Page 178 of Frost and Death
I snort, throwing him off guard before he joins in with his own laughter. “I’ll be sure to tell Jerrick to grant you and Viggo time away after the ball.”
His eyes shine at my mention of Viggo, a blush glimmering across his cheekbones.
I take his hand. “A holiday is long overdue for the two of you.” I beam.
He huffs a laugh. “You’re telling me.”
I pat his hand as I sit up from my chair, dragging him into an embrace.
He stumbles and grunts his surprise, but he halts all movement when I squeeze him.
A familiar leather scent drowns my senses, followed by the scent of a forest. Oak and grass pair with leather, transporting me oddly to a comforting peace as my bond grows more with my time spent with Jonas.
I do not know if I will ever be able to stop showing my gratitude for everything he has done, everything he has counseled me on.
I wish I did this more for Niko when I first stepped into my role as queen.
I wish I did it more, even now.
But I can be better at showing my appreciation, starting with Jonas. I can’t help but try to prove to him how much I care about him, too.
“You’ve done wonders on everything, Jonas. And I meaneverything. You are the royal advisor every monarch needs. You deserve the world and more.”
My brother-in-law returns the tightening hug, holding me closer as if protecting me from the world.
When we pull away, I stand and cup his face. Lifting on my tiptoes, I peck him on the cheek.
A memory from my past crashes against me, stealing my breath. When Runa and I were younger, we had always wished for another sibling, and I had prayed to the Makers for a brother. I remember giving up when it never came to pass.
But itfinallydid. I’ve finally gained the brother I’ve always prayed for.
My lip quivers at the finality of that revelation, and I pull Jonas in once more, tears drawing to my eyes for my brother-in-law—myfamily.
The words whisper in my mind as I try to swallow the emotions feuding within me.
“Thank you, Jonas, foreverything.”
My voice strains at the last word, my face scrunching up and burrowing into his embrace.
Jonas holds me close, simply existing and rubbing my back as my tears dampen his shirt. “Anytime, sis.”
His response is tender and sweet.
Everything he is and everything he does is exactly what I had always wished for my brother to be.
38
A Gift for the Bride
As I lace up my boots, thoughts about what is going to happen on this hunt scatter through my mind. Excitement and fear are taking turns in my stomach at the thought of spending time with Jerrick, riding a horse, and practicing my magic in the open.
While I can admire my own improvements, I still struggle to rein in enough focus to mind my emotions and concentrate on my magic.
My thoughts drift to when I first came to Palaena, how frost would prickle along my skin and refuse to settle. I struggled to be aware of the flicker of power within me and would question everything, but I couldn’t stop it.
And then Jerrick kissed me, using his magic and blending it with mine.
It warmed me—and utterly consumed me.
