Page 143 of A Bond in Blood

My eyes caught the bowing heads while Ulrich and I walked down the docks under the red moon. My easel was strung around my neck, but I had not noted or drawn a thing in hours. Even the weight of it did not bother me while we walked silently.

This change was not one of romance or love. Not of a desire and need to learn everything about him and become enamored with his presence. If anything, it was a change in our war. Each side lifting their flags in defeat. Pausing the bloodshed.

“It’s been another month,” Ulrich spoke, breaking our silence.

I craned my neck to meet his eyes. “Yes.”

“Bjorn still sits in my dungeons.”

My stomach dropped. “He does.”

“You have mere weeks to make your decision, Brenna.”

“You do it.” I turned my gaze away, staring out at the water.

He stopped and stood before me, his eyes hot with an emotion I couldn’t interpret.

“There are laws and customs of my people. Millennia-long rules I cannot cast aside for the woman warming my bed.”

“Stop it,” I demanded while heat rose on my cheeks.

“You must make a decision. Does the traitor die or is he banished?”

“What happens if he is banished?”

“I reclaim his title and gift it to the one he tried to betray, and he is sent out to sea on a boat where he can only pray to your silent Gods that he makes it through my mist.”

I stepped back.

“There is so much you just said that I can hardly fathom.”

Ulrich stepped closer. “You become aladyof my court and remain a princess of yours.”

“No,” I shook my head. “I do not want that.”

“Which one?” He smiled.

“Enough,” I demanded, avoiding his outstretched hand. “You’re alluding that he will not make it past the mist. Meaning I would be sending him to his death even with banishment.”

“He will make it if you desire,” Ulrich replied blankly, his eyes behind his mask emotionless.

“Why?”

“Because you wish it.”

“What are you gaining?” I questioned, stepping back again.

“A woman still willing to warm my bed.” His smile crept across his lips.

I threw the koal in my hand right at his head.

A quiet gasp came from behind me, and I glanced to find a young child staring with their eyes wide. Ulrich took advantage of my distraction, grabbing my wrist and pulling me toward him.

“Do not frighten the poor being,” he sneered.

“I am not the only one doing the frightening,” I replied, yanking my arm to loosen his grip.

“You terrify them. The princess who has their king leashed by her—”

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