My head throbs. The weight of the crown upon my brow reminds me of its presence and the fact that duty dictates I stand here and not run into the water.
Freya hands me a bow, an arrow already knocked.
With numb fingers, I reach out and take it. The wood feels foreign in my hand. I turn to Torin as he holds out the torch.
The arrow catches fire, the flame so bright it illuminates my face, causing me to squint.
Inhaling sharply through my nose, I hold my breath. 1. 2. 3. 4.
I exhale. 1. 2. 3. 4.
The bowstring against my fingertips is so tight that it stings, biting into my flesh. My eyes flutter close as my fingers release their hold on the string. The flaming arrow arcs high into the air.
The current catches the boat and it surges further into the distance, tugging it away from the shore.
From me.
A near silent thunk sounds as the arrow impacts the hull. Straw surrounding her body catches fire. The flames climb high into the air, a plume of black smoke swirls into the brightening sky.
A ball of flame floating on the black water.
Rays of sunlight pierce the horizon right where her boat floats. A beam of light sent from the heavens.
And then that’s it.
She’s gone.
The flame is snuffed out as the boat sinks below the surface.
Like a life gone too soon.
My breath hitches in the back of my throat. Lachlan slips an arm around my shoulders, pulling me against him. The heat of him soaks into me, battling the chill that has gripped me.
We stand there like that long after everyone leaves, and the sun has risen high in the sky.
He doesn’t pull me from the ocean, or make any comments about strength or duty. He just stands beside me, offering the quiet support I desperately need.
Gulls cry overhead and my skin starts to burn from the sun’s rays.
“When we go, we go together,” I whisper, still staring out at the sea.
Lachlan grips me tighter. He turns to me, and I feel the weight of his stare on my face. “One sailing.”
I breathe deeply, closing my eyes. “One sailing.”
Roaring laughter,merry music, and the enticing smell of roasted meat greet us as we enter the dining hall. My heels click against the marble floor as my gown swishes behind me.
Strands of flowers are draped around the walls. Pastel petals glow in the sunlight streaming in through the roof. Tables are lined with food, mead, and wine. And each seat is taken, besides two left empty at the high table.
The room falls silent as we enter and my breath stalls in my chest.
Thud.
Thud.
Thud.
A rhythmic slamming of cups against worn table tops beats in line with my heart. Faster and faster they sound. Giving me the courage to walk across the dining hall.
