Through a Dark Glass. Barb Hendee

close. “What did the two men at his sides look like?”

      “One was large, with a dark beard and black leather armor. The other was smaller . . . with a scar on his forehead.”

      My description produced an immediate effect.

      Rolf drew in a harsh breath. “Father, there’s no way she could ever have met Magnus and Berrick.”

      Both men were silent for a few seconds, but I could see they believed me. They believed I had seen Allemond’s plans in his mind.

      “What do we do?” Rolf asked his father. “Kill them first?”

      Jarrod shook his head. “No, murdering the Monvílles won’t progress our cause. We let them go in the morning. I’ll put off the meeting at the lodge, but I’ll find a way to buy that land.” He sounded so determined I did not doubt him.

      Reaching up, I touched my temple.

      “She’s tired,” Rolf said. “Let her go to bed.”

      “What?” Jarrod asked, coming from his thoughts. “Oh, yes.” He waved one hand. “Off with you, girl.”

      Grateful to Rolf, I left the hall.

      * * * *

      Once upstairs, I was equally grateful to get undressed and have Miriam help me into a nightgown. Just being alone with her in my room eased the throbbing in my head.

      “Did the evening go well, my lady?” she asked.

      How could I possibly answer that? From Jarrod’s perspective, it had been a grand success. From the Monvílles’ perspective, it had been an unmitigated disaster.

      So, I supposed the answer to Miriam’s question would be yes.

      Before I could speak, the door opened and Rolf walked in. I gave Miriam a quick nod. She hurried from the room, closing the door behind herself.

      “Megan,” Rolf breathed.

      I looked over at him, as he’d never spoken to me in such a soft tone. He stood there watching me in a kind of wonder.

      “I almost couldn’t believe what was happening tonight,” he said. “The greenish tinge on Allemond’s arrogant face . . . the dinner . . . you at that harp.” He shook his head. “I’ve gone along with Father these past years to humor him. There was nothing else I could do. But I never thought we had any chance to reach the heights he’s imagined, not until now.”

      I listened, frozen, as he stepped closer.

      “You are everything I have lacked, and I had no idea until tonight,” he went on. “You and I could go so far together. I could gain a seat on the Council of Nobles. We could shape the nation’s policies.”

      My breaths were shallow. No one had ever spoken to me like this before. I’d had no idea Rolf was capable of speaking so many words. Looking into his face, I didn’t see love or desire, but I did see respect, admiration, and value.

      Reaching out, he touched my face and then leaned down to kiss me. This time, it felt different. He was not performing a duty, and when I kissed him back, neither was I.

      His words echoed in my ears.

      You and I could go so far together.

      I touched his chest and stood on my tiptoes to kiss him more easily. We might not have fire or passion or love, but perhaps we were developing mutual respect and need.

      And for me—who’d never once been valued—the prospect of respect and need could be just as seductive as love.

      For the first time since arriving here, I couldn’t wait to see what tomorrow would bring.