Verena #2
I'm not a fan of superficial small talk. A small part of me wants to get some genuine reaction out of this guy besides his perfect prince persona, so I lift my chin.
"The coachmen weren't just attacked. They and several guards were killed by bandits on the Thornpass.
No matter how well their families will be compensated for their loss, those men are dead, so it's more than just unpleasant.
I'm sure the death toll of my caravan would have been much higher if it wasn't for Wulf here, not to mention Anika and her father, so—"
"Anika?" Prince Leif repeats at once, startled as if I just dumped cold water over his head. He shoots a quick look at the guards before lowering his voice. "Anika Bellevyr?"
I arch a brow. "Yeah, you know her?"
Prince Leif glances at the guards again. Then he reaches for my arm as if ready to escort me away for privacy.
Before the royal can make contact with me, the Huntsman knocks his hand away. He says nothing, but the deathly glare he levels at the prince reminds me this man is sometimes a literal fucking bear.
Immediately, metallic ringing fills the air as the four guards unsheath and ready their swords. They eye the northerner like he's a bomb about to go off.
I hold up my hands. "Whoa, whoa, whoa! Everyone, relax."
"All is well," Prince Leif agrees quickly.
He makes a motion at the guards. They put away their weapons as he looks apologetically at Wulf and me.
"Forgive me, Your Majesty. I did not mean to disrespect you or your Favored. I acted without thinking, but…may we speak privately?"
I start to insist for the millionth time that Wulf isn't my Favored, but I cut off with a sigh because this prince probably doesn't care.
"Wait here for a sec," I tell the Huntsman, giving an actual order for once.
He's not happy about it, but folds his arms to stare down the guards. They continue to eye him nervously in return as I walk several paces away with Prince Leif for a sidebar. Eris follows, of course, and I see him hanging out in the reflection of a nearby sconce.
The prince is far more engaged now than he was before. Even though he keeps his voice low so we won't be overheard, there's no missing the hope in it.
"The Bellevyrs accompanied you? Meaning, Anika is in Aurefeld? She will attend the festival?"
"She sure will."
In three stunning masquerade gowns, if I do say so myself.
Leif exhales sharply before he squares up with me. "Your Majesty, I have a proposition for how we can help one another."
My brows go up. "I'm all ears."
"It is true that your Favored will not be allowed to remain on castle grounds, let alone attend the masquerade."
I bristle. "Seriously? Just because he's a northerner? That's so fucking stupid and—"
Prince Leif lifts a finger to his lips, checking again to make sure we're not being overheard before he looks at me.
"I agree completely, but it's not only because he is from Nordhjem. He has runes on his arms."
Do they not like tattoos in Aurefeld? Is that why that female guard was making that face at him? I can't imagine what she would think of my real body back in my world.
"So?"
"Magic is forbidden in Aurefeld," Eris reminds me. "Or at least, it's heavily controlled by the Church of Thirteen Lights. They allow it only in certain instances and with explicit permission. Any use of magic outside their strict purview is—"
"So," the crown prince says, speaking over poor unseen Eris. "It would be remarkably easy for someone to accuse him of using those runes. Given his proximity to royalty, if he was accused within this castle, he would be sentenced to an immediate death. No trial."
Oh. Shit.
I look over at Beowulf, who is, of course, waiting where I told him to. One of the guards is apparently a big fan of the stories about the Huntsman of the North and is trying to ask how he slayed Grendel, but Wulf ignores him.
I can't help studying the blue runes covering his impressive arms.
I don't want to endanger him while we're here in Aurefeld.
"I can give him a comfortable place in the knights' barracks, during your stay," Lief quietly offers.
"It is near enough that he can meet you in secret, if you wish.
At my request, the knights will not say a word to my parents about him.
In fact, I rather think the men will be pleased for any chance to spar with such a legendary warrior. "
If it comes down to having Wulf kicked out by the king and queen, or making sure he has somewhere to bunk during this three-day festival…
I know Wulf can handle himself better than I can in this world, but I still glance at Eris, wondering if he thinks this is a good idea.
His shrug looks strange in the warped gold reflection of the sconce. "I'd much rather Wulf stay at your side to protect you, but it's better to pick our battles."
Prince Leif follows where I'm looking, curious when he clearly sees nothing strange.
"Your Majesty?"
"What exactly do you want in exchange for stashing my sexy Viking?" I ask.
"I only ask that you please do not tell my parents that the Bellevyrs are in attendance.
They invited a great deal of nobles this year, and have been so busy with preparations that I am certain they don't yet know they're among your guests.
Gilda willing, my father won't know of their presence until the third night of the masquerade, when everyone unmasks.
That should at least give me time to…speak to Anika.
Catch up with her, after all these years. "
Clearly, he knew Anika before the king and her father had their falling out. I suddenly recall her words in the courtyard days ago.
I won't jump into bed with Mikkel when my heart is still held by someone in my past. It's complicated.
Did the falling out have something to do with Anika and this prince getting too close for the king's liking?
I just love it when the plot thickens.
Except…
Does this mean Anika is in love with Cinderella's prince? That sounds messy, but I'd rather Anika get the chance to at least talk to her childhood love, if that's the case.
"You've got a deal, loverboy," I grin through the veil. Then I tip my head. "But I don't get it. Why not tell them how you feel about Anika? Didn't the king and queen make the festival special this year because they want you to pick a wife?"
Prince Leif shakes his head. "I have been betrothed to the second eldest princess of Turnstadt for years—though she cares nothing for me, nor I for her. It is a nonsensical union that I will resist until our parents see reason. No, this festival is really for my brother."
"Brother?"
"Well…stepbrother," he clarifies with a quick smile. "But we have never called each other that. I am certain you already know my father, King Roderik, married Gisela when I was a child, after my mother passed. She already had a son, whom my father happily accepted as the spare prince of Aurefeld."
"Oh, sure. I knew that," I lie.
"I'm afraid our parents are both fed up with his utter disinterest in romancing anyone. They're hoping that gathering every eligible maiden from Aurefeld and noble ladies from the other kingdoms will make him finally show an interest."
"It'll definitely make him interested in shoes," I muse aloud, realizing Anika isn't in love with Cinderella's boo thang.
So, Cinderella ends up with the second prince. That's good to know.
"Pardon?"
"Nothing. Like I said, you've got a deal."
I start to turn back toward Wulf, but Prince Leif clears his throat.
"Wait. Your Majesty, is…is Anika well? Was she harmed on the journey, by the bandits you spoke of?"
Oh, he likes her, likes her.
"Actually, Anika is fantastic with a sword, so she kicked their asses. She's completely fine, Your Highness."
He's visibly relieved as I walk back to give Wulf new orders. Once again, the Huntsman is not thrilled, but he follows Prince Leif toward the barracks as I at last enter the throne room.