“Because ...” He was at a momentary loss for words. Then the prince did something he had a reputation for avoiding. He met her gaze and showed her the truth from which he spoke. “I would do itbecauseit would please you.”
Vhalla turned to face him, searching the prince with skepticism. She opened her mouth and closed it again, unsure how to reply. She didn’t know if she was brave enough to be so bold.
He relaxed his grip on her wrist, and his hand shifted to hers. “I realized something this morning, these past days,” Aldrik murmured. “I am a spoiled prince. No matter how unfair it may be, I do not do well being denied something I want, even if it’s self-inflicted. I have hurt you, I have put you in harm’s way, and I will continue to ask this and more of you the longer you stay near me. Yet knowing this, I seem to want you closer even when sense tells me the opposite.”
“Aldrik.” All words but his name failed her.
“You asked me before for honesty; there it is.” It was his turn to search her features for her reaction.
Vhalla felt dizzy, and all she could manage was a nod. He led her back to the small sitting area and sat with her. Vhalla felt the warmth of his skin under her fingertips, and she did nothing to break their contact. “So, if it involves my feelings, trust me above all others.”
“Above Elecia, you mean.” Vhalla didn’t leave things to chance.
“Above Elecia,” Aldrik agreed with a nod.
“So then, you’re not upset with me?” If they were clearing the air, Vhalla wanted to get everything out.
“Not in the slightest.” Aldrik’s thumb ghosted over the back of her hand. “If anything, you should be upset with me for ...” He sighed and ran a hand through his hair.
“Let’s call it even.” Vhalla didn’t want to dwell. She had done enough of that all day, and she felt at ease finally knowing more or less where she stood with Aldrik. “So what are we actually supposed to be working on?”
Aldrik shared a brief smile with her before his face quickly turned somber. “I have a plan to take the North.” His eyes bore into her. “But I will need you.”
“What could I do?” She hadn’t mastered any type of combat.
“It will depend on if you are able to become proficient at Projection. I believe I am able to see you when you are Projected because of our Bond, but no one else should be able to. If you can Project, you can infiltrate the Northern stronghold undetected. Learn its passages and its weaknesses. The information you could give might make them fall in one night.”
Vhalla instantly felt uneasy at the idea. “But last time I became stuck.”
“I will help you, I will be here.” Aldrik squeezed her hand lightly. “If you are willing, we will begin practice tonight.”
After some internal debate, Vhalla finally decided. “I will.” Perhaps this would be the one thing she could do that would give meaning to her conscription into the military. “What do I need to do?”
“Well, have you worked on Channeling?” Aldrik finally straightened, pulling his hand from hers. The distance he’d previously placed between them didn’t come rushing to fill the space. It didn’t feel like he was planning for it to be the last time they touched.
“Not really.” Vhalla glanced away.
“I didn’t see you using magic when we practiced either.” Aldrik gave her a knowing grin. “So, let us practice that first.”
Vhalla nodded and thought back to the last time they had worked together. It was an easy memory to recall, given the impact the Joining had on her. Vhalla extended her hands, focusing on them. She’d seen Aldrik repeat the movement countless times.
She clenched her hands into fists, and felt a rush of power. It was the same feeling he had imparted upon her during their Joining, and it made Vhalla wonder why she’d been so fearful to attempt it. Her eyes darted back to him. “I think I did it.”
“Really?” He seemed both surprised and skeptical.
“Check,” she suggested.
Aldrik looked askance. “I cannot.”
“What?”
“I cannot use magic sight.” Aldrik seemed embarrassed to admit the fact.
Vhalla stared in shock.He couldn’t do something?More notably, he couldn’t do something that she could. His eyes failed to meet hers, and Vhalla cleared the look from her face. He’d been helpful to her when she had no idea what magic was. She’d not chastise him now.
“Well, let’s just assume I can.” Vhalla gave a small grin.
“Truly? So easily?” He was surprised.
