“I assume you’re sending me to Alfheim then,” Solveig stated. Westley shifted on his feet, as if widening his stance. “Would it not be more prudent to accompany the Idavoll heirs to Midgard? So far I am the only one able to detect and banish the shadows.”
“And it nearly killed you,” Aelfsi said calmly. Westley tensed.
“That is an exaggeration. I merely passed out. I was nowhere near death,” Solveig said, fighting the urge to roll her eyes again. It was physically painful.
“We do not want Asgard’s presence felt in Midgard yet. You know this, Solveig,” Koa censured.
“Very well,” Solveig acquiesced.
A long, loaded pause stretched between them. Her mothers knew she did not agree with this course, but they were not willing to budge. And as a loyal daughter and general, Solveig was forced to stand down.
“You are correct,” Aelfsi continued like there had been no argument. “We would like you to set off for Alfheim with the princes. Lord Conalle and Gerrie will accompany you. As well as your Seer.”
“This is to be a diplomatic meeting?” Solveig asked warily. She’d rather lead her army into battle. Grief overwhelmed her at the thoughtof her fallen legion, drowning out the lingering passion that had lifted her spirits.
“Yes,” Vali chimed in. “Alfheim must be roused to action. They have sat on the sidelines in apathy for too long. The Trifold needs them—Yggdrasil needs them.”
“We will convene in Idavoll once you have succeeded. The king and queen have invited Asgard to their palace. It is the perfect excuse to regroup,” Aelfsi explained.
“When do we leave?” Westley asked, his eyes flicking to Solveig.
“Immediately,” Aelfsi ordered. “Your bags are being packed as we speak, and your horses have been readied.”
Westley and Solveig shared a glance. She saw the longing in his eyes, the resignation at their parting.
“Heirs of Idavoll, you may go now. A ship will be waiting at the eastern docks. Goddess speed to you and may Heimdall watch your path.”
The dismissal was clear. Solveig hesitated before embracing Westley. His arms came around her immediately, holding her close. She breathed in his scent of rain and sea—whatever the queens had in store for her, something was about to change between them.
Again.
I will see you soon, she promised.
Don’t get yourself killed by those bloodthirsty Elven.
Solveig’s body shook as she laughed.Enjoy the docile mortals.
The embrace was too brief.
Westley cast one last look back at her before exiting the throne room, tossing a phantom caress into her mind, raising the hairs on her body. The Idavoll sisters smiled at Solveig, and each lay a hand on her arm as they passed to join their brother.
When they were gone, she turned back to the queens, who regarded her with curiosity. Solveig ignored their unasked questions.
“Am I to leave now for Alfheim?”
“Yes, you will travel with Prince Vali and his brothers.” Koa hesitated. “Solveig, your purpose there is more than just to rouse the Elven to action. We mean to unite our kingdoms,” Koa said. She didn’t elaborate, as though Solveig would understand without explanation.
They couldn’t mean . . .
“What exactly would you like me to do while I’m there?”
“We would like you to find a suitable husband,” Koa ordered.
Shock struck Solveig like a tidal wave, forcing her to shut down her emotions lest any thoughts should slip through her walls. She didn’t want to alarm Westley.
Before she could protest, her sister continued. “This is the best path for the future of the realms. You are a powerful Vanir and also our daughter—a marital alliance with Alfheim would ensure their continued allegiance and support, even after the war.”
Solveig stood in disbelief, the heat of Westley’s body still lingering in hers, though her blood ran cold at the future laid out before her. She cleared her throat.
