“That may be so, but she has terrible powers that shouldn’t exist,” Halvor said.
Oskar quirked a red eyebrow. “Do you really think shewantedto have magic?”
“What she wants has nothing to do with her magic. Her royal blood and powers can be terrible weapons, regardless of her character. It is safest for everyone if she has no contact.”
Oskar shook his head. “When you are settled in your post, you should meet her, Captain.”
“I will do as my duty requires.”
“I see. I won’t bother you any longer. Good evening, Captain. I look forward to getting to know you further.”
The attendant was gone with a smile and a nod before Halvor could say anything more.
A child? Someone who possesses magic is neverjusta child.Halvor shook his head and returned his attention to his work, nibbling occasionally on some of the food Oskar had brought.
Three monthsinto his new position, Halvor had seen only a glimpse of the princess. He questioned his men every day, but she was never out and about when the doors were opened for Oskar. It seemed whenever she was spotted, it was only for a moment before she disappeared into her ice castle.
As little as he looked forward to it, Halvor knew that in his position it was necessary to introduce himself to the princess, so he had asked Oskar if he could accompany him on one of his food deliveries.
“Of course,” the attendant had said. “But let me leave a note for the princess so she knows you wish to speak to her.”
“A note—you don’t see her?”
“Goodness, no. It’s rare if I set eyes on her more than once a week,” Oskar had said.
The news was unsettling, though Halvor couldn’t put his finger on the reason for it. Now, as he walked with Oskar through the open gates—cringing when they slammed shut behind them—he was filled with dread.I cannot show weakness, he vowed as they climbed the icy stairs of the castle.I will not be afraid.
“Princess,” Oskar said in a voice that was cheerful but respectful as he nudged an ice door open. “I’ve brought your lunch. Captain Halvor has come with me to meet you—as you agreed to. He is the Captain of the new guard unit that was rotated in recently.”
The doors opened up into an impressively built hallway. The air was chilly, but there were carvings and moldings in the walls like one would see in the Verglas Palace.
At the far end of the room—her back to them—was the princess. She wore a drab-colored Bunad, and her unnaturally white hair was gathered into an orderly braid.
As she started to turn, Halvor steeled himself, but he was assailed in a way he could have never predicted.
Princess Rakel—eldest of the King and Queen and rightful heir to the throne—never met his eyes. He caught a glance of her astoundingly blue eyes when she looked at Oskar before she lowered her gaze. She clasped her hands together and pressed them against her stomach in a gesture that was demure—though Halvor could see her hands shook with fright. Her posture was perfect but stiff, and she had placed herself far away from anything that could be remotely viewed as a weapon.
“Oskar, Captain Halvor,” she said. Her voice was frosty, but Halvor heard the wobble in it.
Though Oskar claimed she was seventeen, she didn’t look much older than fourteen, and everything—from her voice to the placement of her hands—spoke of fright.
Halvor bowed. “Princess.” He placed a hand on the hilt of his sword to keep it from sagging. The movement made her startle like a frightened rabbit.
This is what I am protecting Verglas from?
Oskar placed the tray of food on an ice-forged table. “Enjoy your meal.” He bowed to the princess, beckoned Halvor to follow him out, and shut the doors of the castle behind them.
“That was it?” Halvor asked.
“What, she wasn’t the monster you were expecting?” Oskar drawled.
Halvor pressed his lips together and was silent. For the first time in his military career, he had doubts about his orders.No, he decided.Though she may not appear to be a monster, that could be a ploy. But even if it is not, this mountain is the safest place for her.
“Fyran is doomed,and Verglas is lost,” Oskar announced as he entered the mess hall.
“She said no?” Halvor asked.
“She said no,” Oskar confirmed as he plopped down on a bench.
