“My brother’s Easterner rode him back when he went to get Fritznangle.” Aldrik spurred the mount forward.
The wind was fresh and warm on her cheeks after the oppressive atmosphere in the tent.
“Daniel?”
Aldrik nodded mutely.
“Is it a good idea to ride like this?” Vhalla asked softly, noticing the glances from the soldiers.
“I want them to see you with me.” He responded so quickly that there couldn’t have been any thoughts into his words.
“Why?” she breathed.
“Because I want them to know that if they lay a hand on you again, they will deal with me directly.” Aldrik’s voice was deep and harsh, and it made her want to grab onto him and never let him go.
He took them directly to his tent. Black Legion soldiers who had just finished setting it up were beginning to dissipate, and they all peered at her curiously as Aldrik ushered Vhalla within. Getting away from the world’s prying eyes was a relief, but it was equally nerve-wracking to have those prying eyes watch her being led with the prince’s palm on the small of her back.
The moment the tent flap closed, the braziers lined along the perimeter lit with flames. Aldrik didn’t seem to even think about using his magic. “Take this off, I’ll fix it.” He placed a palm on her wounded shoulder.
Vhalla nodded, beginning to unclasp the scale mail as Aldrik did the same. She felt comfortable and nervous at the same time. Aldrik took the plate from her as Vhalla shed her chainmail.
“So what happened?” Aldrik asked.
“Well ...” Vhalla sighed and recounted the events leading up to Baldair’s tent.
“You bested him in the end, though?” he asked after she had finished her story.
“I did.” Vhalla nodded.
“How?”
“I just moved ...” She wasn’t sure what answer he was looking for with such a question.
“Like with Elecia?” Aldrik glanced up from his work on the plate. His thumbs ran over the red hot metal.
“Yes ...” Vhalla trailed off, waiting for him to fill in the blanks. He didn’t, and frustration snuck up on her. “You can’t keep doing this.”
“Keep doing what?” He seemed startled by her tone.
“You can’t keep asking cryptic questions and storming off to sulk without giving me answers that I know you have.” Vhalla was no one, and yet she fearlessly made demands of the crown prince.
Aldrik just sighed and let her. “Fine, stubborn woman.” He placed her repaired armor off to the side. “Do you not think it strange that you are suddenly capable of besting soldiers withyearsof practice?”
“We’ve been training.” It was a cringe-worthy excuse when Vhalla actually thought about it.
“You were sloppy, at best.” When Aldrik was honest, he held back nothing. “I was beginning to fear for what we would need to do to keep you alive when we reached the North.”
“So, what happened?” Vhalla pressed.
“You fight as I do.” Aldrik met her eyes.
“Of course I do.”
“No, Vhalla.” He shook his head. “You fightexactlyas I do.”
“Why?” she whispered.
“I can only assume it to be the Joining,” Aldrik mused.
