Page 55 of The Warrior's Innocent Captive

‘I don’t want—’

Erik had reached the end of his patience.

He tried to push past Jarin, but his brother held firm, reaching out and grabbing hold of his shoulder. He tried to twist out of his grip, but Jarin only held on tighter.

Without thinking, he ploughed his fist into his brother’s stomach.

Jarin grunted, but remained upright.

‘Let me go,’ roared Erik.

For the first time it occurred to him that Jarin probably had no intention of letting him go anywhere. Erik would have to pay for his crimes. For all Jarin knew, Erik had abducted a young woman for material gain. He deserved to hang and perhaps that’s what was in store for him.

Erik didn’t have time to care. If that was his fate, then he would have to deal with it. It was probably better to dance at the end of the hangman’s noose than watch his brother marry Linota. Right now, though, his focus had to be on getting Isabel to safety.

He shoved against Jarin, not wanting to hit him again, but knowing that he would if Jarin didn’t let him go soon.

‘Calm down,’ yelled Jarin, shaking him.

If Jarin wouldn’t let him go, Erik was going to have to make him.

He raised his fist, prepared to punch his brother again to get him to move. Time seemed to slow as Katherine called, ‘No!’ and moved in between the brothers.

As Jarin moved slightly, Erik’s punch landed on the side of Katherine’s head. There was a horrible crunch as the tiny woman lurched sideways and crumpled to the floor.

Erik felt the blood draining from his face.

He’d hit a woman.

A woman so small and vulnerable she looked like a broken bird sprawled across the stone floor.

Beside him Jarin stirred.

‘I’m so sorry,’ Erik began. ‘I didn’t mean—’

But he didn’t get any further.

Jarin turned to him with a murderous glint in his eye.

His brother, who never fought unless it was the last resort, punched Erik so hard it drove the breath from his lungs.

Erik didn’t raise his fists to defend himself. Although he could, he knew he deserved this. He had committed the ultimate crime and hurt someone far more vulnerable than himself.

It didn’t surprise him when Jarin raised his fists once more.

He welcomed the pummelling he received and when Jarin’s fist connected with his head in a punch so strong it resounded through his body, he sunk willingly into oblivion as unconsciousness took him.

Linota blinked. A tall, severe-looking lady stood warming her fingers by the fire. Linota had never met her before. She looked around the room, but Katherine was nowhere to be seen. She blinked again.

‘Ah, you’re awake,’ said the mystery lady. ‘I’m Mistress Ann Sutton. Your sister has gone to speak with the Earl and has asked me to look after you in her absence.’

Linota gave a small nod. She was awake, but she was heavy with weariness. She supposed she should care that Katherine had left her to sleep while she had gone off to speak to Borwyn. Only a few days ago she would have been incensed to be left out, as if she was the child. Right now all she wanted was to lie back down and sink into oblivion once more.

There was a gentle knock on the chamber door. Mistress Sutton whisked over and opened it slightly. There was the sound of muffled voices and then the door closed softly.

Mistress Sutton moved over to the bed and looked down at her.

There was a kindness in her eyes that Linota hadn’t expected.

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