Page 57 of Winter's Scorching Kisses
“Jasmine, you don’t have to do this. If he forced you,” the ice giant king growled at her, but she ignored him, “I’ll help you.” Then he snorted like she was a moron, and she sent the ice giant king a glare.
“Like you’d get far.” The king spoke directly to her. “You can’t whisk her away without her permission.”
Jasmine raised a hand and placed it tenderly on the king’s arm. “She just needs time to see you as I do.” Then she leaned up on her tip toes and placed a kiss to the king’s lips.
Adorra couldn’t help the cringe that overtook her face. Her sister was in worse shape than she could have ever imagined if Jasmine believed this was true love. She’d slept with Mathar, but that had been lust and nothing more. She wasn’t in love with Mathar. Jasmine wasn’t seeing this straight, and she needed someone to help her see the light.
Jasmine strode over to her and grasped Adorra’s hands in her own. “I know you don’t understand any of this, but come with me. I know you’ll want a bath and some clean clothes.” Jasmine frowned. “I remember my own journey all the way up here, and once we got to the castle, I was so excited to take a bath.”
“I wouldn’t mind warming up my bones.” Adorra agreed, and it would allow her some time to think up a plan on escaping and convincing Jasmine that none of this was real.
“I can get you some clean clothes, but they’ll be furs.” Jasmine held up a hand. “It was weird at first, but I can assure you that their dresses are way more comfortable than anything in our court’s fashion. No corsets.” Jasmine whispered the last part like it was the best secret in the land.
“That’s not necessary. Mathar stole some dresses when he kidnapped me.”
Oh, good! I’ll have those brought to your room but consider wearing a fur dress. It would help you blend in while you’re here, and help you not to stick out like a sore thumb. And they’re warmer.” Jasmine pulled her away from the men and towards the castle doors.
Adorra just watched her sister. She looked so animated and happy. So far, there were no outward signs of trauma. “How can you be this happy as a captive?”
Jasmine pursed her lips. “I’m not a captive.”
“Would they let you return home if you wanted?”
Jasmine paused as she continued to lead Adorra to the castle entrance. “I’m not sure. Dryden has worries about humans marching up here and bringing the war to his people, but if I insisted, I believe he would let me go.”
“Then why don’t you ask him?” Adorra insisted. It would make her task so much easier. Either Dryden would let them go, or it would prove that Dryden wasn’t who her sister thought he was.
Jasmine scoffed. “I don’t wish to leave, so there is no point in asking.”
“Perhaps you’re afraid of what he might say.” Adorra pressed as they walked up the steps to the doors.
“I know you can’t see what I see… not yet anyway, but I’m not going to let you think I’m unhappy. Not for a second Adorra.” Jasmine paused as they entered the castle and placed one of her hands against Adorra’s cheek, “I know you’re the elder sister, and you want nothing more than to protect me, but I’m an adult and hoping to get married with your blessing.”
“I know you’re an adult, Jasmine. I just want to make sure you know this isn’t a life for you.”
Jasmine frowned at her and resumed guiding her through the castle.
Clearly, this was going to take a lot of convincing on her part. But first Adorra needed a bath and some clean clothing. Then she could come up with a plan of attack.
Mathar led his stallion over to the barn. Its hooves drove a relaxing beat against the cobblestones under their feet. “You’re a good boy.” He patted the horse on its thick neck. “I pushed you hard, and you deserve some rest.” So did he. He couldn’t wait to kick up his feet now that his mission was done.
“As do you, my friend.” Dryden’s voice called out.
Mathar turned to see Dryden catching up to him. “Do you need me?”
“Not all.” Dryden shook his head his long silver hair dancing around his shoulders. “Quite the opposite. I think you deserve some time for yourself. Now that Adorra is here I’m hoping Jasmine’s happiness will be complete.”
“You’ll want to watch that one,” Mathar warned him. “She might not strike you as a runner, but she’s intelligent and calm, which means she could be a problem. If anyone were going to escape and make it a success, it would be that one.”
“Noted.” Dryden nodded. “But I doubt she’ll leave without Jasmine.” Mathar opened his mouth, but Dryden rushed to add, “I’ll have someone keep an eye on her.”
“Good.”
“How did the journey go then?” Dryden asked as he followed Mathar into the stables.
Mathar shrugged. “Easy. No one saw me, and she was like Jasmine. Stubborn and filled with a million questions.”
“Sounds like you might have enjoyed it.” Dryden teased him.
