Page 220 of A Dagger of Ice and Intrigue
No matter how many times he said it, my stomach fluttered at the idea.
“And you’ll sit on the same throne as me,” he went on. “What’s mine is yours–the glory and the religious responsibilities."
Ryker really hadn’t been kidding when he’d offered me everything in his realm, had he? A part of me still doubted. Still feared.
It was hard letting go.
I took another large bite of the meat–perfectly spiced and peppered to burn a little and warm me up–and took my sweet time chewing it.
Those same threads of panic tried to nip at my mind, clawing and pulling me back into the darkness.
I shook my head. No.
I’d made a promise–and I would not break mine like so many others had done to me.
I took one deep, centering breath. “About last night–”
He took another bite, no longer looking at me. “No.”
My heart dropped.
Had he lost patience with me?
Did he no longer care what I had to say?
Had I hurt him that much?
No, it was impossible.
He didn’t seem upset. He’d come after me today and was concerned and offered me jerky–
“Not right now,” he said as he finished swallowing. “I can feel that mind of yours worrying.”
“Can’t help it,” I said, feeling exposed and embarrassed that he could so easily read a part of me I disliked.
“I know. Just as I know you’re tired, your back’s killing you, and you’re concerned over that cousin of yours. Whatever you want to say can wait until we’re both rested and can talk at length. I have a feeling this conversation will take a long time.”
“But I promised you,” I protested meekly.
“And you wanted to fulfill that promise. You didn’t hide, didn’t wait for me to start asking questions. I can tell you’re still scared, but you were willing to ignore that and talk. It’s enough for me until we get back and can talk properly, and I trust you’ll stay true to your words then.”
“That–” Was so generous and thoughtful and so veryhimthat I was struck with the need to drape myself over him and notmove an inch until our heartbeats aligned. I settled for leaning my head on his shoulder. Such a simple gesture, but one that spoke of an intimacy not even a thousand sweaty nights could compete with–true trust. “–sounds amazing.”
“Thought you’d like it,” he said, then did something that actually made my heart swell. He leaned his own head against mine.
As if we’d done this before all of our lives.
Like it was the most natural thing in the world to just touch each other so casually.
I hadn’t felt this before.
This wasn’t fiery passion–but not exactly the soothing lull of being surrounded by family.
It was quiet and easy, but still felt like it needed to be sustained.
No matter how hard I tried to categorize and name it, it simply was. My body recognized it, sagging against him with a sigh, even as my thoughts still tried to find logic in something that was instinct. Maybe more.
The hisses in my mind turned softer, fainting into the background. They didn’t vanish completely, but for now, I could enjoy this moment.
