Page 150 of Frost and Death
“Thinking what?”
Cordelia and Ophelia’s eyes go wide at the low voice filling the room.
I lower my hand as my friends drop into a curtsy before flashing me a sneaky grin as they resume their tasks. I roll my eyes at the low snickers they give when they return to their duties.
Intrusive thoughts have me stuffing the bread I was eating in my mouth, seeking for something,anything, to get me out of answering his question.
Footsteps indicate he’s moved closer, the usual leather and cologne scent lighter, replaced by something crisp as Jerrick meets me at my side.
Jerrick’s command echoes in the void. “Clear the area, please, ladies.”
While I chew through the roll, I plead for them to stay, only to watch them leave without a second thought. I shake my head, realizing too late I could have commanded them to stay, forcingconfusion between the four of us and keeping me in the kitchens versus the training arena.
Not that I am scared of training. I’m scared of each day inching us closer to the ball.
Betina and I spoke last night, confirming Niko and I will be able to talk alone soon. While I should rejoice in seeing his face, I can’t shake the feeling of calling his plan off.
I don’t want to hurt anyone, yet I can’t stop thinking if the plan works, the ones hurt the most would be me and Jerrick.
Jerrick guides the chair out next to me, sitting down and folding his hands. “You were supposed to meet me for training this morning.”
I swallow the remainder of my food, reaching for another roll to delay my response, only to have him snatch my hand, halting my efforts. I hiss at the light shove and glare at him.
He glares right back.
“Let’s go.” He pushes from the bench.
Sighing in defeat, I rise as Jerrick turns to leave the kitchens, expecting me to follow.
He leads, and I chase after him, his long strides making it difficult to keep up. I wish he would match my stride, remembering the countless times he’s done it before, only to wipe away the thought.
This brisk walk is a form of reprimand for not being on time.
The doors into the training arena are opened by the guards standing nearby. They offer a silent nod as Jerrick dismisses them. I thank them as we pass through.
Jerrick walks straight into the center circle as he removes his tightened vest, sword belt, and dagger. He gestures to everything surrounding us.
Stone rises along the walls and pillars, holding most of the architecture of the training area. A few of the columns are shadowed and hidden away, with some benches and equipmentholding weapons. The overhang bordering the domain is less shaded than I remember when I toured the castle.
The center of the grounds is roped off into a circle lined with sand. Buckets and towels are on the outer edge near stacks of hay. A sweltering breeze drifts throughout, causing the sand in the circle to rise and fall.
I forwent a dress today, opting for the tunic and trousers I have grown comfortable wearing, knowing pants would grant me more of a reprieve from falling flat on my face.
I trudge through the piles of sand and join Jerrick in the center as he rests his sword against a stack of hay.
His hair is fully tied back instead of his normal half-back look, displaying his scar fully with no shame. The ruggedness is harsh but handsome, his features still sending my stomach into a nervous frenzy of lust.
The fire within me is extinguished when he commands sternly, “Now, show me.”
I swallow down the fear, doubt, and failure, trying to remember the readings and meditation I’ve combed through. The muscle memory kicks in, the small flickers of magic growing more from the little practice I’ve done at the end of a long day.
I remind myself that this is for Axidoria, no matter how overwhelming my stress has grown as of late. My eyes drift closed, combatting my emotions. If I am not in tune with myself, my magic won’t call to me.
My breathing is easy to track, the beginning of this process easier each time. My thoughts wander. I coax the thrall of power to life and tap into it, feeding and nurturing it while denying the darkness of my heart.
Liar, betrayer, monster.
My magic flares, pulsing in my body, and I wince.
