“My what?” Rakel turned and saw Farrin—still standing by the campfire but turned in their direction. Rakel sighed in aggravation.
“For what it counts, I approve of him.”
Rakel spun around and gaped at her attendant, horrified. “Why?”
“Because he’ll keep you safe.”
“He says he has shed innocent blood.”
“Yes,” Oskar acknowledged. “I imagine he’ll have to forgive himself for that. But he would never hurt you. Even when you fought him, he took a surprising amount of care to see that you remained uninjured. That being said, if you wished to remain single for life, I would gladly support you.”
Rakel cracked a smile. “Thank you, my attendant. Idoneed to speak to him—and Steinar, it would seem.”
Oskar smiled. “Enjoy the celebration, Princess.”
“Thank you, but…Oskar?”
“Yes?”
Rakel frowned at the slushy ground, then gathered enough courage to meet his eyes. “Could you teach me a Verglas lullaby?”
Oskar smiled. “It would be my honor, Princess.” He reached out and placed a warm hand on the crown of her head.
“Thank you.” She said.
Oskar nodded, bowed, and made his exit.
Rakel made for Farrin’s tall shape in the shadows of the fire. A nagging moment of warmth tickled at her memories, and for one brief moment she could recall—as a small child—a young Oskar kneeling in front of her, smiling and ruffling her snow-white hair.
Life is so much better now…but I must always remember the kindness of those who first reached out for me.General Halvor was taking notes on a few pieces of parchment while Knut relayed a funny story to Steinar. Hilda had come for Gerta and Kai, so Phile was free—performing a daring dance on top of a stool that involved a lot of hopping and rocking. She wore a huge smile, and her eyes were lit with delight.
Finally, there was Farrin. He was a tall, lean shadow that lurked behind the laughing, singing, and clapping soldiers and villagers. When she joined him, he didn’t say anything, but his head tilted, and there was a painful sort of questioning look set in his eyes and the wrinkle of his forehead.
Aware of his gaze, Rakel recalled Oskar’s advice to reassure him.What do I say?I cannot blurt out that I see Oskar as my family.Rakel pressed her lips together. “I am blessed to have Oskar’s loyalty.”
“Are you,” Farrin asked in a flat tone.
It seems that was the wrong thing to say. In fact, I think I have made it worse.Rakel darkly eyed the Robber Maiden as she leaped from one stool to the other.What I wouldn’t give to have Phile’s knack for communication.“Yes. I realize now that I’ve never been as alone as I thought I was.”
Farrin’s stance grew stiff. “I see.”
And that apparently was not the right thing to say either. Blast—what do you want me to say?“So sorry I just had a touching moment with Oskar, but it’s because I now know he has cared for me as my father should have?” Rakel almost slapped her hand over her mouth when she realized she had snarled the words out loud.
“He’s like a father to you?” Farrin’s voice was so warm with affection she could almost feel her face heating.
“Yes, or a brother,” she muttered, embarrassed and angry to be so.
“I’m glad.” Farrin shifted close enough so their arms brushed. “You deserve that sort of support.”
Relieved at his response, Rakel exhaled deeply. She found it oddly difficult to swallow when Farrin caressed the back of her hand with his fingers.
“Is everything alright?” His voice was barely above a whisper.
“Yes.” Rakel smiled. “Everything isperfect.”
Farrin crouched uncomfortablyin the shadows—tensed in an awkward position, but he dared not shift until the soldier five paces away moved along.
“Wow.” Phile leaned past him to peer through the gaps in the foliage of the evergreen tree in which they hid. “You like to get real close when spying.”
