by S. T. Bende
“You have,” I said honestly. “But family’s more than what you’re born to. It’s what you build along your journey. And even without my parents, I am beyond rich in family. I’ve got some of the greatest friends in all the realms. For that, I’m truly grateful.”
“You should be.” Constance turned her palm up so she could squeeze my hand. “I don’t know that I’ve had a true friend since becoming queen.”
“You have Eunice,” I said, referencing our protocol advisor. “She seems pretty keen on you.”
“She’s paid to be kind.” Constance shook her head. “Regardless, I want you to nurture your friendships. Trust your friends’ judgment. And trust your own. You’ll make a great ruler, Aura. Alfheim is lucky to have you.”
I ducked my head at Constance’s rare compliment. It wasn’t like her to be so sentimental.
“Is everything okay with you?” I asked. “I’m not used to this kind of . . .”
Constance tilted her head in confusion.
“Usually we cover more boring things in these chats,” I amended. “Which topics to avoid at a formal dinner, how to not offend the Archduke of Nidavellir by serving the right kind of goat meat, that type of stuff.”
Constance smiled sadly. “I just look at you, poised on the precipice of your reign, and I want you to have every possible advantage. You stand to offer Alfheim so much more than I ever could have. I want you to make different mistakes—don’t repeat anything close to mine.”
“On that we can definitely agree.” I squeezed my grandmother’s hand again. “But don’t be so hard on yourself. You’ve changed since I met you—we’re on a good path now. And so is our realm.”
“I hope so,” she whispered. “And I hope you’ll forge your own path. I know I’m vocal in my support of our traditions. And I do believe it’s important to honor the past.”
“If you’re talking about the fancy titles at cabinet meetings, I don’t think my friends and I can get on board with that.”
“I understand.” Constance’s eyes softened. “And though I will publicly continue to assert my views—which have merit, you should know—privately, I respect that you have such a close relationship with those you’ve chosen to trust. And maybe this monarchy needs a bit of a royal rebel to shake things up.”
I slowly lowered my teacup to its saucer. “Why, Constance, are you saying you approve of my style?”
The queen raised her chin. “You may draw whatever conclusion you wish.”
Wow.
It was the most support I’d ever gotten from my grandmother. And as we sipped our tea and nibbled on a fresh plate of cookies, she told me about the years leading up to her reign, the days before she was hardened by loss, when she enjoyed the freedoms of a princess—and didn’t have to live with the rigidity of a ruler. She told me about a trip she and her best friend took to Vanaheim—how she’d marveled at the vast herds of unicorns. And how the two of them had even caught a ride with a Valkyrie, and flown a Pegasus from one end of Alfheim to the other. For the first time in a long time, my grandmother was light, and open, and happy. She was exactly what I’d always hoped she would be.
But as much as I enjoyed our conversation, I had to get back to the academy. I had two papers to write, a briefing to complete, and a meeting to prep for. When nothing remained on our plates but crumbs, I reluctantly pushed back my chair and returned to my duties until it was time to go to bed.
The attack came while I was sleeping.
Chapter 10
“AURA, ELIN! GET UP! We have to get you out of here!” Signy’s too-loud voice jarred me from my sleep.
“What’s happening?” Elin mumbled from her bed.
“There’s been an invasion. Fire’s tearing through streets around the capital. The senators have fled their homes.” Signy ripped the comforter off my bed, and pulled me to my feet. “Get dressed, and get moving. Now.”
“Oh, my gods.” I leapt to the floor and rushed to grab a set of training clothes. My knees wobbled from the simultaneous shock of being pulled from my bed and discovering we were under attack. It had only been a week since I’d returned from Vanaheim, and while the unrest had continued to grow, we’d grossly underestimated the scale of the threat.
“Finna is still on Vanaheim with Jande, correct?” Signy barked.
“They aren’t due back until Sunday,” I confirmed. “What happened?”
“Portals opened at each corner of the governmental complex.” Signy tossed a pair of boots my way, and I quickly slipped into them. “Streams of dark warriors poured through, and took over the city. We were grossly unprepared.”
“Skit,” Elin muttered as she shoved her feet into shoes. It was a testament to Signy’s focus that she didn’t admonish my friend for her language.
“What are we doing to mitigate the damages?” I asked.
“I’ve already sent warriors to the front lines. Larkin’s leading the team to collect the senators, and transport them to safety. The ground captain is commanding a unit whose sole mission is to close the open portals, and eliminate threats they find along their path.” Signy retreated to the door. She peeked outside, before waving us toward her.
“And the rest of the threats?” I pushed myself to my feet.
“I have a team dealing with the dark warriors who are currently raining fire upon the capital. Move!”
“What about my grandmother?” I jogged toward the door, Elin on my heels.
“A protection unit is already at the royal residence. The queen is safe,” Signy confirmed. “Another team is here at the academy, to make sure no harm comes to you or your friends. Which it won’t, if you hurry your butts up and get down to the panic room.”
“We have a panic room?” Elin whispered.
“Apparently.” We ran into the hallway. “Are the rest of the students safe?”
“The residence halls are undergoing evacuations—students are being taken to the great hall. Its security is unparalleled, so I know they’ll be all right there.”
“But not everyone’s in the residence halls.” I threw my palm against the wall as I tripped over an untied lace of my combat boot. “I just saw Wynter yesterday—she and the other fourth-year Bridgers are doing some kind of overnight in the Cloak. What if they—”
“Everyone is being relocated to a secure location,” Signy assured me. “Even the Bridgers. We have a Protektor with the ability to access the Cloak and retrieve them.”
“Okay, but what about Bob and the rest of the animals in the Dyr unit? They’re exposed, and—”
“We have a blanket protection already covering the academy.” Signy nudged me down the stairs.
“Okay, but—"
“But nothing.” Signy pulled open a door I’d never noticed in our common room. Wall sconces illuminated a downward-spiraling staircase. “Get inside. The rest of your cabinet members, minus the queen, should be here shortly.”
I reached back to squeeze Signy’s hand. “Be safe.”
“You too.” She raced from the common room, no doubt ensuring the rest of the students had cleared the dorms.
With a heavy heart, I followed Elin down the stairs. I rounded the corner to find Viggo pacing alongside a massive conference table. His hands were balled into fists, and his shoulders were so high they practically touched his ears. When our eyes met, he exhaled heavily and raced over to scoop me into a hug.
“Thank gods.” He buried his face in my hair. “Maja came down two minutes ago. Since she’s on your floor, I thought . . .”
“I’m fine.” I rested my palms against the taut muscles of his back. “But where’s your roommate? Is Ondyr miss—”
“I’m here.” Ondyr’s voice echoed down the staircase. “Viggo was sent down immediately because of his job, but I stayed back to help some of the first-years get out safely. Once everyone was settled, Signy told me to come meet you guys down here.”
“Thank gods you’re okay.” I released Viggo and flung my arms around my cousin. “Wh
at about your partner? Did you see Zara in the Great Hall?”
“She’s supervising its perimeter,” Ondyr confirmed. “All of the Verge are patrolling the area, making sure the castle’s protections aren’t breached.”
“Good.” I stepped back and wrung my hands together. “So what are we supposed to do? We’re of no use to anyone down here.”
“You’re safe.” Signy’s short legs made long strides down the bottom of the staircase. She’d returned. Thankfully. “That’s my highest priority at the moment—ensuring the safety of the rulers and the Keys.”
“I’m neither,” Maja interjected. “Put me to work.”
“I haven’t heard back from your father yet, and I gave him my word I’d keep you safe.” Signy crossed her arms. “Until something changes, you’re all staying here.”
“Hold on.” Elin raised her hand. “You said Keys. Does that mean . . .”
Oh, gods. No. Please, just no.
“Ugh. Seriously Ivy? Did you have to wake me up? I was having the best dream.” The nasally voice I’d learned to loathe on Midgard pierced the relative quiet of the panic room. Seconds later, my fear was confirmed as Britney’s Protektor muscled her down the staircase.
“You have got to be kidding me,” Elin muttered.
“Wait. There’s more.” I watched as the remaining Keys were paraded down the staircase. They lined the far wall of the tiny room, which now felt slightly cloying.
“Keys, I want you over there on the couches.” Signy pointed to the small sitting area beneath a painting of a mountain. “Ivy, supervise them—and make sure all of them remain calm, and silent.”
“On it.” Ivy arched her brow at Britney.
“What? I’m not the only one who’d rather be in her own bed. You said there’s a protection around the castle, right? Why can’t I just go back to—”
Britney’s tirade was halted by Ivy’s hand atop her mouth.
“Rude,” Britney muttered.
“Cabinet members,” Signy continued, “I need you to sit at the table. Now.”
“What about us?” Ondyr pointed between himself and Maja. “We’re not Keys or cabinet members.”
“You are now.” Signy grimaced. “Our minister of defense is going to need a new second. Want the job?”
“What happened to Petros?” Ondyr asked cautiously.
“We just got word he didn’t survive the attack.” Signy’s face didn’t betray so much as a hint of emotion. She’d flipped into full-on warrior mode. Gulp. “Which means we have an immediate opening, and a desperate need.”
“I’m sorry for your loss.” Ondyr bowed his head.
“As am I,” Viggo said. “But Ondyr will more than rise to the occasion.”
“I know he will. I trained him.” Signy turned to Maja. “And I remember you said you’d rather be a consultant, but we have reason to believe these portals link throughout the realm—which means your family could be at risk, too. We could really use your talents on this cabinet.”
Maja slid into the chair beside me. “Tell me what to do.”
“I will.” Signy dropped a small disc on the center of the table. She used two fingers to activate it, then extracted a holographic map from within its core. “Everyone, sit down. I need to show you what we’re dealing with.”
My friends did as instructed, taking seats around the oval-shaped table and staring at the pale blue image of the capital.
“The portals opened approximately ten minutes ago.” Signy pointed to the swirling circles located at each corner of the governmental complex. “Assailants immediately began their attack on our realm, torching the residences before converging on the senatorial complex. The structure itself hasn’t been damaged yet, but we have reason to believe it has been compromised. Security footage shows a shadow weaving down the hallway to the records room.”
“A shadow?” My throat tightened. “Someone needs to get word to Vanaheim. Idris’ family could be at risk.”
“I’m on it.” Viggo tapped hurriedly on his com. As he did, Signy continued with her explanation.
“Another portal opened up near the royal residence.” Signy pointed to the bottom of the map. “That structure is protected with a unique blend of light magic, and so far, it hasn’t been penetrated. But someone’s trying to break in, and while we haven’t located the perpetrator yet, it’s only a matter of time before we take them into custody.”
“Why?” I asked. “Why is this happening now? We’ve strengthened our alliance with Vanaheim, resumed sending light through the Alfheim tree, and we were well on our way to rebuilding Alfheim as a center of peace in the cosmos. What happened to make us a target again?”
“I believe you happened.” Signy turned to me.
“What?”
“You’re weeks away from your coronation, and you’ve already shown yourself to be a leader to be reckoned with. You’re nothing like your predecessor . . . which means our enemies are losing the hold they’ve had on our realm.” Signy raised her hand to the hologram, and used two fingers to zoom in on the shadowy figure inside the capital. “Someone’s been biding his time, looking for a way to reclaim his control. But you’ve buffered Constance with safe influences, and surrounded yourself with the best possible team. Alfheim is impenetrable. Which means he has to destroy it.”
“He, who?” Maja leaned forward to study the image.
“Narrik,” Viggo growled. “I’d know that monster anywhere.”
“How did he get into the realm?” I demanded. “I thought we blockaded his energy signature.”
“We did,” Signy said. “He found a workaround. Someone’s shape-shifting his form—a dark magic wielder, from the looks of it. See how the edges of his profile are slightly out of focus? That’s the signature of a dark shifter.”
Viggo swore loudly. “We have to kill him.”
“We have to capture him,” Ondyr corrected. “He’s not the primary threat. Whoever shifted him is.”
“And we need Narrik to identify that particular perp.” I groaned. “So, let me get this straight. We capture a shadowy version of Narrik—alive, mind you. And we, what? Force him to tell us his secrets? How the hell are we supposed to do that?”
“By playing into his hand. Obviously.”
I cringed at the nasally voice coming from the couch. “With all due respect, Britney, this is a cabinet matter.”
“Fine.” Britney shrugged. “It’s your funeral.”
Signy and I exchanged looks.
No, I mouthed.
She ignored me, and turned to my sworn enemy. “What are you thinking, Britney?”
“We-ell . . .” Britney drew the word over two syllables. She clearly relished the attention. “I know how Narrik thinks. I talked to those Styra who were working for him in the älva camps. And they all said his ego was his biggest weakness.”
“This is not news,” I muttered.
“No, but what I’m about to say will be,” Britney snapped. “He has a family. One he keeps on another realm.”
“What?” The entire table screeched in unison.
“Hold up.” Elin raised her hand. “Are you telling me that monster found some chick to marry him? Ew.”
“Marry him,” Britney confirmed. “And have his kids. There are three little Narriks running around somewhere in the cosmos. Find them, hold them hostage, and I’d imagine Narrik will do whatever you want.”
Horror doused my shock. “Britney, that’s awful. We would never do that.”
“Suit yourself.” Britney shrugged. “If you don’t want to win, don’t play the game.”
“Maybe she’s on to something,” Maja said quietly.
“Are you insane?” Viggo turned to his cousin. “We don’t hurt kids. Period.”
“Well, obviously.” Maja rolled her eyes. “But think about what Britney said. Narrik’s terrorized this realm, made this illogical power grab for a throne he’s devalued for what reason? Because it’s never been his true home.”
�
�And that relates to his kids . . . how?” I asked.
Maja narrowed her eyes. “If we can get him deported from whatever realm his family’s on—most likely the realm he’s been working with—then he’ll have no choice but to do what we want. He’s not going to force his family to become fugitives.”
“It’s Narrik,” I said drily. “I wouldn’t put anything past him.”
“Exactly,” Maja said firmly. “Narrik acts in his own best interest. And if we can get him banished from all of the dark realms, he’ll have nowhere else to go but here. None of the rest of the light realms will take him. Which means he’ll have to comply with our demands if he doesn’t want his family on the run forever.”
Viggo and I exchanged looks. “It’s logical,” he said.
“True.” I drummed my fingertips against the table. “But how do you get a monster banished from a dark realm? That’s pretty much the purpose of dark realms—housing monsters.”
“Even monsters have codes of honor.” Britney spoke as if we were all slightly slow. “Fabricate proof he’s broken the one of his host realm, and he’s out. No questions asked.”
Signy’s spine straightened. “That’s not a terrible idea.”
“Gee, thanks,” Britney snarked.
“We’ve determined he’s working with either Muspelheim or Svartalfheim, correct?” Signy asked.
“Right.” Viggo nodded. “Now that we’ve seen he has the same properties as the shadow that invaded Vanaheim, we know Jotunheim and Helheim are out. Any idea what the other realm’s codes might entail?”
“Lucky for us, they share one cardinal rule.” Signy’s lips curved up. “Never betray the royal bloodlines.”
“And that helps us . . . how?” Elin asked.
“The palaces of both Svartalfheim and Muspelheim are protected by a crystal.” Signy leaned forward. “Their resonances project a shield that prevents anyone from entering the royal households.”
“And Vanaheim’s only just thinking to do this for their palace . . . why?” I asked.
“This isn’t the kind of crystal a light realm would want to use.” Signy shuddered. “These crystals project a dark magic that would make light creatures horribly ill. If we can replicate those crystals—in appearance only, we wouldn’t want to activate them here—then we could show them to whomever Narrik’s working with as proof that he’d betrayed their realm.”