Page 47 of Heart of Snow
I stared at Margaretha, my breath coming fast and my blood still burning. I didn’t want to listen to reason. I wanted to sic the hounds on Carrera and have them chase him all the way back to Spain.
But I could only turn on my heel, jerking the dogs’ leashes to lead them toward the castle.
***
I had enough time to water the dogs and clean the blood off their muzzles before the hunting party returned. Hoping to escape into the castle without being noticed, I walked in the shadows and was halfway to the door when the count called my name.
“Rowohlt. Water for the horses.” He was full of energy after his successful hunt, jumping down beside Carrera to relive the events of the chase with animated hand gestures.
Pulling a bucket from its hook on the stable wall, I plodded back into the courtyard, not acknowledging Margaretha when she tried to catch my eye. Not even stopping when the fresh clatter of hooves brought an unknown rider wearing unfamiliar black-and-red livery. With the hunting party’s attention stolen by the stranger, Margaretha softly called out, “Friedrich, wait.”
I slowed my pace but continued around the corner of the castle toward the well while Margaretha’s light footfalls pattered on the stone behind me. She caught my sleeve, turning me to face her.
“Carrera’s behavior was all his own,” she said. “Above basic civility, I’ve done nothing to encourage him.”
“I know. It’s only—” I looked around us, suddenly feeling exposed. Taking her arm, I led us around the jutting stone and into a recess in the castle wall. “Is there nothing you can do to rebuff him? It’s painful seeing him touch you with such familiarity. He paws at you like an animal leaving its mark.”
“His mark?”
Using the toe of my shoe, I lifted her gown to uncover her bloodstained ankle. “And he assaults you while I stand right there, helpless to do anything. It’s infuriating!” I strained to keep my voice a whisper.
“Friedrich.” Margaretha’s tone was calm, but I was too agitated to be calmed. She gathered the bucket from my grip, setting it on the ground as I whipped off my cap to rake my fingers through my hair.
“Friedrich,” she said again, and this time she lifted her hand, her hesitant fingers touching my cheek and guiding my gaze down to hers. Those steady blue eyes were a clear winter sky, soothing my temper, cooling the flare of jealousy and replacing it with a different heat as Margaretha’s fingers lingered on my cheek. Raising my hand to cover hers, I gently pressed her palm against my face. She didn’t pull away.
I stepped closer, relishing the way her breath went ragged, matching mine.
Boots striking against the cobblestones broke our solitude, and we pulled apart just as Carrera’s face came into view. Margaretha ducked her eyes, but I didn’t hesitate to meet his curious gaze.
“This is snug,” he said, looking around the recess. “Countess, your father asked me to find you that he might speak with you.”
“Very well,” she answered, her eyes still on the ground.
Look up,I thought.Show him you’re not afraid.
Carrera didn’t step aside when she tried to leave, forcing her to brush against him as she passed, all the while smiling at me until the sound of Margaretha’s shoes faded.
He picked up the forgotten bucket from the ground, fiddling with the handle. “Boy, remind me of your position here.”
“I tend the hounds,” I answered flatly.
“That’s right.” He pushed the bucket into my chest, forcing a gust from my lungs as he whispered in my ear. “Remember your place.”
When he backed away, his smile was a threat.
Chapter 21
Margaretha
Belinda stood inside the coolof the castle, taking shelter by the great front doors when I walked in. “Your father is in the library,” she said and turned to lead the way.
“Wait,” I called out, halting her step. “Should I not go before you? It was me Father summoned.” I marched past her, doing my best to keep my stride long and quick enough that she had to trot to keep up.
“Margaretha, you walk too fast,” she panted behind me. “Slow your pace.”
I reeled on her, and she nearly plunged into me. “Am I to be mindful of your needs now, when you took no consideration for mine?”
She blinked and stepped back. “Whatever do you mean?”
