Free Blind Redemption by Violetta Rand

they were handfasted just so he could bed her.
    “. . . he loves me not.” Disappointment ruined Kara’s fine mood. She ripped the last petal from the flower, cast the remnant of it down, and tromped on it. “If that’s how it is, I’ll cut his heart out instead of just playing with it.”
    Amelia chuckled. “Never let anyone force you down a path you don’t wish to take. I exaggerated to make my point, child. Jarl McNally is a titled man, not a barbarian. He’s obligated to the king. Winning a Scotsman’s heart is no small thing.”
    “I don’t want his love.”
    The maid smiled wryly. “Don’t lie.”
    As inexpressible as her feelings were, she admitted to harboring feelings and most definitely wanted to feel his lips on hers again. But she’d never opened her heart to anyone. Every second she had spent with him played out in her mind over and over again. Nothing suggested love; not from him or her. A wish had simply come true, to experience real passion with a man of her choosing. Most of the women at home did it. Only they weren’t the daughters of Erik the Bald. And those women didn’t run away to track the whereabouts of their lovers when they were supposed to visit a kinswoman. Damn her weakness. She cradled her head between her hands.
    “Every touch weaves invisible chains around your heart,” Amelia warned.
    “ Drit ,” she cursed. “Marteinn’s hands never excited me.”
    “Watch your wicked little tongue,” Amelia scolded. “You never shared Marteinn’s affection, never desired him.”
    “We held hands.” Kara conveniently forgot to tell her about the kiss.
    The maid folded her hands over her stomach. “You shouldn’t require further explanation then.”
    Defeated, Kara stood, then brushed dirt and grass from her backside. “No. I wouldn’t dream of giving you the opportunity to hear yourself speak again.”
    “Irrational creature.” She slapped Kara’s backside playfully. “Make ready to leave, we’re wasting precious daylight.”
    By late afternoon, the heat had grown unbearable. Amelia mopped her forehead with the back of her hand as they brought the horses to a slow walk. Wetlands dotted the countryside and Kara searched for a lake in a secluded area to bathe in.
    “I can’t remember a hotter spring,” the maid complained.
    “Nor I.” Kara searched the horizon. “I’m beginning to think it would be better to ride at nighttime.”
    They traveled a couple more miles and found the perfect place to stop, a pool surrounded by spruce and oak trees. They tethered their horses in the shade. Soft grass and wildflowers carpeted the ground. Kara stripped off her armor, then struggled to unlace her boots and get free of her tight braies. Once she did, she felt as carefree as a wood nymph. Careful to check the area before emerging from cover, she smiled after she confirmed they were indeed alone. Praise the gods. She unpinned her long hair and then stepped out. Amelia spread a blanket on the ground, then unpacked some food.
    “Afraid to show yourself to the gods?” Kara taunted.
    “Me?” the maid asked, wiggling out of her gown. “If I traipsed naked in front of the same man for eight years without blushing, I think I have the courage to face the gods.”
    Kara eyed her admiringly. Tall and thin, Amelia had perfect breasts and finely muscled legs from years of hard work. Why hadn’t she married again? Kara gazed at her own legs. Father called her slender and graceful. She couldn’t disagree more, she felt awkward oftentimes. It didn’t matter if she was wearing silk slippers or leather boots—she’d never feel comfortable in her own skin.
    “Are you going to admire yourself or swim?” Amelia called over her shoulder as she headed for the lake.
    “ Etter at jeg sparke deg i ræva .”
    “Catch me first.”
    When Kara entered the water, her toes curled. It was freezing. There was a flash of amusement on her companion’s face as her teeth chattered uncontrollably. She