“You were a hostage. After the first war between our people.” Thori’s voice was just above a whisper. Horrified.
Njord nodded. “We agreed to your terms until Odin wanted my sister in my stead.”
“But Ahti never lived in Asgard.”
“No. Let’s say I left the Golden Fortress, and Vanaheim has refused to swear fealty to theÆsirever since.”
“And that led to the secondVanir-Æsirwar.”
“Exactly.”
“So, Father did know about Jökull.” Thori was pale.
“He must’ve known that she could still be around.”
“I see.”
He should revel in Thori’s defeat, in the utter betrayal written all over his face. Instead, Thori’s distress made Njord’s protective instincts go haywire.
Emptying the tankard of mead in one go, Thori’s eyes shone treacherously. His shock was palpable, and although Njord’s chest was constricted with guilt, he had to use it. He couldn’t afford to feel sorry for his enemy.
“So, it’s true that your parents have vanished,” he said.
Eyes widening, Thori looked up at him.
“Of course not!”
Hel, he was such a terrible liar.
“Since when?”
“Didn’t you hear me?”
Njord felt dizzy. Suddenly, it all made sense: why Thori had sailed to Vanaheim with a fleet far too small to undertake serious raids; why theAesirhad failed to send someone to rescue their captured prince or negotiate his release.
“You thought they were here? Captured in Vanaheim?”
Thori didn’t deign him an answer, hurriedly stuffing a piece of flatbread in his mouth.
“Oh, Thori.”
“Isn’t there more mead?” Thori asked as soon as he swallowed down the bread.
Njord gestured to Solrun to fill the prince’s tankard again.
“Well? Where are your parents, then? Even Sveinn spoke of their absence.”
Turning the bracelet around and around, Thori didn’t look at him.
“My parents—the Allfather is occupied. With important matters.” A soft blush spread across his cheekbones. “You of all people should know what it takes to rule a kingdom. There is always some important business that requires my father’s full attention. Trade with Alfheim. Quarrels with the mountain giants…”
But Thori’s words rang hollow, practiced, as if he had repeated them many times before.
“What about your mother?”
“The same. She has been traveling. Conducting negotiations in the outer realms. It’s why I—” He faltered, shaking his head. “It’swhy I thought I should prove myself. Show them I could handle significant raids on my own.”
Njord studied Thori’s profile, noting the tension he carried in his jaw and the dark smudges under his eyes. He looked utterly exhausted.
