Sacrifice (The Snow Queen #2)(32)

“Thank you,” Rakel called after him as he hurried for the icy walls. She exhaled from deep within her soul, and for a moment she forgot about the Chosen, the mirror, and all of the worries and burdens that clung to her shoulders.

Instead, she listened to the familiar song of the wind dancing through evergreens and the hushed falling of snow. The wind swirled oddly, and Rakel blinked. When she opened her eyes, Farrin stood nearby.

She let a small smile ease onto her lips. “Farrin, you—what’s wrong?” she asked, concern nibbling at her.

Farrin appeared to be normal. He still wore his black and crimson Chosen uniform, his black-tea-colored hair was neat and orderly as always, and he had a sword belted to his side. But the way he stood… He still had perfect posture and square shoulders, but his breathing was a little off—as if it pained him to stand.

He gave Rakel a thin smile and bowed stiffly at the waist. “Princess.”

Rakel stood and snapped her cloak, sending snowflakes flying into the air. “Is that why you weren’t with the attack on my traveling party today—because you were hurt?”

“I am fine, but thank you for the concern.” Though the corners of his lips curled up, his gray eyes were bleak. “I have been told your magic can resist Tenebris’s?”

Reluctant to share, Rakel bought herself a moment by pushing the braid of her white hair over her shoulder. He is still the enemy. I need to be careful what I tell him, for it will surely get back to Tenebris. “I blocked one of his curses with an ice wall.”

Farrin’s eyes finally held a flicker of their usual light. “That is good news for you. I have never heard of anyone fending off Tenebris’s magic.”

Rakel nodded. “I see.”

“I have heard you have a Chosen defector now among your ranks,” Farrin said.

“He was a mercenary, yes.” She turned to look back at Tana. She had built the ice walls to be taller than the village buildings, so she could only see orange light and plumes of smoke, but several soldiers stationed on the walkway were watching her. She waved to them, signaling she was fine.

“I’m surprised you allowed him to join you,” Farrin said. He shifted his gaze to the falling snow.

“Why?” Rakel asked. Crow is not a spy or plant. He has been too helpful, and the pain in his eyes when he spoke of the Battle of Gaula was too real. He is not one of Tenebris’s men.

“Because he’s a Chosen soldier. He has killed and fought Verglas citizens.”

Rakel put her back to Tana and also watched the snow. “The mercenary…he is not evil. His heart is good.”

“You are strong…to forgive the people who despised and feared you, and then to forgive a soldier who killed those people.” Farrin looked as if he wanted to say more. His expression was hesitant, and there was an extra depth to it that Rakel couldn’t interpret.

“If not for Phile, Oskar, and General Halvor, I might have let bitterness eat me alive. When I was exiled, I consoled myself that those who kept me on the mountain were wrong and evil. But although I have magic, I should not presume to know why people act as they do.”

“You are thinking of Steinar, and how he kept you on Ensom.”

Rakel blinked in surprise.

“Try asking him why,” Farrin advised.

“He said it was because he was afraid I might retaliate.”

“That is a partial truth.”

“How do you know?” Rakel asked.

Farrin avoided her gaze. “I spoke with him on several occasions. I didn’t see much use for him, but I know freeing him has been your ambition.”

Rakel caught the edge of her flapping cloak and pulled it closer to her body. “Yes.”

“And you forgive him as well?”

“I do…but forgiving him isn’t enough. I want a second chance—a new beginning. I want to know him, without holding our past against each other.” Farrin shifted, refocusing Rakel’s attention. “But I assume you did not come here to listen to me wax on about my younger brother. How can I help you, Farrin?”

The soft light in Farrin’s eyes was snuffed out. “I came to warn you. Now that Tenebris knows you can resist him, he will be more intent on killing you.”

“That is hardly a change in my expectations.”

“But it is. Previously he would have wanted to destroy you himself. That will no longer be so. Now he will pour any resource he can into ending your life. He will send assassins, spies, and will use every dark trick he can. You will no longer face danger on the battlefield, but in every moment of your life.”

Perfect. After I had just gotten the best of my paranoia. But no. I will not allow Tenebris to steal my happiness. Rakel knit her fingers together—simultaneously frightened and angered by the thought of Tenebris attacking her. “Thank you for the warning.”

Farrin nodded and raised his eyes to the sky. “Also, I will not be able to meet with you anymore.”

Rakel nodded; she had been expecting that. With Tenebris present, Farrin is probably being watched. Even if he has feelings for me, his first loyalty is to his leader.

“I wanted to tell you…. Next time on the battlefield, I will have to fight you seriously, Rakel.”

Rakel frowned as she internally repeated his words. She snuck a glance up at him, but the colonel didn’t seem any more deadly or intimidating than he had been a moment ago. His stance was relaxed, but his eyes were troubled.