“Don’t be fooled, Vhalla. They’re as hungry as ever, and if I pardoned you now those same people out there who were saluting you would turn again.” The Emperor glanced up at her.

From the corners of her eyes she could see Aldrik shifting uncomfortably in his seat.

“But if you were to give us victory.” The man chuckled. “Now that would be something worth reward.”

“Victory? I don’t know how I could ...” Vhalla fumbled. Her sentence seemed to be increasing, not diminishing. Before she was only meant to serve in the war; now she had to bring victory? Had they ever planned on freeing her?

The Emperor’s icy blue eyes flicked over to Aldrik. The eldest prince took a very long dreg of his wine. “My son tells me he’s been working with you on something important.”

Vhalla said nothing for fear of incriminating her and Aldrik with something he’d yet to mention to his father. But there were things she couldn’t imagine him ever saying. Despite herself, she glanced at the dark prince.

“He tells me you can give me the North with your powers as a Windwalker.” The Emperor leaned forward, placing his elbows on the table.

“I am still learning most of my own abilities myself,” she hedged carefully.

“I have been made aware.” The Emperor waved the concerns away. “Aldrik has sent me detailed reports of your investigations into them.”

“I see ...” Vhalla murmured, looking at the man in question curiously. Aldrik did not seem to stop occupying his mouth with his wine glass.

The notes Aldrik had been taking on their Bonding flashed in her mind. He said he was going to use them for reference. He had told her that he had a plan to take the North using her power. So why did she suddenly feel betrayed?

“While I am extensively impressed with your abilities to command wind and storms, what I am most intrigued by, Vhalla, is this ability to place your mind beyond your body. It seems too astounding to be real. How confident are you in your control?” The Emperor finally reached his point.

Vhalla swallowed hard and reached for her glass of water, ignoring the alcohol. This was not a polite call to thank her for saving his army. That was a pleasant excuse for him to sit her down and formulate battle strategy.

“I suppose the crown prince would have a better judge of my control, he is far more experienced than I.” Vhalla muttered as she stabbed at some food on her plate, chewing through the silence that followed.

“You think she will be ready?” The Emperor turned to Aldrik.

Vhalla’s eyes drifted upward just in time to catch his as they fell on her with a frown.

“I think she will be,” Aldrik replied, turning to his father.

“Then I’d like a demonstration before we leave the Crossroads.” The Emperor sat back in his chair and folded his hands. “A demonstration? Why?” Aldrik asked, bolder than Vhalla could ever be.

“I need assurance.” The Emperor did not look pleased at being questioned by his son.

“In light of recent events, I’m not sure if magically that’s—” Aldrik started.

“You will have your demonstration.” Vhalla focused on the Emperor, ignoring Aldrik and the fact that she had interrupted him.

“Ah, there is the fire I saw at the trial.” The Emperor smiled. She glanced at Aldrik, he barely constrained his frustration. “There are opportunities in your future, Vhalla Yarl. Obedience is rewarded.”

“Thank you, my lord.” Vhalla was suddenly ambivalent to it all. She felt maneuvered and played, but she wasn’t sure by whom.

Aldrik had been honest with her about their meetings. So why did it hurt so much? Vhalla wrung her hands in her lap.

The second the food cleared Vhalla was eager to make her escape. “Please, forgive me my lords, I feel quite exhausted.”

“Certainly. Recover quickly, Vhalla Yarl.” The Emperor and his sons stood as well. “We shall reconvene in a few days.”

Vhalla nodded mutely, gave a small bow, and turned to the door.

She felt him before Aldrik even moved.

“I will make sure she returns to the inn,” the crown prince declared.

“Aldrik, I would like you to go over a few plans for managing the troop additions. They will arrive within the next few days, and you have your matters with Elecia.” The Emperor’s voice was definite.

Vhalla bristled at the other woman’s name. She’d all but forgotten Aldrik’s business.

“I shall just be a moment,” the eldest prince protested.

“It is not necessary, my prince. The walk is not far and I don’t mind being alone for it,” Vhalla countered.

Aldrik’s eyes squinted slightly in confusion or agitation. “I would much prefer to leave nothing to chance,” he said tensely. “The Crossroads can be full of unsavory characters.”

“My brother, ever concerned for the well-being of his subjects.” Prince Baldair strolled to her side. “Luckily, you have two sons, Father. I would be happy to make sure our little Windwalker makes it home safe and sound.”

Vhalla looked up at the golden prince in confusion. She was fairly certain she’d just said that she would walk alone.

“Excellent suggestion, Baldair.” The Emperor walked over to the large table and motioned for Aldrik to follow. “I look forward to your demonstration, Miss Yarl,” the Emperor said before turning his attention to the maps and papers on his table.