Page 160 of Frost and Death
Both women’s eyes meet mine in a flash of curiosity, so I fill them in, “I bumped into him and fell on my ass.”
Cordelia stifles a laugh, and Ophelia looks between us, a discernible grin lining her face.
I roll my eyes, knowing they will not let me forget this.
Thank the Makers Jerrick was paying close attention to my hand, or else he would have seen the wink Ophelia gave me before elbowing Cordelia. He cleans my cut and ties a small cloth around it, forming a knot on the outer part of my hand instead of my palm, allowing me to open and close it with ease.
“Thank you,” I tell him while inspecting the bandaging, catching his small smirk.
I ask my friends, “Any quick bites Jerrick and I can take to the library?”
Both nod eagerly, standing to assemble a tray of food as Jerrick’s gaze burns into the side of my face. When I meet it, his stare is unsure, unsteady.
The women bring me a tray, and I rise to take it, a smile of gratitude extended to each of them. Without waiting for Jerrick, I leave the kitchen with the library in my sights.
I don’t make it very far when a soft touch caresses my elbow. I am half tempted to ignore it and keep walking, but I plant my feet.
Jerrick stands in front of me. “I thought you might want to try to train again today?”
Holding his stare, I try to convey my eagerness to break his curse.
This new plan could be the only chance to avoid a fight.
“My magic is something that can wait. Your curse, on the other hand? Not as much,” I tell him, psyching myself up to not be deterred from my goals.
Surprised lifts his brows when I sidestep him.
I succeed a few feet before he tugs me back once again. The tray, thankfully, remains between us, keeping a sinful desire within me at bay.
“Is this you trying to avoid what we discussed yesterday?” he asks, his voice rising in concern.
I am quick to debunk his worry. “I am not avoiding it.”
Well, yousortof are, Tove.
“Only delaying the inevitable?”
I tilt my chin at his quip. “Precisely.”
I have grown to understand thebasicsof my magic, yes, but delaying my progress to prevent the fight from happening takes precedence.
Break the curse.
Achieve peace in each kingdom.
Practice my magic more and return home safely.
Thendeal with everything else after that.
I can do that.
Jerrick scans me, worry and suspicion abandoning his features as he takes the tray.
Grinning appreciatively, I try to thank him, but he interrupts, “I appreciate your efforts in aiding me, Frostbite. But don’t forget, I am here to help you, too.”
My stomach flips.
We are both here to help the other, and I truly feel it now more than ever since I’ve been arrived.
