AllFreeNovel
Share Us
He was. And it wouldn’t be long before people notice his absence. I still wasn’t sure what I was going to do about that. Instead of addressing that, though, I change the subject to the other matter plaguing my thoughts.
“There is a rumor that there may be more roses nearby,” I say quietly.
I trust nearly everyone in this castle, but I don’t want to share this news and give them false hope if they are listening nearby.
Sigrid is far more level-headed than that.
“Why does this make you angry?” Her words are calm, while her black eyes assess me.
“Can you imagine if it has been here the whole time?” Heat rises in me as I think of the notion. “If we could have been done with this years ago?” I ask as I pace back and forth in front of her bed.
“You cannot think that way, Úlfur. What is done, is done. You have worked hard to find the cure. No one would say otherwise.” She pauses and studies me for a moment before continuing. “What else has you this way?”
I stop my pacing, but my mind continues dissecting each word Zaina had spoken. Had the man who was supposed to be helping me, who my father and my grandfather had treated like family, betrayed us so cruelly?
That isn’t something I can tell Sigrid just yet.
“I have to leave. I have business with the alchemist. I just wanted to stop by to check on you before going.” I sigh, stepping closer. “Is there anything you need?”
Sigrid stretches out a hand, and I take it with mine, noting the new feathers that have taken over the length of her arm. She stares at me pointedly for a moment before speaking.
“Willthe catbe all right without you?”
My mouth forms a tight line as I contemplate how to answer that. Of course, she isn’t referring to Khijhana. Sigrid is no one’s fool.
“I’m sure some space would be good for both of us right now. It isn’t pleasant being locked in a room with a vicious, lying beast.”
Sigrid shakes her head and squeezes my hand a little tighter.
“Úlfur,” she tsks. “I don’t remember any vicious beasts. Only a wounded, cornered animal.” I groan, but she tugs my hand. “Any animal can bare its teeth when it is frightened, my son. But those are the ones that need the most care.”
“You don’t understand,” I begin, but she cuts me off.
“No, Úlfur, maybe it is you who does not understand.”
Something in me wants to argue her point, but the words won’t come. So instead, I nod solemnly, gently squeezing her hand back before saying goodbye and heading to the stables. I know that Leif will be in to check on her soon, so I don’t feel too badly for leaving so abruptly.
I thought Gunnar would be too tired to ride, but when he sees me at the stables, he volunteers to accompany me before I can even ask.
The idea of facing the dragon again, let alone a traitor, makes me long for the days my soldiers were healthy. Not that Gunnar and I can’t handle ourselves, but having a group of trained warriors at my back when facing Dvain would be far preferable.
Still, the man would know that something was off if I brought more than one guard with me when I never had before.
We ride in silence while my thoughts race. My fists clench around Zola’s reins as I run through the years I trusted the man. He has worked for my family for generations as our alchemist and even as an ambassador on occasion. Although, I now question his motives for those travels.
Did he betray them too? Was this the first time?
Then a thought barrels into me, and I can imagine nothing but removing his head from his body.
Did he have anything to do with the death of my family?
I shake it away.
No.
That isn’t possible. It was an avalanche. As easy as it would be to blame him and Ulla for every bitter and evil thing that has happened in my life, they aren’t in control of everything, let alone the weather.
Though, I’m sure they didn’t mind when my family was conveniently removed from the equation.
