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CHAPTER 25
Most of the rebels had taken up residence in the castle now that they felt safe around me—and more so King Algar and Rune. But not Alrick. I had checked the guest rooms, throne hall, ballroom, gardens, and even the stables; he was nowhere to be found. I had asked for the guest registry and room allocations, and even walked all the way back to the campsite, but without success.
Thick, gray clouds rumbled above as if the heavens were preparing to cry for me. I was looking into the ash of the dead fire from the campsite when I felt Frida’s hand on my shoulder. Several guards and Frida had accompanied me everywhere I went. I had tried to get her to return to the chambers to rest, but she refused.
“My Queen,” she mumbled in a sad voice. “We have to go. Your engagement announcement will take place soon. Wimfred has gathered all the guests and His Holiness.”
She was right, of course. She was exhausted. I couldn’t keep running around, for her sake as much as mine.
“Do you think he will be there?” I looked deep into Frida’s gray eyes.
“I do.”
I shook my head. “I don’t even know if that will make it better or worse.”
Gently, as if I was a wounded deer, Frida grabbed my hand to lead me back to the castle. “Both, my dear child,” she said. “Both.”
Mutters echoed down from the throne hall as I stood in the enormous hallway. Every soul of importance, from His Holiness to the smallest knight, was gathered behind the closed doors in front of me, awaiting the big announcement they had been promised. Many of the families had been planning on departing today but had delayed their travels for this moment alone, eager to be part of the exciting court of the Rhine Queen.
“Are you certain Rune agreed to come?” I asked Wimfred.
Wimfred was standing next to me. Frida, on the other hand, had fallen asleep in my room once we’d returned to the castle, and I thought it better to let her rest.
“Most certain,” Wimfred confirmed. “He signed the contract and promised he would be here for the announcement.”
I sighed. What if Rune had no plans whatsoever to turn on his father and all of this was just another genius plot by King Louis or King Algar—or that rat Gunther, who, last I heard, was packing his things. It would make me look mentally unsound to call a gathering like this and then show up without anything exciting at all.
“What if...” I said, but couldn’t find the strength to finish the sentence.
Wimfred seemed just as anxious as I was. “Please don’t even think that. Sir Rune might have his faults, but he does not strike me as a man who likes to play games.”
“I don’t,” Rune said, stepping into the hallway from one of the hidden passages behind a painting. He pushed the painting of my grandfather hunting shut behind him.
“How do you know of this passage?” Wimfred said, both of us staring at him in awe.
“If I’m to become the target of kings, it would be wise to always be a step ahead.”
“Impressive,” I heard Wimfred mumble under his breath.
Rune approached me. He was still wearing his black military leather outfit, but it was clean, and the metal plates of his armor were gone. The sword, on the other hand, wasn’t. But as my future husband, I couldn’t forbid him to wear it—nor did I want to. As he stepped beside me, I felt a strange sensation of safety, as if the desperate fight to keep my kingdom and save my people wasn’t so impossible after all...not with him by my side.
Rune offered his arm to me. Not wanting to appear rude, I had no choice. I was about to place my hand on his arm when I froze. My hand. Moments ago, it had been trembling uncontrollably, but now it was barely twitching. Even my breaths seemed calmer, at least a little.
Rune tilted his head down to look at me. God, this man was tall.
“It would be better if you accepted. I won’t take it the wrong way. I can promise you that. I have no doubt that my touch must repel you.”
I shook my head and placed my hand on his arm. Steel. That’s what came to my mind as I touched him.
“That’s not it,” I said.
“Then what is it?” he asked as the scent of his soap entered my nostrils.
I think you make me feel safe,I almost said, but didn’t. It felt like a betrayal to Alrick and would only confuse Rune as to what his role truly was. I was planning on spending as little time with him as possible. Just the necessary functions. It wouldn’t be his duty to protect me nor to provide me with a sense of security, even if it was incredible to feel somewhat safe again.
“It’s nothing,” I lied. “You are late. Please be punctual next time.”
He turned away from me, expressionless.
