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“But it is one she is familiar with,” Brovyn offers, arching a brow. “So, perhaps you should learn to use it.”
Reluctantly, I nod. Drawing in a deep breath, I head back to the castle. I’m halfway there when I come upon two of my warriors. “My King, we were just on our way to report to you.”
“What is it?”
“There are reports along the southern border of Wraith sightings.”
I clench my jaw. “Double the guards patrolling our boundaries,” I command.
They each bow low and then leave to carry out my orders.
The mountain has always been a deterrent to most, but to the Wraith, I am not certain. It has been a long time since I’ve asked anything of the Fae or the Dark Elves, but I believe I will have to remind them of the friendship our people used to share.
Although I do not doubt that my warriors and I could defend the kingdom against attack, it would be an extra protection to have a magical barrier erected around our lands. The Fae are much closer than the Dark Elves and they could be here much faster if we come to an agreement.
A snarl twists my lips. King Kyven and I did not part amicably last time we met, but if it means keeping Freyja safe, I will do what I must to make that happen.
But first, I must find her.
CHAPTER39
FREYJA
The palace gardens are so vast, it is easy to find a secluded space for my practice and to test out how well I retained my knowledge imparted by the heart tree concerning the use of my magic.
Remembering my training, I go through the various defensive postures with my sword and shield. My movements are smooth and efficient from many years of practice. My teacher was the First Knight of my uncle’s kingdom. Sir Vorgen was deadly with any weapon, but even more so with a longsword, and he taught me well.
“I’ve heard that human males do not allow their females to fight.” A voice calls off to one side, startling me abruptly. I turn to find Brovyn walking toward me. “But it seems those were mere rumors.”
“It is true that most men do not approve, but my uncle’s kingdom is different,” I explain. “In Ruhaen, everyone is trained to fight and defend themselves, for anyone can be felled by a blade whether they wield one or not.” Sadness tightens my chest as I think of my parents. “Our kingdom is much too close to the Orcs; our people have fought many battles to keep our lands over the past three hundred years.”
“Your people are warriors, then,” he says. “Like ours.”
I tip up my chin with pride. “Yes.”
“Perhaps that is why the gods fated you to each other.”
“What do you mean?”
“Aurdyn was very young when he was forced to take up the mantle of rule, after his father’s death. It is a heavy burden to bear, but he has carried it well.” He pauses. “His uncle—my father—challenged him, but Aurdyn put a swift end to the division by defeating him publicly.” I inhale sharply as he continues. “His strength kept us together when our people would have been fractured, leaving us vulnerable to our enemies.”
“You chose Aurdyn over your own father.”
“I am loyal to him. If that is what you are asking.”
“I am glad he has you, Brovyn. All rulers need someone they can trust.”
“And what of you?” He regards me with a piercing gaze. “Would you leave him simply because you resent the bond that first drew you together?”
I blink several times at his blunt question, and then lower my gaze. “It’s… not that simple.”
“Then what is it?” Aurdyn’s voice calls out from behind me, and I spin to face him. “Tell me, so that I may prove to you that I am worthy to be your mate.”
Brovyn quickly leaves, disappearing down one of the garden paths as Aurdyn stalks closer, his gaze locked onto mine. “When I first recognized what you were to me, I was resentful because you are human, and humans are weak.”
I bristle. “Is this supposed to be an apology of some sort?” I cross my arms over my chest. “Because if it is—”
“It is not,” he cuts me off. “I would be lying if I told you that I thought your people strong. But you”—he cups my chin, tipping my face up to his—“are not weak, like the males of your species so often are. And yet… without the bond, I would never have bothered to learn this of you.”
