Page 135 of Frost and Death
His lush laugh, his flirtatious taunts, and the knowledge he has of his kingdom and his magic.
I nuzzle into my pillow, disappointed it’s not his hard chest I mistook for a cushion so long ago. Sleep pulls me away from wondering what Jerrick would have done at seeing my snow manifested on my own today.
28
Wine and Confessions
The memory of Jerrick’s low laugh strums again in my mind, bringing me faint joy as the sound of liquid pouring into a cup drags me from the book I’ve barely focused on for the last hour.
Dorit regards me with concern. “I hope that face is for the wine I poured you. It is one of the first we received from your kingdom.”
I sit up, gently placing my current book to the side. “Oh, Sweet Makers, I love you.”
I reach for the glass, and a small burn hits the back of my throat as I drain the dark-red wine from the goblet. When its contents are empty, I place it on the wooden table with a huge grin.
“I’ve missed our wine.”
Dorit rolls her eyes but fills my cup again. “Rude you couldn’t wait for me.”
Before I can bring the cup to my lips, she grabs it, wiggling her eyebrows mischievously as she takes a long gulp.
She lowers the glass and says, “I see why you couldn’t wait.” Her voice drops to a hushed whisper. “Don’t tell Jonas we tried it without him.”
We snicker through each glass, taking a break from the books I read today and catching up on the castle and village news.
Dorit is mid-sentence in telling me the run-in she had with a friend of hers when she loses her balance and falls a fraction away from one of the lounge chairs. Her eyes widen when her ass lands hard on the floor, and I can’t help the burst of laughter escaping me.
Tears of joy line my vision as she joins in.
I move to help her up. “I think we may have had too much to drink.” I giggle like a young child.
A small hiccup escapes Dorit, and that’s how I know she is a goner. If my head is swimming, surely, hers is as well.
Thereisa reason Axidoria’s wine is so coveted in each kingdom. We make it stronger than others, reducing the need to drink much to have a good time.
She sways as I hold on to her sides, making sure she doesn’t collapse again. “Come on, let’s get you to my room,” I say as her weight shifts on me.
“Shh!” She slurs slightly. “We can’t tell anyone.”
A hiccupped giggle escapes as I reach for the empty cup in her hand, holding her tighter as I place it on the table. She stumbles over herself, causing me to lose my balance.
We both fall to the floor, unable to keep the laughter at bay.
A cough from behind gives me pause.
I turn to meet Jonas and Jerrick’s gazes, and my heart stops.
Jerrick’s tall frame is relaxed as he leans against one of the bookshelves, looking at me. His hair is tied half-back, his light tunic bright in contrast to the dark vest matching his leather trousers with his sword and dagger strapped in place.
Jonas has his arms crossed, shaking his head in disappointment.
Dorit laughs hysterically.
I suppress my laugh and stand, Jerrick’s eyes tracing up and down my body. I mimic his movements, scanning him head to toe for any changes, any injuries, and find relief in seeing him whole.
“We were supposed to wait and try the winetogether, Dorit!” Jonas scolds, stepping in to help.
I break my stare from Jerrick to help Jonas.
