Page 25 of Hungry Like a Wolf
“You are a problem because you are a princess, and not a princess of Tillicoulty.”
“That is true.” Carmel saw that the doorway to the Great House had been propped open now that the weather was more temperate. “I am a princess and I am no doubt being missed.”
“And likely a rescue mission is being planned as we speak.”
Carmel said nothing. Much as she liked Anna and some of the other villagers, she knew they were on borrowed time. Her mother would be convening an army, assembling the best men and the most skilled warriors. And likely now that the weather was better, they’d soon be making an appearance. Heck, if God was being merciful, they’d be camped by the river right now and just picking their moment.
Aye, surely that was where they were. Right now.
Her stomach roiled with excitement at the thought of being rescued and going home, but she didn’t show her anticipation. Instead, she ducked into the Great House and let her eyes adjust to the dimness.
She spotted King Haakon first, seated upon his tall-backed chair with Queen Kenna at his side. Lined beside benches laden with ale jugs and bread were some of the men of the village, Noah, Olaf, Bryce, and Hamish, plus several others she hadn’tdeigned to speak to. Opposite them were Astrid—busy whittling arrowheads—Orm, and Ravn.
Her attention stayed on Ravn.
Why?
Because as it so often was, his attention was settled on her. Intense. Unwavering. Absolute. It was as if he were trying to see right into her and figure her out. See her deepest, darkest thoughts and the bare bones of her soul.
“Ah, good, you are here,” King Haakon said. “We await your counsel, Princess Carmel.”
“My… My counsel?” she managed, twisting her hands in front of herself. It was rare for anyone to address her by title here in Tillicoulty, let alone the king.
“Ja, we wish to know what is to come from your people,” Haakon said, holding his mug out for ale.
A villager filled it.
“I have told you.” Astrid stopped what she was doing and looked up at her brother. “The runes bring a forecast of invasion and bloodshed. Berkana heeds preparation.”
Carmel forced herself to stop fidgeting and tilted her chin. “Who is Berkana?”
Astrid frowned her way. “The Birch Goddess. The stone also advises caution if you find yourself in an unfortunate domestic situation, which is apparently what has happened to you, thrall.”
Carmel didn’t answer, but she held Astrid’s challenging glare for a few seconds before turning back to Haakon. “How would I know what is to come when I am here?”
“You know your people,” Haakon said.
“I know my mother is a queen of great power and determination.”
“And she loves you?” Kenna asked.
“Aye, she does.”
“So she will search for you.” Kenna took Haakon’s hand. “We would search the world twice over if a daughter of ours went missing.”
“That is true.” He kissed the backs of his wife’s knuckles. “And may we be blessed with daughters as well as sons one day.”
Kenna smiled and rubbed her belly.
“Spring has arrived,” Noah said, tugging at his beard. “We should expect an invasion any day.”
“I prefer to think of it as an opportunity to negotiate,” King Haakon said. “To discuss how we will charge King Athol’s heirs when they use our land in the future.”
“My father’s heir is my brother, Seamus. He is only eleven and he is king now. It is him you must negotiate with.”
Haakon nodded slowly.
“And he is not yet a warrior.” The thought of something happening to sweet, young Alfred didn’t bear thinking about. “I doubt he will be with any traveling army.”
