Sacrifice (The Snow Queen #2)(70)

Rakel flicked a tear from her cheek. “We’ll have to do it soon. Steinar told me we will begin discussing plans and tactics tomorrow.”

Phile coughed. “Right.” She cast her eyes at the pitch-black sky—the last blushes of color had faded during their discussion. “I think you should join them.” She gestured to their friends gathered around the campfires.

“I suppose you are right. Phile, thank you. For everything.”

Phile nodded. “That’s what companions of the heart are for. Although if you tell anyone how I got my dagger, I will be forced to take drastic countermeasures.”

Rakel laughed. “Your secret is safe with me. Goodnight, Phile.”

“Goodnight, Little Wolf.”

Rakel and Phile went their separate ways—Phile, to greet a night guard, and Rakel to join those sitting around the campfires. She sat down on a log, smiling when she noticed a shadow had ghosted over to her. “Have you had fun playing with the other children, Kai?” She asked.

Kai nodded. “Can I…”

Rakel opened her arms, and Kai snuggled in like a puppy. Rakel fought to keep her eyes clear as she hugged the dear boy, who had already gone through so much. “I love you, Kai.”

“Thank you,” Kai whispered.

Rakel stroked his hair and held him as they watched the fire. After several minutes, Farrin approached the pair and sat on Rakel’s log. “I have something for you, Kai.” He offered the boy a sack.

Kai sat up, easing off Rakel, and peered in it. “Blocks?” he asked, sounding confused.

“For your magic,” Farrin said. “You need to create things to work your magic, and with the snow melting, I imagine it will soon be much harder for you to do that. So practice with the blocks.”

Kai’s eyes lit up, and he reached in the sack, pulling out a few. They were not the bare, wooden blocks like toys, but were beautifully carved and intricately painted. They came in all shapes and sizes; some were thick and big, and others were flat and thin.

Kai’s eyes grew wide as he looked over his new treasures. “Thank you, sir.”

“If you ever want books to give you ideas of things to build, ask Oskar when you’re back at the palace,” Rakel advised.

“I’ll get to stay in the palace, with you?” Kai asked with his heart in his eyes.

Rakel could only nod.

“Kai, let’s eat!” Gerta shouted from across the camp.

Kai’s gaze flickered between Farrin and Rakel. “Can I take my blocks?”

Farrin smiled indulgently. “Of course.”

“Come find me when you’re ready to sleep. I learned a lullaby,” Rakel said with no small amount of pride. “Oskar even assured me that I do not sound like a dying goat when I sing it.”

Kai giggled. “Okay.” He hugged her, lingered at Farrin’s side for a moment, and then impulsively threw his arms around the soldier. He scurried off before Farrin had a chance to reciprocate.

Rakel watched him with a pang in her heart. I’m so sorry, Kai. But you’ll be loved, even without me. She glanced at Farrin and felt a little bit of resentment. Whenever she sat on a log, she felt like a child with her limbs askew. Somehow, Farrin managed to defy the laws of nature and look relaxed and loose sitting next to her.

The longer she studied him, the more relaxed she became. She let her eyes trace his gray eyes, the white slash of his scar, his strong jaw. It might be kinder if I didn’t tell him how I feel for him, but I want to be selfish in this one thing.

Farrin offered her one of his barely-there smiles.

Rakel froze, caught in a moment of panic. How do I tell him? Do I blurt it out? Do I do something? She felt her forehead furrow as she was caught in a moment of indecision.

Farrin took her hand and stood, tugging her up with him. “Come,” he said.

Rakel followed him, allowing him to lead her north. He stopped at the edge of camp and pointed.

Although most of the snow had melted on the ground, the air was cool and crisp, and the visibility was excellent, giving Rakel a clear view of the mountains that made up the northern border of Verglas.

Farrin placed his hands on her arms and turned her so she faced a specific angle. “There is Ensom Peak,” he said.

Rakel saw a glimmer—like sunlight hitting crystal water—near the mountain top. “Is that…”

“Your ice-castle. Yes,” Farrin said. “When the Chosen first invaded, we thought it was a patch of snow that caught the light right, but if the visibility is good, you can see your castle in most parts of Verglas.”

Rakel reached out and tugged on her magic. She could feel her trapped powers stirring in the castle—even though it was leagues away.

“We’ll defeat Tenebris, Rakel,” Farrin said.

She looked up at him in surprise. How did he know?

Farrin slid his hands down her arms, entwining her fingers with his. “You seemed worried. I assumed he was why.” His white scar was stark in the moonlight.

It’s bittersweet to have someone care so deeply about me—and I about him—and to know we don’t have much time. “He is. Tenebris—and the mirror.” Rakel gazed at her castle. “Thank you for your support, Farrin. Thank you for guarding me.”

“Of course.” Farrin kept his hold of her hands, but his deep voice was a caress of its own.