Page 65 of The Outcast
I emptied the glass of apple juice and nodded. “I think so, but a shitty childhood doesn’t excuse what he did.”
“Of course not. I’m not trying to excuse him but to understand.”
“The man was deranged and delusional. He believed we were destined to be soulmates and he was fascinated by some myth about brides burning themselves on their husband’s funeral pyre to show loyalty and be with their husbands forever.”
Freya’s eyes widened. “Is that why he had you on that burning raft? Because of Sati?”
“You know about Sati?”
“Of course, she was the wife of Lord Shiva and she was reincarnated as the Goddess Parvati.”
“Why in the world would you know about that?” I asked but the question was silly because Freya was known to be a voracious reader.
“There are several books in the library that go over ancient mythology. I could lend one to you if you’re interested.”
I shook my head. “No thank you, Freya. It’s not my thing.”
She reached for my hand. “No, you’re more into unattainable men from Old Europe, aren’t you?”
I looked down and didn’t answer.
“Banni is a good man. I don’t blame you for taking a fancy to him. I just wonder if you’ve thought it through.”
My gaze met hers. “How did you know?”
“He was the first person that you asked to see in the hospital. Besides, I’ve seen how you two behave around each other.”
“Belle and Mason are together. It’s not impossible.”
Biting her lip, Freya ran her finger along the tray. “Belle’s moving here was far more complicated than you may realize. Think about the sacrifice Aubri and Indiana made to appease the French prime minister.”
I scoffed. “You do know that Aubri jumped at the chance to have an adventure, don’t you? It wasn’t much of a sacrifice, if we’re honest.”
“Our nations came close to war, Sparrow,” Freya said with a solemn tone. “If Banni stays here their prime minister might make the mistake of pushing my father and making more demands. My father has little patience left when it comes to Monsieur Rafael Moreau. I’m afraid the least bit of provocation could set him off. How do you think Banni would feel if his people ended up suffering because he didn’t go back?”
My face fell. “But the Northlands have stayed out of wars for half a century.”
“That’s because my father has maintained peace within the Northlands as well as with the rest of the world. We all have an interest in keeping things that way. People sometimes forget the endless power struggles that tore this country apart throughout our history. I would like to say that my mother and I have a good influence on my dad, but I’m telling you that one more quack from Moreau and things could turn violent.”
“Banni and I love each other.” It burst out of me.
Freya sighed and looked down for a long moment before she spoke. “I assume that means you want to share your life with him?”
“Of course.”
“And are you willing to live with him in Old Europe?”
“If that’s what it takes.”
She tilted her head. “Wow. You haven’t even visited France and yet you say it with confidence. Is that how deep your feelings are?”
“Yes. No one makes me feel like Banni.”
Getting up from the bed, Freya moved to stand by the window. “And when he sleeps with someone else? Will you still love him then?”
“He wouldn’t. Not if we promise to be together.”
“You’re assuming that he can go against his culture, values, and programming without a single mistake. Doesn’t that appear naïve to you?”
