Page 91 of A Tale of Ice and Ash
“Yes,” said Onyx slowly. “I’m trying to figure out how best to do that.”
Eirwen went back to her tent and opened a letter from Marie.
Dearest Eirwen,
I have arrived safely back at my father’s estate and begin the odious task of convincing him to support your claim. He agrees in principle, of course, but he is not exactly a ‘man of action’ and as I am not precisely one either, the challenge is two fold. You are so lucky I adore you.
I’m enclosing my favourite books from the last five years, together with my notes on them. I’ve compiled a reading list in order of which you absolutely must read first because I’ve been dying to talk to someone about them for years. Particularly you. I doubt you had much to read where you were, so hopefully you’ll enjoy these when you take some time to relax. And please, please take some time to relax. You are the sort of person who forgets to eat when she’s on a mission and books feed your soul, Eirwen. They are just as vital for survival, in my not-so-humble opinion.
Also, as I’m no longer there to tease you about Cole, I’ve supplied another list which I’d like you to read every time he talks to you. Absolutely gutted I can’t stay to watchthatunfold!
Take care. I hope we’ll meet again soon,
Marie
Eirwen penned a letter back, chuckling through the lists and vast volumes stacked on her desks, and tried not to blush too much at the mention of Cole. Silly Marie. It wasn’t likethat.
Well, she’d thought about him a great deal since Niamh’s death. Wondered how he felt, if he was coping, if he had anyone to talk to, or be with, like she did. She strongly suspected Niamhwashis person, and that made her feel…
Awful. Wretched. Like she’d abandoned him.
But she’d feel that way about anyone, wouldn’t she?
“Company!” called the lookout.
Eirwen exited the tent, hurrying over to the noise. Half-a-dozen people armed themselves as a dark figure drifted through the mist. Wren reached for her crossbow.
“Don’t shoot,” said a voice. “The once was enough.”
Eirwen bolted from her spot and raced into Cole’s arms, clutching his back tightly and balling her fingers into fists around his cloak.
“I’m all right,” he whispered into her hair. “You?”
She murmured something into his chest, wordless and painful.
“Oy, oy!” Onyx clacked across the campsite. “Ring first! He needs to be tested!”
“It’s him,” Eirwen insisted, drawing back. “I know it is.”
Cole smirked, still standing very close. “I could tease you again, if you wanted another way to be sure? Compliment your ravishing beauty? Pull your hair?”
“Ring!” Onyx barked, glowering at him.
Ivy ran forward. “Here you go, Da.”
He shoved it on to Cole’s finger. “Who are you?”
“Prince Cole of Florin.”
“What’s your favorite colour?” Ivy jumped in.
“Um, blue.”
“What kind of blue? Like, blue like the night sky, or ice blue, like Eira’s eyes?”
“Eira’s eyes, definitely.”
Eirwen’s cheeks felt hot, and the ghost of a blush rose in Cole’s face, too. Ivy grinned wickedly.
