"His Highness will not be pleased when he finds out about this," he continued.
Circe bristled. The words sounded uncomfortably close to a threat.
"I will not be long," she replied, forcing her tone to remain light. "I simply forgot something of mine inside."
It was the best lie she could manage, though her body betrayed her. Anxiety made her hands tremble, her grip tightening instinctively around the hilt of her sheathed sword.
The footman clearly did not believe her. His gaze flicked briefly to the weapon in her hand before returning to her face. Still, as Ragnar's wife, he could not openly accuse her of lying.
"Then allow me to accompany you," he said instead.
"Who will watch the carriage if you come with me?" she countered.
He did not seem swayed.
"I am sure it will be fine, Your Highness," he replied smoothly. "After all, we will not be gone long."
He used her own words against her.
