Argnier nods. “Tough old broad, but I agree with Ice Prick. You should also get my nephew to do something productive and send the Drengr.”
Aura and Calder both flinch.
“Oh, Briny’s big, saggy balls, can you avoid touching each other during the last leg of this? Don’t mention your obvious affair, and get us some good ol’ Salt axes.” Argnier reclines in his chair.
“Securing the Drengr will require a physical proposal to Sigvid.” Calder grumps.
Argnier chortles. “I do not think my nephew will be pleased to learn one of his trusted generals is fucking his daughter. Although it will be an inevitable battle I will enjoy watching, Ice Prick.”
“We should discuss this after we leave the temple.” Aura, once again, changes the subject. “If we get separated, where should we meet?”
“Fitz’s place,” Argnier responds. “Just been to see him. An old healer and the best that’s ever been. Now,” he stumbles, “I propose an early bed.” He raises his flagon in salute. To stabbing Lavinia in the back!”
“To knowledge!” Edmund lifts his drink in unison.
“To our friends and family, counting on us!” Aura raises her drink, her gaze fixed on Calder, who lifts his pewter flagon without looking at anyone.
“Skål.” He offers the Treland drinking salute before downing his mead.
28
AURA
October 6, Year 21, 10th Era
Viktoft, Skalor
“Aura, please tell me what's on your mind.”
Since leaving the forest in Geit, Calder has repeatedly asked Aura this question, but she has avoided answering him.
She studies her hands, noting the broken tips of her nails from travel and her constant picking. Since Edmund and Argnier’s arrival, her anxiety has been out of control.
Makt can throw any amount ofseidr,and as a halvgud, she can withstand it. However, it's Calder and his enhanced ice powers that truly trouble her.
Even with the upcoming adventure to the temple, one worry keeps her awake at night.
“Once Makt is dead, we end.”
As a young girl, Aura enjoyed sketching images of her future. As she hungrily devours Calder’s firm protectiveness, gentle spirit, and keen observation skills, she realizes she could never design a more perfect partner. Her heart burns with an ache that knows all too well the realities of their situation.
Why can I not have this?!She counters in the back of her mind. She craves this unconditional love and devotion from him like a desert craves water.
Why must I only be loved by someone temporarily?
“Why must we end?” His large hand tangles through her curls.
His affection tugs her heart in half. She swallows hard, failing to dispel the thoughts that wish to break her into pieces. “I am Princess Aura Sigvidsson-Redwood, heir to the throne of Treland.” She softly utters the title that has always symbolized her joy and aspiration.
To be a good Queen.
To represent her family.
To make her Pops proud.
At this moment, the only approval she thirsts for is the man watching her intently.
“I cannot lose you, yet I fear your betrayal.”
