Phile sighed. “Neither of you are any fun.Snorri! I know you’re skulking around. Let’s go spy on someone or steal something!” She turned in a circle, searching for the taciturn scout.
Rakel glanced at Halvor to gauge his reaction. “Do her comments bother you that much?”
General Halvor’s face was as smooth as paper, but his enthusiasm was gone. “What comments, Princess?”
Rakel patted his shoulder, unsure why she was consoling him but feeling the need to regardless.Since leaving my exile on Ensom, I have come to learn that emotions can be tangled and complicated.Black-tea-colored hair and gray eyes lurked in her mind. She ruthlessly shoved the thought away.
She was relieved when the path narrowed, and she could see the ice-dam—sparkling in the afternoon sunlight—up ahead. “If you’ll excuse me, I’ll be a moment.”
“Call if you need anything.” Phile tucked her loaf of bread under her arm. She tossed Foedus in the air and caught it with the same hand, then turned to face Halvor. “As we spent the night in Begna to speak with the resistance fighters, I imagine the news will have piled up in Ostfold. Do you know where you want Snorri and me to scout next?”
Rakel smiled back at the stationary pair, walked farther down the path, and approached the road block.
She placed her hand on the ice wall, feeling out its strength and structural integrity.It seems the Chosen mercenaries tried to break through it.She felt several cracks and dents in the ice.I think they have given up and left, but I had better strengthen it anyway.She tapped her magic and repaired the ice, channeling her chilly powers through her fingertips. She added a few inches of ice to thicken it up, made a few structural improvements to the base, and smiled in satisfaction.
“You won’t fall unconscious this time?”
Rakel, on sheer instinct, formed several ice swords as she whipped around and steeled herself for a fight.
Colonel Farrin Graydim of the Chosen Army stood a few horse-lengths behind her, watching her. His skin was tanned from hours in the sun, and his tall, lean body was clothed in the black and crimson Chosen uniform. He was handsome, but he had a slightly intimidating air to him due to the white scar that followed the tops of his cheekbones and sliced across his nose.
When he had her attention, he sauntered closer. “You must have to use a great deal of power to trigger it.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Farrin raised an eyebrow at her, and the wind ruffled his hair—which was a fascinating shade of black and brown. “You do not recall falling unconscious after successfully stealing my sword?”
Rakel’s chin shot up. “I did not steal it; I won it.”
“Icertainly remember you collapsing.” Farrin stopped an arm’s length away from her. “You dropped so fast. I…”
Rakel kept her face and posture passive, though she was on high alert. After retaking Ostfold, it had become obvious that Farrin had feelings for her.But even if he appears to care for me, I do not trust him. He may believe that it is in my best interests to be kidnapped and hustled out of the country.“As you can see, I am fine. Did you want something?” She would have taken a step away from him—and the intensity he radiated—if it wouldn’t have felt like admitting defeat.
“No,” Farrin said, surprising her.
“No? Then you are here to gather information about the soldiers we defeated?”
“Those mercenaries are neither my men nor my responsibility,” Farrin said.
“I see,” Rakel said. She waited for an explanation, but none was forthcoming.
Farrin said nothing but scanned her, as if memorizing her. He unconsciously traced his white scar with a gloved finger, and his eyes—which were gray like wet rock—held a passion that unsettled her. Never had anyone gazed at her with so muchfeeling.
Rakel kept her mouth shut and fought her inclination to babble in the awkward moment.
When Farrin shifted, she almost sagged in relief, believing the intense moment to be over. Instead, she was shocked when Farrin moved in and slowly, as if she were a wild animal, placed his hands on her waist. His eyes were locked on hers, watching for a reaction.
What? Something is bothering him. He isn’t typically so…demonstrative.“What’s wrong?” Rakel asked. Although his hands rested on her hips, he hadn’t pulled her against him, making it easy enough to meet his gaze.
Farrin exhaled. “Everything.”
Rakel opened her mouth to speak, but his pained expression seemed too deep for a few polite words to soothe. She wracked her mind, trying to think of anything she had read or heard that could be of assistance. She came up empty-handed.Why hasn’t anyone written a handbook of appropriate emotional responses? That would be far more informational than some of the trite things I’ve found in the royal library!In her desperation, Rakel recalled the great comfort she found in embracing Phile, or Gerta and Kai.
She peered up into Farrin’s eyes—which were excruciatingly hopeful.I hope I don’t regret this, but I do not think his actions are a ploy.Hesitantly, Rakel drew a little closer to him.
Farrin took her movement as an invitation, and pulled her flush against his chest and tightened his grip on her waist, sliding an arm behind her back.
Rakel let him cradle her, though her nerves prickled.It’s very different—hugging a man…but it’s not an unpleasant difference.Phile’s hugs spilled over with merriment, and Gerta and Kai’s were warm—like freshly baked bread. Farrin’s was…deeper. It felt different, being gently held against his tall, lean body. Rakel was taller than most of her comrades, but Farrin was taller still. His body molded around hers like a shield.
