Page 78 of The Warrior's Innocent Captive

The two women shared an eye-roll over their over-vigilant brother.

‘Fine, but I hope it won’t take long.’ Now she’d made a decision she wanted to act on it before it was too late.

‘If he goes on, I promise to try to stop him.’

‘Thank you. I’m lucky to have you as my sister.’

‘I know.’

Despite her anguish Linota laughed softly.

Linota looked out for Erik as the two of them made their way through the fortress towards Jarin’s private chambers. The place was busier than normal, as guests enjoyed the entertainment put on for the feast. She couldn’t spot Erik’s dark blond head in the crowd and guessed he was still with his niece. She told her foolish heart not to be disappointed.

Linota hadn’t been in Jarin’s private rooms before and was curious as to what they would look like. That fell away when she stepped inside.

Braedan was standing next to the fireplace, his arms crossed in front of him, a deep scowl furrowing his forehead. Behind him, wearing an uncharacteristic grin, was the Earl of Borwyn, but they could have been standing there wearing nothing but their bare skin for all Linota took notice of them.

Instead, she found herself transfixed by the sight of Erik. He’d wiped the blood from his face, but he was still in his rumpled clothes from earlier, his hair just as unruly.

His gaze locked on to hers as soon as she was through the threshold.

She took a step towards him before stopping.

‘I think that gives us our answer,’ said Borwyn, slapping Braedan on the shoulders.

Braedan grunted.

‘Answer for what?’ Linota asked, not taking her eyes off Erik’s face. As she stared, the amused twinkle she so adored began to shine once more in the depths of his eyes.

Braedan pushed his hair away from his face. ‘Erik has come to me to request a betrothal between yourself and him.’ Linota’s heart began to pound painfully as heat rushed over her face. ‘He has recently taken on the role of master builder...’

Braedan carried on talking, but Linota stopped listening. She could only stare at Erik, getting caught in his blue gaze. His lips tilted slightly and she smiled in response.

‘I’m not sure Linota is interested in how she is going to live once she is married right now,’ said Borwyn, slapping Braedan on the shoulder once more.

Borwyn appeared to be enjoying himself immensely.

‘She hasn’t given her consent yet,’ growled Braedan. ‘You know I said both my sisters could choose whom they marry. I won’t have them be miserable in wedlock. Think carefully as to whether you want to accept, Linota. I don’t want you to marry a man you don’t trust.’

Erik winced and Linota’s heart squeezed.

‘I trust Erik with my life, my soul and my happiness.’

Erik’s smile widened, the lines around his eyes deepening, and Linota’s heart thrilled.

‘I think we should leave the two of them alone,’ said Katherine from behind her. She’d been silent throughout the exchange and Linota had forgotten she was in the room.

Braedan grumbled, not keen to leave them alone together, but Katherine cajoled him out, with Jarin grinning all the while in obvious delight.

It seemed to take an age but eventually the door closed behind them all. She and Erik were finally alone.

Chapter Twenty

Linota stood before Erik, her hands tightly folded in her dress.

Erik wanted to cross the room and pull her into his arms, but first he wanted to be sure that marriage to him was what she wanted. He’d thought so, but she’d not said yes yet.

‘Why is Borwyn so amused?’ she asked.

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