So she took care to have her dagger loose in its sheath every time she approached the door to the smithy. Harald didn’t strike her as particularly violent, despite his attempt at overpowering her a few weeks before. But desperation could drive even the best of men to ill-deeds, and she could not afford to take chances.
As she made her habit every day, she knocked on the door to give Harald a chance to cover himself decently if he should be using the oaken bucket which served him as a chamber pot. When there was no answer, she pushed the door open, carrying the bread, cheese, dried fruit, and mug of milk which was to be his breakfast.
And stopped in the doorway, hew jaw hanging loosely.
Oh.
Gentle Rhiannon protect me. I never thought I would find him beautiful.
He lay on his back on th
