Page 41 of Amidst the Insidious Courts
“Sorry.” I try to wiggle free, but his arms are like steel bands around me. “I’ll just…”
“Stay put, before you fall off the horse.”
I freeze, finally taking in our surroundings for the first time. Rain is pouring down around us, and what little sky is visible through the canopy above is an overcast grey. I wonder dimly if it’s even morning anymore as I take in the open woodland we’re riding through. Bluebells and wood anemones carpet the ground, their delicate blooms closed against the downpour.
How did I sleep through this? Why am I so dry?
Wait. Why can’t I hear the rain?
“Bricriu, you can stop now. She’s awake.”
Like a bubble has burst, the pitter patter of raindrops returns in a rush, and my heart melts a little as I realise my púca was using his magic to quieten the sound so I could sleep. Drystan’s greatcloak is wrapped around us both like a blanket, keeping me dry. The wonderful warmth must be his doing as well. Rain steams when it hits the fabric, and I smile in wonder before I catch the wary look on his face.
“What?” Does my breath smell? Have I somehow committed some egregious winter court sin in the five seconds I’ve been awake?
Maybe it’s because I’m not even really dressed. All I have on is one of Jaro’s ridiculously large shirts—they haven’t even provided underwear.
“Rose and Drystan, sitting on a horse,” Lore singsongs, riding past in his bucket hat. “Will they fuck? Only if the dullahan doesn’t mess it—”
“Lore?” I say, cutting him off. “Would you please eat my pussy until I come on your face?”
My cheeks are still burning, but I’m oddly proud of myself for getting the words out without stuttering or losing my nerve. The redcap—and everyone else, for that matter—is stunned into silence, then he whoops in excitement.
“I thought you’d never ask! Hand her over, your lordship. My lady has made—”
“We agreed. It’s my turn,” Drystan’s eyes blaze, and my cheeks go scarlet. “Unless Rhoswyn has any objections?”
I don’t even notice I’m shaking my head, too caught in that amber stare.
“It’s settled. You can have her tonight when we make camp.”
Lore pouts. “Pinky promise?”
Drystan jerks his chin down in agreement but doesn’t deign to hook his finger around Lore’s outstretched one.
Part of me wants to argue that I’m not a doll to be passed around, but this is what I wanted. This way I don’t have to decide or feel like I’m choosing favourites. They’re doing exactly what Jaro said they would, taking care of me.
“Turn so you’re facing forward,” he grunts. “Lift up your shirt. Jaromir, can you keep the rain off her?”
A glowing golden shield appears above Blizzard, sheltering both of us. With a sigh of relief, Drystan shoves the heavy fur mantle back, exposing me to the air and everyone’s view.
Turning in the saddle without elbowing him in the face is harder than it should be, but he says nothing to me as I struggle to do as he asks. Silent, stiff, and unyielding behind me, he only moves when it’s necessary to make certain I won’t fall off the horse.
“Bricriu, your valravn will alert you if anyone approaches?” Drystan checks as soon as I’ve completed the first of his instructions.
My fingers linger against Jaro’s shirt, the tiny tear in the hem suddenly fascinating as I try to get over my sudden burst of shyness.
“No one will get close without Lox telling us.” Bree is behind me, so I can’t see him, but the words are solemn. “And if I hear anything, I’ll let you know.”
“Rose.” The bark in his words tells me my time is up. He expects obedience, and I’ve been too slow. “Shirt up. Now.”
“She’s not ready for those kinds of games,” Jaro protests, turning back in his saddle to look at us.
Drystan may be behind me, but I can feel his eye roll. “I am restraining myself. Believe me, this isnothingcompared to what I—”
“I don’t want to hear about what you’ve done with other people.” The snarl tears out of me before I can stop it. “And if you think I can’t take you being your bossy self, then you’re sorely mistaken. I’m not as fragile as I look.”
I’m out of my depth, but I’m not afraid. Drystan has never done anything to harm me—physically, at least.
