Rise (The Order of the Krigers #1)(70)

We went to a table at the back where Vidar nonchalantly slid my weapon on the ground next to my feet. A serving wench brought us two mugs of ale.

“I’ve been here before,” I said, pulling my mug closer to me.

“You don’t strike me as a tavern sort of girl.”

I snorted. “I’m not. Anders brought me here before we escaped from the capital. This is where we bedded.”

Vidar spit out his drink. “Where you what?” he shrieked.

I chuckled. “Didn’t he tell you the story? That’s how we managed to get past the soldats. We pretended I worked here as a harlot, and he was a patron.”

Vidar cocked an eyebrow. “I don’t picture either one of you pulling that off.”

A young woman entered the tavern. Vidar turned his head, watching her glide across the room. She headed our way, tossing her blond hair over her shoulder and walking tall, exuding confidence. She appeared to be in her early twenties and wore a nice dress indicating she was from a merchant family. Her eyes briefly scanned me before resting on Vidar. He smiled, and she winked as she passed by, sitting at a nearby table.

“Do you know her?”

Vidar tore his eyes away from the beautiful girl. “Her father is one of the leaders,” he softly replied. “She’s meeting us here with two other men.”

“Then why is she sitting over there?”

“So she doesn’t draw attention to us.”

I traced my finger along the top of my mug, not drinking any of the strong-smelling ale. I may not have had any experience courting or flirting, but that didn’t mean I was blind. Vidar obviously had feelings for that girl. “Can we talk about that stunt you pulled with my father?”

“You mean our engagement?” His eyes strayed to the beautiful girl once more.

“Yes,” I replied. “I’d like to speak to Grei Heks so she can sufficiently explain all of this to me.”

“When I talked to her, she told me that your blood is tied to all of this. When I asked her to explain, she patted my cheek and said that love is fickle and makes us do crazy things. She told me that when all of this is said and done, your line will carry on with mine.” He stared down at his full mug. “We don’t have a choice. Now that we have your father’s blessing, we’re officially engaged.”

He chugged his ale. “At first, I teased and flirted with you because I thought Anders liked you.” He slammed the empty mug on the table. “I thought if I showed an interest in you, it would force him to act on his feelings. He’s never taken notice of a woman before.” He glanced over at the blond girl at the next table and then back to me. “If you are to be my wife, I don’t want to see you with another man. I want our engagement announced. However, we can wait and have the ceremony after you’ve spoken with Grei Heks on the matter.”

My father’s face invaded my thoughts. He had looked so happy with the idea of Vidar marrying me. I folded my arms. “Fine. You can announce our engagement tomorrow. After we’ve rescued the Krigers.” He opened his mouth to argue, but I held my hand up. “This is not negotiable.”

He bit his lip. “No one argues with me like you do.” I wrapped my hands around my mug, waiting for him to agree. He scratched the back of his neck. “Okay. We’ll wait and announce it tomorrow.”

Two men walked into the tavern. One sat down at our table, and the other sat with the blond girl.

“This is a friend,” Vidar informed me. “He’s here to tell us what’s going on in the castle. The other man will help us navigate the tunnels. The girl will report to her father, so he can inform the others.”

It felt as if everyone in the tavern was watching us. It had to be my imagination playing tricks on me. I kept thinking soldats would storm in at any moment and arrest us. I’d be taken before Morlet, tortured, and killed.

The man cleared his throat. “Reports indicate that the king hasn’t left the castle,” he said. “There are rumors he’s sick. He has men scouring the capital for the last Kriger. Whoever captures her will be rewarded a bag of gold.”

I knew Morlet wasn’t sick—he was recovering from healing me.

Vidar’s eyes narrowed. “Have patrols been going door-to-door?”

“No.”

“Something’s not right,” he mumbled.

“I agree,” the man said. “The king should be tearing the capital apart searching for her, and he’s not.”

“Regardless,” Vidar said, leaning forward on his elbows, “we’re still on for tonight.”

“Very well,” the man answered. “I’ll give the word.” He stood and left without saying goodbye.

“Interesting fellow,” I commented.

“He obtains information quickly. He’s an asset to our organization.”

“Now what?”

“Follow me.”

Reaching for my bo staff, I grabbed it and followed Vidar up a flight of stairs. The girl and the man she’d been sitting with casually trailed behind us. Vidar went into the room with the entrance to the underground tunnel. The man stood watch outside the door while the girl and I went in.

When the door closed, the girl asked, “The two of you are engaged?” She carefully pronounced each word, indicating she was cultured and well educated.