Page 103 of The Poison of the Earth
He comes and sits, folding one long leg underneath him and putting one plate heaped with food on the marble tray.
“What do you like, beloved?” He cocks his head, his rich green hair sliding silkenly.
As I silently stare at him, he blushes and continues, “A marriage of convenience and alliance it may be, but nonethelesswe’ll need to coexist. I would like to get to know you. I would like this to... grow into feelings.”
I reach out, taking his hand and giving it a squeeze. “I would like that, Finnick.” I let go and take a sip of wine. I look to the plate he brought us to share. I reach out and snatch a delicate chocolate pastry. His eyes follow me silently and I toss the entire thing into my mouth.
“Mmmm, shit, this is good!” I mutter around it.
He chuckles. “Our cook was a human baker before he came through the Veil Stones nearly a hundred years ago.” He smiles fondly.
I smile back. “Why is it that kitchens are universally safe places for young?”
He pops a tiny chicken tart into his mouth and chews thoughtfully. “I’d say I think it has something to do with the fact that a person who wants to create tasty food for folks has an inherently nurturing nature.”
I blink.
He picks up a small square dessert, topped with a frosting flower. “Try this, Ollie. My favorite.” He holds it out and I lean forward slowly. He lets me come to him, and I wrap my lips around it. I pull away and start chewing. To my surprise, the flower is hardened sugar and what I assumed was cake is more like cooled liquid chocolate.
“Oh my Goddess,” I mutter, “This is incredible.”
He’s beaming. “Cook calls it fudge.”
I finish the rich nibble and wash it down with a sip of wine. “Yup, that settles it, we’re stealing your parents’ cook.”
He laughs, a free sound, his head tilting back. When he stops, he smiles kindly at me and holds out his free hand. I take it and he laces our fingers together.
“Tell me something,” he says, his eyes meeting mine.
I arch an eyebrow playfully.
“Hmmm,” I tap my finger to my lips. “What do you want to know, Finn?”
He chuckles, “Well, maybe we can start with how you found yourself in the company of rebels?”
I smile. “Uh, a friend dropped me nearby. I had been... planning on seducingCommanderLonan for several years.”
He snorts, “Really?”
I nod, “I figured he was my best chance at revenge. At the throne.”
He tilts his head and that sleek hair of his cascades over his naked shoulder. “You spent years planning on seducing a rebel captain you’d never seen in order to get him to kill your brother?”
I shrug. “Yes.”
He laughs, open and free. When he stops his honeyed eyes meet mine. “That’s maniacal, you know that, right?” But his tone indicates nothing but respect.
“Well, when your sibling kills everyone who has ever known you and keeps you chained for years, revenge becomes a touchstone. A way to stay sane.” I look away and continue, softer, “I had lots of plans, back then. And when I managed to kill the one soul I saw besides my tormentors, and escape, I ran. Aimlessly, for over a year, doing anything to survive. When I accidentally stumbled across an air shifter, she took pity on me. Led me to clean water and a nearby cave while in her starling form. After I trusted her, a year or so later, she led onward, to a small village. I found kindness there. And when I trusted enough, the starling returned with a... larger friend. Eventually, they brought me to Guivre and I found safety, and friendship too. Once I was safe and able to realy heal–though it took many years—my mind turned right back to revenge that needed to be exacted.” I shrug again, trying to lighten up my words.Why did I just tell him all that? I’ve never even told Lo and Kai that.
Even though my eyes are dry, Finn gently takes my now empty wine glass from my hand and puts it on the platter, which he moves to the table. He sits on the bed near me and holds out his arms, his face tentative. I slide forward, into his lap and arms. He holds me tight but tenderly and I rest my head against his shoulder.
After a bit, I notice he’s rocking gently. I smile into his bare flesh.
“Are you still hungry, beloved?” His lyrical voice eases something inside me.
I shake my head.
“Good, to bed then, little wife.” He stands, me in his arms, and tugs the sheets down. He gently lays us down and his leg curls over mine as we lay on our sides. He kisses my forehead. We lay in silence, our breath mingling and I close my eyes.
