“I do not care what kind of physical features my allies possess,” Rakel said.
“If I ever start a robber gang like my mother did, I’m going to follow your example and give entrance only to handsome men. I mean, a girl could get used to all of these wonderful muscles.” Phile reached out, as if to measure Aleifr’s biceps with her hands.
“Please refrain from molesting Verglas soldiers and civilians,” Rakel said, “or you will soon rival me for most uncomfortable presence in the country.”
“Princess Rakel!”
Rakel was almost knocked off her feet when Gerta and Kai threw themselves at her.
“This is so exciting!” Gerta said.
“It is the first time either of us have been off the mountain,” Kai reported. “It is much flatter than I thought it would be.”
“But it’s so pretty!” Gerta added, burying her face in Rakel’s waist.
“Well now, who might you two little angels be?” Phile asked with a dashing smile. (As soon as her attention was diverted, a relieved Aleifr snuck away.)
“I am Kai.”
“And I’m Gerta! Rakel is ourhero.”
“Gerta!” a woman hissed. She stalked up to Rakel and the children, her hands clenched.
Rakel’s hackles rose, and she drew up her shoulders.
“Gerta, control yourself and apologize,” the woman ordered.
“Why?”
“Because you are hugging aprincess!” The woman performed a sweeping curtsey. “Please forgive my ill-mannered child and her friend, Princess. It seems I gave birth to a barn animal.”
Phile released a great gust of laughter.
“There is nothing to forgive. I am glad for their informality,” Rakel said as the children giggled.
Beyond her stood Gerta’s grandmother and a pale-faced woman who stared at her in horror.
“Oh, mother!” Kai said, releasing Rakel. He ran across the ice, slipping and sliding. “Come meet the Princess Rakel,” he said. His mother offered Rakel a curtsey, took Kai by the hand, and led him away.
As he trooped after her, Kai looked back and waved farewell, wilted.
Gerta’s mother sighed. “I worry about that one,” she said.
“Why?” Phile asked.
“Her husband died in the war, and she has no other relatives besides little Kai. Me and my husband try to look out for her, but she is a fragile thing… Oh, but forgive my prattle, your majesty—and my impudent offspring. I am Inga. It was my mother, Hilda, that you saved. If you have need of food, or a seamstress, please seek me out. It would be an honor to serve you.”
Rakel opened her mouth to refute the lady, but Oskar intervened. “As much as I hate to interrupt your conversation, Princess, it is unavoidable. What structures have you tested and found true?”
“If you’ll excuse me, Mistress Inga,” Rakel said.
“Of course, Princess,” Inga said, curtseying again. “Gerta, come.”
“Goodbye, Princess Rakel,” Gerta said, skipping after her mother.
“Farewell, Gerta. This way, Oskar.”
“Thank you, Princess.”
