Chapter 1

The sun shone brightly across the sky as cool air drifted through Freya's long black hair. She sat upon the back of her horse, taking a moment to rest before returning home to Vaelgard from her morning ride.

"Let's ride, Thor," Freya said, gently nudging his side.

Thor immediately broke into a run, following Freya's every command.

When she returned to the stables, Ulric Draeven was already standing there waiting for her, his arms crossed over his chest.

"Has the great Lady Freya no patience to wait for her trusted friend to join her?" he asked. "You never know what dangers might befall the heir of Vaelgard."

Ulric gave her a look of disapproval, though he knew there was little he could do to stop her. Friend or not, Freya's position carried authority few would dare challenge. She was the heir to Vaelgard. Ulric knew she would never use that power against him, but the difference in their stations was impossible to forget.

He only wished he could someday be worthy of her hand.

Freya rolled her eyes as she dismounted Thor. Before she could remove the saddle, Ulric stepped in front of her and began doing it himself.

"Ulric, how is this fair?" Freya protested. "I can put away my own horse, thank you. You aren't even a stable boy!"

Ulric laughed quietly at her irritation but made no attempt to stop.

Then he looked at her.

For a moment, he froze.

His smile faded into something softer as he became lost in her eyes. He had looked at Freya thousands of times before. They had grown up together. He knew her laughter, her temper, and the stubborn look she made whenever she was determined to get her way.

But somewhere along the way, the girl he had known had become a woman.

"What's the matter with you?" Freya asked, puzzled by his strange expression. She reached up and touched her hair. "Is something wrong with my hair?"

Her voice pulled Ulric from his thoughts.

He quickly cleared his throat.

"My apologies, Lady Freya. I nearly forgot. King Eirik is waiting for you in the great hall. Allow me to escort you."

Ulric started walking ahead of her before she could question him further. It was easier that way. He could no longer look at her as he had when they were children.

Still confused by his behavior, Freya followed.

Soon her thoughts shifted from Ulric to her father. What could King Eirik possibly need from her so early in the day?

They walked the remainder of the way in silence.

At the entrance to the great hall, Ulric stopped and motioned toward the doors.

Freya looked at him curiously, but he avoided her eyes.

She entered alone.

Her expression immediately brightened when she saw her father.

"Freya, my dear girl." King Eirik smiled at her. "You look lovely."

"Thank you, Father."

His smile weakened.

"There is something we must discuss."

Freya noticed the seriousness in his expression.

"You have reached the age of marriage," he continued. "And as heir to the throne of Vaelgard, you must marry. It is your duty and responsibility to your people."

Freya's heart seemed to stop.

King Eirik frowned.

"I hate to place this burden upon you, Freya, but you are my only heir."

She had always imagined that one day she would marry for love. She had dreamed of choosing a man because she wanted him—not because Vaelgard required it of her.

But she was not merely Freya.

She was the future of Vaelgard.

If this was her father's will, she would fulfill her duty.

"I understand, Father." Freya looked away, unwilling to let him see the disappointment in her eyes. "I will marry whomever you choose."

"I know this is difficult for you," King Eirik said. "But our good friend Brennar has found a promising match. You may remember Lord Edric of the Vhal tribe. I believe he would make a strong husband and one capable of standing beside you when the time comes for you to lead our people."

Freya met her father's gaze and nodded.

"Yes, Father. I will do what is best for Vaelgard." She straightened her shoulders and raised her head. "How soon will I meet my future husband?"

King Eirik raised his hand toward one of the guards.

A moment later, a tall, broad-shouldered man with dark hair entered the hall.

Freya stared.

It had been years since she had seen him, but there could be no mistake.

Lord Edric.

Their eyes met.

This was no longer the boy Freya remembered chasing her through the halls and pulling her hair merely to make her angry.

Edric approached her and reached for her hand.

"Lady Freya."

He bowed and pressed his lips gently against her knuckles.

"Your beauty is rarer than any riches I have encountered."

Heat touched Freya's cheeks.

Edric smiled.

"Would you join me for a walk? We have much to catch up on, and perhaps your father can begin preparations for our engagement celebration while we reacquaint ourselves."

Something about his words stirred an unexpected excitement within her.

Perhaps this would not be as terrible as she had feared.

Freya took his hand before glancing back at her father and giving him a reassuring smile.

Outside, birds sang from the trees beneath the brilliant afternoon sun. Yet even with Edric walking beside her, men stopped to look at Freya as she passed.

Edric noticed every stare.

He guided her toward a path leading into the woods, away from the curious eyes of Vaelgard.

Once they were alone beneath the trees, Edric stopped.

He gently pulled Freya toward him until their eyes met.

"Thank you for accepting me."

Freya's expression softened.

"I don't want to marry you simply because it is expected of us," Edric continued. "I want there to be love in our marriage. I want to stand beside you. I want to protect you from anyone who would dare stand against you."

He brushed a strand of black hair away from her face.

"You will be my greatest treasure."

Edric leaned forward and placed a gentle kiss upon her forehead.

Even after his lips left her skin, Freya could still feel their warmth.

He was no longer the troublesome boy who chased her and pulled her hair.

He was the man who would become her husband.

And, for the first time since speaking with her father, Freya felt excitement growing within her.

"Lord Edric, those are kind words," she said. "I promise to uphold every duty as your wife, and I hope to do so out of love. I am glad my husband will be someone I know rather than a stranger."

Freya leaned forward and kissed his cheek.

At the last moment, Edric turned his face.

Their lips met.

Freya's eyes widened.

She had never been kissed before.

Her face burned red as she began to pull away, but Edric gently drew her toward him again and kissed her more passionately.

When they finally separated, Edric struggled to catch his breath.

"Tomorrow we announce our engagement to everyone," he said. "And afterward..."

He hesitated.

"We could run away."

Freya stared at him.

"Just you and me," Edric continued eagerly. "We could marry and live somewhere quiet. No throne. No council. No kingdom depending upon us."

For one beautiful moment, Freya allowed herself to imagine it.

A small home.

A husband she loved.

Children who belonged only to themselves rather than to a kingdom.

Freedom.

Then reality returned.

"I would love to," Freya admitted softly, "but I have to think of my people. My father depends upon me. How could I abandon him?"

The fantasy disappeared almost as quickly as it had come.

Edric watched her for a moment before smiling.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have asked."

He took her hand.

"When I look at you and imagine you as my wife, I cannot help thinking about the life we could have. The children we might raise. Children who would be free from the responsibilities placed upon us."

He kissed her hand.

"But I could never expect you to agree to something like that."

Freya smiled, relieved that he understood.

Edric's expression brightened again.

"At least meet me after tonight's feast. We don't have to abandon Vaelgard. We can simply spend an evening fantasizing about our imaginary future."

Freya laughed softly.

"Very well."

Edric's eyes remained fixed upon her.

Freya's excitement returned.

"Meet me at the stables after the feast," she said. "We can go for a ride together tonight."

"I'll be there."

Freya smiled before hurrying away, already thinking about the celebration ahead.