Else gave him a quick kiss. “Moving wouldn’t change anything with Laila. At least she’s civil, so Fru Riber hasn’t noticed, especially with a houseful of students.”
She shifted in his arms, making him quite aware of her curves.
“Let’s sit down,” he said. “Hot chocolate.”
In the drawing room, two sofas flanked the fireplace with a coffee table between them, crowned by a tray with two cups of hot chocolate. Janne sequestered her sugar ration to ensure Sunday hot chocolate for all four of them.
Else sat on the sofa beside him, slipped off her shoes, and tucked up her feet. “I never told you, but I used to imagine us cuddling on a sofa while I read to you.”
“Did you?” He draped his arm around her shoulders. “Shall I feign illiteracy again?”
She blew across the surface of her beverage. “Now I dream of us taking turns reading.”
“I don’t want to read today.”
“Oh?” She lifted smiling lips.
With one finger, Henrik eased the temptation away. “I want to discuss something with you. I’d like your opinion.”
Else heaved a sigh and settled back. “I should be flattered.”
He took a sip, rolled the rich liquid in his mouth, and rolled his decision in his mind. “This hasn’t been officially announced yet. The leaders of the major resistance groups and illegal papers have formed theFrihedsraad.”
“Freedom Council?”
“The idea is to unite the resistance groups, coordinate our actions, and link with the Allies.”
Else’s gaze darted around. “That would multiply our efforts.”
Henrik crossed his ankle over his knee. “Last night when I went to Sweden, I had a long talk with Svend. They want the Havmand to join the council.”
“Oh my.” Her eyes rounded. “Because you’ve become a legend, an inspiration.”
He lifted one shoulder. “I want your opinion.”
Her face turned pensive, and she traced one finger around the rim of the cup. “What would be the benefits?”
Ah, her scientific brain. “The benefits for the council would be to have the legend on their side, lending credence to the cause.”
“Any benefits to you?”
Henrik studied his parents’ portrait over the fireplace. “I could have a say. I could encourage the resistance to uphold our nation’s humane and democratic ideals. I could help guide Denmark toward the Allied camp.”
“You could do great good.”
His father’s stern painted mouth looked ready to argue that point. But his firm gaze challenged Henrik to grasp the role of leadership, and his mother’s smile communicated faith that he could do it well.
He inhaled the challenge and the faith. “When I became the Havmand, I gave up my voice. I gave up my nobility. To become a leader like that, I’d have to reembrace both.”
Else snuggled into him. “Maybe it’s time.”
His father’s stern mouth ... “Honestly, Else, leadership—it scares me.” His voice snagged on that fear, that legacy.
She curled her arm up and stroked his cheek. “You are not your father.”
He nodded to break Far’s painted gaze and to loosen his vocal cords. “I know. I have to trust the Lord to provide the kindness I need to lead properly.”
“I know he will, and I know you can. The fact that you even have these concerns shows you can.”
