Page 71 of A Storm of Fire and Ice

Fannar began to move, slowly and deliberately, allowing me to feel every inch of his girth. His skin was slick with sweat, and his muscles were taut and powerful as he rocked against me. Each thrust sent waves of deliriousness through my body, creating a warmth that spread throughout my being. I arched my back, meeting his thrusts with my own, our bodies moving in perfect rhythm. His hands gripped my hips, reminding me of his strength and stature.

“Helena, you feel so good,” Fannar groaned, his grip tightening as he drove into me.

“More, Fannar,” I urged. I nipped at his jawline, wanting more of his taste.

He growled low in his throat and withdrew slowly, only to slam back in, wringing a cry from my lips. His hips began a punishing rhythm, thrusting faster, harder, hitting that perfect spot inside me over and over again.

No longer able to keep up, I could do nothing but cling to his back as he pounded into me so deeply I swore I could feel him in my womb. My breath came in ragged gasps. I couldn’t believe how good this felt, how much I needed him. I couldn’t take it anymore.

“I’m close again,” I panted through closed eyes.

And he gave it to me, his hips snapping back and forth in a frenzy.

“Fannar!” I screamed his name.

My body shuddered as the force sent me hurtling over the edge once more. My core clenched around him, milking his masculinity. Fannar threw his head back with a guttural snarl as he reached his peak, spilling his hot seed inside me.

Spent and trembling, we clung to each other on the rug, our ragged breaths filling the library. The world outside our little haven ceased to exist as we basked in the warmth of our shared passion, our bodies still connected.

Fannar exhaled with contentment, pulling me close once more. “I love you, Helena.”

“I love you, Fannar,” I whispered into his chest, watching the engagement ring glint on my hand.

The fire crackled soothingly as we stayed locked in a tender embrace. The future we would build together brimmed with hope and promise. More than any flame, our love burned brighter than ever.

“Shall we go to dinner, my queen?” Fannar asked in a mock formal tone.

“We shall,” I replied, matching his playful voice.

Queen . . . I could get used to that.

Epilogue

Helena

Three years later

This is how it ends.

My body constricted. Slowly crushed to death as I exhaled my last breath.

I’m going to die . . .

“Ow!” I yelped as Iris yanked the corset laces tighter.

“Oh stop, you big baby,” she teased. “It’s notthatbad.”

I shot her a nasty look in the full-length mirror of my dressing chambers in the Ice Castle. “Easy for you to say! I can barely breathe in this thing.”

“Maybe you should have tried it on beforeyour wedding day, huh?“ Iris just rolled her eyes and gave another sharp tug.

Even in the Ice Kingdom’s cold climate, I felt stifled by the dress’s cinched corset and unfamiliar textures.

Gwyneira sat on a Victorian chaise lounge chair nearby, watching with concern in her light blue eyes. “Are you sure she’s okay? She looks rather pale . . .”

“She’s fine!” Iris waved off Gwyneira’s worry with an airy laugh. “All brides are a bit dramatic on their wedding day. Gwyneira, hold this string for me.”

“Sure.”

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