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bruise that was forming around his left eye. After hauling Seward off
the girl, Rodor had hit him so hard that Seward had fallen, senseless, to the
ground. The warrior stood now, a grim sentinel, to Seward’s right, awaiting the
queen’s orders.
    “I d…did not think,” Seward stammered. “Please don’t
punish Cerwen for my mistake.”
    Rodor suddenly lashed out, striking Seward across
the face. Her brother staggered backward and collided with Merwenna.
    “Slaves don’t have names!” he growled.
    “Rodor, please,” Queen Cyneswide interrupted, her
voice still gentle. “That’s enough.”
    Merwenna noted that the queen had not even flinched
during the exchange. This woman had probably seen many men slain before her in
this hall. The awareness made Merwenna’s legs start to tremble.
    Cyneswide turned her attention back to Seward, her
gaze narrowing. “You are both responsible,” she replied gently. “Cerwenknew
what she was doing.”
    Merwenna looked down at her feet, wretched. Seward
could lose his life for one impulsive act. At that moment, she saw no way out
of the mess he had got them into.
    “It is fortunate for you that my husband is not
here,” Queen Cyneswide continued. “He would make an example of both of you.
Still, I cannot let this go unpunished. You will both be whipped this morning.
After that, you must leave Tamworth, Seward, never to return. Cerwen will
remain here, and I only hope that you have not planted a seed in her womb.”
    The slave girl gave a muffled sob and looked up,
her emerald eyes pleading. Next to her, Seward’s body went rigid; Merwenna
could see from the set of his shoulders that he was outraged.
    “But Milady,” he burst out, “we did not…”
    “I remind you again,” Cyneswide interrupted him.
“Had you come before my husband, you would be dead now – your head on a pike
outside the town walls – as a reminder of what happens to those who abuse the
king’s hospitality. I would advise you to hold your tongue. For your own good,
it’s best if you are far from Tamworth when the king returns.”
    Merwenna felt danger in the air around them; Seward
was close to crossing an invisible line. She hated the thought of him being
whipped, but if it meant that he would walk out of Tamworth alive, then he
would have to suffer his punishment.
    “Merwenna,” Queen Cyneswide turned her attention
from Seward then. “Come forward.”
    Merwenna did as bid, keeping her gaze downcast. She
could feel stares boring into her and felt her cheeks burn hotter still.
    “If you wish it, you may stay on here and await
your betrothed’s return.”
    Merwenna looked up, shocked by this offer. She had
not wanted to leave Tamworth without knowing of Beorn’s fate. Yet, how could
she remain here after what Seward had done?
    “Milady,” she gasped. “You are kind – but I should
leave with my brother. We have caused enough upset here.”
    Queen Cyneswide smiled, the anger that had flared
while addressing Seward vanishing.
    “You are not to blame for your brother’s behavior.”
    “But, I can’t stay here without his protection,”
Merwenna replied. “I cannot travel home alone.”
    “I will ensure you come to no harm here,” the queen
promised her. “And if your love does not return, I will have the king’s men
escort you home.”
    Merwenna stared at the queen, momentarily struck
speechless by the offer. She was desperate to know that Beorn was safe, but she
had to stay with her brother. She turned to Seward then and discovered he was
glaring at her. His hazel eyes – so like his father’s – were almost green; a
sure sign he was furious.
    “What will you do?” he asked, his voice flat.
    His manner made Merwenna draw back.
    She was willing to go with him, and abandon her
search for Beorn. Yet, he was staring at her as if she had betrayed him. It was
not her fault the queen had made her that offer. It was not she who had shamed
the pair of them. She had been worrying about