“In light of recent events, I’m not sure if magically that’s—” Aldrik started.
“You will have your demonstration.” Vhalla focused on the Emperor, ignoring Aldrik and the fact that she had interrupted him.
“Ah, there is the fire I saw at the trial.” The Emperor smiled. She glanced at Aldrik, he barely constrained his frustration. “There are opportunities in your future, Vhalla Yarl. Obedience is rewarded.”
“Thank you, my lord.” Vhalla was suddenly ambivalent to it all. She felt maneuvered and played, but she wasn’t sure by whom.
Aldrik had been honest with her about their meetings.So why did it hurt so much?Vhalla wrung her hands in her lap.
The second the food cleared Vhalla was eager to make her escape. “Please, forgive me my lords, I feel quite exhausted.”
“Certainly. Recover quickly, Vhalla Yarl.” The Emperor and his sons stood as well. “We shall reconvene in a few days.”
Vhalla nodded mutely, gave a small bow, and turned to the door.
She felt him before Aldrik even moved.
“I will make sure she returns to the inn,” the crown prince declared.
“Aldrik, I would like you to go over a few plans for managing the troop additions. They will arrive within the next few days, and you have your matters with Elecia.” The Emperor’s voice was definite.
Vhalla bristled at the other woman’s name. She’d all but forgotten Aldrik’sbusiness.
“I shall just be a moment,” the eldest prince protested.
“It is not necessary, my prince. The walk is not far and I don’t mind being alone for it,” Vhalla countered.
Aldrik’s eyes squinted slightly in confusion or agitation. “I would much prefer to leave nothing to chance,” he said tensely. “The Crossroads can be full of unsavory characters.”
“My brother, ever concerned for the well-being of his subjects.” Prince Baldair strolled to her side. “Luckily, you have two sons, Father. I would be happy to make sure our little Windwalker makes it home safe and sound.”
Vhalla looked up at the golden prince in confusion. She was fairly certain she’d just said that she would walk alone.
“Excellent suggestion, Baldair.” The Emperor walked over to the large table and motioned for Aldrik to follow. “I look forward to your demonstration, Miss Yarl,” the Emperor said before turning his attention to the maps and papers on his table.
Aldrik stared at her hopelessly, then glared at his brother, but he went obediently to his father’s side.
Vhalla felt Aldrik’s eyes on her as Prince Baldair’s hand fell lightly on her hip, and he led her out of the room into the morning sun.
“Please remove your hand from my person,” Vhalla mumbled to the Heartbreaker Prince.
He flashed her a toothy grin. “Now, now, be more gracious,” he said charmingly. “People are watching you.” He smiled at a few soldiers as he began leading her back across the square.
“Exactly,” she replied. People watching was precisely what she was worried about.
“Oh? Don’t want them to think that you’re involved with me?” Prince Baldair returned a wave. “Just my brother?”
Vhalla glared at him. “Let it drop,” she cautioned. Her pace quickened to cross the distance faster.
“Not until you realize he’s playing you.” All jest, all joy was gone from his voice, and Prince Baldair’s face had turned serious.
“It’s not your business,” Vhalla argued.
“I thought he wasn’t. I thought maybe he had changed.” The prince held the door of the inn open for her, and Vhalla all but flew up the stairs. “But from what I saw,what I’ve heard,this past day—that’s not the case.”
Vhalla bit her tongue and swung open her door, hoping Larel would be waiting and would save her. She was not. The prince caught the closing door with a hand, and Vhalla turned sharply.
“I am still recovering, my prince, and would like to rest. Please, excuse me.” She mustered the last of her polite decorum.
