“My lord, it is an honor to meet you.” Vhalla told herself not to be nervous.
The man nodded and sat upon the couch across from her in an open stance, his arms splayed across the back. Aldrik returned to the chaise he had previously occupied. Vhalla sat on the remaining chaise and folded her hands in her lap, attempting to sit nicely and not fidget.
“I cannot recall any other time when one of the first words out of my nephew’s mouth has been a lady’s name. Combined with hearing that same name on the Emperor’s and the other prince’s lips, well, needless to say, I had no choice but to meet this woman.”
Vhalla wasn’t sure what to feel, knowing she was the subject of so much chatter.
“Then again, had none of this been true, I would have insisted upon meeting you anyways.” Lord Ophain placed his elbows on his knees, folding his hands between them and leaning forward. “After all, you are the first Windwalker in the West in over a hundred years who was not brought in wearing chains.”
“Well, I don’t know if I am free from chains.” Vhalla could not stop the dry remark from escaping.
“Why so?” he asked. Even Aldrik was curious.
Vhalla focused on the prince as she spoke, praying he did not twist her words. “I am the property of the crown. My chains are invisible, but just as heavy.”
Pain flashed through Aldrik’s eyes briefly, but there was no hostility at the truth she bore.
“You did tell me she had a bit of fire in her.” Lord Ophain chuckled at Aldrik before returning his attention back on her. “I know of the accusations against you. And I know of the magic you wield. But what I wish to know most is about the woman behind it all.”
Vhalla noted that he used the word “accusations” instead of “crimes.”
“Well, I was born in an Eastern town called Leoul. It’s west and a little south of Cyven’s capital, Hastan. About three day’s travel from the Western border?” Vhalla had never travelled it herself, but she had heard about the journey from farmers. “When I was eleven, I was brought to the capital by my father and ended up working in the palace as a library apprentice.”
“Which explains how you could come into contact with a prince,” the lord mused.
Vhalla nodded, curling and uncurling her fingers. “Yes, my lord, though it was all rather strange and lucky.”
“There is no such thing as luck, Vhalla.” She prompted him to continue with an inquisitive stare. “The Mother has given us a line to follow until the end of our days. It is filled with meetings and partings, none of which are chance.” He paused before adding, “At least, this is what I choose to believe.”
Vhalla paused, trying to decide how much of that curious statement she considered to be true. “I see, my lord.” She was unsure of what else to say.
“You are skeptical,” he stated with a grin.
“There are a great many things I do not understand; it would be presumptuous to rule out any superficially,” Vhalla retorted, both a truth and a polite response.
“I am sure you are made all the wiser for such an attitude. I can offer you proof, however; should you take it.” She tilted her head, listening intently. “I believe were such things not a fact, then some Firebearers could not use these lines to peer along into a person’s future.”
“Firebearers can?” Vhalla interjected eagerly.
“Some,” Lord Ophain nodded.
“Very few,” Aldrik scoffed. “Most are curiosity shop charlatans with smoke-and-mirror parlor tricks.”
Vhalla decided then to keep the incident with the Firebearer named Vi to herself.
“Fine. Since my nephew seems keen on dismissing that theory.” The lord looked between them knowingly. “The ties that Bond two people together are made of the same red lines of fate.”
Vhalla’s eyes grew wide. Lord Ophain allowed himself a satisfied smile. Her heart began to race and she glanced over at Aldrik. Her prince chuckled softly and shook his head.
“Don’t worry, Vhalla. I trust him,” Aldrik reaffirmed.
She stared in shock at the prince and then back at Lord Ophain. It spoke volumes of the relationship these two shared if Aldrik trusted him with the knowledge of their Bond. Vhalla began to immediately warm up to the Lord of the West.
“To not even be Awoken and form a Bond.” Lord Ophain ran a hand across his chin. “You are a curious creature indeed. I am truly excited for your demonstration tomorrow.”
“It’s tomorrow?” Vhalla asked the room.
“Father told me earlier.” Aldrik nodded.
“Have you thought of introducing her to crystals for all this?” Lord Ophain asked Aldrik.
“No, and do not breathe a word of it to my father,” the prince threatened. “As far as he is concerned, she cannot handle them without risk of taint, just like any other sorcerer.”
“And how did you get him to believe that?” The Lord of the West seemed impressed.