Page 93 of A Tale of Ice and Ash
“I’m sorry,” he said. “I… I didn’t think.”
“That’s kind of your problem, isn’t it?”
Cole said nothing, and the silence stung the air. She bit her lip, already regretting her words.
A bell rang. “That’s lunch,” said Eirwen, “will you be joining us?”
“If I’m invited.”
“Of course.”
∞∞∞
Cole stayed all afternoon, chatting with the rebels, who soon opened up to him after a few sparring sessions, and diligently took a lesson in rope-making from Ivy. For all that she giggled around him most of the time, she was a very strict school mistress.
Juniper sulked, helping Eirwen peel potatoes for dinner.
“Why is she being so silly with him?”
“Beats me,” said Eirwen, biting her lips.
“He’s notthathandsome.”
Eirwen said nothing.
“Youdon’t think he’s handsome, do you?”
“Um…”
“Eira!”
“He… looks a lot better now than he did when he was younger,” she confirmed.
“Do you think I’ll be handsome when I’m older?”
Eirwen smiled, patting his cheek. “You’re already adorable.”
He pulled a face. “Thanks, but I’d rather be handsome. And strong. And brave–”
“How about kind and patient and intelligent?”
“Those don’t sound like much fun.”
Eirwen laughed.
“It’s a shame you’ll be old by the time I’m an adult. I wouldn’t mind marrying you.”
“Gee, thanks for the offer.”
“You’re welcome.”
“It’s all right, Juni. I’m not sure I really want to get married.”
“Why not?”
Eirwen paused. She’d thought of it, of course, in passing. More the idea of it, not the reality. It would be nice to fall in love, but she didn’t see how that would work when she became queen. How could she know anyone wanted her for herself, and not the power? She barely wanted that power for herself. How could she trust anyone enough to share it?
“There are no human boys as cute as you, obviously,” she said, ruffling his hair.
