Page 24 of Heart of Dawn
“There’s no need to give me anything. You’ve already done so much with this… What was that ice?”
“Healing ice from a special place only yetis can find. It cures most wounds. It renews the skin. And it is a dearly held secret.”
I wondered if King Damien knew anything about the ice. If this ever got out, fae would descend on this forest again, just like in the days of the replicating bees. Demanding too much, taking too much, ruining everything.
“I can’t thank you enough,” I said. “And your secret is safe with me.”
Erna picked up a bottle-green rock. “This one. I think it suits you.”
“I—”
“You don’t have to keep my secrets, Orion. You’re not leaving here to share them.”
Ah. Here came the crap storm. “What do?—”
She marched over, her eyes narrowing into angry slits. I slid back across the dais, panicked heat flushing up my neck.
The yeti paused, cocking her big head, her expression softening. “What is it?”
“I don’t…” Stars. What if I said the wrong thing? I wasn’t sure what was going on here and didn’t want to poke her fury.
She came closer, holding the stone out to me. “What do you think?”
“It’s nice.”
“Only nice?”
“I’m sorry. I don’t know what to say.”
She lowered her hand, shooting me a big grin. “Silly me. I should be clearer.”
I just about managed to swallow.
“You will be my husband.”
My belly backflipped. “Excuse me?”
“This is an engagement gift.” She held the stone out to me again.
My mouth opened and closed like a fish out of water.
“Surprise!” she bellowed, giving me a face full of oaty breath.
This wasn’t happening. This had to be a nightmare, my body still unconscious out in the woods.
“When did we get engaged?” I responded, my voice dry as sand.
“When I saved your life.”
“Miko?”I called out to my mate in desperation. “Are you there?”
No answer. And what could he do from another realm? I had to save myself.
Erna gestured to the skeletons with her arms. “These are the bones of those who came before you. Undying ones, your kind of fae come looking for honeyed dreams but finding nothing. Noqueen bee. Only the cold. I offered warmth and marriage and love. But they always left me, my passion too much for them.”
Meaning what? She’d boinked them to death?
“But you seem different, Orion. Much stronger than the others.”
