Gerrie and Conalle arrived shortly after and she entered with them, sitting on the opposite end from Westley, the long dark walnut table that grew directly from the ground stretching between them.
Her magic surged, and she closed her eyes for a moment, collecting herself. When she opened them, her gaze landed on the prince, who was watching her intently. His relentless attention forced her to sit taller in her chair.
His companions, including his sisters and two of Solveig’s guards from the cave, came into the room next. She barely glanced at Noren and Viggo, greeting North and Easta with a smile instead. They beamed back. The heat of the prince’s gaze warmed her cheeks.
The Elven court, Queen Eir and her four sons, followed soon after. Steffen immediately made his way over to Solveig and took her hand, laying a soft kiss on her palm. She knew better than to look at the prince as he did so, offering Steffen a small smile as he sat close beside her.
Queen Eir was the last Elven to take her seat, sitting to Solveig’s left at the head of the long oblong table. Vali threw a smirk over to Solveig as he encouraged flowers to bloom in the walls, letting slip the secret of his loosened magic.
The Fae’s eyes widened in surprise, and Vali winked. Given the amount of royalty in one room, a tense silence settled among them as they waited for Idavoll’s king and queen to appear. They liked to make an entrance—it was the curse of being a monarch.
Sure enough, King Erik and Queen Alvida entered last, taking their seats at the head of the table’s opposite end, between their daughters.
“When you requested an audience, Aelfsi,” Erik started, pinning the Queen of Asgard with a glare, “we did not expect such a ... parade.” He pointedly looked around the room at the faces, barely acknowledging his son.
Solveig felt the soft request from outside her mental walls and let the prince’s voice filter into her mind. It was the first time in months she’d allowed him in, and the ease with which she accepted him was concerning.
Latham is in the dungeon. No one but our party knows.
She didn’t allow herself to show any emotion.Has he said anything?
Yes, I was very convincing.
I’m sure you were, Prince.
We cannot discuss it in front of my parents.
Understood. Solveig raised her barriers again, grateful for the knowledge.
“We have wonderful news,” Aelfsi explained, her voice soft and pliable. Solveig hid her smirk. Aelfsi was anything but soft and pliable, except where Koa was concerned.
“And what is that?” Alvida said, her eyes narrowing.
“Princess Solveig is to wed my son, Prince Steffen of Alfheim,” Queen Eir told them with a wide smile.
The King and Queen of Idavoll wore mirrored expressions of shock. Their gazes flitted between Solveig and Steffen and then over to their son. They didn’t speak.
“We are very excited about the union of our continent, and we hope the fruits of their marriage will strengthen the Trifold to what it once was,” Koa said, her words heavy with meaning.
This marriage represented all three realms. As the adopted daughter of Asgard and a witch of Vanir ancestry, Solveig held the allegiance of two realms. Idavoll was caught in the middle, and the message was clear.
“You are to name their offspring as Asgard’s heir?” Erik said stiffly, his nose wrinkling in disgust.
“That is the plan. This marriage will unite our people and restore a force so great we will be able to conquer any foe,” Koa said, turning to Solveig with an endearing smile. “Our daughter has chosen well.”
Solveig’s smile back was forced. Steffen joined their hands and placed them on the table for all to see. The monarchs of Idavoll glared at the display before returning their attention to Queen Eir.
“And the Elven are willing to enter a violent war?” Alvida asked, trying to appeal to the Elven’s gentle nature.
“It has come to our attention that violence is being committed with or without our involvement. Therefore, we must help put a stop to it,” Queen Eir rebutted.
Steffen squeezed Solveig’s hand. She turned to her betrothed, the twinkle in his eye a promise of their life together. At least, that’s what she thought it was, until he turned away, facing the Idavoll prince. Solveig didn’t follow his line of sight.
“When is this wedding to take place?” Alvida asked through clenched teeth.
“That is why we have gathered,” Koa said. “We had hoped to have it here. In Idavoll. This week.”
Westley choked, hiding his reaction behind a cough. Solveig allowed herself to look at Koa, her raised brow the only sign of her surprise. They had not informed her of this plan and suspicion bloomed in her chest. Her sister was up to something.
