Page 25 of Frost and Death
But a grin graces his features as he says, “Let me go to the other side.”
His long legs help him ease onto the bed, and he lies atop the covers and scoots toward me. Niko’s shoulder touches mine while I focus on holding my insides as they war with themselves.
We lie there in silence.
A loud exhale comes from Niko, and I face him, taking in his proximity and the tic in his squared jaw. “Should we announce you are not attending tonight’s festivities?”
His question gives me pause.
If we do, it limits my time and options and could drive my people further into justifying their nickname for me. Suffering through the pain to prove them wrong and find someone is the least I can do.
“I don’t think we should. I need to show some consistency, especially with all the shit I’ve pulled.”
Niko rolls toward me and tucks a piece of my silver hair behind my ear.
My heart thuds loud against my chest when Niko’s hand doesn’t leave.
“I am proud of you, Tee.”
My blood warms, and I lean into his palm. “For what?”
“It’s just—it’s an honor to serve you.”
“Niko—”
I quiet when his lips caress my forehead.
Warmth expands, heating my cheeks, and I hate that I am blushing. But adoration forms on my face, the resentment from last night lessening even more now.
As if he, too, knows this, he beams.
“Thank you,” I whisper.
“Anything for you, Tee. But the second you start showing signs of pain at the party, I am kicking everyone out.”
I chuckle before another spasm explodes, hissing while holding myself for a few minutes, looking guiltily at him.
“Rest.” He peels away to lie on his back. “You’ll feel better when you wake up,” he whispers as my eyes droop, trying to match his breath.
I lean toward the corner of his shoulder, soaking in the contact of having him nearby. My body slowly unwinds as I replay the words in my mind.
You’ll feel better when you wake up.
The wind picks up, threatening to dry my tears. When I make it to the plains outside of our home, I veer right, passing the Queen’s Road, hoping to reach the lake near the border of our lands.
If I can get far enough and put distance between myself and the others—I’ll try to think of what comes after that.
An ache pulses against my chest as I pound my feet hard into the ground, and a whoosh of relief courses through me as water comes into view.
My feet throb when I stop running, and I hunch over, bracing myself against my knees. I study my boots in a stupor as snowflakes trickle out from where I stand, bleeding into the grass, drowning it in frost.
Blinking again in disbelief, I swallow and attempt to even my breathing.
I can’t help but stare in awe.
I’ve never seen anything like this.
The frost amplifies into ice, stretching toward the lake.
