She peers up at Bjorn, who slides his hands in his pockets. “Truth, Mum. We rehearsed this. He needs the truth.”
She stares into the piercing blue gaze of the man she loves more than any other on the continent.
Their youngest child mirrors his determination.
Their oldest daughter reflects his intensity.
His devotion to justice is evident in their only son.
Avina cannot see him join the Depths prematurely.
No matter how strongly she believes Calder would not kill his Lord Commander, she dares not risk Sigvid’s life.
Therefore, she lies to him for the first time in twenty winters after they promised each other honesty.
“That damned Isabel,” the lie flows clearly, unable to address her sin.
Bjorn mutters a string of curses.
“She gave you a heavy dose of Azure.”
“Fucking cunt.” Her Beast growls. “Where is Aura? My head iscloudy. I can hardly recall what occurred after the start of the feast.” A heavy emotion lingers in his tone.
She questions whether more occurred during the carriage accident.
Bjorn shakes his head frantically, but Avina must protect their people, family, and this divinely sanctioned mission in Skalor.
“She is with Thora, visiting Frida.”
Sigvid continues stroking her cheek, kissing her lips with a firm passion that leaves her breathless.
“I love you, my little Queen.”
“I love you, Sigvid.”
As he labors to stand, she catches Bjorn glaring at her.
22
CALDER
Thirteen Winters Ago
September 20th, Year 8, 10th Era
Coldheart Keep, Skalor
After drowning himself in a mead barrel and nearly succumbing to the blackness of the Bay of Souls, the Iss Drengr’s head finally hits the pillow. At least he managed to shed most of his clothes this time, leaving him in a pair of undergarments.
He slightly twitches as sleep continues to evade him. Shifting onto his side, he imagines a life with a family. Even the thought of becoming a father again leaves an aching void in his chest.
That ship has forever sailed, and his sins will die with him.
But what would a loyal lady look like at his side? One who would help him defeat his mother rather than join her—a woman with beauty and determination.
What a load of horse shit.
If she does exist, she is likely in the one place the Norn seem to refuse him entrance. The only location on the Endless Shore he yearns to return to above all else.
