Page 15 of Soul Forge

“They must see potential in you,” Reiner said, oblivious to her distress. “Don’t waste it.”

King Hrothgar ascended the two steps to the dais and inclined his head to dismiss the captain. She snapped a salute and moved backward, keeping a respectable distance while the monarch addressed his daughter. Elda watched him forcibly rearrange his features into a strained smile.

“Good choice today.” He beamed, though the twitch in his eye told her he was still angry. “Our kingdom will be safe for centuries, thanks to you.”

“If we make it to the altar.” Elda glowered.

“Why wouldn’t you?”

“Sypher and I don’t seem to get on very well.”

The king pursed his lips, blonde brows pulling into a scowl. “What exactly did you say?”

Her head jerked back. “Why do you assumeI’mthe problem?”

“You can’t say whatever you want just because Horthan is no longer a threat. Sypher may just as easily rescind his proposal if you upset him,” he scolded.

“I didn’t say anything to upset him!” Of course he’d decided she was at fault. That was what he always decided. Why should today be any different?

“I find that hard to believe.” Hrothgar smoothed down the front of his tunic and levelled a stony glare at her. “Remember that your actions reflect on the crown. You are a future queen. You must act like one. If that means holding your tongue, then so be it.”

“How can you speak to me like that?” Elda asked softly. “My whole life has been turned upside down, and you speak to me like some sort of petulant child. I’m awielder. I’m expected to put my life at risk fighting some unnamedmonsterwith a manthat can’t stand my presence. Have you nothing to say to that?” When he didn’t answer, she got to her feet and lifted her chin. “I’m tired of being an extension of your crown, father. The least you could do is treat me like a person. Goodnight.”

She left the banquet hall and motioned for her handmaid to follow her, ducking out without looking back. Persephone fell into step beside her as soon as the doors closed. Elda tucked her hand into the human girl’s arm, taking comfort from her presence. Most of the workers in the palace were human – without the magic or longevity of the other species on Valerus, they made their living doing honest work in the houses of nobles and wealthy families across the continent.

Elda’s handmaid knew to say nothing until they reached her room, staying quiet until the door was shut behind them.

“What wasthat?” Persephone demanded immediately, her rich brown eyes as round as dinner plates. “You’re marrying the Soul Forge!” Any other time, Elda would have laughed at the way she abandoned all etiquette the moment they were away from watchful eyes. But this was not any other time.

“I know.”

“The Saviour of Valerus!”

“Iknow.”

Persephone frowned. “You don’t look happy.”

“I’m fine.” The princess forced a smile. “He’s just… different to what I expected.”

“Are you sure? You don’t look fine.”

“Yes.” She seated herself at her dressing table, unpinning the remains of her updo and frowning at the memory of Horthan's fingers tangled in her hair.

“At least he’s handsome,” the maid mused, stepping up behind her to help. Elda raised an eyebrow at her reflection. “What? It’s not like it isn’t true. Did youseethat jawline?”

“Focus, Seph.”

“How? I’ve dreamed of those legendary muscles a thousand times. You can’t tell me you’re not curious about how it would feel to lick them.” She waggled her brows at the princess. “I know I am.”

“Persephone!” Elda scolded, red blooming in her cheeks. The handmaid chuckled, setting the last hairpin down on the wood, and started to undo the corset strings at her back.

“I forget you’re so chaste,” she teased. “Still, I’m glad you’re not stuck with Horthan. Him and his entourage make my skin crawl.”

“Me too,” Elda replied.

Persephone paused in her unlacing to shoot her a worried look. “I was afraid for your safety.”

The princess took in her reflection. The person looking back was dainty in stature, with wide blue eyes and hair like spun gold cascading over her shoulders – the perfect picture of feminine beauty. Not a hero ready to slay whatever threat loomed over the continent. She wasn’t ready to face down demons. She was too small, too weak.

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