Page 47 of Merciful Salvation

“Attention everyone...” Tyr unexpectedly introduced them to the guests.

Although the gathering was small, the conversation and food was pleasant. Generous portions of roasted duck and marinated carrot salad were served. Kara reached for a loaf of bread, but was sidetracked by a platter of honeyed pears.

“Skipping the main course for dessert?” Aaron teased.

“A habit you seem oddly familiar with.”

Aaron rubbed his hands together, then stared over her head. “Is that an accusation, milady? Don’t you know how important honor is to me?”

She nodded, then he grasped her hand under the table. “When I told you I’d return for you, I meant it. And now—”

“Now that you’ve bedded me, I belong to you?”

His hand slid down her hand and onto her thigh. “I couldn’t have said it better myself.”

The world grew uncomfortably smaller whenever he looked at her so intensely. “I, too, respect the sanctity of our union, Jarl McNally.Only I don’t need you dictating my future. I also have dreams.”

“I’m sure you do.”

“Important ones.”

“I understand.”

“If you want to be a part of my life, there’s things I want to know—need to know about you.”

“I’m prepared to answer your questions, Kara. But if you hear something you don’t like, will you stand by me? Forgive my past? Accept the man you know now, instead of condemning who I used to be?”

The force of his words surprised her. She’d prepared herself for the worst, but hearing him speak this way left her confused and afraid. Did she want to know? Before she could say anything, a woman with a young child in tow burst into the hall.

“I demand an audience with Jarl Sigurdsson.”

Guards blocked her path, but she shouldered her way deeper inside.

Tyr immediately stood. “Let her approach.”

All conversation ceased. Aaron’s face went stone cold the moment he saw her. Releasing Kara’s hand, he met his cousin’s troubled gaze.

Whoever she was, Kara sensed it didn’t feel right to anyone.

Chapter Fourteen

Unwelcome

By everything holyin the world, the last person Aaron ever expected to see again was Frieda. Bile burned his throat. That woman reminded him of everything he’d tried to forget. And right now, he knew the past and present were about to collide, violently.

“Who is that woman?” Kara asked.

“A spirit I’d long forgotten.”

“Spirit, milord?” Kara’s eyes narrowed. “She appears as real as the boy she holds.”

The child. Aaron studied the lad with a sinking feeling.

“Why are you here?” Tyr’s voice halted Aaron’s thoughts. “I asked you never to return.”

Lifting her head boldly, the blonde stared at Tyr. “I mean no disrespect.” She pointed at Aaron. “The purpose of my visit has nothing to do with you or your wife, milord. My complaint is against your kinsman, a man who sired a son out of wedlock and refuses to meet his obligation of support.”

Aaron rose slowly. She dared accuse him of fathering a child? He’d never received word—hadn’t been in contact with the bitch in four years.