When he waited for a beat, I brattily raised a brow, earning myself a low scoff.
Viljan’s movements were jerky as he shoved a group of karls out of the way and stormed across the tall grass. He snatched a large goblet from the beautiful oak tree that graciouslyoffered itself up to be used as a makeshift table and filled it from the barrel of ale before nearly sprinting to the ship resting on the lake.
“I know what you’re doing,” Ivren said softly. “You won’t survive the summer alone, Elvara.”
Low and raspy laughter wove up my back. I accidentally met the strange blond warrior’s dark gaze from where he stood with his men in the stern of the ship Ivren was steering us toward, and I quickly looked away.
I didn’t intend to survive this summer. I only needed to live until the choosing, when I could select Viljan as my second. In the meantime, I needed to ensure he wasn’t sullied by our association.
Loud music, falling from the ships like waves on a wild ocean, split the tense night as we came up to the brow. Drums and flutes and horns created a lethal tune that resounded in my bones as more people turned our way.
“Elvara—”
“Can we not talk about it?” I interrupted. “I would love some food and wine.”
And to forget I’m the most hated person here.
Ivren’s look was long, but finally he nodded. “Sure.”
“Thanks,” I said as I started ascending the brow.
Karls stood huddled around the glen, and many more had gathered atop the ship, their bodies swaying to the melody. A few men were using the stempost to dive into the lake, showing off for three women standing by a mast, and others threw their heads back in drunken laughter as they stood around several barrels in the stern.
Eyes followed us from everywhere, searing across my skin.
Ivren placed a hand on my lower back. “How about we lean into the danger?” His cheek brushed mine. “You never know who wants to kiss or kill you. It can be…exciting.”
I laughed, and a smug grin overtook my brother’s friend’s face as he snapped up two cups placed atop a barrel. Pressing one into my hand, he jerked his chin toward the railing. “That looks like an excellent spot to ensure no one surprises us.”
We settled with our backs against the wood, and I placed my hands on the carved railing. A sad smile etched itself across my face when it warmed in welcome.
“Hello,” I whispered to the shiny oak.
The wood heated once more, lifting the corners of my mouth higher.
It was a beautiful ship, although it had nothing on the onyx bog oak one back at the harbor. The planks beneath my feet overlapped like the scales of a serpent, and every inch of the wood was buffed and cared for. Its sides were sleek like cliffs in the winter and whispered of navigating seas with terrifying speed. The figurehead in the stem was the dragon—or dreki—that the king favored. Its dark eyes pierced me with unnerving scrutiny, and I averted mine when something deep in my gut roiled.
“Whose ship is this?” I asked Ivren.
A deep voice broke in, calling over the deck. “Why? Do you intend to steal this one too?”
I kept my eyes on the contents of my cup as the warriors surrounding the blond laughed at his quip. “I was only wondering.”
It was quiet for a moment, and my shoulders moved on their own, hunching forward in preparation for what else he’d throw my way. But when silence stretched on, I lifted my head. He was back to talking with his men as if he hadn’t spoken at all.
“Who isthat?” I hissed under my breath.
“You don’t know who Darcke is?” Ottoh, Adrion, and Rakkel strolled up to us, the former with a cruel twist to his lips. “Did your father tell you nothing before you came here?”
“She knows who he is,” Ivren said, shoving an elbow into my ribs hard enough that it was difficult not to wince. “Remember our fathers told us about the foreign commander who leads the efforts to stave off our enemies?” He nodded to the warrior. “That’s him. That’s Darcke A’lian.”
I had no clue what he was talking about, but I felt more eyesthan the heirs’ on me, so I nodded. “I guess I didn’t realize he would be here at the Hird.”
I hoped it was the right thing to say.
“I don’t think anyone did,” Rakkel said as she took the spot beside me. “He hasn’t been here long.”
“The king brings him home from time to time—to show how short his leash on the man is,” Ottoh said. “Something must be worrying Gustief to have Darcke be part of the Hird, though. Our enemies have started to come closer, but them daring to anchor in the waters around Nordoen? That they’d comehere? Doubtful. We’re much more likely to die at the hand of one of the karls than our enemies.” He shot me a look. “Especially you.”
