Page 118 of Frost and Death
Through gritted teeth, he says, “Everything you need to read is there. I expect a report when I return.”
As Jerrick leaves, my rebuttal dries out.
Glancing around the room, I try to think back on anything we might have done that could have caused such vexation from Jerrick. I come up short.
Jonas sits calmly, unbothered by his brother, still jotting down notes.
“Why did Jerrick just now decide to go hunting?” I ask, unable to help myself.
Jonas’s brown eyes flicker with hesitation. Instead of answering, he asks, “What do you know about his curse?”
“Not much.”
He hums to himself in contemplation, the quill resting on the parchment and no longer moving. Jonas places his notes to the side, bracing his forearms on his thighs as he leans toward me.
“Well, let’s just say he gets especially moody when hisurgesdecide to fester,” Jonas quips.
I’m unable to hide my amusement from his choice of wording. “That would explaina lot,” I reply, an understanding of Jerrick’s mood swings clicking into place.
Jonas bellows. “Yes, though he does need to be better about apologizing when he is moody.”
“You and I definitely align there.” I grab a book from the large working pile while Jonas resumes making notes.
I barely open to the cover page of the text before Jonas adds quietly, “I am sorry you have been the target of his mood swings.”
Looking up, genuine sorrow etches across his furrowed brows.
He takes a long breath, sighing deeply and explaining, “I swear Jerrick means wellmostof the time. It’s thisfuckingcurse that plagues him day in and day out, and I hate how others are affected by it beyond him.” He reclines against his chair, our conversation clearly something that weighs heavy on him.
I rest my hand on Jonas’s knee in comfort, and his brown eyes find mine. “I am sorry you, too, have been a casualty of his moods. You handle your role in being a brother, a prince, and a royal advisor in stride. Jerrick, I am sure, is more grateful for you than he ever will admit.”
Jonas waves my words off, trying to mask the stress he carries.
It is like seeing my own situation play out in front of me. Their relationship has me understanding and knowing how vital Jonas is to Jerrick, just like how important Betina and Niko are to me—how Dorit, Jonas, Cordelia, and Ophelia are becoming important to me, too.
Jonas may not get the credit he deserves from his brother, but that doesn’t mean I won’t voice my admiration for him. Even though I am still a little suspicious of their motives, it has been evident from the beginning that Jonas is an excellent advisor.
I tighten my grip on his knee, directing his attention back. “Jonas, do not wave this off. You deserve to know how amazing you are. You deserve to be appreciated.” His brown eyes are lined with tears, and I smile softly, placing a hand over my heart. “I appreciate youandyour company.”
A tear runs down his cheek, but he whisks it away as the library door opens.
I look up, eyes widening when a man enters wrapped arm in arm with Dorit, the duo snickering quietly.
Jonas’s entire mood shifts at the sight. “Viggo!” He stands quickly, hurrying toward the two with his arms wide.
The man perks up, his boyish features reddening at the sight of his partner. The red is stark against his dark-bronze skin, and it stays plastered on his cheeks when Dorit steps away, allowing the two to kiss and embrace.
I beam at the love shining between the two of them, my heart full and heavy at the sight.
A bleak chord of longing strums in my gut, wishing I could have that. To be loved by someone I love and to have that feeling never dwindle, even through the bad days.
Jonas pulls away from Viggo, holding his face before acknowledging Dorit. My brother-in-law turns to me, gesturing to his partner.
“Tove! This is Viggo,” Jonas sings pridefully.
I stand, inclining my head in greeting. “A pleasure to finally meet the man Jonas talks so much about.”
Viggo turns bashful as Dorit and Jonas grin. Viggo awkwardly side steps his partner, his hands fidgeting at his sides before bowing.
