Page 126 of Frost and Death
I can barely stutter an apology through my pained sobs. “I-I’m sorry I am running late this morning.”
Jerrick’s brows pinch in confusion before he shakes his head. “Do not apologize for things beyond your control,” he says softly, scooting closer to me.
He snakes his hand around the back of my head, bracing it as I rest on his knee. It’smuchmore comfortable than the floor.
He tilts his head up to Dorit. “Are cycle’s always like this?”
Dorit shrugs, unsure. “It varies based on the woman.”
“M-My first day is always the hardest. I just need medicine to dull the pain,” I bite out, still holding myself together.
Jerrick combs his fingers through my head, gently massaging my scalp and—fucking Deities, I might die right here and now from how amazing it feels.
“Leave the medicine with me,” he says. “Go get food and have a few staff members assist you in bringing up the books on our table in the library.”
Dorit hesitates, checking to see if I will be okay.
I offer her the best smile I can, nodding once to her. As long as I have medicine, I will be fine. Maybe I can even rest for a bit.
Jerrick darkens his tone once more to my lady-in-waiting. “Dorit.”
Her eyes turn on him, placing medicine in his upturned hand. “King or not,Jerrick, I will beat you senseless if you make her feel any worse right now.”
My eyes widen at her threat, and Jerrick rolls his eyes.
Dorit rests her hands on her hips and lifts a brow at him. Her features are scornful, but Jerrick is unaffected.
“You have nothing to worry about, Dorit. I’ve got her.”
Dorit holds his gaze for a few seconds before she glances back down, and I don’t know what I did to have earned such loyalty and devotion from her. She nods once to Jerrick, leaving my rooms in a hurry.
Jerrick’s attention remains on her departure before he glances at the pack of medicine, then to me. His brows pinch tightly, perplexed.
“You promise this will help you feel better?” Jerrick asks cautiously.
I eye the medicine, wishing I had the energy to take it before he can hold it against me. “It will dull the pain.” I sigh.
His blue eyes hold mine, sincerity lacing his next statement. “There has to be something else to help you.”
A twist in my stomach has me scrunching my features, and I apply more pressure.
“Frostbite?”
Worry heightens Jerrick’s tone.
The sensation abates, and I relax a little, opening my eyes and meeting his gaze. “I-I’m here. Just cramps.”
His features remain bundled tight, scanning me over. He moves to open the medicine pack.
“Here.” He offers me the herbs.
I move my hand away from my stomach to take it, but another twinge of pain ruptures, and my thighs clench and muscles flex. I wince inwardly, returning my hold on my abdomen.
“Here, let me,” Jerrick says, slowly and tentatively extending the medicine to me.
I lift my head as his fingers brush along my lips.
A tremor unrelated to my cycle rocks through me. Dark desires pulse, wanting to draw my tongue around other areas of his skin.
