Page 139 of Thorns & Fire
‘That’s a bit premature, don’t you think, Thee?’Wren said, leaning back towards Torj to whisper, ‘and I can think of other ways I’d like to celebrate.’
He went rigid beside her.
‘We’re busy,’ he blurted out.‘Wren’s got work for the academy—’
‘I don’t think so, Bear Slayer,’ Thea replied with a knowing grin.‘We’ve handed the shadow magic over to Audra who’s looking into it, and now our hands are tied while we wait for Wren’s results.One drink at this tavern.Then my sister can do her “work”.’
Torj laughed and gave Wren a shrug.‘I tried.’
‘It was a poor effort,’ Wren told him, but she couldn’t help the smile tugging at her lips.
‘It was,’ Torj admitted.‘But perhaps you should see it as an opportunity.’
Wren raised a brow.‘Oh?’
Torj answered with a wicked grin.‘A drink, something to eat...You’ll need your strength for what I have in mind for you.’
‘Is that right?’Wren had to stop herself from leaning in, from pressing her lips to his.
‘That’s right.’
‘Were we that insufferable?’Thea cut in, looking to Wilder for confirmation.
‘Yes,’ Wren and Torj replied in unison.
Wilder laughed and threw an arm around Thea’s shoulders, pressing a kiss to her temple and leading her towards the academy doors.‘I’m afraid so, Princess.’
Wren watched them, her heart full.Gods, she was glad her sister had that happiness.After all they’d been through during the war, it was one of the things that eased her sorrows.Thea deserved that love.
Wren was jolted from her thoughts by a warm hand turning her body.She stared up to find Torj watching her, a soft smile playing on his lips.
‘I think we should join them,’ he said.‘Just for a while.It’s not often you get to see Thea, and with what’s to come...We could all use the distraction.Thea more than anyone.’
Wren found herself nodding.‘I love that about you,’ she said quietly as they started after the two Warswords.
‘What?’Torj looked genuinely confused.
‘You’re always thinking of others.And I love that you care for my sister.’
‘She’s my friend,’ Torj said.‘They both are.I don’t imagine a day when they won’t be.’
Wren gave his hand a squeeze before dropping it quickly.‘That makes me happy, Bear Slayer.’
Torj leaned in, their sides brushing against one another as they walked.‘That’s all I want from this life.’
‘Not more Warsword glory and heroic adventures?’she teased.
Torj laughed, and Wren savoured the sound.He didn’t laugh enough, she decided, and she would do everything within her power to change that.
‘I’ve had enough glory and adventure for several lifetimes over,’ he replied.
The evening was unusually warm, and the revelry had spilledfrom the tavern to the grounds outside.Tables and chairs had been set up beneath the stars, and several fires illuminated the makeshift garden party.It was no surprise to see Kipp greeting Thea and Wilder warmly, thrusting drinks into their hands as he held court at a table with Cal and Dessa.
Wren glanced at Torj as they made their way towards the merriment.‘What do you see for yourself?’she asked.‘When...when peace is restored?’
Torj’s fingers brushed hers.‘I’ve never really let myself think that far ahead.Being a warrior, a protector...It’s all I’ve ever known.’
‘But if you could do anything, be anything...what would it be?’Wren pressed.
