“I saw our parents, our eldest brothers too.” Thyra swallowed through the tightness in her throat. “The vision made our father look like a monster, but I wanted to tell you about it. I couldn’t stop myself from coming to you, even if it is late and?—”
Isolde slipped her hand into Thyra’s. “Don’t apologize. I want to listen.”
Chapter 29
ISOLDE
Upon returning to my room, I found Vale snoring soundly. I lay down in bed, and bells passed as my thoughts alternated between Thyra’s vision and worrying about whether Lord Balik was still an ally. Finally, the sun spread across Myrr and we rose.
Looking at the bigger picture, I should have been happy. Thyra and I were close—loved one another as sisters should. We would not fight over a throne butshare. Side by side, we would bring Winter’s Realm back to peace and fruitfulness.
None of that will happen if we do not win,I told myself as I tightened my sword belt around my waist.We have to win to share a throne. And for that, we will need the Baliks. Likely the Armenils too.
“Vale,” I said. “Has a raven come from Morial yet?”
He’d been pulling on his boots, but at my question, he looked up, his lips a straight line. “Not yet, but it’s a long flight. And I expect Connan will have to confer with advisors.”
Vale didn’t mention Lady Orla Armenil, who had recently lost her mate and, from what I’d heard, would be unwell formoons to come. I believed it too. Just the thought of losing Vale was unbearable. To go through that—I shuddered.
“I see,” I said.
“Don’t worry, Force. Things are coming together.”
“And unraveling at the same time,” I muttered.
Vale pulled on his other boot and crossed the vast room to stand at my side. “Lord Balik will honor his vow. He needs time to understand what he saw.”
Vale had grown up at court. He was used to the games of high lords and ladies and how long things took.
“I hope so,” I said. “You’re training today?”
“Eireann and Baenna approached me yesterday. They wish to spar with us.” Vale arched an eyebrow. “A good sign.”
I hadn’t seen my friends since I returned from the battle, but if they went to Vale . . . maybe he was right. Was there hope that Lord Balik had made a choice and not yet told me?
“We’re practicing shadow magic after breaking our fast,” I said. “But save me a sparring session. If I don’t get back into it soon, my muscles will shrivel to nothing.”
Vale laughed and pulled me into him so that my backside pressed against his front. I twisted, offering my lips, and he took them in his. Fire rushed through me, potent and hot.
My hand snaked up, tangling in his long black locks. The shaved side was freshly trimmed and scratchy, but the longer part was as silky and touchable as ever. I tugged at his roots, knowing how much he liked it, and a low growl traveled up his throat as he gripped my hips and ground into me.
Stars, losing myself in a morning with Vale would be such a sweet distraction, but Thyra would be at my room soon.
As if on command, three rushed knocks came at our door. Vale groaned.
“Your sister has the worst timing.”
I kissed his jaw. “But waiting will make it hotter later, right?”
“You’ll be waiting until quite late. I have something planned.”
“Oh?”
“Of course. With your nameday dinner party tomorrow, I need my own time to celebrate with you.”
My nameday dinner party. In all that had happened, I’d nearly forgotten that Saga had planned it for tomorrow.
“Helloooo!” Annoyance settled into Thyra’s every syllable. “Isolde, I’m not here for practice. There’s something important, so if you’re nottoo busy, stop making me wait!”
