“No,” Signe said after swallowing. “There is not.” The queen’s face was tranquil and smooth, but beneath her beauty, something burned. “You enjoy those fairy stories from the Southern Continent, Saga, but let me tell you this: they are naught but tales. In our world, the princess does not find true love and live happily ever after. And let me remind you, there are a thousand girls who’d die to take your place.” Her voice lowered an octave. “Who wouldkillto take your seat.”
The temperature in the room seemed to drop.
…the Urkans love to mix with the royal bloodlines, thought Signe,but what if an accident were to happen? She could be replaced with someone unbroken; someone easier. Perhaps that Aníta with the golden eyes…
Pulse throbbing, Saga reminded herself to breathe.
“Do you have a better understanding now, Saga?” asked Signe. Saga felt herself nodding. “You are so fortunate, darling. But I’ve seen the apprehension in your eyes, and I hope our conversation has smoothed the rough edges over. Bjorn needs a supportive wife. One who’ll bedevotedto him. And now that we are both on the same page, I know you’ll do well.”
Saga was beyond befuddled. Of all the topics she’d anticipated discussing with Signe, the seduction of her thirteen-year-old son was not one of them.
“It’s important for us women to speak frankly about such matters.” Signe sipped her róa.
“I’d like to…” Saga wasn’t sure where she was going with this, only that if she had to sit through the spoon and honeypot talk and weather veiled threats, she damn well wasn’t leaving without the information she needed. “I’d like to learn about a queen’s ruling duties.”
Surprise flashed in Signe’s eyes as she patted a linen against her lips. “Oh?”
“I’ve always had a mind for books,” Saga prattled on. “I thought I could prepare myself. Perhaps I should…study the tributary systems, or Klaernar hierarchy, or?—”
“Darling,” interrupted Signe. “Let me assure you, neither of those matters will fall intoyourhands.” She set her linen down, a secret smile crossing her face.
…unless, filtered Signe’s thoughts,you grow a backbone and steal it for yourself.The secret smile fell, Signe’s gaze growing distant.We ought to have heard from that warband by now. The knowing feeling in my stomach tells me we should send the Black Cloak himself after Eisa?—
Saga’s spoon fell from her hand, clattering on her plate. Shaking herself, she retrieved it, stirring her róa frantically. But the thoughts rattled inside her skull.The Black Cloak. She’d heard the name before—hadseenit in Lady Geira’s scribed letter.It would be wise to send the Black Cloak after Clever Tongue.
It had to be him.Exhilaration filled her. She wasn’t sure how she’d missed it before. The queen’s liaison to the Klaernar went by the name of the Black Cloak.
“Are you well, Saga?” asked the queen, her ice-blue eyes shining in concern.
…she looks as though she’s seen a draugur…
Saga was nodding frantically. “Yes, My Queen,” she asserted. “I’m fine. Just a…tremor in my hand.”
…Alfson insists no sign of galdur has ever manifested in Saga,the queen thought, folding her hands on her lap and watching Saga carefully.But what if his test missed something…
A shiver rolled down Saga’s spine, as her memory careened back to her meeting with Alfson—something about testing her for galdur in her adolescence. But Saga’s galdur had not manifested until she was sixteen, soon after hermenses. She’d been told sixteen was rather late for her woman’s tide to flow. Was the same true with her galdur? Regardless, the small smile Signe sent her told Saga she needed to be careful, lest her Sense be exposed.
“You and I are a lot alike, darling,” said the queen. “I know what it is to wonder.” The queen’s voice held the softness usually reserved for her children. “I know what it is to survive while all others have perished.”
Signe had been a princess of Norvaland; had witnessed the slaughter of her entire family when Harald the Hard had taken the isle. The parallels between them were too great to ignore, and Saga felt a foreign feeling—pity for Signe. What must the queen have endured when the Urkans invaded her country all those years ago?
…Síssel, Gymir, Arvíd, Falki and Eylín. Sweet little Eylín, who should be where I am now,thought the queen, chewing her oatcake in silence.
Saga fought to keep her face neutral, but the five names pierced her heart through. Five children, slaughtered because of their bloodline.
“I’m so sorry, Your Majesty.”
“Don’t be,” said Signe, her voice cool and smooth as fresh fallen snow. “It’s been many years now. Of course, it feels impossibly sad in the moment, but time heals all wounds. Ursir has plans for us all, and unfortunately for my siblings, their fate was to perish young.”
…had they lived, I never would have been queen,thought Signe, sipping her róa.Third in line and a girl at that…
“I made the decision to embrace my fate, not to fight it,” said Signe aloud. “To love my husband. To take the crown and power granted to me.” The queen studied her carefully. “Fighting the current only depletes you of energy, Saga. You must go with the rushing waters.”
…and look for opportunities to take what you truly want…
“Are you certain you’re all right, darling?” asked the queen.
“Yes. N-no, Your Majesty. I have…I’ve been battling a headache all day,” stammered Saga. Exhausted, she reached for her mental shields, weaving them back into place. “You’re right. Thinking of the past, fighting the present, it is all quite draining. I thank you for your wisdom. It has been most helpful.”
