I wasn’t about to make Angrboda angry, pun not intended. So, I slid along to make space for her at the bench. At least she’d adjusted her appearance and not actually walked in wearing furs and carrying a mace.
Well, she did have a mace, but it was hidden. I needed to learn that particular trick. Shouldn’t be too hard, I thought.
“So…this is your merry band?” she quipped.
“I’m not Robin Hood.”
“No, the bow’s not your weapon.” She grinned at me.
“What are you doing here?” I was pretty serious in my thought that she was, somehow, responsible for what Monica had seen.
Monica had her eyes narrowed. “Yeah. She was there.”
Angrboda turned. “A seeress.” Her lips quirked. “There for what, might I ask.”
“A massive fight on the mall. Needless to say, we’d rather avoid that. The mortals are unsettled enough.” I couldn’t help but grin at her, though. “I mean, I enjoy massive fights, but…”
“Oh, you do?” She considered me. “We should spar some time. I’m willing to teach you some tricks. Even despite who your dad is.”
I thought that might be an offer worth taking up, but I did point out. “I prefer bladed weapons.”
She grins. “You should be able to use any weapon. You never know what you might have to use in an emergency.”
“Who is she?” Raina asked.
“She’s a frost giantess.” I wasn’t about to give the name, the poor witch was already half freaked out and only now recovering.
“Oh. I guess she’s in disguise, as she fits in the room.”
Angrboda laughed. “I like this one.” She studied Raina. “Can I keep her?”
I rolled my eyes. “No.”
“Aww.”
Raina was still staring, then shook her head. “I hate winter, so no.”
The giantess grinned. “I wasn’t that serious. But I do like her.”
I wasn’t sure being liked by Angrboda was a good thing. “Just order some ramen,” I quipped.
“Giving me orders now.”
“It’s my table,” I pointed out. “And I’ll even pay for it.” Because, well, hospitality, and who knew if she had real, actual money.
Of course, it did occur to me that frost giants probably had rather expensive appetites. Too late.