Page 110 of A Trial of the Heart

“Why?” I teased. “When the result of me not wearing any has this sweet of a reward?”

“You’re clever for someone so young.” He chuckled, threading his fingers in my golden-brown hair.

“I planned on making you some breakfast and carrying it back to bed for you.”

“How sweet of my mate.”

My… mate. I sighed, hearing him say it again, giving his all too perfect ass a tight squeeze. “Well, if I need clothes, then so do you. It’s not fair showing up in the kitchen topless, flaunting,” I leaned back slightly, waving my hand over his chest, “all ofthis.”

“Fair enough,” he answered with a sheepish grin and kissed me before moving himself backward, pulling up his pants, and donning my— well, his—shirt. “Now for you.” He waved his hand, magically conjuring a black and silver slip dress that appeared over my bare skin. He then frowned.

“What?” I asked.

“I was wrong. It doesn’t help much.”

I leaned back, giving him a heated look with lust still burning in my amber gaze. “Nope. Same. Clothes don’t help when you know exactly what’s hidden underneath.”

He moved closer and possessively pulled my mouth to his as I looped my arms around his middle and sank into his embrace.

Like fucking clockwork, however, my stomach began to rumble in protest.

“Gods above!” I cursed, and Daxton laughed against my lips.

“Finish making your meal, Spitfire.”

“Care to help?” I asked as he lifted me with ease from the island.

“I’d be honored.”

“Good answer,” I said with a playful wink.

I instructed Dax on how to separate the dough, fold the meat over, and prime the edges so they baked properly with the delicious mixings inside. We harmoniously worked side by side, making the pirozhki and talking about anything and everything simultaneously. I told Daxton how Julia had taught me this recipe when Neera was just a baby. It was Magnus’s favorite breakfast with the odd but important jelly dipping sauce that he never left evidence of on the plate.

Daxton, in turn, shared fond memories from his childhood. His mother’s influence helped lead to his passion for gardening and books, while his father’s lessons on tactics and the sword helped prepare him for his role as high prince.

“Would you like some fresh raspberries for your jelly?” Daxton asked me.

“Yes, that would be amazing. Do you know where we could get some?”

Daxton smiled. “I have a full row of raspberries along the outer wall in my gardens. The bastard plant began as one bush, but before I knew it, they dominated the whole area. That and the blackberries on the other side constantly battle for the best growing patches of earth.” I loved hearing about his gardens. I didn’t have a green thumb or any skill with plants, but it didn’t stop me from admiring those who did. Plus, cooking with the fresh ingredients they provided was always the best.

“I’ll return before the pastries are out of the oven,” he said sweetly, squeezing my hand and brushing his lips against my cheek. “Be right back.”

Silver flashed, and he was gone. I rummaged for the sugar on the higher shelves, and before I was done measuring out the amount I needed, Daxton was back with fresh handfuls of ripe red raspberries.

“Perfect,” I said with glee.

When the breakfast was done baking, I served Daxton the first pirozhki and waited eagerly to hear his review, but he didn’t need to reallysayanything. Once one was devoured, he immediately went for another, encouraging me to join him. We sat in the kitchen enjoying our meal together, loving the simplicity of the time spent in each other’s company. Living in the beauty of the moment.

Sadly, we knew this would all too swiftly come to an end.

“I’m going to run the Ice Gauntlet today,” I said as I finished my plate.

Daxton nodded, swiping the last bit of jelly from his. “I assumed so.”

“Really?” I asked, inclining my head toward him. “Youassumed? Am I that easy for you to read, Princey?”

“Hardly,” he huffed. “Fate did not pair my soul with a meek and narrow-minded female. I knew you would enter the Ice Gauntlet as soon as you were physically able. And judging by our physical exertions last night, and then again, this morning…” He grinned widely, his gaze sweeping over the counter. “I knew you were ready to enter. And today, you’ll earn a silver mountain peak on your shoulder.”

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