Page 55 of Heart of the Summer Queen

I decide to offer a compromise. “Why don’t we make camp here for the night? The ground will be dry from your frost.”

“It’s unlikely you’ll sleep well amid hail, even wrapped in your cloak.”

“I’ll manage fine.”

Elaric looks unconvinced but says, “If you are certain.”

I don’t give him the chance to protest any further before leading the way, scouring the misty forest for somewhere to make camp. It’ll be best if we can find a cave, but if not then somewhere flat enough to lie down will have to do.

Yet as we walk, the ground remains lumpy, thick tree roots writhing through it. Nor do I spot any caves lurking nearby.

Just as I’m about to admit defeat and suggest returning to the ruins, a glint amid the trees catches my eye.

I quicken toward it, pushing past clawing branches. My heart races. Maybe it’s only glittering ice, or a trickling stream.

Or maybe . . .

“Adara, wait!” Elaric calls after me.

I plunge through the bushes, skidding to a stop upon a pebbled shore.

nineteen

A vast lake stretches before us, its surface glimmering in the dim light.

Elaric halts beside me on the bank. I’m relieved to see it’s large enough that his magic hasn’t yet consumed it, but not too large that searching its waters will take all night.

“This is it,” Elaric murmurs.

Reeds tickle my calves as I scan across the rippling water. From here, there’s no way to tell where the cave lies. But I suppose it’s more likely to lie along the lake’s edges than in the middle, and so my best bet will be swimming around the perimeter until I find it.

I shrug the sack off my shoulder and set it several paces away, though I suspect even at this distance our belongings might freeze beyond repair if I take too long with my search.

“Wait here,” I say to Elaric. “I’ll be as quick as I can.”

His eyes narrow, assessing the waters. “I hope your swimming is strong enough.”

“As strong as my climbing,” I assure him, forcing a grin. Though in truth, looking out at these dark waters causes my stomach to knot.

When I glance back at him, reluctance is written across his face. “I’ll be right here, if you need me.”

I give him a nod, though I’m not sure what help he can offer. If I’m drowning, any attempt he makes to save me will cause the whole lake to freeze. Then we won’t be able to reach the cave. It’s best I do nothing to alarm him.

The last time I swam was in the lake behind our manor, and it was years ago, before Dalia disappeared. I can only hope my muscles will recall the motions once immersed in the water.

I step toward the lake but then halt, glancing down at my clothes. Swimming in them will cause them to be soaked through, and with Elaric here, I’ll be unable to light a fire to dry them. I only have a spare dress with me, so I can’t afford to dispose of my breeches. And carrying around soaked clothes will be cumbersome.

My only choice is to take them off, stripping fully. Undergarments included...

I hesitate, glancing back at Elaric.

“Is everything all right?” His brow furrows in puzzlement.

I open my mouth but speech fails me, throat tightening. He just eyes me curiously, unaware of the heat crawling up my neck.

I shouldn’t let this fluster me. It’s not as if he’s never seen me naked before.

And just like that, traitorous memories ignite—his hands and lips trailing across my skin. I extinguish the thought before it burns out of control.

---