Page 141 of Frost and Death
Jerrick mirrors my movements, slow but sure to follow me.
I know we will be conversing, but my anxiety about him surprising me this morning in the middle of my routine throws me off balance to the point where I leave for the library without a food tray.
I beam to the women behind me, losing the scent of food as I step farther into the castle’s hallway. “Thank you again!”
I take the final bites of my roll to keep my anxiety at bay and allow my thoughts to catch up for when Jerrick and I are alone.
The windows to the right of me have the curtains tied off to the sides, allowing the sun’s rays to lighten the halls. Every other one I pass shows the varying amounts of ivy growing up the exterior walls, joined with climbing roses in blues, pinks, reds, and violets.
I make a mental note to visit the courtyards soon to pick a few flowers to enjoy prior to the summer heat creeping in and forcing the outdoors to be unbearable.
I continue through the castle, heading toward the library.
A few staff members pass, carrying bed sheets, candles, and buckets to various levels of the castle. I greet each of them with kindness, regardless of the man lurking behind me, preventing the staff from lingering too long.
I glance to Jerrick matching my strides, observing his strong jawline with a light scruff. Jerrick’s black hair is tied back, with a few strands escaping his knotted bun, framing his highcheekbones. He remains silent as we turn down a final well-lit hallway.
I miss the floor’s transition from stone to carpeted rug, and my balance shifts.
Jerrick grabs me, pulling me to his hard, leather-clad chest. The hand around my side draws me closer, and our bodies touching as Jerrick’s low huff sends shivers down the length of my back.
“Are you alright?” he asks softly.
His proximity unsettles my nerves even as I reply, “Yes, sorry about that. I’m just tired, but I know we have a lot to read today.”
He squeezes my side as a handsome grin graces his features. “Well, I actually canceled our plans for today.”
I connect the dots for his presence so early in the morning. My throat bobs as I try to understand the motive behind the changed plans.
“But Jonas and I were supposed to hash out ideas for the celebration while you and I were reading. He practically begged me days ago for another meeting.”
Jerrick loosens his grip around my waist, dropping his hands to his sides. “As he is my royal advisor, it was easy to give him a reason for the plans I made today.”
I cross my arms, skeptical of change. “What plans did you make for us today?”
He mimics my stance, as if he is gearing up for my rebuttal, but I have yet to hear this so-called plan. That damned dimple appears, and my attention darts to it.
Jerrick notices, and it lingers. “You and I are going to head into town to meet the people and some vendors we are hiring for the celebrations,” he says, face remaining bright as if our conversation is something he enjoys.
A flicker of excitement raises my curiosity at the prospect of going to the village, but—
Realization has me looking down at my dress.
They, too, will view me as the Snow Queen. The indifferent mask I wear around townsfolk requires preparation, and the drastic change of my day unsettles me.
Spontaneous trips like this don’t end well. For anyone.
If I’m going to be scrutinized, the least I can do is look presentable. I swallow thickly while tugging my dress into proper placement. Maybe I should change.
I unfold my arms, smoothing the fabric of my dress and touching my hair, only to have Jerrick cover my hand.
“You don’t need a fancy dress to meet them,” he assures.
Heat floods my cheeks as his hand runs through the ends of my plait, moving it behind my shoulders.
But he doesn’t let go when it is along my spine. Instead, his hold tightens, tugging my hair.
My scalp aches, and the shimmer of warmth twinkling in his gaze has me clenching my thighs.
