Those who trained with her had been blood sworn to secrecy about her identity, punishable by death. And as she learned, her peers respected her. It was no surprise when she quickly rose in the rankings.
She’d had to swallow her pride and wrote to Koa and Aelfsi, apologizing and thanking them for sending her there. They did not take thehigh road—instead, all she got back was a new dagger to hide in her boot and a note with three words written in elegant handwriting.
We told you
From then on, with only minor exceptions that usually landed her and Gerrie in some sort of trouble, Solveig listened to her mothers. She trusted that the queens always had their reasons—they had not ruled over the Trifold for centuries by accident.
They were wise and cunning. And always right.
So if they believed bringing the Idavoll Fae to the Southern Wilds was the best course of action when they thought her dead, she couldn’t blame them. They’d been trying for centuries to repair the relationship between their realms.
They didn’t know Idavoll was behind the attacks, not when Koa’s magic was blocked and she could no longer See.
After Solveig returned from her ride with Gerrie, she would write to them and explain what she’d learned to hopefully put a stop to Idavoll’s involvement until they could get to the bottom of their betrayal.
It was likely too late—Idavoll had already been given their location when they’d thought her dead. Now that she was back, they still didn’t know what kind of state she was in and had to act in the best interest of their people.
But this time, they were wrong.
Still shaking from the effects of her panic attack, she had to at least attempt to pull herself together. Each wall she’d built in that cave to protect her mind, her strength, and her people now crumbled, causing her to unravel as she spiralled out of control.
She was a wraith—hollow and empty, so weak she’d been knocked over by a scent carried on the wind. Her body still humming with fear, she couldn’t bring herself to feel disgusted.
The irony of the situation was not lost on her. She hadn’t broken in the cave, but now that she was out and safe, she was breaking.
As they entered camp, Gerrie held back so Solveig could lead them through the gates. A smart move on Gerrie’s part. While Gerrie was thinking ahead, Solveig was trapped, her mind still held captive.
Solveig led them to the stables, thoughts racing along with the thrumming of her heart. When a lad approached to assist with Helle, she waved him off. She had never allowed anyone else to care for her horse and wasn’t about to start now.
Therewasmuchtobe done to prepare for the arrival of the Fae. She’d taken the rest of the day and the night to contemplate her next moves. The morning ride had helped clear her mind further. Dismounting and leading Helle to her stall, Solveig went through the motions of taking off Helle’s saddle and reins before brushing her down. Getting lost in the soothing, repetitive task allowed her body to relax.
Gerrie looked over from where she groomed her own horse and gave Solveig a reassuring nod. She could do this. She would make a plan and follow it step by step.
I got out. I got out. I got out.
Her first step would be to talk to Latham, needing to get the weight of him off her chest.
Once she was finished grooming Helle, she fed her an apple and went to search him out. She didn’t have to go far, catching sight of him leading his horse to the stables. He was followed by a female, the pair smiling and laughing together.
A grin began to form on her face, for it had been a long time since she’d seen Latham with someone who made him laugh like that. She ducked around to the other side of the stables so she wouldn’t interrupt them—she could speak with him later.
When she was out of sight, she made to leave but their conversation reached her, halting her mid-step.
“Solveig will understand,” the female said. Solveig vaguely recognized her—her name was something like Tiva or Tonja. She was younger, and Solveig remembered she used to be an entitled brat because she came from a highborn Vanir family. But the short time they’d spent training together was rather forgettable.
Knowing it was probably not the best idea, she listened.
“I don’t think she will. She hasn’t spoken since she got back, and I can’t talk to her if she’s not communicating.” Latham’s voice sounded resigned and if she wasn’t mistaken, a bit terse.
Was he angry with her?
“Sæta, that’s exactly why she’s not fit to be general anymore. If only a few months could break her then she’s not strong enough.”
Solveig’s eyes widened.Sæta?The word for love on the female’s tongue sounded possessive and seedy. She expected a pang of jealousy to hit her, since Latham had used to call her that, but none came. The other words the female had spoken caused her heart to spike and her blood to heat. She waited for Latham to defend her, but he didn’t. There was a long pause before he spoke.
“You may be right. I’ve never seen her like this. While I think she’ll be strong again eventually, she’s not right now.”
Well then.
