Page 120 of Frost Bound

He strolledthrough the quiet hallways of the palace.

Tonight, he had been out of line.

Pain, distrust, and jealousy had gotten the best of him.

He trudged up the stairs to the royal wing, Flyka following behind him. Neve paused on the top stair and waited for his friend to catch up.

She arched a brow at him. “What is on your mind,reillov?”

“She wore the color ofFrost.”

Flyka whistled. “That she did.”

“She didn’t know what it meant.”

“And yet…” Flyka drawled.

“I wanted it to be true,” he admitted. Hisjaivellehad been stunning tonight. More than one gaze appraised her with appreciation.

“Why do you sound so ashamed?”

“Because an heir is a duty.” He shouldn’t want his human as much as he did. Especially since he still didn’t know where her loyalties lay.

Flyka grinned. “Can it not also be fun?”

“She is my enemy.”

“Could have fooled me. For our enemy, she’s constantly helping our people.”

“And if it’s all an act?”

“If it was, wouldn’t you have already taken her to bed or locked her away?”

That was a fair point.

Flyka sighed. “Stop being a coward and claim yourreilleve.”

“She could refuse me.”

“She could, but she won’t.” Flyka waved at him and began jogging down the stairs. “Be gone with you.”

Neve steeled himself and took the last step toward the royal wing. He entered their chambers and closed the door behind him with a soft click. Dahlia sat in their bed, wearing his black shirt, swirling a cup of tea.

Without her leggings.

He stared at her bared legs for a beat, and then dragged his gaze to her face. She was watching him, the shadows playing about her face.

“No hose?”

She set the cup on the side table next to the bed. “You were right. It is time to stop hiding.”

He sat on the edge of the bed, twisting to face her. “I was harsh tonight. You didn’t deserve my ire. Forgive me.”

“There’s nothing to forgive. We all make mistakes.” She sighed, glancing at the window. “I’m so tired. It won’t be long until the sun rises.”

Neve stood from the bed and closed all the curtains. He kicked off his boots and tossed his robe over the back of the couch. “Do you want me to stoke the fire?”

“I’m okay,” she called.

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