“I know.” Her words were blunt, no hint of emotion. Nothing to give away what she felt about his confession.
“You do?”
“It’s not like you hide it well.” Was she teasing him? Was that a good sign?
They lapsed into another silence. Where was everyone? This might have been his and Solveig’s wing, but he’d expected Viggo and Noren to barge into his rooms last night, checking up on him. They were nowhere to be found.
“Have you seen Viggo and Noren?” he asked Gerrie. If she had made her way around the palace looking for him and Solveig, she may have seen them in passing.
“Maybe something has them tied up,” she said, a hint of a smile on her lips. Westley, as usual when it came to Gerrie, didn’t know what to make of it.
Finally Solveig emerged from her rooms, relieving him of being alone in the hall with Gerrie. His eyes raked down her form, taking in her travel leathers like she knew the queens were about to send her into battle.
She was probably right.
TheyfollowedGerriedownthe hall, walking close enough that their hands brushed more than once.
Her body was urging her closer to him and it took more restraint than she’d admit to anyone to not close the distance between them. Solveig still hummed with the energy of Westley’s kiss.
Goddess, that kiss.
She felt it everywhere, felt him everywhere, invading her entire body. Her magic was charged and ready to strike—she’d almost attacked Gerrie when she’d interrupted them.
Thankfully she’d had some brain power left.
The throne room doors opened to reveal the remains of last night’s ball, the hall still in complete disarray. Empty platters of food, half-drunken goblets of wine, and discarded articles of clothing. It must’ve been a real revelry after she passed out.
Under normal circumstances, the mess would have been tidied by morning, but nothing about last night had been ordinary.
Thinking of the mortal girl was a struggle. She pitied the child, and yet, her claim on West made Solveig’s blood boil.
Koa and Aelfsi sat in their thrones on the dais whispering to each other, not bothering to stop as the three joined them. It seemed they weren’t the only ones the queens had summoned.
The Alfheim princes, as well as Westley’s sisters, were already there, fully dressed in their finery, looking out of place in the trashed grand hall.
Sten stood off to the side, looking as uncomfortable as ever in his own skin. Solveig immediately tensed upon taking in the sight—this would not be good.
Her mothers took their time ending their private conversation, and when they did, they assessed Solveig and Westley. Could they tell? Her lips still felt swollen from Westley’s earth-shattering kiss, and a quick glance to the side, which did not escape the queens’ notice, showed he looked as dishevelled as she felt.
“Did you enjoy your ride?” Aelfsi asked, a mischievous glint in her gaze. Solveig fought the urge to roll her eyes at her mother in public.
“Yes, Helle enjoyed being with her herd again,” Solveig answered tersely.
“Last night confirmed the situation has escalated. While we will not declare all-out war just yet, we have pieces to move around the board,” Koa began.
“Prince Westley, you and your sisters will head to Midgard,” Aelfsi commanded. “If we are to get to the bottom of your grandfather’s betrayal, we must see how the mortals are faring under his influence. Princess North has already written to your parents under the guise of making amends for the loss of the mortal daughter and swaying you back to their side.”
Solveig scrutinized the sisters of Idavoll, who stood strong and prepared. Westley’s attention remained on the queens. He looked for all the world like he wanted to argue but kept his mouth shut. Solveig didn’t have such qualms.
“And you are now taking orders from the queens of Asgard?” Solveig asked North directly. Westley brushed his hand against hers.
North inclined her head. “I do not see it as taking orders, General. We have counselled together and agreed this was the best course of action, for the sake of both realms.”
That was good enough for Solveig. She had enough respect for her mothers, and burgeoning respect for the Idavoll princess, that she would not question their decisions.
“Am I not heading to Midgard as well?” she asked the queens.
“No, we have another task for you,” Koa answered. With a quick glance around the room, understanding dawned.
