Page 176 of The Call of Crimson
I dig my heels in, refusing to take another step. “Where, Ayden?” I demand.
“It’s the Winter Solstice festival!” Rowina squeals, coming from around the corner.
Had I really been so consumed, I didn’t even realize solstice was upon us?
No, that wasn’t right. “Solstice isn’t for two days.”
“Technically, you’re correct,” Rowina says. “But here, we celebrate it for three days. Tonight is the festival we throw to let loose before the longest night of the year.”
“Exactly,” Ayden says with a grin. “We’re going into the city to celebrate.”
“It’s tradition,” Rowina sings.
“It’s freezing,” I scoff and gesture to my clothing. I had lost the battle of clothing today and ended up in a heavy gown. At least it was black. Winter and I were not friends. Not only was it hard to navigate on the battlefield, but it was also just generally miserable. I long for the warmth and sunlight. The winter was dark, cold, and lonely. I hate it.
“That’s what these are for.” Rowina brandishes a pair of fur-lined leggings like they’re sacred treasure. “Put them on under your dress. All the females do.”
I sigh in relief at the sight of comfortable clothing. Grabbing them from her, I say, “I’m not giving these back. I’ll hide them under my mattress if I must, but your mother can pry them out of my cold, dead hands.”
Rowina leans in close and whispers, “I’d expect nothing less.”
I throw my arms around her. “My savior!” I say exaggeratedly and kiss her cheek.
“My lips are over here, Breyla.” She laughs and throws me a wink as my cheeks heat.
“And I’m still into males,” I mumble, not adding specificallywhichmale I’m into. I pull the leggings on under my skirt and relish the feeling of the soft fur hugging my legs.
“Are you sure about that?” she teases. “I never see you blush like that for either of my brothers.”
“Alright, you two. That’s enough of that. Let’s go.” Ayden holds out his arms. Rowina and I loop our arms through his, letting him lead us out of the library.
As we make our way through the castle to the gates, I work up the nerve to ask, “Is Aurelius joining us?” I try to keep my voice even and not betray the hope I feel fluttering in my chest at seeing him.
“He’s meeting us there,” Ayden says in an equally unreadable tone to my own. He’s no fool. He must know my heart still beats for his brother, but does he know what happens in the dark when no one is looking?
I could easily spend all day worrying over the state of my kingdom and the starving citizens, my impending wedding to Ayden, or the way my heart refused to beat for anyone other than the one person it couldn’t have. But it would do no good. So instead, I shove them all to a dark corner of my mind, slam the door closed, and lock it tight. Those problems would all be there later. Right now, I’m choosing to remain in this moment.
When we reach the castle doors, a shiver runs down my back as a cool blast of air hits my skin. “You better be right about these leggings,” I grumble and pull on the cloak Ayden hands me.
“I’m right about most things,” Rowina says with a grin.
As we make our way into town, Ayden leans over and whispers, “You know, you could have access to all the pants you could ever want. All you have to do is accurately guess all the illusions I cast around you. Or, I’d settle for you just taking your clothing off for me.”
I laugh so hard I snort. “I’ll figure it out soon. We both know you couldn’t handle me, Prince, so I’ll keep my clothing on.” I’m sure it’s not the answer he was expecting, but I would never admit that I’ve secretly grown to enjoy the games we play. I lean in to whisper, “Though, if I did take my clothes off for you, I’m sure the scene Aurelius would cause would be well worth the price of admission.”
“Ewww. I can hear you,” Rowina groans. “Can you not talk aboutbothof my brothers like that when I’m standing right here?” Rowina complains, faking a disgusted shudder. Damn, Fae hearing.
I arch a brow. “Does it bother you more that it’s your brothers I’m talking about or that they’re males?”
“Yes,” she confirms.
Snow crunches under our boots, and new flakes cling to my eyelashes. It being the shortest day of the year means that it’s already dark, and the moonlight glints off the snow, casting the world in a soft silver hue. My breath clouds in the air in front of me as I take it all in.
The village reminds me of the capital in Rimor in size and layout, but there’s a different energy here. It’s lively, but peaceful. The homes are well-kept, and there’s no harsh dividing line between the wealthy and poor. Faerie lights line the street in gleaming rows, welcoming and warm.
A cold wind hits, and I shiver, my teeth chattering. My legs may be warm, but the rest of me is freezing.
Ayden pulls a silver flask from his cloak and twists off the lid before throwing back a shot of whatever is inside.
