“You know I have the power now to command you.”
“Unless you are able to physically remove me, or you have suddenly overthrown the queens and become King of the Trifold, you cannot give me orders.”
“I am the general of the Southern Wilds and as a citizen of this camp—” Solveig put a hand up to stop him.
“You see, that’s where you’re wrong,General.” The title seared like acid on her tongue. “I am not, nor have I ever been, a citizen of the Southern Wilds. I have always been a denizen of Asgard. I answer to the queens, not to you.” It felt like a betrayal to denounce the people she’d led for centuries, but it was true—she had never been a civilian in this camp, and she would not become one now.
“Then what are you still doing here?” he asked sardonically.
Solveig shrugged. “My queens have not summoned me, so I can only assume until that happens, they want me here.”
“And what purpose do you have to be here now?”
She tried not to react, but the words stung and she flinched. Latham caught the brief movement, his face softening into pity. Solveig hated it.
“Come on, Sol, let’s go outside,” he said with a sigh. Solveig was about to deny him again when Laeknir spoke up.
“I hate to interrupt this riveting banter, but you two need to take this outside. This is a hospital and no one wants to hear you two bickering,” he said with a pointed look at Solveig.
“Speak for yourself!” a voice called from behind one of the partition curtains.
“Shut up, Warf. No one cares what you think,” Laeknir barked back. “Might as well get this over and done with,” he said quietly to her.
“Gee, Laeknir, thanks,” Latham muttered. Laeknir ignored him and Solveig relented under his knowing gaze.
“Fine.” She got up and left the tent as Laeknir muttered something under his breath about drama and the gods’ abandonment.
Notbotheringtosmotherher smile as Latham automatically placed himself where he usually did—close and a pace behind her—Solveig prepared herself for the inevitable.
When he realized his place, he took a long stride to pull himself half a step in front of her. She couldn’t be bothered to point out that no matter where he walked, he couldn’t replace her. For the second time that day, she walked through the crowded camp with her head held high. It was suppertime and most sat around campfires cooking, no doubt gossiping about the day’s events.
All went quiet at the sight of her and Latham walking the streets together. Latham strode with an air of importance, strutting like one of the Fae peacocks. Not wanting others to think he was dragging her by her hair, she walked with purpose, attempting to keep the distaste off her face.
They strode past the dining hall where the prince and his companions sat around an outdoor table. He stared at her with somethingresembling concern in his features before he was blocked from her view by Conalle approaching. Before he could speak, Latham raised his hand.
“Forgive me, Lord Conalle. I have private matters to discuss with Solveig. We cannot be delayed with inconsequential chit-chat.” Derision dripped from his tone. Now that he’d gotten what he wanted from the Fae, he was back to his usual disdain for the race.
Conalle pulled up short at Latham’s censure. “Yes, General Arlanson, it’s just that—”
Latham interrupted him. “You are here as a guest, Lord. Do not make me regret my hospitality in allowing you to stay.”
Shock crossed Conalle’s features before he fixed them into an apologetic frown.
“Yes, General. Forgive the intrusion.” But Latham had already resumed walking. Conalle caught Solveig’s arm, stopping her from following Latham. “Are you okay?” he whispered. Solveig nodded and gently pulled free of his grasp.
“Come, Solveig,” he ordered.
She narrowed her eyes. “I’m not a fucking dog, Latham,” she snapped. He took four long strides back to her.
He tried to look down on her, but it was difficult considering they were essentially the same height. “You will address me in a manner befitting of my post.”
“Oh, sorry. I thought I did,” she said casually. His blood was clearly boiling, and she took no small amount of pleasure from it. She saw the prince’s smirk from the corner of her eye.
“We do not have time to play these games. The matter I must discuss with you is urgent,” he insisted.
“Oh yes, so urgent that instead of taking me straight to a secluded place forprivacy, it was imperative we take a route that drags us all overcamp, ensuring all those present see us together. That makes so much sense,General.”
The prince hid his chuckle with a cough behind his hand.
