Page 43 of The Stolen Bride

“Ja, and she will stop if she recognizes what’s good for her,” he snarled, two voices evident. He breathed in, out. “There. She’s gone now.” His gaze zeroed in on my lips. “Where were we?”

What a marvelous development. He’d chosen me over the woman he’d professed a desire to marry. I smiled up at him. “I was just about to ask you to?—”

Activity outside our enclosure reminded me that we weren’t exactly private, and my enjoyment evaporated. Judging by the boom of pounding footsteps, an intruder neared our shelter.

Viktor heard them, too. He narrowed his lids. “Someone is going to die today.”

By an act of my will, I wiggled out from under him. Just in time. Not only one man, but three entered. Bodi, along with two other soldiers. Each warrior scowled and clutched a weapon. When they spotted their leader alive, awake and aware, they floundered and sputtered.

“Get out,” Viktor barked, keeping his focus steady on me as he sat up. The makeshift blanket fell, revealing he wore a pair of black leathers.

“You’re awake,” Bodi stated wide-eyed, glancing between us. “You ingested vargbane root, but you’re awake.”

“And busy.” Viktor waved in my direction. “I’m in the middle of an intense negotiation.”

My cheeks heated once more.

One of the soldiers grinned. All three appeared immensely relieved, despite their shock.

“I’m very hungry,” I said, because not a single man here would ever forget that I’d been denied food for an entire night. “Not that anyone inquired about my wellbeing.”

Grumbling under his breath, Viktor tore his gaze from mine at last and waved to the exit. “Apologize for keeping her from me, then bring us food. A lot of it.”

After a slight hesitation, the soldiers did exactly as commanded, mumbling their apologies and marching out, leaving us alone.

“The kiss you swore to give me will wait.” Viktor stood and rolled his shoulders.

I pulled my knees to my chest without a speck of grace. Countless questions frothed, but a clear winner bubbled up. “Why did you risk your life for mine?” He’d known what would happen, yet he’d done it anyway. I mean, I suspected the answer, especially after his most recent treatment of Valkara, but did he?

“You still owe me a reward, and Iwillcollect.”

“Why?” I insisted, certain the reward had nothing to do with it.

A pause laden with tension. Then, “I have lived multiple lifetimes.” He kept his back to me. “You have yet to live one.”

“True, but that isn’t the reason you did it, either.” I highly doubted he’d put any thought into his actions. What he’d done, he’d done on instinct alone.

His hands fisted at his sides. Why wouldn’t he look my way anymore?

Bodi entered and stepped aside, a backpack in one hand and the violin case in the other. Soldier after soldierfollowed in after him, each bearing a different prize. Some brought covered dishes and bottles. Others carried utensils or a piece of furniture. A small square table and two chairs. The scent of a berry cobbler wafted, and my mouth watered.

“Where did you guys get such a feast?” I demanded as they placed two savory meat pies, an improvised charcuterie board, and a platter of some kind of roasted root vegetable medley on the table.

Notching his chin, Bodi grinned. “We’re good at pillaging nearby villages.”

I didn’t return the smile. The man had wanted to kill me mere minutes ago. And the others, well, they’d abandoned me over a misunderstanding. Trust was gone.

The men filed out, while the prince lagged behind to study the king’s profile. I thought I detected the barest hints of shame, regret, and affection, but I didn’t care. I didn’t! Mostly.

“Get out,” Viktor told the prince.

Bodi wilted, relinquished the pack and the case, and took off, saying nothing else.

I beelined for the table. “What’s the deal with you and Bodi? You’re always so angry with him. Not that he doesn’t deserve it. I’m curious, is all.”

Viktor joined me and lifted the lid from a filched crock, revealing the barley stew I’d had before. It smelled even more amazing. “He’s who lost my key.”

Oh wow. Okay. Hadn’t seen that one coming. “Maybe he sold it. Or traded it. Or betrayed you. Why do you work with him at all?” I asked, as I munched on all the goodies.

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