Heart of Ice (The Snow Queen #1)(61)
“There’s ample snow,” Rakel said. “I’ve been moving it since we arrived two days ago. Guiding it down and turning it into ice will be the difficult part of your plan. Have the rest of the soldiers arrived?”
“Yes, and they’re in place. We’re on schedule for tomorrow’s attack,” Phile said, glancing up at the mountain range that framed the northern parts of Verglas. The mountain nearest to them rumbled, and a cascade of snow slid from the peak. “You’re being discreet.”
“Even if they don’t have another ice magic user, I suspect they would notice when some of the surrounding mountains dump snow that does not turn into an avalanche.” Rakel turned to another mountain and wriggled her fingers. Even though it was miles away, the snow responded and fell from the mountain like sparkling, wintery falls.
“Are you sure you want to ride him into battle?” Phile asked, nodding at the reindeer. “I know I gave him to you, and I said you should take him to war, but he’s still barely trained.”
“He’ll do better than a horse,” Rakel said, scratching the reindeer’s forehead. “I’m thinking about naming him Frigid.”
“It suits him,” Phile grunted.
“He’s not bad, just unaffectionate,” Rakel said.
The newly named Frigid waggled his reindeer tail and nibbled a stick.
“I’ll take a horse any day, but I’m glad you like him. It was hellish trying to capture him for you.”
“Princess, Phile, I wondered where you two had gone. Enjoying the view?” Oskar asked, gesturing to the Verglas royal palace and Ostfold, which were settled in the crook of the valley. The capital was sprawled like a child’s playset with little puffs of smoke curling from the wooden cottages and homes. Although Ostfold had not suffered major damages, the palace had taken the brunt of the harm when the Chosen had taken the capital. Some of the walls were toppled, anything made of wood was blackened from fire, and one of the wings had been destroyed.
“The city looks sweet, but the palace has seen better days. Still, even if it was in pristine condition, I wouldn’t ever want to live there,” Phile said, shoving her hands deeper in the muff.
Oskar raised his eyebrows. “You wouldn’t want to live in a palace?”
“All penned-up and boxed-up? Nope. Give me open plains and open spaces—it’s why I admire Verglas. You’ve got untamed land stretching between cities—wild, but not deadly. Not like the Baris desert,” Phile said.
“I see,” Oskar said. “Phile, would you excuse the princess and me for a moment?”
Phile looked to Rakel, who nodded. “It’s fine, thank you.”
“Anything for you, Little Wolf. Enjoy your conversation—I think I’ll go ogle General Halvor for a bit.” Phile started towards one of the encampments tucked in a copse of trees, whistling a tune as she walked.
“Sir Reindeer,” Oskar said, bowing at Frigid.
“I’ve decided to name him Frigid.”
“Not Hugs…or Velvet? I thought females named their pets more cutely,” Oskar said, thrusting his gloved hands into the folds of his cloak.
Rakel smiled but did not take the bait. “What did you wish to discuss?”
He was quiet for a few minutes as he stared down at Ostfold. Dusk was starting to fall, and one by one, tiny windows in the houses and palace were lit from within by fires, candles, and oil lamps. “I wanted to be certain that you are comfortable with tomorrow’s attack—and what winning will mean. Halvor assumes that because you agreed to it, it means you want to do it. I know better.”
“Oh?”
Oskar glanced at her. “I know Farrin Graydim terrifies you. Yes, you’re eager to beat him, but the way he can turn your magic against you frightens you.”
Rakel stiffened a wince. He was right. Part of what made Farrin’s power so maddening was that he could affect her magic. She always had her magic. It was her only constant companion. It was more than unsteadying to know that another could wrest control from her. That, and the strange gestures of affection he occasionally bestowed upon her put her greatly off balance.
“It will be frightening,” she admitted, “but I am certain Liv and I can win.”
“Very well. I believe you,” Oskar said. He rested an elbow on Frigid’s back. The reindeer eyed him but stayed put. “But that does raise another point. If we are successful and the Chosen army is trounced, your brother will be free and will very likely take command.”
“He is King,” Rakel said.
“And you have no wish to be Queen,” Oskar said.
“You asked me previously, and my answer remains no.”
“Could you explain why?”
“Maybe when I was younger—and angrier and more bitter—I would have been interested, but not now. First, it wouldn’t be long until other countries sent assassins after me—having a talented magic user in leadership is a dangerous situation and creates an unequal channel of power. And also…working with you and General Halvor has taught me just how difficult it is to be a leader. Lives depend upon you. The future of a generation—of a country—will be determined by your actions. I…I would rather be the Snow Queen and be free…with my magic.”
“You’re finally accepting your title, are you?” Oskar asked with a teasing smile that mellowed into a more serious expression. “Princess, even if you choose to let your brother rule, the people will still see you as their Snow Queen. For what you are doing, for the sacrifices you have made, you will have their hearts and loyalty whether you want them or not. If you want Steinar to be the king, you will have to lead them to follow him.”