Page 98 of Faeling
“There’s Captain Mattias,” said Ravenna.
“He would be a solid choice,” agreed Vallek. “He’s loyal, and that’s just who I need around us. Especially now.”
“I’m not sure Mattias is devious enough,” observed Hilde.
“Yes, he’s tragically noble,” added Eydis.
When Vallek’s gaze fell on Ravenna, she met it with a scowl. “Careful,” she said, “I might become offended.”
“I hardly think it’s an insult to call you devious.” Toying with a lock of her hair, Vallek said, “We will need to find you duties as queen. To keep you occupied.”
The others giggled as Ravenna pinched his side mercilessly.
“Idothink you’d be an effective lord commander,” he insisted, trying to both squash her to his side and avoid her pinches.
“Seconded,” declared Eydis.
Ravenna flushed. The vote of confidence meant a great deal coming from Eydis.
Noticing the change in her, Vallek laughed. “You trust her opinion more than mine?”
“Yes. You’re biased.”
Hilde and Asta hooted with laughter, and Vallek grinned fondly.
“That I am.” Leaning down to kiss her temple, he gently suggested, “Think on it?”
“All right.” Although, when she did think about it in the moment, one thing did come to mind. “I’d like to take part in discussion with the eastern tribesmen, though, whatever I decide.”
Vallek’s heavy brows lifted. “Oh?”
Nodding, Ravenna explained, “I too am a newcomer to Balmirra.”
He beamed with pride, making her flush again.
“My queen,” he praised. “You will be one for the ages.”
When Hilde arrived the next morning, buried beneath armfuls of supplies to beset his mate with options, Vallek took his leave. Although there was much to prepare for his introduction of Ravenna to all of Balmirra, there was one task that had to be done first.
Vallek had to bury his past before he looked to his future.
He met Mattias and a handful of his berserkers near the barracks, Ulrich’s pitch-sealed coffin covered in a burgundy shroud. Atop it lay the chains of office he wore and the signet ring he used. With a Balmirran rock Mattias handed him, Vallek struck each, breaking the chain and ring.
The ruined regalia glittered uselessly in the morning sun, the sight of it curdling Vallek’s stomach. Although hidden beneath the shroud, the coffin’s telling shape was a haunting reminder of that day—and how little Vallek wished to perform these last rites.
It shouldn’t have been like this.
But it was.
And he’d vowed, as not just a chieftain but a king, to fulfill all rites. He occupied his throne in celebration and in mourning, invictory and in uncertainty.
Vallek nodded to his warriors, and as one, they lifted the poles attached to the side of the coffin, bearing the former lord commander on their shoulders for his last journey.
He led them in a small, somber procession from the citadel. Those up and about early enough stopped what they were doing, watching on in solemn silence as they passed.
Down through the city they went to the house of Ulrich’s sister Uma. She lived with her mate and aunt, the last of Ulrich’s kin. As far as Vallek knew, Ulrich had grown estranged from his kin as his duties increased. It’d been many years since Vallek himself had seen Uma.
Still, when he knocked upon her door, he immediately recognized her when she opened it. Although bearing a few more lines and gray hairs, she shared Ulrich’s serious mien. Uma took in the sight of the king with little expression, her gaze eventually flicking behind him, to the shrouded coffin.
