Page 79 of Frost and Death
Niko loses control, chasing his own pleasure. He grunts, his moan deep and satiated, the sight of him coming drives me to orgasm.
“Fuck,” I groan, my hands leaving the center of my legs, falling to my sides in exhaustion.
“Yeah, something like that,” Niko adds.
I rub my hands on my robe then rest one on my head, my eyes still regarding the ceiling as my breath evens. Movement has me glancing up to Niko cleaning himself with a towel, pulling on his trousers, and finding his shirt.
I study him as he bends and retrieves his tunic.
His muscles flex in the light as he faces me, giving me one final glance of his nakedness before covering back up.
I take that as an opportunity to pull my robe over my body, leaning forward and taking the mirror with me to my bedside.
Part of me wishes we could stay in this beautiful moment, but I am asking him to do a lot while I remain here—marriedto another man.
“Thank you,” I whisper as he faces me. “Thank you for letting me have this with you before—”
“Tee,” Niko raises a hand, cutting me off.
His eyes drift to the floor. He runs a hand through his hair, sighing and glancing out the window.
I remain patient, knowing there is a lot at risk not only for my kingdom but for us.
He meets my gaze. “I know what tonight means for you and—theirking,” Niko spits, his eyes squinting with disgust.
Weight clamps down on my chest, hating that I have done this to Niko and that my hands are completely tied right now.
“But…” Niko continues, and his anger shifts into tenderness. “But I will always want you. I will always need you. Nothing will stand in my way. I am coming for you.”
I close my eyes and nod, grateful to have Niko as mine and mine alone.
“I want to be with you, Niko,” I sniff, unable to help the tears forming and falling down my cheeks. “This is all but a test for ourrelationship and for Axidoria. We will call the banners, and I will find answers and learn more about my magic. I will find my way home to you and save our kingdom.”
His handsome features illuminate, and a lustful thought sends shivers down my spine.
We watch each other, chests rising and falling, hands reaching to touch the reflection.
“I know you will do just that, Tee.” He grins, pure and filled with hope.
The perfect image to cling to while I remain here, and he remains in Axidoria.
“If I have to call the banners, I won’t be able to see you as often. Sweet Makers, it is already arduous being your proxy while you are gone,” Niko says, changing the conversation.
Calling the banners is a strenuous task. Niko will have to trek to each village during this winter, facing some heavier iced-over areas than others. Many of the nobles will join the call, especially because they prefer Niko to me, and the prospect of having a future king will instill hope for our people.
“I know I won’t,” I say, steering him and his mood into better spirits. “But I trust you. You are my fiancé and my royal advisor. Think of this as practice for the real thing when I get home.”
Niko nods, and I know he can handle it. He has already done so much more than a proxy before, and this time, he has our engagement and witnesses to solidify his claims and the call.
“How is everything, though?” I ask.
Niko shoots me a warning look, and it drives my need further.
I wait for him to concede.
He takes a seat in front of the vanity, and I don’t know what to brace myself for. “Since you’ve been gone, there have been reports of new areas seeing frost and ice appearing withoutany warning. And Ulrik Albertsen is trying to gain the favor of enough nobles to go against you and the crown’s wishes.”
Rage thickens my blood, building a wall of fury around me. Winter, Ulrik, being stuck here, and forced into a marriage I didn’t want.
