Page 56 of The Daughter of the Scarred Elf

“Only Sijur knows about your contract with each other, right? You can break the bond or whatever he has over you, and then transfer to another unit. You don’t have to run away. No one but Sijur will know what you did.”

“But he’s the son of the commander-in-chief. Don’t you think he’ll find a way to get back at me for going against our deal? I don’t think he’ll take too kindly to that.” She winced as shethought of Olia. “He’s definitely not averse to taking violent measures if he needs to. I’d rather not be targeted by him.”

“It’s not your first time being targeted by someone powerful.” He probably meant for it to be a lighthearted comment, but it only made her flinch.

“Yeah, and I’m still recovering from Hilda. I’d rather not repeat that.”

“Kolfinna …” Blár raked a hand through his hair and then frowned at the wet droplets that were now tiny icicles. He brushed them out of his hair distractedly and the frozen drops sputtered over the tabletop. “That bastard took advantage of you.”

“I didn’t have a choice.”

“I know,I know.” He shook his head in disbelief. “I’m just … aggravated that he did that.”

“While you were gone,” she added.

He grimaced. “I … I didn’t realize that would happen.”

“You knew I was going to be on trial. Come on, what did you think was going to happen?” Kolfinna let out a mirthless laugh. “You knew I had to face the king and the Royal Guards for something that was out of my control. And you knew that you were my only ally! Fenris couldn’t save me because he has to act as the captain, and even though he’skind ofmy ally, he’s not really! So I had no one there for me who could actually help me. Meanwhile you …” She let out a shaky, angry breath. “You were toobusy.”

Blár lowered his head, his hands bunching together on the table beside his plate. “Look, it wasn’t like that?—”

“Really, it wasn’t?” Kolfinna pursed her lips together. “Then what was it like? Because all I know is that I had to face everything on my own. The only person who offered me help was Sijur, and even though I didn’t like the terms he gave me, I didn’thave a choice! I couldn’t even consult with you about it because you weren’t there! You left town!”

Guilt passed over Blár’s face, but it was overtaken by rage just as quickly. He looked away. “It wasn’t like that, Kolfinna. I already apologized too.”

“Then what was it like?” Her words came out in a harsh whisper.

“I …”

“Yes?”

“I did it for you.”

She pulled back, her eyebrows knitting together. “For me? How does leaving help me?”

He opened his mouth to say something, but then a wooden tray slammed down on the table. Kolfinna jumped and swiveled her attention to Gunnar, who wore a toothy grin and seemed unaware of their heated conversation.

“Hello, hello! Morning to you both.” He plopped down beside Kolfinna and waved a hand to the fruits, nuts, and smoked meat on his tray. “I was able to nab some of the good stuff before the rest of the pack devoured them.” He winked and stole a slice of grilled chicken off the tray, stuffed it in his mouth, and then plucked a handful of cherries off Blár’s plate.

Through his food, he laughed at Blár’s frown.

“Asshole,” Blár said. “Don’t just take my food.”

“I came with offerings.” Gunnar waved to the tray and frowned, his jaw working out slowly.

“At least remove the pits before you swallow.” Blár raised an eyebrow while Gunnar struggled to pick out the pits from his mouthful. “And besides, they were serving this up front. We could’ve easily gotten it.”

“But youdidn’t.” Gunnar spat out the pits and plunked them onto the table in front of him. He gave Kolfinna a friendly smile and gestured to the tray. “Come on, have some.”

“I think I’m okay.” She eyed his pile of cherry pits with a frown. “Are you just going to leave those there?” Before he could answer, she pulled out a handkerchief from her pocket and handed it to him. “Here.”

Gunnar took it with a grin. “Why, thank you. Anyhow”—he looked between the two of them—“why the glum mood?”

“Nothing, really.” Kolfinna pursed her lips and met Blár’s eyes again. What had he meant by saying he left town for her?

“Did you guys hear about what happened yesterday?” Gunnar gathered the cherry pits and folded them within the handkerchief. “We’re going on a very unexpected mission. All of us.”

Kolfinna gave him a look. “All of us? Why? What happened?”

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