Page 63 of Merciful Salvation

She glared at him. “You fathered my son. And if I have to plead my case in the highest court, I will.”

“Tell the truth and I’ll see you generously compensated,” Tyr offered.

She rolled her eyes. “And you’re known for justice, milord. Sometimes gold and silver aren’t enough.”

“Have you any proof?” Tyr asked. “A kinsman who will vouch for you. A woman who nursed you through your pregnancy? Anyone who can confirm when you conceived, when you gave birth?”

“I love him,” she fired back. “Why would I intentionally hurt the sire of my only child? All I want,” she sniffed, “is a chance to have my own family.”

“And my wealth,” Aaron snarled. “I’ll ask the same question you left unanswered the night you arrived—why did you wait so long to contact me?”

“I didn’t know where you were.”

“More falsehoods,” Aaron said. “Half the country knows where I am at any given time. We were banished together. I told you on more than one occasion I had ideas about joining the king’s military. Once we separated, why didn’t you send word to Nidaros?”

“You kept company with the king,” Frieda said. “As unattainable as you are now—imagine how humiliating it would have been trying to pry you from Magnus’ side.”

The guards standing behind Tyr grumbled.

“So you did know where he was... It’s late,” Tyr commented. “And I’ll be damned if I allow this to go on under my roof. My wife is with child again, she deserves peace. If you cannot substantiate your claim on Jarl McNally, by law, I’m forced to rule in his favor. If at a later date you can present witnesses who help support your claim, I will gladly hear their testimony. Until then...” He signaled his guards. “These two will escort you and your son wherever you wish to go.” Tyr reached inside his tunic, pulling out a leather pouch. “Silver—enough to buy a cottage and food to last a lifetime. Take it.”

She refused. “You cannot buy my silence.”

Tyr dropped it at her feet. “No, but I can remove you from my land.”

Kara breathed a sigh of relief after everyone left the barn. If anyone doubted what she and Aaron meant to each other before, they’d know now. She paced anxiously, waiting for her lover to say something. He stared at the far wall, expressionless.

“She’s gone, Aaron.”

“But not out of mind.” He faced her. “And look what shame I’ve exposed you to. Word of our intimacy will reach your father now, I’m sure of it. Rumors travel faster than fire in Norway.”

“Do I look afraid?”

He grasped her arms. “You don’t need to convince me of your bravery, Kara. I know what you are. I’ve seen you handle a sword—demand to fight your own battles.”

“We’ll make amends with my father.”

“How?”

“You can start by confessing to the world that you no longer worship the White Christ.”

He gave her a weary look. “I’ve waited a long time to hear you say something about it.”

“Why are you hiding behind the cross?”

“I hide from no one.” He squared his shoulders. “King Magnus advised me to hide my conversion from the world. On his deathbed, he made me swear many things. Olaf is a devout Christian. Few pagans frequent his court, much less serve in his personal guard. Magnus believed his brother needed protection. And he asked me to provide it.”

“Very few men are worthy of trust, Jarl McNally,” she expressed. “But I’m beginning to understand why King Magnus relied on you. He’s gone. Your future depends on many things now. And I believe you must align with the northern lords to achieve the peace you so often speak of. What better way than showing them you worship the same gods?”

He let go of her arms, then walked to the far side of the enclosure. “I never wanted my acceptance amongst my cousin’s allies to be based on our shared faith. My actions alone should garner their support.” He kicked the wall.

“It’s easier to run downhill.”

He grunted. “Warrior—stargazer—and now a philosopher. How shall I ever be deemed worthy of you?” He twisted around, his eyes clouded with emotion.

“Let me be the judge of that.” She slinked closer, intent on lightening his mood. “Though I wish to know how you managed to hide your tattoos for so long.”

“I don’t shed my clothes for men,” he answered in a tight voice.