“I do get this impression, Valentine, and thus that world holds no interest to me outside those things I pay you to bring for my wee one that she misses,” Frey replied. “It sounds busy and crowded, overcomplicated, and from what I’ve heard from Finnie, the majority of those who inhabit it live lives mistaken as to what’s important.”
Valentine turned toward the man. “And yet you wish to send Franka there?”
“She needs to be rid of bad memories. She also needs a challenge,” he responded. “But I sense she’ll be seeking ones much different than what she’s sought in the past. And with you and Noc and perhaps Circe to guide her way, she’ll not get lost again, even in that world.”
“I see your point,” Valentine murmured.
Frey gave her a short nod. “And her riches, you’ve mentioned they’d be considerable there as well, but they’d also be suspect if discovered by those in positions of authority. Franka is accustomed to a certain standard of living and will expect that in any land she inhabits. She also has lived a life of independence, outside the threat of her parents’ actions. I can’t imagine that’d change, and with that threat eradicated, I can only imagine her desire for autonomy will increase. She’ll not like her standard of living lowered or her new liberty threatened with, for example, the need to seek employment or the like. Both would most assuredly sway her decision in the wrong direction about whether or not to go.”
Valentine’s lips curled. “I’ve ways to assist her in converting her parallel universe resources to my-world currency, not to mention other issues she may have, such as finding and paying for appropriately appointed accommodation. She’ll live very well, Drakkar, and do it not having to ask if someone wishes ‘fries with that.’”
“Good,” he murmured then asked, “Fries with that?”
Valentine lifted a hand and flipped it languidly, “The explanation to that is truly beneath your notice, Frey.”
The Drakkar didn’t reply.
Valentine tilted her head, querying, “And this was Noc’s idea?”
Frey gave another short nod. “Yes, and I believe a good one.” At that point his lips twitched. “We discovered at dinner tonight that she intends to cross the Green Sea. The queen forbade it, of course, but it indicates Franka is up for an adventure, the bolder the better.”
“And would it be me or Noc that will suggest this to her?” Valentine went on.
“It’s my understanding that Noc’s speaking to her this evening.”
Valentine’s smiled a small smile. “Excellent. Well, do keep me informed, Frey. When she’s agreed to leave this world for mine, I’ll be certain to put all the pieces in place for her to do so and enjoy her position when she arrives.”
His brows rose. “There’s the matter of payment, Valentine.”
“Of course,” she said quietly. “And you’ll be seeing to this? Or will Franka be expected to compensate me for my services? Perhaps Noc?”
“This is a gift from Finnie and I,” Frey answered.
That was what Valentine hoped he’d say.
“If that’s the case, I request an audience with the elves in their realm under the ice,” she shared and watched his mouth grow tight.
“This is a grand request,” he stated shortly.
“Even I don’t have the power to visit the elves and I’ve a feeling it would be most interesting.”
“You would be right, Valentine, but they hold their realm dear and may not grant this request.”
“You rule them, Frey,” Valentine reminded him.
“I do, but I do not do it through tyranny as one of my predecessors did, resulting in losing them for centuries,” he returned. “I take their desires and concerns into account, and if something is important to them, I consider it gravely.”
He lowered his voice and his gaze never left hers as he continued.
“You know I appreciate all you’ve done for my Finnie, myself and my country, even if, for most of it, you were paid handsomely. Your life as well was often in danger and you showed courage and loyalty, which I admire. You also know because of this I hold a fondness for you as does my wife. But even so, the elves have free will and can retreat to their underground dominion, not to return until there’s a new Frey who does not rule them with an oppressive hand. If they refuse your visit, Valentine, I can offer you time speaking with Nillen and his council by calling them up to the ice. This would cause no umbrage and it, too, I would hope would be interesting.”
“I would prefer my own adventure in the elfin realm, Drakkar, but if I must accept the alternative, I would do that as well,” she granted.
“My thanks.”
Valentine looked to the door then back to Frey. “I don’t wish to be rude, and you know I always enjoy your company, but even if the hour grows late, I have things to see to.”
“Of course,” he murmured, moving her way.
Valentine stayed where she was.
When he arrived at her, he bent to brush his lips against her cheek and pulled back, again catching her gaze. “I’ll deliver a message when I know of Franka’s decision.”
“In the meantime, I’ll hope she makes the right one.”
This time, Frey’s lips curled. “With what I see growing between her and Noc, I’ve no doubt she will.”
Valentine hoped that was true as well.
“Our gratitude, Valentine,” Drakkar said as he began to move away from her.