Erik’s POV

“I didn’t realize you were so adept with a sword.”

The sound of King Varric’s voice startled me on the walk back to the treehouse where I was planning on bathing and getting ready for the meeting where Poppy and I were supposed to speak with Queen Francesca about wedding arrangements.

Assuming Poppy actually showed up.

Her absence was frustrating, to say the least.

And the last thing I wanted to do with my spare time was ...