“A bit too cozy for my tastes.” Grim quips while Sigvid lights a few pillar candles, revealing a single stone armchair.
As they light the seemingly continuous supply of wax, Sigvid finally decides to ask Grim what has been on his mind for far too long. “Grim, I have an important question to ask, but do not fuck with me like you do.” He inhales while his friend pauses to give him an amused upturn of his lips.
“How did you know you loved your wife?”
Grim’s brows shoot to his hairline. He seemingly recovers from his shock and strokes his chin thoughtfully.
“Evie was the single source of brightness in my miserable existence. There was never an exact moment I knew I loved her. Rather little moments sprinkled about. Her smile and laugh tickled my soul. And there was this way she could resurrect any flower or fern. Of course, the crinkle of her brow and the wideness of her eyes always had me willing to give her anything she asked. I could go on, Beast. She lives in my heart still. I will carry her until the gods return me to her side.”
Sigvid’s hand hovers over a flickering flame as he listens.
“I suspect this question is not out of casual curiosity?” Grim continues.
“No.” Sigvid grinds his teeth, not wanting to admit the tenderness for Avina that blazes in his soul.
“I have shared more secrets with you in the last five months than with many people throughout my life. It is only fair if you return the gesture.”
Sigvid squeezes the lighting stick in his hand until it snaps in half.
No one needs to know my weaknesses. Not even Grim.
“You have cared for her since before the Arena. Why are you set on denying reality now?” Grim presses.
“Because it doesn’t fucking matter! All right?” Sigvid’s roar rattles the bronze sconces outside in the hall.
Love has nothing to do with it.
“Are you seriously going to pretend she means nothing?” Confusion rattles Grim’s features.
“Can anyone honestly fucking say that woman means nothing to me? She is singularly the most important person in my fucking life! Icould watch her mind at work until I am both envious and prideful. In her eyes, she reduces me to nothing more than a simple man drowning in her soul. Inhaling her scent is like breathing in the godsdamn air. It's never satisfying, never enough. She is the breath I need to survive. And oh, the fucking noises she utters under my touch are intoxicating. In her presence, silence becomes torture when all I crave is to hurt her just to hear those fucking perfect lips say my name.”
Sigvid has never spoken more honestly about anything or anyone. He has revealed far too much of his feelings for Avina, and she has yet to hear even a portion of his confession.
And Grim’s smirk only enrages Sigvid further.
“You mock me!”
“My friend!” Grim claps him on the shoulder. “I just want you to be happy. Now, when are we killing Thrain so you can make your move?”
Sigvid grins. “My brother is threatening her with our fucking mother and Thora.”
And myself, he thinks bitterly.
“The Drengr are prepared to strike at any moment. You and she have become close, and I feared telling you might jeopardize my plan and put you in harm's way, too.”
Because maybe I don’t want to see you die either, Grim.
He nods. “One thing at a time. What do you need me to do here?”
Sigvid settles into the most uncomfortable seat with a sigh. “I am to wait for the gods to whisper the names of those receivers, children who will earn an ability. Once I have them, I wish you to arrange for the couriers to ride out and invite them and their families to the ceremony.”
Grim leans against the wall, crossing his arms. “What do they sound like? The gods?”
Sigvid shifts in his seat. He only distinctly heard from the Briny God, who sounded like his Father or himself, depending on the winter—nothing he wanted to admit.
“Keep your secrets, Thordsson.” Grim winks.
December 19th, Year 100, 9th Era
