Page 41 of Court of Winter

“And what if I said I’d drop you if you didn’t tell me?”

I immediately curled my arms around his neck. “You wouldn’t.”

He shrugged again, except this time the movement was even bigger, causing us to careen upward at an even faster rate. I swallowed a shriek just as he said, “Wouldn’t I? We’ve already established I’m not a gentlefae.”

Another scowl descended over my face as a dark light entered his eyes. “That’s not fair. You’re threatening me bodily harm simply to get what you want.”

“I never said I’d harm you.”

“You don’t think dropping me would hurt me?”

“Of course not, because I’d catch you before you hit the ground.”

I glanced downward, the land seeming even farther beneath us. “You’re a bully.”

His lips parted, then he laughed. “I’m many things, but a gentlefae and a bully aren’t two of them.”

“Oh really? I completely disagree, my prince. You’re trying to force something out of me that I don’t want to share. That makes you a bully.”

“That doesn’t make me a bully. It makes me a male who knows how to play his cards right.”

“Oh, please. That just makes you a bully in sheep’s clothing.”

“Have I done anything to hurt you?”

“Besides ripping me away from my sister and everything I know and love?”

“Besides that.”

“I think that’s a pretty big one.”

“But an unimportant one.”

“How in the realm isthatunimportant?”

“We’re getting off track. I believe I asked you why seeing the capital, which you never thought you’d visit, would cause you sadness and not joy.”

“And I believe I told you that I’m not answering.”

His lips twisted up even more. “Now I’mreallyintrigued.” His arms loosened abruptly, and I clung instinctively to him, plastering myself to his chest as my face pressed flush against his neck.

His steady heartbeat filled my ears, and the wind died down even more with his body shielding mine. But worst of all, his scent flooded me, and he smelled so rich and decadent. Mother, he smelled good.

I abruptly pulled back, my heart beating rapidly. From fear or from the unfurling sense of attraction that had just sparked within me, I didn’t know.Blessed Mother, how twisted is this? To feel a sense of attraction for themurdererof my family?

I’d completely lost all sense. Cailis would give me a tongue-lashing if she knew.

Trying to calm my breathing, I bit out, “You’re insufferable.”

He grinned. “And you’re a frightened little mouse.”

“You would be too if you didn’t have wings.”

He shrugged, and we once again shot upward. I cursed him several times over, berating him for doing it, which only made him laugh again.

When we finally—thankfully—settled into a relaxed glide once more, he cocked an eyebrow at me. “Surely you know by now that I won’t let any harm come to you?”

I gave him a bewildered look. “I don’t know that. How could I possibly know that?”

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