Sacrifice (The Snow Queen #2)(31)

Rakel nodded, promising more than Oskar knew. She forced the encounter from her mind.

Oskar sighed, growing smaller as his worry and anger deflated. “Right. Did anyone else notice our favorite Chosen Colonel was missing from that battle?”

Rakel and Phile nodded. “Indeed,” Colonel Danr said.

“Convenient,” Snorri said, startling the group when he popped out of Phile’s shadow with Liv in tow.

“We need to send out guards and prepare ourselves for another attack. Do we agree?” Colonel Danr asked.

Oskar nodded. “We’re only a few hours from Tana. If possible, I would like to send a messenger ahead, but…” He glanced at Danr.

“Done.” Colonel Danr strode away. “Rear guard, report to me!”

Rakel relaxed her shoulders. “Steinar?”

“Safe and sound,” Oskar said. “Genovefa was disappointed more soldiers didn’t try to attack him. Truthfully, I don’t think the Chosen knew we had the king with us,” Oskar said with a slanted smile. “You did well. Do you need to rest?”

Rakel shook her head. “I’m fine.”

“Good,” Oskar awkwardly tucked his hands behind his back. “If you’ll excuse me—Princess, Phile.”

Rakel watched him go and stifled a sigh. He has stood with me since I was sent to Ensom Peak, and I trust him implicitly…but I wish he would not hold me in such formality. She forced her lips into a smile and turned to Liv. “Thank you, Liv, for all you did.”

Liv fluttered her hands. “Oh, it was nothing.”

“No, it was important,” Rakel said firmly. “Without you, I don’t know how we would handle Tenebris. Thank you.”

Liv blushed and looked at her feet.

Pleased that Liv understood, Rakel turned her attention to Gerta and Kai. “I told you to stay with the sleigh so I wouldn’t have to worry about you.”

Gerta’s eyes glossed with unshed tears.

“They were attacking you,” Kai said.

Rakel glided over to them and kept her eyes warm although her voice was firm. “You’re just children. You don’t have to fight.”

“But I want to help,” Kai insisted.

“Me too!” Gerta said. “Them invaders have torn up Verglas—everyone says so.”

Rakel joined Phile in crouching next to them. “That may be, but for now, the way you can be the biggest help is to welcome back those from battle. They fight for you. Instead of disrespecting their sacrifice and insisting you don’t want it, you should put every effort into greeting them.”

Gerta looked down. “We’re sorry,” she whispered.

Rakel placed her hand on Gerta’s chin. “I know. Next time will you do as I ask?”

Gerta and Kai nodded mutely.

“Good. Thank you.” Rakel hugged both of the children to her, smiling when they burrowed closer like puppies.

Phile rubbed her forehead. “King’s nose hairs, I can’t wait to get to Tana.”

“You miss looking at Halvor?” Rakel guessed tartly.

“That too, but I was thinking that when we arrive, Snorri will be free of guard duty. The moment Handsome Halvor releases him, I’m going to drag him over to the nearest Chosen camp, and we are going to steal ourselves some information. All of this not-knowing is driving me crazy.” Phile snorted.

“Perhaps you should take Crow with you. He could tell you the ins and outs of the camp,” Rakel said, only half-serious as she shifted so the children weren’t sprawled on the snow.

Phile tapped Foedus against her chin. “That’s not a bad idea.”

Rakel kept from rolling her eyes, but she was relieved to hear Phile’s plans. The mirror can’t be broken, the Chosen army continues to attack, and Farrin has disappeared. Will none of our problems end?



Rakel sat just outside the ice walls she had built for Tana and watched tiny snowflakes—natural, not hers—fall and cover the ground in a soft, powdery layer. The silver moon hung high, making the snowflakes glitter like gems.

She raised a hand and studied the snowflakes that landed on her bare skin. Instead of melting, they trembled and swirled with her breath. She could hear murmurs from the guards posted at the gates, and the flickering yellow of their torches stretched past her, clashing with the silver moonlight. Snow crunched under boots, and Rakel smiled up at Knut when he stopped at her side. “Yes?”

“Beggin’ your pardon for bothering you, Princess, but General Halvor would like to hold another war council,” Knut said.

Rakel started to rise, but Knut shook his hands in front of him. “Not right now, but soon. He wanted you to know, but you can still stand out here for a bit.”

“If he needs my help…”

“King Steinar is with him,” Knut said.

“Ahh. It would be good if Steinar would talk to him.” She rearranged her gray cape so it flowed around her like snow on a mountain.

“Yes. And you seem like you need this.” Knut gestured to the falling snow and the gorgeous night sky. He cringed. “I mean that with no disrespect.”

“No, you are right. I am enjoying the weather,” Rakel admitted.

Knut nodded and gave her his charming smile. “Then you should enjoy it, Princess.” He saluted and backed away.