“Slode,” he snarls, “bring me that rope. I want to ensure our captive is comfortably tied this time.”
22
AVINA
November 2nd, Year 100, 9th Era
Somewhere in the Salt Province
“Here.” Grim slips into Sigvid’s tent, a small bundle clutched in his hand. “I thought you looked peckish, Your Majesty.”
Avina smiles as she finishes assembling the cot. She plops on the stretched canvas and accepts the food wrapped in the thin cloth with a sigh. “Thank you, Grim. I would starve if not for you.”
He crosses his arms over his chest and glances through the opening slit of the tent where the Drengr Army continue their rapid camp setup. Based on the last two evenings, they would spend much of the night cackling while they drank heavily.
“We should arrive in Toftlund soon.” Her hands tremble with hunger, thirst, and an uneasy sense of the unknown. She plucks a shaky piece of the dried meat into her mouth.
“What will he do with me?” The terror and exhaustion over the last few days trembles the tenor of her question.
Before Grim can answer, the imposing form of Sigvid Thordsson appears shrouded in the entrance.
“You are to serve me in any way I see fit.” His attention pivots to Grim with a growl. “Leave.”
Grim passes the Salt Prince on his way out with a side-eye.
“Did I allow you to have food?”
She pauses mid-chew as she glares up at him, wondering if he understood the meaning of the word ‘compassion.’
“Grim offered me some extra from his pack. I have not eaten since we left the Arena.”
“I cannot allow you to have that much energy.” He rips the bundle away from her quivering hands and munches on the dried meat.
Her eyes brim with tears.
Why is he such a cruel, heartless man? No, he isn’t a man. He isn’t even the same person I met in the Sapphire Palace.He is what everyone has insisted on, what he embodied in the Arena: a mere beast.
“Why am I here, Thordsson? You cannot possibly believe you can kidnap the Queen of Timber and not reignite our war.”
“You are here because I want you to serve me, my little Queen.” He strokes his beard thoughtfully while watching her with those intense blue eyes. “Without Timber’s fearless leader,” he gestures to her as he chews, “No one will start a war with me. Your favorite generals, Tyo and Elsrith, cannot hope to defeat me.”
“You think far too highly of yourself.” She emits a ‘hmph’ noise.
He finishes off the meat, crumbling the fabric and stuffing it into the pocket of his trousers. He broadly smiles at her, “You were the only one who could think of a way to stop me. Without you, they are hopeless.”
She purses her lips and leans back on the cot.
He has a point.
Avina discovered the Azure Bloom trick on berserkers, allowing her to capture the great Lord Commander. If she wishes to escape his clutches, she must trust herself.
Easier said than done.
“Stop ignoring my question. Why am I here? Toftlund has plenty ofyoung women willing to serve you on their knees.” With a lip curl, she adds, “Why must it be me?”
He presses closer until he cages her on the cot, her chest heaves beneath his. “I have yet to decide your fate.” His growling voice reverberates along her skin. “I might slice that beautiful neck,” his fingertips leave goosebumps along her neck column, “or I might keep you on your knees. Either way, I will decide your future when we arrive home.”
“Please,” she breathes, “what have I done to deserve this?” His presence is somehow all-consuming and horrifying.
