Page 94 of Clash of Storms
"Your choice," Rurik said softly as power blurred around him, leaving only a powerfuldrekibehind.
Malin took one long look at Sirius as Árdís tucked her arm in Malin's. The wind rifled through his hair, blowing it across his bare chest. She had the sudden yearning desire to throw herself into his arms, but there was no point.
War was coming.
And they stood on opposing sides.
There was a sudden lump in her throat the size of a fist. She'd failed to convince him to save them all. And there was no guarantee Sirius would survive the forthcoming battle either.
* * *
Árdís broughther tea and biscuits once they'd arrived at the small farmhouse where the prince had been residing with his mate.
Árdís. The princess. Tendingher.
"Oh, you shouldn't have." Malin accepted the cup gratefully, though she felt quite out of her depths being waited upon.
Rurik's mate, the Lady Freyja, had brought her a clean gown to change into, and filled a bath with warm water so she could wash the travel stains off her skin. Now Árdís was delivering her food, as ifshewere the princess....
It was too much.
"Don't think her altruistic," said the tall, handsome man Árdís called husband. Haakon Haraldsson polished his sword in the corner, a fur cloak hanging over his back. "I believe my wife has some ulterior motive in mind."
"Oh, ha," Árdís told him. "I've missed Malin. I only want to know what's happened. I nearly got her killed, according to the Blackfrost."
Haakon winked at Malin. "Don't forgive her just yet," he said. "Make her work for it."
"You're supposed to be on my side," Árdís protested.
"I'm supposed to remind you to be humble."
"Ignore them," Prince Rurik said, rolling his eyes. "They've been like this ever since they arrived."
It was lovely to see the princess so happy.
"Now, tell me everything," Árdís commanded.
Malin let the events of the last few days spill from her lips in a flood. Fleeing the court. Lord Fáfnir. Roar's attack. Sirius protecting her at every turn.
She tried to keep all her personal moments with Sirius out of the details, but Árdís seemed determined to ferret them out.
Árdís's eyes narrowed as she finished. "It doesn't escape my notice you seem quite enamored of the Blackfrost. He almost sounds like a hero, Malin. Is there something you're not telling me?"
"Of course not." She almost choked on her mouthful of tea.
"TheBlackfrostplayed the part of a perfect gentleman?" Doubt filled the princess's voice.
"He was very careful with me."
"Malin." Árdís leaned closer, her eyes almost glowing with victory. "You have a bite mark on your neck."
What?Malin slapped a hand to the edge of her neckline, her heart suddenly pounding.
Árdís laughed. "Ha! I knew it. Just what have you been doing with the Blackfrost, Malin? I want all the details."
"You are evil," Freyja said, shaking her head. "There's nothing there, Malin. My devious sister-in-law is trying to trick you."
"Did he kiss you?" Árdís seemed delighted. "Oh, look at you blush. He did. Did he bed you, Malin?"
