Freyja patted the top of Isabel’s hands. “It will be okay. We will figure everything out. Right now, though, your eldest daughter needs us to find her. What do you know about Alva’s disappearance?”
Isabel sat up straighter, and Bernard could see why the woman was queen. In the blink of an eye, her demeanor completely changed. No longer thinking of herself, her entire focus turned to Alva. “My daughter Adriana and niece Isla reported running into Maya and several of her friends. Unfortunately, a fight began, and they were both knocked out. They have no idea what happened to Alva, but I’m quite certain Maya is behind all of this.”
She rose, pacing between where they sat and the window, but Bernard couldn’t read her expressionless face. He could, however, feel the queen’s growing anger, which felt like a thousand bees stinging him. A softer sensation filled his chest, encircling his heart and gently squeezing. He recognized the emotion. Worry. Queen Isabel was worried about her daughter, which was only natural. His stomach twisted and rolled as hurt seeped into him.
Without looking at anyone, he leaned back in the chair. What in the hell was happening to him? How could he feel the queen’s emotions, much less know, without a doubt, they were coming from her? He concentrated on breathing, pulling air into his lungs until they felt like bursting, then slowly exhaling, imagining the unwanted emotions being released with each breath. He closed his mind and pictured a thick concrete wall, much like he’d seen the Germans build throughout the war, so nothing couldget through.
“Bernard?”
He glanced up to find all three women staring at him. “Sorry, what did you say?”
“I asked if you had any ideas,” Freyja said.
He frowned. “Ideas for what?”
The goddess raised one delicate eyebrow. “Finding and ultimately saving Alva? You know, your spy partner? My assistant?”
The frown turned into a scowl. “I know who she is, but trying to find her in unfamiliar territory could be a bit much.” An idea popped into his head and, before he thought better of it, he faced the Huldra queen. “Is there any way we can talk to your daughter and niece, get a better idea of what was said and done before the skirmish?” The minute the words left his mouth, he knew he’d probably just messed up. He had no clue how to speak or act around royalty.
Isabel, however, surprised him by smiling. “You are...refreshing. I can see why my daughter liked working with you. Yes, you may question Adriana and Isla. I will send for them at once.” Turning to Freyja, her pained expression seemed to diminish, and some of the starch in her posture relaxed. “In the meantime, I will have food and drink brought here, since this is now the most comfortable room in the palace. Not even my own quarters are this plush.”
A bit of the sorrow he’d seen earlier returned as her smile disappeared, both from her lips and her eyes. “Without realizing it, I have neglected my people. How will I make amends for the decades of disregard?”
“In this, I can help immensely. I will bring Idunn tomorrow, so we can begin the transformation of this depressing castle. Then, we will help fix everyone else’s homes by adding a bit of color and comfort for everyone. That may just help a few of the disgruntled Huldra change their opinions and nip the civil unrest in the bud. How does that sound?”
The queen answered by throwing her arms around Freyja’s neck. In a blend of laughter and crying, he heard the queen’s unmistakable whisper of thanks. Leaning back, she wiped the tears from her red-rimmed eyes and clapped her hands.
Almost as if she’d been waiting behind the door, a small-statured older woman arrived, carrying a tray in her hands. Another woman appeared behind her with another tray filled with several goblets and a decanter of dark liquid in the center. Both stopped, their eyebrows rising as they took in the furniture.
“Come Sara, Meg, put the trays on the table,” Isabel instructed. “And Meg, please tell Adriana and Isla I need them both here, immediately.”
Meg curtsied. “Yes, my lady.”
A few minutes later, the girls appeared. Bernard really wanted to examine the rest of the mountain castle to see how the Huldra moved about so fast. Were there main tunnels dissecting the underground fortress or were their rooms just on the other side of the only door leading to and from this room?
“Bernard,” the queen said, handing him a goblet and a small plate holding several pastries. His stomach rumbled, reminding him he’d skipped lunch. “You may ask the girls anything you think might help us find Alva.”
He nodded, and in two bites, swallowed one of the pastries, which was quite delicious. The buttery crust was light and flaky, with a center filled with fruit preserves. Holding the goblet under his nose, he sniffed, drawing in the woodsy scent mixed with something floral.
Next, he took a sip, swishing the slightly sweet liquid around his mouth, tasting the familiar berry he knew, thanks to Lamruil’s love of winemaking, was only found in the forests on Alfheimr, the home of the elves. Married to the fruit was the subtle hint of vanilla and orange. His gaze met Isabel’s and he smiled. “Absolutely delicious, my lady. My compliments to your chef and whoever chose your wine. It is exquisite.”
Isabel tilted her head in agreement.
He met the dark-green gaze of the older Huldra girl. “So, what can you tell me about the last time you saw Alva?”