Page 96 of Frost and Death
I gasp, my hackles rising to attention at the sound of Jerrick’s rich tone, paired with amusement. I bite back a retort as he stands beside me, leaning against the opposite pillar.
He hasn’t approached me since our wedding night, and it has my defenses up, worrying he has been spying on me this entire time and is aware of my intentions.
I note his appearance is more dressed down than usual. A rumpled gray tunic, black leather trousers, and a belt holding his sword and dagger with matching hilts. His hair is damp, and tied half-back, displaying his square jaw and that damned dimple.
Jerrick turns when he catches me looking, and I bristle, darting my attention back to the sunset. He chuckles, as if he knows I still need him to teach me about my magic and thatthis is only a game of who has more willpower to not rip off the other’s head.
It takes everything in me to hold my tongue, toplay nicewith this monster rather than lash out. I wish I could hide the blush creeping along my cheeks, making me feel hot and needy from his inspection.
He steps into my personal space, cologne and leather rippling off him in waves. A dangerously intoxicating scent.
I staunch my breath.
He murmurs, “I’d like to give you a tour of the grounds.”
I keep my focus on the lake, scouting for any signs of wildlife as a distraction from meeting Jerrick’s gaze, nerves building in my stomach from his nearness.
I am not as ready to see him again as I thought.
“I’ve already had a tour of the castle,” I say flatly, trying to mold myself into the pillar.
He steps closer. “I bet you haven’t seen the training arena.” His chest touches my arm, the hardness of it and his body warmth melting into my skin.
I huff in annoyance at my own body’s betrayal, fighting the urge to give him an ounce of my energy and time, knowing I can’t show my desperation for training. I reach for my anger over his avoidance of me and remain focused on the sunset.
“I’d like for us to talk.”
His velvet voice caresses my skin.
I grip harder for my frustrations, delaying my response to his comment. Holding my dress and fumbling with the fabric, I seeksomethingto ground me and calm me. The satin skirt of my blue dress glides along my fingertips, the soothing relief of its coolness relaxing in my touch.
A warm hand grabs mine, and a calloused thumb rubs slow circles.
I meet those softened pale eyes, hopeful for my response. But a hint of remorse is behind them, too.
Jerrick’s hair is pulled away from his face, one small dimple appearing while we examine one another. His mind-numbing touch calms me, reminding me of the need to work with him.
“Talk,” I manage, slipping my hand from his.
I step away, needing distance and space.
Facing back to the sunset, the mountains already tease glimpses of spring. The normality of the seasons in Palaena throws me off, emotional exhaustion sweeping over me. The periodic dark cloud of my grief surfaces, looming over my mournful heart and souring my mood.
I try to keep my head held high, maintaining a regal appearance, only to turn away from Jerrick and leave, my own cowardice in my full wake.
Jerrick’s footsteps follow me, the clink of his boots catching up with my steps in a hallway of the castle. When he reaches me, his strides slow to complement mine.
I want to appreciate the small gesture of not having to match his long-legged pace, but I keep walking, trying to pretend he isn’t beside me.
He grips the elbow of my sleeved gown and tugs me to a halt. “I am sure you have many questions, and I promise I will answer all of them, but first, I need you to come with me.”
I sigh before gesturing for him to lead the way, only for him to extend his elbow to me. My mind and body are at war from the offer, and my body wins.
We drift close as I take the king’s elbow, the crisp scent of his clean tunic mixing with the air as we walk toward a closed door.
Jerrick guides me into a room I have not been in, and relief courses through me that this room is not a bedchamber. The memory of his raised voice and rejection still stings, despite him being my enemy.
I shudder as I step farther into a large study.
