Erik’s daughter. Bright blue eyes pierced him the same way they had in the hall.

Here in the moonlight, dressed in little more than a shift, she resembled a goddess. Their gazes met. Fire fueled fire. Although he wanted to touch her, he feared what would happen. He’d never be able to stop.

“Why are you here?” she asked.

Her words pulled him out of his dark thoughts. “I have no answer,” he admitted. “Something tempted me to swim across that lake. Or someone.” For a moment, the world spun slowly around him. Everything he’d ever wanted stared him in the face. The peace of nightfall, trees, water, and a fiery temptress who didn’t know when to shut up.

“Tempted?” she scoffed. “Perhaps my father outwitted you again and you came here to lick your wounds in private.”

What he’d give to be able to crawl back into that lake and swim out of Kara’s life forever. There was a better chance of Odin splitting his skull in half. “Who have you been talking to, lass? The tides have turned—your father no longer opposes me. And this chance meeting has nothing to do with your sire.”

“Oh?” She looked sharply at him. “Do you think I’ve been waiting for you?”

He shook his head. “The thought
never
crossed my mind,” he said. “Were you?”

“No. I come here to pray.”

“It’s a beautiful spot.”

“Aye,” she agreed. “Frequented by my mother, and now me.”

“You weren’t praying when I arrived.”

“No,” she said. “I enjoy the stars almost as much as the gods.”

“Odin’s universe is vast.”

“Odin’s?” she asked. “Don’t you mean God’s?”

“Whoever created the heavens,” he quickly corrected himself. “I often find myself mystified by its beauty.”

“What else interests you, milord? War? Politics?”

“Peace.”

She cocked her head. “Are you a negotiator for the king or a soldier?”

“My responsibilities require many skills.”

“Including intimidating my father?”

He scooted closer. “Unfortunately, milady, your father threatened me first. I am a principled man, slow to temper, but protective of my honor.”

“Why does my sire mistrust you?”

“Who am I to know your father’s mind?” She asked too many questions. Questions he wasn’t ready to answer. Maybe someday.

“Why does your father dress you in armor and train you to fight?”

She laughed. “For the same reason you held a dagger to my brother’s throat last night. For the sake of honor.”

He looked at her more closely. Endless beauty met his gaze, but there was something different about her. A quiet confidence. And her eyes.

Warm excitement flowed through him. He gazed heavenward again. “Look.”

“A shooting star,” she said excitedly.

“An omen.”

“From your prophets or Allfather?”

Aaron rested his right hand on her arm. “Why credit anyone?”

“You prefer mystery?”

“I prefer
you
,” he said.

She closed her eyes and placed her tiny hand over his. “I can’t stop thinking about you.”

It took a moment for her words to sink in. By Odin, she’d declared her feelings. Only he wished she hadn’t. Every inch of his body screamed to get closer. “I’m trying very hard to control myself.”

A smile lifted the corners of her mouth as she opened her eyes. “What if I don’t want you to?” Heat and lust sparked between them.

He stared at her lush mouth. Sweet lies or truth? Did it matter? When her hands wandered across his bare chest, he inhaled sharply, forgetting himself. What a hypocrite—hadn’t he warned his men not to mix business and pleasure? The seductive glint in Kara’s eyes destroyed any remnants of forbearance he had left. She wanted him. His mouth tightened possessively over hers. Their tongues flicked together violently, wrestling for control. The girl didn’t know what she was doing. He nibbled and licked his way down her slim neck, his hands enjoying the firmness of her lovely breasts. She sighed, burying her hands in his hair, panting with every stroke of his tongue.

He gritted his teeth. Fate brought them together. In the long-term, her father’s interference might keep them apart, but not now. Lowering his head, he grazed her nipple with his teeth. How lovely she’d be naked in the water—swimming—clinging to him.

“Lady Kara!” someone called from across the lake.

“Shite.” Aaron jerked away.

Her breathing was rapid and shallow. “Why did you stop?”

“Didn’t you hear?”

“What?”

“Kara!”

She sighed, irritated by the disruption. “Marteinn,” she said. “Ignore him, maybe he’ll go elsewhere.”

Odin help him, maybe she was as much trouble as he thought she was. “We need to go back before we’re discovered.”

“Do you fear my father?”

“No,” he assured her. “I won’t risk your safety to steal another kiss.”

“But—”

“No arguments, please.” He wanted her now—on her hands and knees—aching and begging—pleading for him to do everything imaginable to her. “Believe me, I’d rather stay here with you.”

They walked silently to the boat, then climbed in. When they landed on the other side, Kara jumped out. Aaron hooked her by the waist and pulled her close. “I’d rather hear Thor’s hammer strike than be separated from you.”

“I’d be a liar if I didn’t tell you how disappointed I am.”

He gave her a little shake. “Prudence wins the day.”

“Fear loses it.”

What else could he say? He wouldn’t risk the arrangement he’d made with her father to pursue his selfish desires. “I’ll be back, I promise.”

“Where are you going?”

“I ride north to establish a camp for the king’s new regiment.”

“How long?”

“I cannot say for sure, lass.” He gripped her hand. “Weeks, maybe months.”

“That’s a long time.” She sighed. “Men forget their promises when they’re gone.”

He cupped her face between both hands. “You’ll never be far from my mind.”

“I want to believe you.”

“Have I given you a reason not to?”

She broke free. “Men come and go all the time, Jarl McNally. And they die in service to our country. I’ll pray for you. Goodnight.” She left him standing on the beach.

By morning, the only thing Kara could think about was Aaron McNally. He sat only a few chairs away now, eating and discussing plans with her father. Before she’d entered the great hall, Gunter had told her all terms were finalized. Marteinn and three warriors were pledged into service for King Olaf.

Peace had seemingly been achieved.

She knew better. Firstly, her father hated this man. No matter how unaffected Aaron pretended to be, his eyes wandered her way at least five times. Maybe she’d missed something when she bowed her head to take bites of food. His stares were devoid of any feeling. Perhaps she shouldn’t have left him on the beach without speaking kindly to him. In reality, if her father caught them together, he’d have good reason to kill Aaron. That’s the last thing she wanted. She grimaced, then dropped her spoon on the table.

“What troubles you, daughter?”

Damn.
She needed to get away before her father guessed what had happened between them. “I am well, father.”

“Perhaps you are sorry to see Marteinn go. After the meal, take a walk together, I’m sure he won’t object.” Erik looked at his captain.

Marteinn nodded. “Nothing would make me happier.”

He’s happy about it, I’m miserably obligated.
She excused herself, then wandered outside. A light breeze cooled her face as she walked across the stone courtyard. Gray tiles were set in an intricate circular pattern surrounded by raised flower beds. Her father had personally designed this place for her mother. She headed for a stone bench on the far side of the garden and made herself comfortable. How could she get Aaron alone before he left? She wanted to make her feelings known. In no way had she meant to tease or disappoint him. Quite the opposite. Her whole body ached for him. She shook her head in disbelief. What tricks were the gods playing?

Chapter 5

Reckless

When Marteinn entered the courtyard, Kara sprang to her feet. She must get the inevitable over with.

“The sun is good for you, Kara.” He smiled.

She held out her hands. He received them, holding onto her tightly. “Twirl about, send me away with a pleasant memory of you.”

She humored him. There was a reason she had dressed so carefully this morning. Most assuredly, it wasn’t for Marteinn’s benefit. He didn’t need to know she wore one of her best gowns, the pale yellow silk with silver lace edging the tight bodice, so her age couldn’t be mistaken. Jarl McNally would be forced to admire her.
Half his age.
How could the numb-minded fool mistake her for a shapeless child? Kara better understood what her father had been trying to teach her all along after she’d kissed Aaron, savagery existed in every man. His unrestrained passion confirmed it. As did her own feelings. She wanted more.

“Shall we walk about the house? Or do you wish to explore the forest?” Marteinn asked.

She didn’t want to look at him any longer—she desired to see only one man. Guilt racked her mind and heart. Marteinn openly adored her, loved her unselfishly. Her father would approve of a match between them. She couldn’t. No conscionable reason existed to deny him. Women flung themselves at him, stalked him like hounds follow a bitch in heat. It made no difference to her. He lacked something she couldn’t quite name. When he touched her, she didn’t feel a spark of lust. The world didn’t cease moving when he gazed into her eyes. As ridiculous as it sounded, she knew there was more to marriage than simple friendship. She grimaced, bedding Marteinn would feel incestuous.

They rounded the southwest corner of the keep, the island coming into view. Odin curse that grey-eyed interloper. Without warning, she grabbed Marteinn by the shoulders. She stood on her toes and pressed her lips to his. His body tightened in her grasp. When they broke apart, she stared at the ground, ashamed of her action.