“But the…the…” his eyes darted to Apollo and back to Frey, “lady in question isn’t even of this world.”
“She is now and she’s betrothed to the general who commands your queen’s soldiers,” Apollo returned and watched Kristian swallow.
“We’ll discuss your situation after the dragons return,” Frey decreed.
Kristian held his cousin’s eyes before he looked to his sister almost beseechingly.
He clearly got nothing there because he then looked to his boots.
Frey looked to his parents. “A word is breathed, I’ll know.”
That was all he needed to say. Neither spoke but both of their faces did it for them.
They would speak not a word.
He turned his eyes to Apollo.
Apollo jerked up his chin, moved from the room and felt Frey follow him out.
They’d turned the corner before he stopped and looked to his friend.
“They seek to assassinate the women,” Apollo stated.
“I’m sending the dragons.”
This, he predicted, would not work and he shared his concerns with Frey. “They’ll have enchantments protecting Specter Isle.”
Frey nodded. “It’s likely the beasts won’t succeed.”
“It would take mighty magic to protect an entire island from dragon fire,” Apollo noted.
Frey’s lips moved up into a small smile. “They weaken.”
They did. And this could be why they didn’t waste magic on their first strike.
But their side needed an alternate plan. “Should the dragons return unsuccessful, we can use Franka and Kristian.”
Frey nodded again. “Agreed.”
“We need Lavinia.”
“And Valentine.”
This time, Apollo nodded. “The Circe of the other world, who used to be Baldur’s sorceress, she’s powerful?”
“It’s said she is. As is Lahn’s Circe. But he’s had words with me and Tor. They seek to recoup her powers, and although Circe doesn’t know this, Lahn is allowing it for her to use should she need to protect herself. He’s forbid us to use her in any way. She will volunteer, he’s made that clear. But he will not allow it. He does not want her made vulnerable in any way.”
“Understandable,” Apollo murmured.
Frey studied him closely and Apollo would know why when he asked quietly, “She pleases you?”
He was talking about Madeleine.
“She is nothing like her twin,” Apollo said by way of reply.
“They never are,” Frey murmured.
Apollo drew in a deep breath and admitted, “The loss was a long time ago, however the feelings felt fresh. Until her. But time may have dulled the memories. It feels a betrayal to Ilsa to speak these words, but I am enjoying my time with Madeleine…” he paused and finished, “maybe more.”