Avina is rendered speechless. Not even on the streets of the Ridge do citizens publicly address her, let alone thank her. “I’m sorry. Why are you thanking me?”
I feel foolish for asking. This woman will probably revoke her praise, thinking I am a moron.
A few winters older, the woman smiles widely just as a small child collides with her legs. “My son, here, has been sick most of the winter. And the trek for freshwater nearly killed me. You and Prince Sigvid returning our clean water saved us.”
Avina clutches her heart, unable to fully register this moment. Not only can she see the direct efforts of their work, but someone recognizes her and is happy about it!
Is this normal for rulers to experience?
“Is this your son?” Avina crouches down to the child wielding a wooden axe. “Hello, there.”
The child giggles before hiding behind his mother’s skirt. “My wife was a shieldmaiden, a Drengr of Lord Sigvid. She died in the war.”
Avina hastily stands. “I am so sorry for your loss.” Does the woman not realize who she is speaking to? “Is there anything I can do for you and your son?”
The woman waves her off. “The wife knew what she was getting into. Dumbass.” She shakes her head. “We manage with friends and family.”
“Drengr!” The little boy yells, brandishing the toy axe in the air.
Avina looks expectantly at the woman, who sighs with a grin. “He wants to be a Drengr like his momma. Kjarton, tell Queen Avina what you want to be when you grow up.”
“I be Drengr! Drengr of Sigvid!”
Avina doesn’t need her cloak anymore. This woman and her son are all the spirit she needs this winter.
“Well, that is a brave endeavor, Kjarton.” Avina ruffles his hair. “I look forward to when you give your oath to Lord Sigvid.”
“I give oath to Sigvid!” He runs around them, slashing with his toy axe.
“Please, if there is anything I can ever do to help, let me know.” Avina isn’t sure why she is extending an infinite ‘I owe you’ to this woman, especially when she plans to return to Timber shortly.
“Perhaps yours and Lord Sigvid’s child can play with mine.” She laughs, and then her features retract at Avina’s sudden recoil and head shake.
“Oh, my, I just assumed…pardon me, Your Highness.” She clears her throat. “When you returned with his lordship to live with him… I am sorry, Your Highness, I misunderstood your relationship.”
“No, no harm done. It certainly does appear we are in a courtship, doesn’t it?” She wraps a stray curl around her finger. “I will let you enjoy your evening.”
They exchange goodbyes, leaving Avina alone in the street, feeling the familiar clutches of darkness at her heart.
How would she classify her relationship with Sigvid? He uses her like a whore, yet still includes her in his life as if she is a friend or a partner. There is no courting, even if her stomach dances when he looks at or touches her. His words cloud her mind, and his crooked smile makes her forget how to breathe.
“Your Highness.” Grim nearly collides with Avina, who is not paying attention to her path.
She smirks, shaking her head at his insistence on referring to her by her title. “Good Evening, Grim. I am beyond shocked you’re not causing trouble somewhere with Sigvid,” she teases.
Grim’s laugh booms over the street. “He and Thrain had somethingto discuss about the Winter Solstice Sacred Stone Ceremony. Something official like that.”
Sigvid mentioned he would prepare for the ceremony in the evening when he relayed the events of his day, which didn’t involve Avina.
“How does it feel? To be this close to your revenge?” She can hardly contain her excitement.
Grim’s smile falters slightly. “When an evil rips the love of your life away, the thought of avenging her death elevates me straight to the gods.”
She had never loved anyone with every ounce of her soul—someone whose presence stirs a desire to be everything they need and more. “Why do I sense there’s a ‘but’ in there?” She pokes at him.
Grim is one of the most kind-hearted men she has ever met. Even with his reason for ending up in the Arena, she never understood why he beat himself up to such a degree.
“Evie surely would appreciate your efforts to bring Samson to justice.” Avina offers.
