Page 79 of Clash of Storms
She buried those new feelings deep.
"No horse left to steal." He wouldn't give up this foolish quest—he couldn't, if he was to save his brother—but nor could she give in. "No way of knocking you unconscious."
"Aye, but there are quite a few handy cliffs in the area."
"If I push you off a cliff, you're more than capable of flying safely away. Don't think I haven't thought about it."
"I'm running low on trousers," he admitted. "Bursting out of this last pair will leave me with only my skin to wear."
"I wouldn't have thought you'd care." Sirius hadn't hesitated to strip when changing shape, despite her blushes and the way she adamantly gave him her back.
And it's not as though he has a reason to hesitate....
Thedrekimale was spectacularly well put together. Æsir and Vanir alike would have wept with jealousy to see him.
"I don't wish to strike envy into the hearts of all the local mortals. It wouldn't be good for the morale of local men."
Malin snorted, feeling more at ease with their familiar banter. "'Tis a good thing you have no burden of self-consciousness."
"Someonehas to admire me," he teased.
Arrogantdrekimale. She could feel heat flooding her cheeks, but couldn't bring herself to do more than mutter, "Well, don't let me stop you."
Sirius paused. "Is something the matter?"
"No. Why?"
"You're saying all the correct things," he pointed out, "but it doesn't seem as though your heart's truly in it."
What would you know of my heart?
Malin looked away. "It doesn't matter. We're almost there."
"Malin." He took a step toward her, his voice dropping low enough to send a shiver down her spine.
Malin held her hands out, stopping him in his tracks.
"It doesn't matter. The village matters," she said, gesturing toward the splay of red and green houses below them. "The princess. The quest. Why are you hesitating? You'll lose your chance if you wait too long."
He gave her a long, slow look that seemed to see right through her.
"As you wish."
And Malin ground her teeth together as he stalked down toward the small collection of houses.
Sweet Goddess, what was wrong with her?
"This is it," Sirius breathed, striding toward the village and following the scent trail. "They've got to be here in Hólmavík. The trail's still fresh."
Hammers rang in a nearby forge, and peat smoke drifted from chimneys. It felt strange to be surrounded by civilization again, after so many days in the wilderness.
"You there," Sirius demanded, capturing the attention of a young boy. "I'm looking for a beautiful blonde woman with amber eyes and—"
He continued to describe the princess, holding out a pair of gold kroner. The boy's eyes widened, and he swiftly held out his palm.
Malin glanced around. If Árdís was here, then she might be able to warn her—
"Aye. I know the pair. They were here this afternoon."
