Page 84 of Frost Bound

Chapter Thirty-One

Neve

He didn’t getany sleep the night of their arrival.

Nor the next day.

“Tell us again about theastrylle,” Beram asked, running his claws over his long gray beard.

Neve choked back a growl at the oldvallos’ question. They’d been over this several times already. “At the Seed of Loriia, anastrylleblessed our union. Then three days later, when we stopped for a break, thereilleveshared her lunch with the creature.”

Eyri stopped his scratching, and lifted his head, his spectacles on the tip of his nose. “I studied theastrylleperched outside the castle and the markings are remarkably similar to the bird from the village blessing. I believe they are the same. I think theastryllefollowed us.”

Neve blinked at his cousin. That was new.

“Our queen must be something special to be blessed by anastrylle, and to survive so many harrowing ordeals in the last month.” Warrin, their old battle-ax of a giant, laced his fingersover his belly and leaned back in his chair. “I look forward to meeting her.”

There was a murmur of agreement that set Neve’s teeth on edge. This was not how it was supposed to go. He’d planned on stowing her in the tower and continuing to rule his kingdom. He didn’t need thesaloescausing trouble. “I will introduce you once she’s recovered, and I’ve gotten some sleep.”

He stood from the simple throne and nodded to the council sitting at the rectangular table. “Goodnight.”

Neve retreated out the door, with Flyka and Olwen shadowing him. “You don’t need to follow me to my bed.”

“With what happened near the Seed, I beg to differ,” Flyka retorted. “We have guesses who sanctioned that attack, but no confirmation. It could be anyone.”

He sighed but didn’t argue, knowing she was right. The black stone walls wavered with the reflections of the lanterns. Neve took the left staircase, taking two stairs at a time. Their war room was deep in the castle so there was less of a chance of spies. Many floors later, he found himself in the royal wing.

Flyka sped past him and held up her hand as he reached his door. She gave him a firm look as if to saydon’t move until I’m done. Neve leaned his right shoulder against the wall and crossed his arms, waiting for her to inspect his chamber.

She stepped out, her expression blank. “It’s clear, my lord.”

“Thank you.” He clasped her on the shoulder and nodded to Olwen. “Goodnight, my friends.”

He closed the door behind him and a heavy sigh escaped him.

Finally, he was home.

The lanterns were extinguished, but a fire roared on both sides of the room, making it warmer than he normally liked. He meandered to the window and stared. There was something so peaceful about a moonlit lake.

He rolled his neck and cast a longing look at the tub. How his body ached from the last ride, trying to keep distance between himself and thevalles, not to mention the cracked ribs that still ached with every breath he took.

Sleep, then a bath in the morning.

Neve smiled at his bed. He loved pillows. It was one of his extravagances. He could give up fine clothing, fancy food, even forgo hot water, but a soft bed with an overabundance of pillows? Never. After nearly a month of sleeping on floors, makeshift beds, and bunks, he was ready for a good night’s sleep.

Prowling to the bed, he tore off his loose tunic and shirt. Next, he toed off his boots, peeled off his socks, and then unlaced his leathers, kicking them to the floor. Completely naked, he flopped onto his stomach on the mattress, hugging the nearest pillow.

He groaned. It was pure bliss.

Qov, but he loved his bed.

Neve slipped into slumber, only to wake later in the night when the fires had almost burned out. He yanked the covers back and slipped under, the cool sheets caressing his skin.

This was heaven.

Neve wokein the early morning, hissoravthrobbing and nestled in heat. He pressed his hips into the warmth, his hand squeezing the pillow by his side.

Ginger.His favorite scent. Had breakfast already been brought in?