Page 188 of Frost and Death
“I can’t risk that,” he admits.
I drop my head in shame. “Oh.”
The burden I am twists and churns in my stomach. I’ve ruined his hunting trip, sent his horse running, and can’t even protect myself enough to help fix my mistake.
He is right. It’s too much of a risk for me to be in the forest with him. If we encounter another predator, who’s to say I won’t freeze up again?
I sink in defeat. I’m a hazard to bring along, and my options are limited to within the castle walls. I can’t believe he is going back out here. Alone.
There are only a few more days left before the masquerade ball, and I know this hunt is important for him. For his curse and for his magic. Guilt eats at me and the lack of progress we’ve made in breaking his curse. I need to be in the library while he is away.
It’s my only hope.
My only chance of doing something right for once.
We stop at a small clearing away from the river, a space surrounded by more trees. I look at Jerrick for him to guide us onward, but he stops, scanning the area before turning to face me.
He takes my face, tilting it to meet his. Wisps of his black hair blow in the breeze, sweat on his brow, and his scar still beautifully sculpting and illuminating his features, making him more striking than I remember from the first time I saw him.
His blue eyes behold mine as he says fervently, “I failed to protect you here. You’ve almost died twice in my company, and I… I can’t risk losing you.” He draws me close for a quick peck faster than I can process.
I blink in surprise when he pulls away with a smirk.
But when he winks,Sweet Makers, I soar.
Jerrick has saved my life twice. Gratitude warms my heart immensely, sending it skipping. Holding his gaze, I can’t stop my own bashful smile.
“Would it be alright if I used my gifts to help warm the two of us?” he asks.
I am soaked to the bone and have water in my boots that slush and sway with each step. I huff a breath of relief.
“Thank Yeva. I thought you’d never ask.”
Jerrick chuckles low, drawing me in.
“Stay close,” he murmurs into my hair, guiding us in a new direction.
The sun rises as we hold each other, our clothes going from soaked to damp as heat lifts from the ground. We scan the surroundings often, aware of any new noises. Whether we are looking out for a bear, our horse, or a break in the forest’s tree line, we remain close.
Jerrick’s power warms my entire body, mind, and soul. His magic no longer feels foreign to me, rather, it is comforting and calls to my own. The dynamic is balanced, peaceful, and harmonious.
We pass occasional glances, catching and bashfully darting our stares away while leaning closer as each step we take leads us home.
40
Seeing it is One Thing
Jerrick and I make it home as the sun sets. I remain leaning on my husband as we step past the threshold, guards dispersing quickly, fetching Jonas and Dorit.
Staff members pace through the halls. Some carry vases, fabrics, linen, candlesticks, sacks of food, and I barely track where each one is hurrying to.
An exhaled grunt beside me is startling and when I look up at Jerrick, his entire demeanor has turned dark and lethal. His features harden, jaw clenching, with a vein pulsing in his throat.
Tentatively, I touch his chest, drawing his focus away from others.
I still.
Jerrick regards me with darkness painted with pure rage, hatred, and loathing. It’s a side of him I have never seen. His pupils are dilated, the black taking over the icy blue of his irises.
