Vhalla pulled back the tent flap. Even if there were things, Vhalla wasn’t going to hear them from Baldair. Aldrik would tell her, in time.

“And Vhalla?” The prince stood. “Ride up at the front again. Don’t let this dissuade you.”

“Why?” she asked skeptically.

“Because I think it does the men good to see you with me.” He sensed her confusion and continued, “You are a symbol, Vhalla. And, despite what some may have you believe, you have more control over what you symbolize than anyone else.”

“I am no one,” she muttered, hearing Aldrik mounting his War-strider.

“Even something very small can cast a large shadow when it is close to the sun.”

Vhalla considered this for a long moment, searching the prince’s face for a hint of insincerity. She could find none and left him behind her before he had a chance to say something else that could potentially throw the fragile peace into disarray. For everything Prince Baldair was, and had been, somehow he didn’t feel like her enemy.

Aldrik took a foot out of his stirrup for her to use, offering her a hand to mount his horse. Vhalla’s cheeks grew hot as she swung up behind him in the saddle. Her hands fell lightly on his armored waist for balance.

“Where’s Lightning?” she asked.

“My brother’s Easterner rode him back when he went to get Fritznangle.” Aldrik spurred the mount forward.

The wind was fresh and warm on her cheeks after the oppressive atmosphere in the tent.

“Daniel?”

Aldrik nodded mutely.

“Is it a good idea to ride like this?” Vhalla asked softly, noticing the glances from the soldiers.

“I want them to see you with me.” He responded so quickly that there couldn’t have been any thoughts into his words.

“Why?” she breathed.

“Because I want them to know that if they lay a hand on you again, they will deal with me directly.” Aldrik’s voice was deep and harsh, and it made her want to grab onto him and never let him go.

He took them directly to his tent. Black Legion soldiers who had just finished setting it up were beginning to dissipate, and they all peered at her curiously as Aldrik ushered Vhalla within. Getting away from the world’s prying eyes was a relief, but it was equally nerve-wracking to have those prying eyes watch her being led with the prince’s palm on the small of her back.

The moment the tent flap closed, the braziers lined along the perimeter lit with flames. Aldrik didn’t seem to even think about using his magic. “Take this off, I’ll fix it.” He placed a palm on her wounded shoulder.

Vhalla nodded, beginning to unclasp the scale mail as Aldrik did the same. She felt comfortable and nervous at the same time. Aldrik took the plate from her as Vhalla shed her chainmail.

“So what happened?” Aldrik asked.