Page 88 of Winter's Scorching Kisses
“You’re awfully concerned about your husband’s killer.”
She scowled at him. She should walk away and never give him another thought, but she couldn’t do that. Her feet were unable to move. She had to convince this thick headed idiot to stop participating in the games. “You may be a killer, but there’s no need for anyone else to come to harm, and you could have very well died out there.”
A pit formed in her stomach as she gazed at him. He leaned back until he was laying on the bed and closed his eyes. It only helped her see an image of him as a dead corpse. Before she knew what she was doing, she rushed to his bedside and planted a kiss of desperation on his lips.
His eyes shot wide before one of his hands came up to the back of her head and pressed her more fully against his side.
Then Adorra broke away. “Don’t kill yourself, Mathar.”
He smiled at her.
“It would be a shame if you died before you could pay for what you did to Edmund.”
His smile faded, and she dashed out of the tent before they could say any more to each other.
To be truthful, Adorra knew he wouldn’t pay for Edmund’s death, not while he was here with his people. And she didn’t want to see him pay. It was confusing, but it was like Mathar was worming his way into her heart and she wasn’t sure how she felt about it.
Rushing back to her seat near Jasmine, she tucked her cloak around her tightly as she watched the final jousting match.
“Where were you?” Jasmine asked as the man who won the match threw off his helmet and smiled at the crowd as the people roared in excitement.
“I told you. I relieved myself. I’ve been drinking copious amounts of tea.” She reached for her cup which had been thoughtfully refilled with fresh tea and was piping hot.
“You took you quite some time for just that.” Jasmine examined her over the space between them.
Adorra frowned at her. “I got lost, but an ice giant was kind enough to point me in the right direction.” Her lips tingled at the lie as she reflected on the kiss she’d planted on Mathar’s lips so boldly.
She had no idea what was wrong with her. It was like she couldn’t actually keep her hands to herself when he was around. It didn’t help that he was participating in these games, which could result in casualties.
Dryden strode up and joined them in the stands, sitting beside Jasmine.
“You were spectacular. It was too bad you weren’t able to make it further.” Jasmine gazed over at him fondly.
“I got far enough in the game. I have no need for any of the prizes.” He smiled back at her his silver hair braided behind his neck so it wouldn’t get in his way during the games.
“Then why participate at all?” Adorra leaned over, too interested for her well being.
“I’m the king and the host. But I’m also a man.” He smiled at Jasmine, and a blush crept up her sister’s neck. “I can’t resist participating.”
“Will you be in any other games?”
Dryden shook his head as he took one of Jasmine’s hands and planted a kiss against her fingers. “I want to be with my queen and try not to worry her too much while she’s with child.”
“Thank you. Adorra and I discussed the dangers of jousting, and I must admit I was worried about you. Thankfully, you’ve enough skill to keep yourself out of trouble.”
Dryden glared at Adorra over Jasmine’s head, and she felt a blush crawl up her neck and cheeks. She felt like a troublesome child. She turned her gaze back to the arena.
Right at that moment, Mathar strode onto the field as some targets were lined up at the end of the arena. He turned towards them and sent her a wink before taking up a station. He’d thrown a shirt on over that bandage, but she knew it was under there.
“Did… did he just wink at you?” Jasmine asked as she looked over at Adorra.
Adorra turned to find both Jasmine and Dryden waiting for her to answer. Another blush crawled up her face. “Pfft, I doubt that!” She waved it away. “He’s probably just trying to bother me.”
“Bother you? Why would he try to do that?” Jasmine leaned closer to her hoping for some juicy gossip.
“He killed Edmund, and now he wants me to suffer.”
“I doubt that.” Jasmine scoffed. “That man would never be so cruel.”
