Page 17 of The Piper's Pursuit

“It has been my experience that dishonorable men often blame their failings on God.”

“You think I am dishonorable? Based on what?”

“You are a man. You’re arrogant. And... I suppose that is enough.”

Steffan knew he could be arrogant at times, but sometimes he pretended arrogance to deflect his shame at his own failings, or he pretended arrogance to elicit a laugh. But he hated that she thought him arrogant. “You misjudge me.”

She only shrugged.

“Perhaps I can stay in Hamlin long enough to change your mind about me.”

“Oh, please, don’t stay on my account.”

“And if I am the one to kill the beast... we’ll be getting to know each other quite well, as man and wife.”

He only said it to tease her, to make her laugh. Marriage was for people who wanted to settle down in one place and have children. And the thought of having a child filled him with dread. He didn’t like children.

Katerina suddenly turned, her fist raised, forcing him to stop. He lost his balance and nearly fell into her.

“I will kill the man who tries to wed me. Is that understood?”

“Perfectly.” He held up his hands, palms out. Her expression had changed so much, she didn’t even look like the same person who had, half an hour earlier, spoken so compassionately to the little girl and her parents.

How could he ever get her to look at him with that softened expression?

But it hit him suddenly that that fierce, hard look was fear.

“Did someone hurt you? Is that why you’d rather murder a man than marry him?”

Her expression went slack. She spun around and started walking again. But just as quickly, she spun again to face him.

“How do you dare assume anything about me? All you need to know is that I will kill the man who lays a finger on me. Including you.”

“Of course. I understand. You look quite capable of protecting yourself, and I would never touch you, or any woman, without their permission, I assure you.”

“And you will never gain my permission.”

“Understood. Forgive me for teasing you about marriage. Sometimes I try too hard to make people laugh. It is one of my many faults, and I beg you to forgive me.” He placed his hand over his heart and looked her in the eye.

Was it his imagination or did her eyes soften? He’d never know, because she turned away and marched off through the brush, crushing ferns and twigs under her feet. He followed.

When she didn’t speak, he asked, “So, do you forgive me?”

She blew out a long sigh as she walked. “Are you always so annoying? And talkative?”

“Not always.” He couldn’t help smiling. Already she was beginning to soften toward him. After all, he might not be as handsome as Wolfgang, but he could be quite charming when he wanted to be, as he had been told more than once. How could she resist him?

Perhaps he was arrogant after all.

***

Katerina wished she could punch the big, annoying duke’s son in the stomach and send him back where he came from. No doubt he was only entertaining himself, following her around, and he’d get tired of the game and find someone else who was more receptive.

She knew just the type of woman who would welcome his attention—those girls who laughed behind their hands when she walked by with her crossbow, pointing and giggling, protected darlings who never had to fend for themselves. Whenever a young man possessing handsome features was around, they blinked like there was something in their eyes, “accidentally” touched the man’s arm, and laughed at his weak jests. No doubt Steffan was acquainted with many of those young women, had flirted with them, and... more than flirted.

Ignoring him, she pulled her crossbow off her shoulder and loaded it with a metal bolt, heavier and stouter than a longbow’s wooden arrow.

“Has the beast been seen in this area?” Lord Steffan whispered.