Chapter Text
For a long time, Hrid stood in the corner with his arms crossed, glaring at the man who was pacing back and forth in his cell. Finally, said man came up to the ice door and slammed his fist against it.
“That won’t–”
“I know .” He seethed, and Hrid could see the fangs poking out from under his lips. “What are you doing just watching me like I’m some dumb animal? Don't you have anything better to do? A kingdom to rule over...or whatever left of it there is?”
Hrid narrowed his eyebrows. “I just wonder…what is your goal.”
“Tsk. To get the hell out of here, obviously.”
“No. I mean by attacking my kingdom. What do you hope to gain when the war against Askr has been lost, and both kingdoms made peace with each other?” Hrid approached the cell Elm just covered his head with his hands.. “You’re fighting for nothing.”
Something inside of him snapped at Hrid’s statement, as he rushed towards the door and threw himself against it in rage. He knew it would do nothing, but the sound of his body clashing against the ice resonated throughout the entire dungeon, that even Hrid took a step back and made him reach for the hilt of his sword.
“It isn’t any of your business!” Elm clawed at the door, slowly scraping his nails down the ice and pretending it was Hrid’s neck (how might his blood taste if he were to “accidentally” nick a vein…)
No…remember your mission. For Lady Embla.
Hrid, having recovered from the initial shock, relaxed his hand on his sword and walked up to the door, but placed his fist where Elm’s hand was. “This is MY kingdom, so I do believe that, yes it is MY business.”
He was growing frustrated, Elm could tell. To him, seeing this king-to-be slowly becoming this unraveled just by his behavior alone, was quite entertaining in itself. Assuming he wasn’t going to be let out anytime soon, he might as well make the most of it…at Prince Hrid’s expense.
“Ah yes, a kingdom that will eventually be surrounded in darkness.”
“And how do you plan to pull off such a feat when you are currently imprisoned?”
Elm threw back his head and laughed. “Oh, Hrid. You obviously don’t understand my position as retainer to Lady Embla. You see, there are tons who worship Her Ladyship. Tons willing to fight for her. Willing to die .
“...”
“And as Her most loyal retainer, I am in charge of all of them.”
“Wh-What…you mean you’re…you’re still fighting for…but why?”
“Such a shame, the snowy mountains here are a sight to behold.”
Hrid grit his teeth, a light blue haze glowing around his fist.
“You ba–”
“Yes, I am a bat. How very observant of you, Prince.”
Hrid growled out of frustration, his hand inching towards the hilt of Gjöll, much to Elm’s bemusement.
“And what are you going to do with that? Sure, cut me down. I don’t mind. As you said before, I’m not physically inclined to take you.” Elm winked, and Hrid suddenly found himself stilling his hand.
“But if you do kill me, then well, we won’t be able to spend as much time together. You’re trying to ‘save’ your kingdom, yes?”
“Grrrrr…” Damn him, he was right.
“Because I’m the only one who can undo the darkness and…right now, I’m not planning on doing that. But you know that. Right, Prince?” Elm flashed an arrogant smile, baring his fangs.
Hrid grit his own. He knew Elm was toying with him as they both know, killing him was out of the question. Only Elm could get rid of the darkness that plagued his kingdom. And right now, both were at a standstill.
The sound of hooves clapping against ice caught both their attention. Hrid turned around, and recognized his general immediately.
“Sir Raithe!”
“Lord Hrid!” The general pulled on the reigns, and the horse skidded to a stop right in front of the prince. “We are under attack!”
“What?!”
“Reports have come in, bat-like beings attacking villages. They fly the Emblian colors on their banner, so they may be from Embla. But we aren’t sure yet.”
Hrid glared at Elm, who just shrugged his shoulders. “Oh dear. It sounds like you have a bit of a problem on your hands.”
“Are they with you?”
Elm merely smirked. “I have been gone a while, come to think of it. My friends must have been worried.”
Hrid nearly wanted to burst through the cell and strangle Elm himself. But unfortunately, that would have to wait. His kingdom was a priority. Taking in a deep breath, Hrid began giving orders to his general, “Prepare all battalions. Have at least two units stationed at each village. Subdue every enemy. And you…” He turned towards Elm with rage burning in his eyes. “ We are NOT finished here.”
The satisfied smirk had left Elm’s face. He just glared back at him. “Hope you die.”
Of course.
Hrid rolled his eyes. He didn’t have time for Elm’s attitude. His only main concern was his citizens.
Mother…Gunnthra…watch over me.