At least for the time being, the prince and his motives would have to wait. There were more important things to deal with—like the survival of her people and getting back to Asgard.
She would use whatever the prince gave her, truth or not, and seek advice from the queens before deciding her next moves. As soon as they had a plan in place, she would be free to search for Gerrie.
It was difficult to appear unburdened by their presence when Conalle dragged them to where she was waiting. Especially when she sensed the prince scanning every inch of her body, as if searching for any wounds. Solveig didn’t like the feelings that arose under the weight of his stare.
Confusion was not a familiar emotion—if it could even be called that.
“It’s sore but healing,” she said, answering the unasked question in his eyes.
“Solveig—”
“Not now, Prince.”
Solveig turned to Noren, who watched her with apprehension more than remorse.
“You get one free pass with me. This was it. If you ever try to kill me again, I will make sure you regret not driving that dagger deeper.” Her fingertips sparked with light, her threat evident.
Noren swallowed. “Understood.”
“Good.” She turned her attention back to Conalle. “Are you coming with me to Asgard or going back to Idavoll with these two?”
Conalle’s face morphed into confusion. But she didn’t want the prince to know she’d already agreed to them coming along. She wouldn’t make it easy for him.
The prince cleared his throat. “Excuse me, who said we’re going to Idavoll?”
“Your grandfather ordered you back,” Solveig said coldly.
Conalle spoke before the prince could. “I’m going with you to Asgard, Sol. That’s where the queens will need me after this disaster anyway.”
“We’re coming with you too,” the prince added firmly.
“We are?” Noren asked, staring at Westley in surprise.
“No, you’re not,” Solveig said.
The prince furrowed his brow, temper clearly rising. “Who are you to order me around?”
“I’m the daughter of Asgard, and you are the prince of a realm that has betrayed the Trifold,” she said, jabbing a finger into his chest beforerounding on Noren. “And you just tried to murder me. I don’t trust either of you.”
The prince’s jaw clenched. “In case you haven’t noticed, General, Idavoll has also been keeping secrets from me. I don’t particularly trust them right now either. Also,youjust tried to killme.”
Solveig’s sore muscles tensed, her hackles rising. “You think I can believe a word that comes out of your mouth?”
“I need answers, and those answers are in Asgard.”
“Go back to Idavoll, Prince.”
“Make me, witch.”
Conalle stepped between them, a hand on each of their shoulders. “Okay you two, back up. I can’t handle another stabbing today.” They had inadvertently stepped closer to each other. The prince’s breath caressed her face.
“We can’t waste any more time, Conalle, I have to find my people,” Solveig voiced with barely restrained contempt.
“What people?” Noren asked.
Solveig didn’t answer him, too busy staring daggers at the prince. Conalle sighed. “She found a trail of footprints leading out of camp and into the forest. She thinks there are survivors, and given the skill of this legion, I wouldn’t be surprised.”
The prince nodded. “That settles it then. We’ll help you find them.”
