The ribald laughter was fine. The laughter he could guarantee. Bask in it too when he knew the Brotherhood would always back him. That the ale jug might be in danger of being ripped from his hand and smacked over his head, and what would happen if it did, he could guarantee too. She could do with taming.
The image that flashed in his head wasn't exactly what he had in mind. Well, certainly not here in front of everyone. And not just that. Look at her staring as if he were a brute. Look at the pangs he was suffering that she did. And look at how for five years, he hadn't been able to afford not to be, or let people think otherwise. His breath shortened. Perhaps they should just leave? After all, if she had been trying to run away earlier, perhaps the kindness would have been to let her?
