However, Odessa seems determined to continue our earlier conversations.
“Did you have any questions for me so far?” She smiles, and this time it reaches her eyes. Not wanting to wreck her current cheerful mood, I opt for a question about the realm, and not what we witnessed.
“Yes. Why did Odin return to his realm?” I ask, hoping to capitalize on her sudden willingness to answer questions.
But that seems like the wrong question.
Her shoulders tense. “The day after your mom left, Odin met with me to give me ruling authority over the Valkyrie covenant. He provided instructions that I was to hold the title until the rightful heir returned.” She smiles at me. “And that he would be returning to the Gods Realm because there would no longer be a Great War.”
Something about her tone seems smug, but if I had the realm bequeathed to me by the God who created it, I would probably be a bit smug, too.
“Oh …” I trail off. “How did my family become the royal family?”
Surprise lights her eyes. “That’s a great question. Odin had always favored your ancestor, Brynhildr. She was one of the very first Valkyries he created. Your mother looked exactly like her, and much of the gossip around here claims that she was the reincarnation of her soul.” Confusion mars my face, but she continues. “Even though we seem fairly immortal, we can die with the right injuries at the right time. Several of the accidents that have happened recently have taken the lives of many of the older ones.”
There’s a strange gleam in her eyes, but she quickly cuts off when Julius nudges her.
We continue back through the city and up the stairs to the Great Hall.
Odessa turns to me once we’ve reached the throne room. “Have a bite to eat, then change into your leathers. Julius will meet you on the training grounds in an hour.”
In a surprising move, she hugs me, the embrace a comfort I hadn’t realized I needed.
10
FIRST TRAINING
The comfort does not last.
My new tight training leathers squeak faintly with each movement as I pace back and forth, waiting for Julius. My stomach growls loudly, and I groan. My nerves got the best of me, so I only managed to pick at my lunch.
But before my anxiety can grow even larger, Mathilda walks through the archway, and relief lightens my mood. I’m elated that I won’t have to be out here alone with Julius. Something about him makes me uncomfortable.
“Hi!” I call across the grounds as she heads my way.
She grins widely at me. “I overheard you had your first training today and came to give you moral support.”
“I could kiss you right now. You have no idea how relieved I am that you’re here.”
She giggles and ties up her long, honey hair. During the parade, she wore it down, and the voluptuous curls bounced as we walked, making her appear more feminine. But now, with her tight, high pony, there’s an edge to her features, a warrior’s face.
“What, you’re not a fan of Julius?” she asks, rolling her eyes.Her voice is laced with sarcasm, the tone instantly reminding me of Lachlan.
“Oh my gods,” I squeak. “I thought it was just me! But he’s off-putting, right?”
The relief of hearing like-minded thoughts untangles the knot growing in my stomach. I thought he’d been rude to me because I was a threat to Odessa’s title, but maybe he’s rude in general, and I’m not a target.
“He’s an acquired taste for sure. He’s the only son of a Roman Legate and was born here in Idirhalla,” she replies.
“The only child thing makes total sense,” I murmur. “My parents were terrified I would have only-child syndrome.” She laughs at my joke, and it emboldens me to press on. “It’s weird he’s mated to Odessa because she seems so—nice,” I finish slowly, trying to speak delicately.
“She hasn’t been the same since they became mates. She’s …” Mathilda hesitates, searching for the words. “Distant and very easily irritated.”
My shoulders drop. “I thought I just annoyed her with all my questions.”
Mathilda chuckles. “No, it’s not you. We all used to be close before …” she trails off.
My eyes widen as Tane sneaks up behind her, his arms outstretched, aiming to put her in a headlock. But before he can, she whirls, dropping into a crouch. In one swift motion, she kicks out with her leg meant to sweep his legs. But at the last second, he moves, and she only gets one of his legs. He wobbles, trying to maintain his balance, and then he stands upright.
