Page 68 of Faeling
Yngrid looked around, as if searching for an answer that wasn’t that she’d thought Vallek was in here and she meant to seduce him. Ravenna’s frown gained in ferocity for every moment the orcess prevaricated.
Clearing her throat, Yngrid finally said, “Where is the king?”
“Not here.”
“I can see that.” Finally taking a moment to look over the rest of the bedchamber, Yngrid actually stepped further inside, much to Ravenna’s chagrin. If the orcess came within grabbing distance, she wasn’t responsible for her actions. “He truly does have you sleep beside him.”
“He likes to keep me near. In case of visions.”
Yngrid nodded. “All right.” Sighing, she added, “Men are strange creatures, are they not?”
Ravenna blinked. “I suppose.”
Drawing her translucent shawl, a lovely green hemmed in silver thread, higher on her shoulders, Yngrid considered her a moment. Ravenna could appreciate the real intelligence shining in her eyes, even if she wanted to scratch those eyes out.
“I don’t suppose you’ve seen who he’ll take as queen?”
Ravenna shook her head. “No, I’ve never seen it. I don’t think he means to take a queen.”
“So he says.” Considering a moment, Yngrid pulled a dangling gold hoop from her ear before approaching Ravenna’s cot. “For your vision. Tell me what you see for me.” Placing the earring on the cot, she held out her hand for Ravenna to take.
All Ravenna could do was blink some more, a bit baffled by this turn of events.
“Are you sure?” People often thought they wanted their fortunes told, but that was only if there was something good to tell.
“Quite sure.” And she waggled her green fingers to prove it.
Shrugging, Ravenna touched her hand to the noblewoman’s, closing her eyes and beckoning forth a vision.
It took a moment, as it often did when she was the one to summon it, rather than the vision choosing its own timing. Theywere fickle like that, preferring to play by their own rules, but since the magic was still inherent to her, Ravenna maintained at least some control.
—I swear it, father—silver thread binding needles of pine—brought a golden horn to her lips—two baby birds, one flying first from the nest—all my days to my people—
Pulling back from the disparate images and impressions, Ravenna regained her presence in the tent. Her eyes fluttered open to behold an anxious Yngrid, eyes unblinking as she awaited her fortune.
“You will rule,” Ravenna told her, “but not Balmirra.”
A triumphant smile overtook Yngrid’s face, and she clapped her hands together. “Well, that’s excellent news!”
“Is it?”
Yngrid nodded excitedly. “No offense, but Balmirra is austere. And drafty. Nothing to the beauty and comforts of Innrinhom.”
Ravenna only nodded mildly.
Chuckling to herself, Yngrid patted Ravenna’s shoulder. “I like you more and more,kone. What a treasure you are! No wonder he keeps you close.” Leaning down, she whispered, “Should you ever tire of him, you’ve always a place at my court.” With that and a wink, Yngrid straightened and flounced from the bedchamber.
Ravenna stared after the orcess, bemused.
What just happened?she asked Oberon, relaying the strange exchange.
Diplomacy. I think.
17
It was finally when they reached Innrinhom that Ravenna was able to catch her breath. Vallek didn’t plan to stay long, wanting to continue the journey to the eastern tibes so that their return to Balmirra wouldn’t be bogged down by autumn rains. Yet, it would’ve been the epitome of rudeness to refuse the chieftain’s offer of hospitality.
“It’ll only be for a night,” he reassured her early that first morning. As a mark of friendship and trust, he entered Innrinhom to accept Hrothgar’s hospitality with a reduced retinue. At least Mattias would be with him.
