Page 26 of A Tale of Ice and Ash
“I… are you asking if I have a lover?”
“I’m just trying to understand what you’ve been doing the past five years.”
“No lovers, I can assure you. It’s… it’s just us out here. Me and the seven dwarves. The occasional traveller, maybe. We don’t often go into the village. Only once a month for supplies.”
“Aren’t you lonely?”
“I live withseven dwarves.”
“But you aren’t like them.”
She narrowed her eyes. “What? Dwarven? Why would that make–”
“I mean, noble.”
“Like I care about that, either!”
He tugged on her fingers. “Don’t be cross. I just… I just meant… it must be hard for you, coming from where you came from, to these somewhat provincial circumstances. It must have been hard to adapt, and have everyone think you a simpleton or a fool for not getting things, or spoilt, or–”
“It was a long time ago.”
“I suppose so.” He sighed. “I did kind of miss you, you know. When you disappeared. I didn’t make that part up. It was dull in the castle without you. And the servants were sad.”
He turned his face towards his shoulder.
“Don’t look!” she snapped, seizing his chin and pushing his face away.
“Why? Is it bad?”
“No, I just don’t like people watching me when I work.”
“I’m feeling lightheaded... have I lost too much blood?”
“Don’t be melodramatic. It’s a side effect of the drugs I gave you.”
“Oh... would... would you think any less of me if I passed out now?”
She smiled. “No.”
“You’re smiling.”
“You’ll be better company when you’re unconscious.”
“You’re so kind, Snow...”
“One of my finer qualities.”
“Do I get a kiss goodnight?”
She glared at him, kissing a fingertip and pressing it roughly to his forehead. “Night, Cole.”
“Goodnight, Eirwen…”
