He stops abruptly as Slode, Avina, and even Kar on Gunter’s other side pause mid-eating to gape at Sigvid as if he has lost his mind. Slode particularly has that look in his eyes that seems to question his sanity.
Avina drops her fork, diving underneath the table.
“It is so good to find someone who stirs you in such a way.” Gunter’s wife gushes.
When Avina re-emerges into her chair, there is a satisfied smile on her lips and water in his eyes.
My sweet little one, I should have told you how perfect you are every day since you invaded the study in that soaking ballgown.
“Is it true you are from Steinlund, Yri?” Frida’s voice cuts through the chatter like a blunt knife, addressing Gunter’s wife two chairs down. “Steinlunders think they own everything. Hard to imagine you settled for someone from Treland.” His mother’s nose can’t tip further in the air if she tries.
Everyone turns to Yri, who fades in her chair, no doubt mortified the widowed Queen sought to call her out directly.
“I am from the mountainous region, ma’am. All must be tough to withstand the perilous terrain.”
“Clearly. I suspect you carry your household on your shoulders.” Frida nods to Gunter. “I imagine you reach the much sought-after higher places.”
Sigvid, Avina, and Slode shove food in their mouths to prevent them from bursting. Gunter seems not to have noticed the slight, while his wife’s eyes widen in surprise.
Stay in Salt long enough, and Mother is sure to surprise anyone.
“Insulting guests already, Mother?” Thrain smiles, but Sigvid notices his leg shaking under the table.
Frida ignores him.
“Bring any pretty girls home, Slode?”
Food puffs out Slode’s cheeks, and he does not attempt to swallow it. The fiercest warrior to walk this land enjoys the beds of both women and men. Knowledge not many knew about the fearless Drengr.
“If you wish to play a game that tortures us all, at least make itsomewhat entertaining.” Sigvid puffs on his pipe with a grin. “Everyone,” he extends his hands, “think of two truths about yourself that those at the table might not know. And one lie.” He turns his head to Thrain with a single raised brow.
“Oh, how fun!” Frida claps her hands together. She loves games, even better if her judgmental glean is welcome.
“Let us draw spoons to start. Whoever pulls the fork goes first.” Yri gathers the unused spoons and one fork from the table, wrapping them in a clean cloth. She offers the handles to the group until…
“Yes!” Avina pulls the fork, signaling she will begin the game. “Hmm? Choosing a lie is more difficult than I anticipated.” She leans against the back of her chair, curling a loose curl around her pointer finger.
“I prefer the company of animals to humans. I used to fantasize about a dashing prince saving me from the Sapphire Palace.” Her cheeks redden, matching the color of her wine. “And I love being a Queen.”
Without a thought, Sigvid knew which is the lie. Below the tabletop, his feet trap hers, forcing her to meet his gaze.
I might not have been able to save you then, but I can shield you now, little one.
“The lie is that you prefer animals to people,” Thrain says from the other end of the table.
She shakes her head to a flutter of laughter from the group, mainly at Thrain’s expense.
“Sigvid and the lot all went to that tree realm to rescue a damned cat for her. It’s not the animal bit.” Kar waves his hand dismissively.
His brother’s scowl suggests he isn’t pleased they left the province without his approval. Sigvid is proud to know he can take actions that still surprise him.
“Her lie is she loves being Queen.” Sigvid tilts his head to the side, watching her reaction as the whole table inhales in shock. “I would like to think that she might finally find enjoyment with the right King.”
She visibly melts in her chair.
“You’re right, brother. Perhaps a King will propose to her soon.” Thrain assesses her with a hungry glint in his stare.
That is it! He is going to force my hand to kill him sooner rather than later.
