Free Web NovelChapter 135: Chapter 135
"You can go to town with Nieah," Ragnar said, his voice leveled but still carrying that unmistakable weight of authority. "But only on one condition."
Circe’s hand froze on the doorknob. Slowly, she turned to face him fully, her brows drawing together in wary curiosity. "And what would that be?"
He took a moment to truly study her now, as it felt like he had not been able to properly get a good look at her since she came into his study.
He noted her guarded stance, the flicker of defiance in her gaze, the subtle impatience in the way her fingers tapped against her thigh. Even though her expression remained carefully unreadable, he still caught the faintest trace of uncertainty glinting in her eyes.
"You can go with Nieah," he said at last, "only if I accompany the two of you."
For a heartbeat, Circe simply stared at him, as though trying to decide whether she had heard correctly.
When she realized he was being serious, her lips parted slightly in disbelief. "You’re coming with us?"
Ragnar’s mouth curved faintly, though the smile never reached his eyes. "Would that be a problem?"
She crossed her arms, tilting her head in that quietly challenging way of hers. "Only if you plan on turning a simple errand into a royal parade."
"Then I’ll keep my crown at home," he replied smoothly, his tone laced with an ease that bordered on teasing. "You have my word."
Circe watched him carefully, weighing the futility of arguing with a man as stubborn as him.
At last, she exhaled, the tension in her shoulders easing into quiet resignation. "Fine," she said softly. "You can come along."
A hint of satisfaction ghosted across Ragnar’s expression. It was brief and subtle, and she might have missed it if she hadn’t been watching him so closely. But she saw it.
An hour later, the estate courtyard was alive with motion. Servants hurried back and forth beneath the bright afternoon sun, voices rising in brisk coordination as they prepared the carriage. Horses were being harnessed to gleaming bridles, the rhythmic clink of metal echoing in the air.
Circe stood near the stone steps, quietly watching the scene unfold. The crisp scent of leather mingled with the faint perfume of the gardens beyond the courtyard. She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, her expression calm but her posture betraying impatience.
Today’s weather was just perfect for an excursion, and she could hardly cover up the sheer excitement that coursed through her at the simple thought of finally leaving the estate, even though it was only for the afternoon.
Ragnar arrived soon after. He was dressed in a simple attire of a dark tunic and breeches, and yet managed to still look commanding.
He was the kind of man whose presence filled a space whether he intended it or not.
Circe turned toward him as he approached.
"We’re taking two carriages," she said before he could open his mouth. "Nieah and I will ride ahead, and you can follow behind with your guards."
Ragnar stopped beside her, one brow arching in question. "Two?"
"It’s just a trip into town, Ragnar," she replied, her tone clipped but not unkind. "There’s no reason we need to—"
"There’s every reason," he interrupted mildly, his tone calm but still carrying the weight of finality. "Two carriages make for two targets."
Circe’s frown deepened. "You’re being dramatic."
He gave her a look that only further proved her point. "If something happens, I won’t be able to reach you fast enough if we are separated. We take one carriage. That’s final."
Her mouth tightened, a flicker of defiance igniting in her eyes. "You enjoy being impossible, don’t you?"
"Only when someone insists on arguing with me," he replied, his tone deceptively pleasant.
Nieah, who had been standing awkwardly nearby, suddenly found the carriage wheels fascinating, crouching slightly to inspect them as though their structure held the mysteries of the world.
Circe crossed her arms, glaring at Ragnar for a moment longer before sighing in defeat. "Fine. One carriage. But you’re sitting on the opposite side."
Ragnar smirked, stepping forward to open the door for her. "As you wish, princess."
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The carriage rolled out through the estate gates, the heavy iron creaking open to reveal the winding road ahead. Beyond the walls, the world spread into open fields and dense woodland, painted in hues of soft green and gold beneath the bright afternoon sun.
Inside, the air was filled with the muted sounds of travel, the steady clatter of wheels on stone, the groan of wooden joints, and the gentle swish of the curtains brushing against the windows with every turn. ƒreewebηoveℓ.com
Nieah sat nearest the window, her gaze distant as she watched the scenery blur past. She seemed determined to remain uninvolved, her thoughts wandering far from the conversation unfolding beside her.
Circe, seated across from Ragnar, kept her arms folded and her expression carefully neutral.
She could feel his gaze on her. It felt more attentive and measured than intrusive.
It was the kind of gaze that made her skin prickle, not from discomfort, but from an awareness she couldn’t quite suppress.
He watched her like he was physically unable to tear his gaze away from her for even a second. A building could be on fire next to him and his attention would not move from her.
After several minutes of silence, Ragnar finally spoke. "You’re unusually quiet."
Circe didn’t look at him. "Maybe because someone made it impossible for me to enjoy my peace."
"I wasn’t aware I needed your permission to keep you safe," he said evenly.
"You don’t," she shot back. "You just enjoy making it sound like you do."
The corner of his mouth twitched, amusement flickering behind his eyes.
"Perhaps. But if it ensures you come back in one piece, I’ll accept your irritation as payment."
Circe turned to him then, her lips curving despite herself. "You have a terrible way of winning arguments, you know that?"
"It works, doesn’t it?" he replied, voice calm and self-assured.
She rolled her eyes but said nothing, leaning back against the seat with an exasperated sigh.
