Page 60 of Thorns & Fire
‘It matters to me.’Gods, she hated the way her voice threatened to crack, hated the hurt that seeped through.‘Whatever this is between us, whatever you’re hiding...I deserve to know.’
He turned away, and the movement felt like a physical blow.What could be so terrible that he couldn’t even look at her?‘Let it go, Wren.Please.’
‘The truth is inevitable.’Despite her rising frustration, she kept her voice neutral, soft.‘As am I.If it’s the last thing I do, I will find out why.’
The Bear Slayer passed a hand over his face.‘It was never going to work, Embervale.’
She knew he used her surname as a form of distancing and she wouldn’t stand for it.‘You almost kissed me last night.’
‘I know...’
Wren studied him: the fine lines at the corners of his eyes, the dark shadows beneath them, the conflict shimmering in the blue that matched the sea around them.‘And you would have done more than kiss me.’
‘Yes,’ he admitted, staring into his empty cup.
Wren reached out, capturing his chin with her thumb andforefinger, forcing his gaze to hers.‘I will find out soon enough, Bear Slayer, and when I do...you will answer for it.’
His eyes met hers, and her storm magic crackled, like the power inside her recognized its counterpart.The sensation made her lightheaded for a moment.
Torj’s next words came out low and sultry, making her toes curl in her boots.‘I don’t break easily, Embervale.’
Wren lifted her chin, relishing the challenge.‘We’ll see about that, Warsword.’
CHAPTER 23
Torj
‘The midrealms are comprised of five kingdoms ruled by magic-wielding families: the Embervales of Delmira, the Fairmoores of Harenth, the Stallards of Tver, the Duforts of Aveum and the Terlings of Naarva.So it has always been’
– The Midrealms Chronicles
‘IDON’T KNOWwhy I’m surprised,’ Torj muttered as he entered the ship’s galley and spotted Kipp kicking his feet over the side of a bench, peeling potatoes.
‘What?’the strategist replied with a grin.‘I was born in a kitchen, Bear Slayer.’
‘I know...at the Laughing Fox.You’ve told me more times than I – or anyone else, for that matter – can count.’
Kipp flicked a ribbon of potato skin at him.‘How can I help?If you’re in need of romantic advice – which you clearly are – I’m afraid for once I’m at a loss myself.’
Torj frowned.‘You?Kristopher Snowden?With no witty anecdotes on love and women?’
Kipp shrugged.‘Not today, my hammer-wielding friend.’
‘What’s wrong?’
A dramatic sigh followed and Kipp handed a potato and peeler to Torj.‘Oh, I’m just trying to find a way to break it to dear Dessa that we’re not on the road to “for ever”, you know?’
Torj stared at him.‘Tell me this isn’t because she didn’t like the Laughing Fox.’
‘Did shesayshe didn’t like it?’Kipp looked mortified.He nodded to the dirt-coated potato in Torj’s hand.‘That’s not going to peel itself.’
Mystified, Torj didn’t think there was anything to do but peel the damn vegetable.
‘And no,’ Kipp continued.‘In answer to your question, it’s not because of that.Though it certainly didn’t help.Imagine insulting a man’s palace like that?’
Torj huffed a laugh.
As always, Kipp had the gall to look offended.‘So tell me, Warsword, if you’re not here for love advice – which, again, yousorelyneed – whatareyou here for?’
