Vhalla’s heart beat so hard she was dizzy. She wanted her prince, and all she had was his muffled voice. Vhalla sat as she was told.
She fumbled with the chain at her neck. Ten minutes, the Emperor had said. Vhalla looked at the watch face.
Ten minutes until what? Vhalla tapped her foot, restless energy creeping up in her. She glanced at the major. He still had that dangerous aura about him, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword.
Was the Emperor going to kill her? She’d delivered him his victory. She’d shown her heroism to the army. She’d saved his life before his most trusted general. There was no way he could kill her now.
Vhalla turned the idea over in her head. He could do whatever he wanted, he was the Emperor. Even Aldrik couldn’t protect her, his father had made that much clear time and again.
Vhalla checked the watch. A meager three minutes had passed. The major kept checking his as well. She picked at the seam of her tunic restlessly.
Should she just ask why she was there? Vhalla didn’t want to know the answer. Somewhere deep in her, she knew it wouldn’t be good. It was never good for her in situations like this.
Five minutes.
“I need something from my room.” She stood suddenly.
“Sit,” the major ordered.
Vhalla glared up at him, trying to look commanding. “I will just be a moment,” her voice quivered with strain.
“Sit.” His palm closed around her shoulder, and he pushed her back onto the bench.
Vhalla fell clumsily, barely catching herself. Her heart pounded in her ears, not Aldrik’s heartbeat, just hers. Vhalla clenched her fists, trying to activate her magic. But the Channel remained dormant, nothing more than a trickle of power. If she had to fight, she would not put up much of one. Vhalla suddenly felt very trapped with this man, this major who should be someone she could trust.
More shouting. Vhalla looked at her watch. Seven minutes.
Major Schnurr checked his watch as well and tapped his foot impatiently. Her stomach knotted, Vhalla was certain she was going to be sick. Could she call out to Aldrik? Would he come to her? Could he? Her mind worked itself into a frenzy as the seconds ticked away.
Nine minutes.
Major Schnurr’s hand closed around the pommel of his sword.
Vhalla’s breath caught in her throat. She stood.
“Sit,” he growled, taking a step forward.
“No,” she whispered, glancing for the door. If she could get outside, surely he would not strike her down before the whole of the camp? She could get a running start, maybe she had enough strength to get to a horse.
She didn’t want to die.
“Sit,” he repeated.
Thirty seconds.
Vhalla turned and made a dash for the door. His hand closed around her wrist. She heard steel on steel as Schnurr’s weapon was halfway drawn. A strained panicked noise came from the back of Vhalla’s throat. She twisted but his hand held fast. She opened her mouth to call for Aldrik, to shout for her life, to fight with every last ounce of strength she possessed.
The Emperor’s door slammed open. Multiple pairs of heavy footsteps were heard. The major paused, but he did not release his grip, even by a fraction. The Emperor was first around the corner, followed by Aldrik—who was instantly full of rage at the scene—and a wide-eyed Baldair. As Aldrik took a step with murderous intent, the Emperor held out his arm across his son’s chest.
“Major Schnurr.” The Emperor stepped forward. “What is the meaning of this? Unhand the Lady Yarl.”
The major released his grasp and Vhalla shrunk away. She rubbed her wrist and looked frantically at the men who surrounded her. Baldair appeared as though he had seen something more horrific than the battle the night prior. Aldrik did not even try to meet her eyes.
“I was merely keeping her safe inside these walls. She has foolishly forgotten her armor today.” The major’s grip on his sword relaxed, and it slid back into its scabbard.
Vhalla stared at him in shock.
“She has indeed,” the Emperor agreed. “Thank you for your extreme loyalty. I trust you to know that certain things can be overlooked for those who show me such diligence,” the Emperor gave his dismissal, and Major Schnurr left.
The Emperor walked forward, and Vhalla braced herself. His eyes were shining with malice, with pleasure, with pride, and with the thing that made her blood curdle: victory. He held a piece of paper, another letter to send back to the Northerners. Vhalla wondered what was taking the surrender so long.
“Lady Yarl.” She noticed the Emperor using the title for the second time and was confused. “I would not recommend walking around a military camp without your armor. You never know who may take advantage of such,” he cooed with loathing. He turned for the door. “Now, to finish my Empire.”