Page 114 of The Explorer
“That’s not a bad idea,” Isaac, who sat next to Victor, said. “Banni is experienced and we know he’s a great instructor.”
“I doubt he would want to live in the Northlands,” Victor pointed out.
“Why the fuck not? The Northlands is the best country in the world,” Thor insisted.
Victor shrugged. “Sure, if you like pine trees, good beer, and celibacy.”
Thor was just about to say something but closed his mouth with a scowl. “Talk to your prime minister. Hopefully, he’s smart enough to know he would be a bloody fool to say no to our gift.”
“I will call him later when it’s morning in France.”
“Good.” Thor looked to me and Indiana. “I fucking wish they had beers or booze here, I need a drink.”
Mason placed his hand on Thor’s shoulder. “Let’s go for a walk.”
Indiana whispered in my ear. “Come on, I think Mason brought some weed.”
“Nah, it’s fine. You go. I’ll check up on Freya.”
I had spotted Freya walking toward the water. She had been standing by the corner of the hut listening in on the discussion between Victor and Thor without saying a word.
“Freya, wait up.” Running to catch up to her, I placed an arm around her shoulder. “What’s wrong? You did amazing today. We’re on track to get everything we want.”
“That’s great.”
“Why are you not happy?”
Freya looked down as we walked toward the sound of the waves crashing up against the shore.
“I’m just tired.” Stopping, she folded her arms around her midsection and looked out over the water. Her gorgeous green eyes appeared darker than usual in the red hues from the sunset, still lingering to color the night sky.
“Talk to me.”
It was rare for Freya to complain but I sensed her heart was heavy, so I pushed a little more.
“Are you tired of debating or tired from a lack of sleep?”
“I’m tired of…” She sighed and surprised me when she leaned her cheek against the arm I held around her shoulder. “It’s complicated, I guess.”
“Is it the thing about Thor being the heir?”
“No.” Her tone was soft.
“Is it the hurtful things Victor said?”
She sighed again. “It’s easy to make the mistake of judging people by your own standards.”
“You’re wondering how he could be so cruel when you would never speak so harshly to anyone, is that it?”
Her silence confirmed it.
“Why do you care what that bloated ass thinks or says? And what were you thinking sacrificing yourself that day you offered to stay in exchange for Belle?”
“It was a gamble, Aubri. A mind game that I would have won if you had given me more time. I knew Victor would reject my offer. He was already using his influence to talk the prime minister out of his ridiculous demand that one of us should stay.”
“Yeah, I sort of figured that much, but…”
Freya took my hand. “You wanted an adventure.”
