She relaxes too much and allows her power to wear off.
Oh no.
As if the moment cannot get any worse, an eruption of shouts and clanging metal sounds from deeper in the lower bay. Heavy footsteps echo closer to her hiding spot.
She jerks to her feet. Where can she go? There are empty holding cells along the hallway. Hiding in one until the Drengr left logically is a good idea.
She tears down the grimy hall until she runs smack dab into the same two guarding the side door.
All of her fears spiral into a horrible reality.
Theyarehere for their Lord Commander.
19
AVINA
October 29th, Year 100, 9th Era
Treland Arena
“Who is this, Helga?” The man is the same age as her father, with gray hair, a beard, and the same bulky build as Sigvid. His heavy leather cuirass stretches tight over his bulging muscles.
He reaches out and grips Avina’s arm with a force that has her squealing.
This can't be happening to me.
Will the Salt Prince help her escape Samson? Has their back-and-forth reached a crescendo where their complicated history and lust have merged into at least respect?
“Gods, Kar,” the woman named Helga swears.
Fur armor covers every bit of her body except her hands and midsection. As her eyes drink in Avina’s nakedness, she slaps her arm out onto his chest, stopping him in his tracks.
Helga shoves her against the corridor wall. “Speak your name!”
The glint in the shieldmaiden’s hazel eyes is wild andknowing. She quickly comprehends that lying to this woman will do more harm than good.
“Queen Avina Bloodstone.”
Kar’s eyes widen, and then he cackles. “Sure you are. And I’m the Briny God himself.”
Helga lands a punch on his chest. “Do not play the fool, Kar. I’ve studied her since she captured our Commander. Not to mention, she is known to haunt the Arena.” She tilts her head, smirking. “Tired of Timber cocks, Your Majesty?”
Her cheeks burn at her insinuation.
Helga drags her back toward Sigvid’s cell. Avina’s confusion outweighs her indignation, leaving Kar to interrupt.
“Wait, are we bringing her with us?” Kar looks her up and down.
Helga sighs, agitation growing at her fellow Drengr. “She is the Timber Queen, Kar. Did you pay attention to anything with the Prince during the war?” She sighs. “She will make a perfect welcome home offering for our Commander.”
Kar’s responding devilish grin is the stuff of nightmares. “He will be delighted to see his sworn enemy in such a bare state.”
“What is going on out there?” Sigvid's gruff voice booms from inside his cell.
“You take her, and I will open the lock,” Helga instructs.
She continues to spiral in her thoughts of freedom while Helga uses a key to unlock the door, which crashes open against the wall. Her eyes focus on the warrior who emerges. His closer proximity makes her stomach flutter with butterflies.
