Ensnared (Knights of Brethren #3)(34)

“I will.” I had to get to her soon. She might even be sneaking off to leave while Nanna was with me. I shoved my foot into my stocking.

“Do whatever you have to, Gunnar-boy. Kiss her again if you must.”

Tugging up a stocking and hopping on one leg, I paused.

Nanna nodded as though to confirm her permission. She was truly desperate if she was advocating my kissing Mikaela. Even so, I couldn’t pursue such intimacy again. I wouldn’t lead Mikaela on, not even for this.

“I can’t—”

“I’m told she drew the earl’s attention at the forest’s edge. And now that he’s aware of her, he’ll single her out.”

My blood ran cold. I couldn’t let that happen.

“She’s too beautiful and full of life,” Nanna continued, “and he won’t be able to resist.”

“You’re right.” I was surprised Mikaela had gone this long without Bernhard’s notice.

My thoughts jumbled in a frantic race to find a solution for keeping Mikaela from falling into Bernhard’s clutches.

As I finished with my stockings, Nanna handed me my doublet. “She won’t be safe here in Romsdal anymore. Not after this.”

I slipped into the doublet. “I’ll think of something.” But what?

“The best thing for you to do is buy her freedom from Bernhard, take her away, and marry her.”

Marry her? I stumbled over myself and grabbed on to the edge of the bed to stay upright.

“Take her with you to Vordinberg and implore the king to grant her sanctuary.”

Could I really do such a thing? For several pattering heartbeats, excitement charged through me at the prospect. I hadn’t wanted to consider marriage previously. But with Mikaela? If I could have her as my wife, I’d wed her at this very moment.

My blood pulsed with a sharp and bold need. I wanted Mikaela. I always had. Dare I consider Nanna’s proposition?

Nanna reached for both of my hands, her eyes turning tender. “I tried to keep you away from her for her safety.”

“I understand—”

“You love her, Gunnar-boy. You always have.”

I wanted to deny her. But how could I when the truth of her words resonated deep within me?

“I thought if she married Frans that she’d settle down and be protected. But after today, she’ll never be safe here again.” Nanna’s voice grew low and urgent. “Now you’re the only person who can protect her.”

But at what cost? Bernhard wouldn’t easily relinquish any of his bondservants, especially not after setting his intentions upon one as beautiful as Mikaela. If I offered him everything I had for her, he’d hold onto her just to spite me. And even if I secretly stole her away, Bernhard would eventually learn of my connection to her.

Once word of my deception reached him, he’d seek vengeance, and most likely he’d bring difficulties to her kin, starting with Nanna and then hurting her father and mother and siblings. He’d punish them all.

“Don’t worry about me.” Nanna pressed a hand to my cheek, likely seeing the anxiety warring in my eyes. “I can take care of myself.”

“I can’t risk bringing harm to you or your family,” I whispered. “And I know Mikaela will never want to risk it either.”

Nanna let her hand fall away, and her shoulders slumped. She knew as well as I did that the battle with Bernhard would be far too dangerous for everyone. But the fact was, we could no longer sit back and do nothing.

“I vow that I’ll find a way to protect Mikaela.” I buttoned my doublet, not caring if I was getting each one looped.

“I trust you, Gunnar-boy. You’ll figure it out.”

If only there was a way to be with Mikaela without destroying all the people we loved.

“And you’ll keep her from going after Frans?”

“Yes, I shall go in her stead.” Since I’d already planned to set forth into the forest, I would simply do so a day earlier.

After Nanna left as quietly as she’d arrived, I hastened through the remainder of my grooming. Then I made my way to the part of the castle with the nursery. As I slipped silently inside the bedchamber, I found Mikaela doing exactly what I’d expected. She was kneeling beside her trunk and hastily packing her bag now that Nanna had left with the girls.

“Where are you going?” I whispered, closing the door behind me.

Her startled gaze darted to me, and she shoved her sack behind her. “’Tis not your concern.”

Her eyes were rimmed with red and her cheeks wet with fresh tears.

At the sight of her distress, an ache pulsed through my chest. I wanted to cross to her, draw her in my arms, and comfort her. But I held myself back, knowing she wouldn’t welcome me right now. Not after I’d walked away from her yesterday.

“I heard about Frans.”

She shifted her face away, fiddling with something inside the trunk before closing it.

“I’m sorry. I hold myself responsible, and I shall go in after him and do my best to bring him back.”

“I won’t let you throw away your life too.” Her response was sharp.

“I’m the one who incited him to leave, and I’ll be the one to rescue him.”

She stood and slung her bag over her shoulder, no longer bothering to hide her intentions. “No. I drove him to it, and I’ll be the one rescuing him.” She lifted her dainty chin, and her amber eyes flashed with defiance.