Page 85 of Winter's Scorching Kisses
Adorra took a pair of the fur boots and slipped them over her feet.
“Now we can get going!” Jasmine took her hand and pulled her forward, and she stumbled after her sister.
They made their way out of the courtyard and through the village. As they walked through the streets, ice giants swarmed around them. There was an excitement in the air, a buzz, and Adorra could feel it infecting her.
“Are you sure this is safe?” Adorra asked over the noise of the hustle and bustle. They were alone in a street full of ice giants.
“We have guards following us!” Jasmine tossed back at her, never slowing down.
Adorra cast a gaze behind them and saw that there were indeed a couple of guards quick on their heels. She faced forward again. That was good to know at least. She hadn’t liked the idea of being out here without any protection.
Now that she knew someone was close by to help them should the need arise, she was more able to relax and enjoy the crowds. They continued following the throngs of people out into the forest, and then they broke away.
“Where are we headed?”
“I know of a shortcut!”
Jasmine pulled her along. They pushed their way through ankle-deep snow, and Adorra was glad for the new fur boots Jasmine had provided her with. Without them, her feet would have been freezing with the cold snow by now.
As they exited a line of trees, the arena came into view. It wasn’t anything grand, but it was more impressive than she would’ve thought. The arena was walled in with a simple wood fence, and there was a large stand for people to sit that surrounded most of the arena. There was also an area for people of less importance to stand and watch.
“We’ll have the best seats.” Jasmine turned and winked at her before hauling Adorra behind her.
“I wouldn’t have expected less for the future queen of the ice giants.”
Jasmine brought them into the stands, and even before Jasmine guided them over to their seats, Adorra knew where they would be seated. Fur lined seats waited for them with a whole slew of servants just waiting to cater to their every need.
“Here we are.” Jasmine took a seat in a high backed chair and motioned for Adorra to take a seat beside her.
Adorra sat down and made sure the fur cloak was wrapped tightly around her body. “What will the first activity be?”
“Jousting. Nothing better!”
Adorra smirked. “Who would have guessed my bookish sister would enjoy such a risky sport.”
“Risky?” Jasmine turned as her brows drew down over her eyes.
“I suppose you never did go to any of the jousting events that the king held before this war.” Adorra took Jasmine’s hand. “Sometimes men don’t walk away from this activity. It’s best to prepare yourself.”
The twinkle of excitement faded away in Jasmine’s eyes. “They die?” Her voice quivered a bit.
Adorra nodded.
“I hadn’t realized.” She breathed out, barely audible.
It didn’t take long for Adorra to feel guilt eating away at her. “Though most of the time, everyone walks away with just a few scratches and bruises.” As much as she wanted to scare her sister into thinking Dryden might die in one of these games, she couldn’t be cruel. This was her sister after all.
“They do?”
“Indeed.” Adorra nodded. “I spent more time at court than you did, and I saw these types of games. Enjoy the sport and don’t worry yourself too much.”
Jasmine motioned for a servant to come forward. The servant stepped in front of them and placed a couple of cups on a table between them. Steam rolled off the top of the liquid.
“Tea?”
“Indeed!” Jasmine took a cup eagerly and gave it a cautious sip. “I figured there would be no better way keeping us nice and warm on this cold day.”
“These are the nice seats.” Adorra eyed the tea but figured she should let it cool lest she burn her tongue on the hot liquid.
