Page 41 of Enamored
I’d gone over every possibility including heat, fire, ice, water, herbs with special properties, chemicals extracted from one life form or another, and more. But in the hours of analysis, I hadn’t come up with a viable prospect.
Had Rasmus?
As the next nobleman stepped up to the pedestal and took hold of the hilt, I glanced toward Rasmus. In that instant, he looked my way. His brow was slightly raised, as though to question whether I’d yet uncovered the answer to this newest riddle of how to separate the sword from its case.
Was that why he’d placed me next to it all night? Would he keep me in this position until I had the answer?
Forcing my expression to remain as placid as possible, I stifled a weary sigh. All I really wanted to do was race up to the turret and stand beside Elinor as the sun finished making its appearance. When the rays broke through the cross-shaped arrow slit, I wanted to kneel next to her in prayer. And then when she stood, her face serene and filled with anticipation of the day to come, I wanted to pull her close and kiss her again.
My mind went back to the kiss she’d given me on the island, to the warmth of her lips against mine, the delicate pressure, the sweetness of her taste. Just the memory made my blood pump faster.
When I proposed marriage to her at age ten, I hadn’t even known what kissing was. My offer had been from simple heartfelt devotion. Of course, during my days as a Sagacite as I’d begun to grow and mature, I’d wondered if Elinor was also changing, had imagined her turning into a graceful and attractive woman.
But sharing such an intimate act as a kiss with a princess? Unthinkable. It was something I hadn’t dared to dream about, not even in my wildest fantasies.
Now shared, I couldn’t keep it from influencing all my thoughts. The very touch had seeped deep into my being, down into my soul, awakening me to the need for her I hadn’t known was so consuming. While I couldn’t kiss her again, I would keep the memory of this one tucked away where I could relive it forever.
Shouts rang from outside the great hall. The noblemen standing in line murmured among themselves. Some left their places and jogged out of the room. The gravity of their expressions and the urgency of their departure sparked a warning inside me. Something had happened, most likely further threats from King Canute.
As another three minutes ended, more of the noblemen conversed, the hum of distress filling the air.
A messenger approached Rasmus, bowed, and spoke tersely. I strained to hear, but the courier was too distant. A moment later, Rasmus and the other Sages retreated from the great hall in a flurry of rustling robes, their hasty pace only tightening my gut.
“What is the news?” I asked the next nobleman who stepped forward to take his place in front of the pedestal table and the sword.
The young man paused, his hand ready to grip the hilt. “King Canute and his fighting men have crossed the border over the night. They are making their way toward Vordinberg even as we speak.”
Elinor
I stood beside the queen in the inner bailey along with the rest of the ladies of the court. The king and the Knights of Brethren mingled together, ready to join the army amassing along the waterfront. Together they would set sail for the Valley of Red Dragons, where they would intercept King Canute.
I could only pray that King Ulrik’s superior forces and his fierce knights would be able to stop King Canute’s march to the capital.
The queen reached for my hand, her fingers trembling against mine even as she remained poised and projected an air of assurance as we bade our good-byes.
The king drew near on his steed, his knights remaining a short distance away to give him a moment of privacy. As he reined in, so grand in his armor, I peered up at him. The clouds now obscured the morning sun I’d watched rise a short while earlier. Their dark underbellies hinted at rain, and I prayed the king and all his men would remain safe, not only from the enemy but also from the elements that could often turn deadly in Norvegia.
I took the king’s gloved hand and kissed it. “Before you leave, shall we choose the man of my betrothal, Your Majesty?” I didn’t want him to worry about my succession while he was gone. If the matter were settled, he’d be able to ride away and face danger with more peace about the future, wouldn’t he?
The king glanced at the line of noblemen winding out a side door of the castle and into the courtyard. Men continued to arrive through the gatehouse, dismounting and leaving their horses to the tending of grooms while they joined those who hoped to free the sword from its case.
“Your betrothal is important, Elinor.” His eyes were as kind as always. “You were wise to invoke the power of the sword. We must unfetter the ancient weapon and make use of its great power in the upcoming battle.”
Before joining the ladies in the bailey, I’d glimpsed Maxim still inside the great hall. Since he’d been the one to unlock the case, he’d been given the honor of overseeing the Sword of the Magi. But he’d been at his duties for hours without a break. Surely someone else could supervise while he slept.
As soon as the king left, I intended to approach Rasmus and request that Maxim be allowed a respite.
The king squeezed my hand tenderly before he let go. “I have instructed my Sages and the Noble Council to conduct the betrothal and succession ceremonies the moment the sword is freed. Vow you will accept the sword’s choice and make the arrangements with all haste?”
My heart quavered. Could I accept the sword’s choosing? Or would I find myself coming up with excuses to delay my betrothal again, just as I had this past week?
I swallowed my resistance. This was my duty. My destiny. I had to go forward with it, no matter how difficult. No matter how much my heart might protest.
“Please, Elinor?” The king’s voice dropped to a whispered plea.
How could I say no to this man who had so lovingly raised me? “I vow it.”
The king nodded, then shifted his attention to the queen, his eyes softening. “Hopefully, this confrontation will not last long.”
