Queen Clara seemed to favour the princess from above the border these days, perhaps because she had caught the eye of her so-called champion. Was it because she wasn’t a great beauty and the Dowager was scheming to get Augustus into bed?Isabel had hated being the bearer of that news. Instead of a gladiatorial contest there was to be an auction. Even she was to line up to be inspected, whatever that entailed. She had heard Kurt was less than pleased. Already he was spreading the word that Ava was to be his. And what of Megan?It was to be hoped there would be no demeaning inspection to determine their virginity or otherwise. Because she had lain with Lars and enjoyed being in his arms. There had been no pressure on her to submit. He had wooed her with his tenderness, followed by a more passionate manliness which led her to believe he was the one for her.How would Hermione bear it? Ephron was probably unlikely to bid for her, but that didn’t mean she wouldn’t be roughly treated by the

It helped not to think too deeply about her surroundings and what was happening to her. That was why she reflected on the part of her past she hadn’t yet disclosed to the others. Hopefully, she would be allowed to do so in the future. Hadrian was to be trusted, less so Clara.*She was held so tightly to the Norseman’s chest it was difficult to put up a fight. She wasn’t concerned for herself but for her little brother. If he wasn’t already dead then his survival options were limited. Unless someone had already abducted him, someone she could track, in all likelihood he would soon starve to death.This was turning into a nightmare.That wasn’t the only issue. Why was she just about melting in this stranger’s arms? He was taking her to safety rather than to be ravished and, for endless heartbeats, she began to fantasise about him being the one she had been waiting for.Was God playing a trick on her? Surely she couldn’t feel this way about a Dane?“Back so soon?”“The woodcutter’s hut

It was settled. Isabel, Cassie and Lars were heading for the Dane Lands with Rowanne. Eithne couldn’t help hoping they would find Ulf and his men. He, too, had a missing sister, Tora, she seemed to recall. While Rowanne was still upset about Nell’s disappearance.“We must do something,” she said to Ephron.“If it’s slavers, they’re probably long gone.”“Word must go out to leave our females alone.”“I agree with Princess Eithne,” Xander said.She started, not having heard him enter the room.“Having an attack of conscience?”It vexed her that she was treating him so icily these days. Ephron warned her that he wouldn’t wait around for ever. That had made her even more mad. But she didn’t just have herself to consider. For the good of the realm, maybe she should consider several suitors before coming to a decision.Eithne really didn’t want to settle for that. But would clipping his wings make either of them happy? He didn’t seem the sort to want to remain tied down.And what of Genevie

Ephron wasn’t quite the same as when Xander had been around. He seemed to blame Eithne for his hasty departure.“Weeks. It’s been weeks and no word,” he complained, pacing up and down.They were in the solar, which had now been restored to something of its former glory, courtesy of a few tapestries and a good clean. It was a tranquil place, usually, though not today.“He vowed to return and I believe him,” she said, setting aside the sampler she was working on.The stitching in that hound didn’t seem right and would have to be unpicked. It was giving her a headache. No, he was giving her a headache. Her brother had only appeared at his best because he knew Xander would counsel him. That much was self-evident now.“What are we going to do about Mama?” she asked, massaging her temples lightly.“I haven’t yet decided.”“Of course, I know you have the final say, but banishment will only postpone the inevitable.”“That’s why I’m keeping her under lock and key. As for the imposter, he will

Not long after the imposter had dragged her into the room, he passed out. Eithne gazed fearfully at Frederick, who put his finger to his lips. “I drugged his ale,” he said. “No-one shares what’s mine.” “How did you know what he was proposing?” “I have heard the rumours. He wasn’t easy to fool.” “You saved me – us – my lord, and I am grateful.” “Don’t call me by that fancy title. I’m a mercenary plain and simple. Except I no longer wish to follow Kurt.” Megan was struggling in his grip, and Eithne had no notion what to do, except plead with him not to hurt her. “We’ve all been through enough,” she added, willing him to go easy on the woman. But some things were not so straightforward. “I don’t trust this one. Did you know she’s been playing one side off against another?” She nodded. “Megan did what she had to survive.” “Including sucking up to Kurt.” “I did no such thing. If you must know, he forced himself upon me.” “Is that so?” “Has he done this kind of thing before?” E