Page 102 of The Saxon Lord's Unwanted Bride
It opened on the second knock, and Marlin appeared in the doorway.
“My lord! What do you want?”
“Let me in,” he growled.
She stood aside, understanding he was not to be denied.
“What can I do for you?”
“Bring me some ale.”
She poured ale into a tankard, and tutted as he tipped it up, swallowing the contents, much of which he spilled on his tunic. He nodded for another, and she refilled it. He drained the tankard a second time, then held it out for a third.
She shook her head. “My lord, don’t you think…”
“I’m not paying you to ask questions,” he slurred. “Give me another.”
“And when you’ve finished my ale, what then?” she asked, placing her hands on her hips. “Do you want me to spread my thighs for you as I once did?”
“Would you deny me?”
“I would not,” she said. “But it’s not me you want. Go to your wife.”
“She wants me not.” Harald’s voice thickened with loss, “and I’m not worthy of her.”
“But you’re worthy of me?”
“It’s your trade, is it not?”
“EvenIhave standards,” Marlin said.
“I didn’t come here to be preached at.”
“Then what did you come here for?” She stared at him, anger and disgust in her expression.
Then her gaze softened. With her insight, she understood what Harald had come for—that which he could not bring himself to ask, for fear of seeming weak. She drew him into a chaste embrace, as he recalled the words she had spoken months ago.
I don’t lie with them all, my Lord—sometimes a man craves only companionship, a willing ear to listen to his troubles.
“Stay,” she whispered. “Tonight you shall be at peace.”
* * *
A watery sungreeted Harald the following morning. He bade Marlin farewell, then mounted his horse. His head throbbed—when he next saw Marlin he’d toss her a coin for the ale.
A thin mist clung to the air, soaking into his bones. When he reached the stables, he saw a number of unfamiliar horses tethered. He dismounted and handed the reins to the groom.
Collin stood at the main doors, body tense and eyes wide with apprehension.
“My lord—we expected you last night. We have visitors.”
“Who?”
Collin hesitated. “Perhaps you should wait here…”
“Don’t be a fool.” Harald pushed past the steward and strode toward the hall. As soon as he entered, he was set upon by two men, who took him by the arms and forced him to the floor.
“What is the meaning of this?” he cried.
