Sacrifice (The Snow Queen #2)(43)

“Nothing, except I know you would not do that.”

Farrin raised his gaze from the sword to Rakel. “You really want me to join you?”

“I do.”

“And will I be your leashed dog?” Farrin asked.

“You are your own man, Farrin. I trust you to do what is right.”

“And your people?”

“There is some unrest, but they are growing to accept magic users. If any of them try to limit you, I will take on the same treatment they give you,” Rakel said. Please, please let this work. For his sake, as well as for the sake of Verglas. If he returns to Tenebris, he won’t survive.

Farrin’s eyes grew warm. He brushed his sword, but instead of taking it, leaned closer to Rakel.

Ah…yes…I forgot the need to address…this. “I am aware,” Rakel said.

Farrin tilted his head. “Of?”

Rakel gulped. He was close enough that his breath fanned her white bangs. “Of how you feel about me.”

The corners of Farrin’s mouth curled up. “I wasn’t particularly trying to hide it.”

“I see,” Rakel said.

“You are rejecting me?”

Yes. “No.”

What? Yes, I am! Say yes! Rakel met his gaze and squared her shoulders. “But I will not lie to you and tell you I return your affection when I do not.”

Farrin studied her. “I see.”

“All I can offer you is friendship,” Rakel said. The way his eyes smoldered made her panic a little. What am I supposed to do? She felt like a cornered rabbit, but this time she knew it wasn’t danger she faced.

“Will you push me away?” Farrin asked.

Rakel frowned. “Why would I do that?”

Farrin’s smile grew wolfish.

I am in so much trouble, thought the part of her mind that sounded suspiciously like Phile.

Farrin wrapped one of his hands around the hilt of his sword. “Very well, I accept your offer—on one condition.”

“Yes?”

“That my officers and anyone from my regiment who wishes to follow me is allowed to come as well and receives the same treatment as I do.” Farrin’s eyes were back to the gray of wet rock. Combined with his crooked smile, Rakel realized that he was happy.

“Of course. As long as they conduct themselves in an honorable manner, we will welcome them,” Rakel said. He’s worried we wouldn’t accept them? Hah! Every magic user we get is a boon!

“Very well,” Farrin said. He took his two-handed broadsword from Rakel and swirled it once. “Then I pledge to you, Princess Rakel of Verglas, my sword, my body, and my heart. I am yours to command.” He planted his sword in the ground and waited for her to say something in response. The absolute sincerity in his voice made her feel uncomfortable.

She tried to ignore the ardent light in his eyes and rifled through her memory for something to say in response. Why didn’t I read more storybooks as a child? Thinking of nothing useful, she blurted out, “I accept your pledge with gratitude. I will be comrade-in-arms, and your friend, and I promise you the honor and respect you deserve.”

On an impulse, Rakel stood on her tip-toes and kissed his forehead. “Will you guard me on the battlefield and when I fall unconscious from my magic?”

“You have nothing to fear, Princess.” Farrin brushed her bangs aside. “I will stand with you from now until the end of time.”

“Rakel,” she said.

Farrin smiled with his eyes. “As you wish,” he agreed.

Together, they turned to survey the battlefield.

Soldiers from both sides had fallen. The snow of the battlefield was dyed red, and magic crackled up and down the lines. Tenebris was gathering another cloud of dark magic; Genovefa sliced through the Chosen lines like a scythe, and soldiers clashed with roars and shouts.

“First, we have to save your people,” Rakel said.

“Tenebris will try to strike them down,” Farrin said.

Rakel smiled as her magic sang in her blood. “Let him try.”

“You can overpower him?” Farrin asked.

Rakel glanced up at him. She knew she was wearing a sly smile—like Phile’s—but she couldn’t help it. Farrin had agreed! This battle will be ours! “Yes.”

“He has strength I have never seen,” Farrin warned her.

“And I have you. If you will guard me when I fall, he cannot stop us.”

A smirk spread across Farrin’s lips. He bowed his head. “You will always be safe as long as I can reach you, Rakel.”

“Then Tenebris does not stand a chance.”

They started for the battlefield, walking shoulder to shoulder. “What can I do to help?” Rakel asked.

“Use your flashy magic to gather attention, then I’ll signal them.” Farrin maneuvered so they stood on the Verglas side of the valley.

“Very well.” Rakel raised her arms, and three giant snowflakes the size of cottages formed above the Chosen army. She spun them several times and then shattered them.

Farrin pulled a silver whistle from a pocket of his uniform and blew it three times.

When the snow settled, the battlefield was silent.

Rakel knit her hands together, and though her throat squeezed, she stood—tall and proud—with Farrin.