She spoke again before he could respond.
"You were gone for a week. There was never any doubt that you would return to responsibilities waiting for you," she said calmly. "If your presence is truly required in the capital, then you should go."
She gestured faintly toward the estate grounds where several guards were already preparing to ride out again. "While you are gone, I will join your men in searching for my brother." Her voice was steady, but her eyes still looked haunted.
Ragnar opened his mouth to protest. He wanted to pull her into his arms again, to assure her that he would not leave, not when Rowen was still out there somewhere. Not when she needed him most.
But before he could say any of it, Circe had already turned away. She strode across the courtyard toward the stables with determined steps, clearly intent on retrieving her horse so she could join the search herself.
Ragnar watched her go. He could have stopped her. But what good would it do?
