Chapter 22 Freija
Freija
My chest tightened to the point where it felt like I’d been tossed into the fjord on an ice-cold day—stunned into silence.
He wanted to take me south to complete my research and keep me safe.
I waited in my spot at the council table as the members slowly gathered—each one in more disarray than the last. Poor Birger looked like he’d been dragged out of bed with his coat askew and belt left unbuckled.
Once everyone was seated, Father took his spot at my right, and called the meeting to order. “Apologies for the late hour, but important matters have been brought to light that I want your immediate opinion on.”
Sleepy nods filtered around the room.
“Halvar.” Father motioned to my guard at the other table end. “Would you please tell them what you told me?”
Halvar straightened and rested his forearms on the table before diving into the events of the night and his plans for us to venture south for security purposes and my food resources project.
“We’ve already declined the research mission,” Karl-Mogens said and crossed his arms.
“This would primarily be for the princess’s security.”
“Then why not keep her here?” Thyra added.
“Because we’ve had breaches in our security.
” Halvar looked calm but tension raised the muscles on his arms and I bit back a smile.
I’d wager my favorite encyclopedia that he wanted to harm them—likely rip off their arms and smack them across their heads with their own limbs.
I shook off the gory thought, and refocused on the conversation.
“I think it’s a good idea,” Birger said and my head whipped in his direction. Several other council members nodded in agreement, and my shoulders slumped.
So, they’d listen to Halvar and his request but ignore mine? A bitterness filled my mouth and I clenched my hands in my lap. There was so much wrong with that. Perhaps Ragnhild had a point about removing some of these members once I became queen?
“What if we sent a member of the council with you?” Marthe suggested with a yawn.
“Why?” I chimed in. “I am a member of this council as is Halvar.”
“To report back to us, of course. Halvar will be too busy focusing on you to write us daily missives,” she replied.
Karl-Mogens tapped his hand against the table. “I agree. Regular reports would be wise so we can keep track of your location should anything go amiss.”
That didn’t sound right. My brow scrunched and I swallowed a small lump in my throat.
Why would they want daily updates when we were trying to keep things as quiet and safe as possible?
Halvar and I would have some soldiers with us, plus we could hold our own in the event of an attack—especially Halvar.
Their concerns didn’t make any sense except for the fact that they’d always been like this with me.
Closely watching my every move to make sure I was meeting their expectations and being the perfect heir.
Was I really not good enough or worthy of their support?
Perhaps I needed to talk to Ragnhild about this? Maybe one of those plans of hers might be a better option for us? Because right now, I didn’t think I could trust anyone in this mountain, except the man who had just offered me a small slice of freedom.
“Perhaps you could take Hans with you too?” Father said, drawing me from my thoughts.
Holding back a scoff, I replied, “He isn’t one for long journeys.” And if there was any one person that I’d met in my entire life that I didn’t think would like sleeping outdoors, it would be him. Venturing far sounded like a nightmare situation for the man, and I wouldn’t put him through that.
“He came all the way here from Almstad, though,” Thyra added with a pert cough.
I opened my mouth, but Halvar responded before I had the chance. “He was coerced and drawn by the princess’s request.”
My father hummed, and I let out a sigh. We did get along well, but… My eyes drifted to the far end of the table where Halvar sat and something inside me ignited. Did I ever have that feeling around Hans?
“All right then, Halvar.” Father’s voice held everyone ensnared. “Those in favor of this venture, please raise your hand.”
I raised my hand and found nine others do the same. My heart thrashed against my chest.
“Those opposed?”
Thyra, Karl-Mogens, and Marthe raised their hands.
Father nodded and faced Halvar. “Considering all that has been discussed and the priorities I have for the mountain and my family, I approve of your southern venture for research and security purposes.”
I could scream with delight. In fact, if given the chance, I’d happily run to the top of the mountain and sprint along the rugged field while singing with joy. I glanced over at Halvar and gave him a smile, which he returned with a slow nod and crinkled eyes.
“When will you leave?” Father asked.
“A week or so,” Halvar replied.
Excellent. That meant I had a week to prepare my materials, pack, and discuss slight alterations to the plan with Ragnhild. Plus, figure out what I wanted to say to Hans and the merits of that courtship continuing.
My cheeks flushed with an excitement I hadn’t felt in a long time. I was finally getting out of this mountain.