Page 69 of Enamored
I inwardly lifted a petition that Providence would find a way to make Elisbet the next queen and not me. But if not, I would take the responsibility and embrace it fully. I could do nothing less.
“Wherever the path, whatever the task, whatever the difficulty, I pray I shall have you by my side both now and forever.” My plea rose above a whisper and echoed in the cavern. I didn’t care that Halvard knew of my feelings for Maxim. I suspected he’d already guessed my ardor, which had likely led him to suggest that I wed Maxim. If he supported it so readily, surely many others would too. Even if they didn’t, I had to follow the ancient wisdom I had just spoken to Maxim. I couldn’t let fear determine my steps.
Maxim didn’t immediately respond, the sign his mind was weighing every option in an algorithm, calculating the risks by percentage points, and postulating the probability of every outcome. He was a man destined for greatness. I just hoped I would be with him to ensure that Norvegia benefitted from his full potential.
“Elinor.” He whispered my name with a reverence that sent warmth spiraling into my innermost being. “I love you more than life. I want to spend all my days by your side, proving my love. Though I tremble at the prospect of becoming your husband, I can ask for no greater honor.”
My breathing hitched. Was he agreeing to our union?
He waited, as though he, too, was holding his breath.
“And...?” I finally managed.
“And... I humbly beseech you to spend your days by my side too... as my wife.”
“Yes.” The word tumbled out containing all my joy.
Through the darkness, I could see his features relax. He reached for my cheek and started to bend toward me.
Did he intend to kiss me again? My pulse raced with anticipation and strange need.
Halvard moved away from the horse and jerked on Maxim’s cloak, pulling him back, the collar tightening and nearly choking him.
Maxim broke free and shrugged out of his wet cloak.
“Meant what I said, that’s for sure.” Halvard glowered at Maxim. “Don’t touch the princess. Not until you’re married.”
“I shall do my best—”
“You’ll do it.” Halvard’s sternness left no room for argument.
“Yes, I’ll do it.”
Halvard harrumphed and backed away.
Maxim peered upward with that unseeing way of his that told me he was thinking hard. “Twelve days, three hours, and eight minutes... no eighteen minutes.”
I snuggled deeper into the blankets. Even though I found myself in a desperate place, facing great trials ahead, I’d never been happier. “And what is happening in twelve days, three hours, and eighteen minutes?”
“Our next kiss.”
“Is that so?” I couldn’t contain my smile.
“It is. We’ll be married the moment we arrive at St. Olaf’s Abbey.”
“Then I shall begin counting the minutes.” And I did.
Chapter
27
Maxim
The thick doorof the imposing stone abbey swung open, and bright light and warmth rushed out to greet us. Just inside, Father Johann stood at the forefront of several monks and bowed reverently toward the princess, revealing his bald head with his circle of gray hair. Behind us, the small wilderness community surrounding St. Olaf’s was quiet. With the coming of winter and the diminishing sight of the sun, the hours of light would be replaced by darkness erelong.
A faint dusting of snow covered the landscape, turning the gray of the rocky terrain into a breathtaking wonderland. The mountains rose to the east with daunting cliffs, steep slopes, and white-capped peaks. To the far west, majestic fjords carved out the coastline.
But here in the central landlocked Frozen Wilds, the abbey was isolated, the way of life simple, and the people rugged but generous. I prayed we could find refuge here.
