Page 44 of Frost and Death
A startled scoff erupts from Lord Ulrik, and I smirk.
Lifting a brow, I challenge him to try to push me further.
He can say whatever the Oblivion he wants, but I am not going to play nice and be docile anymore.
Staring him down, I wait for him to break.
A low, rich voice comes from behind Ulrik. “Who knew the queen had such balls?”
Our heads snap to Rick, a few steps behind Ulrik, as the rest of the guests dance, drink, and converse, completely unaware.
Rick’s attention is down, inspecting his boots, as if none of us heard what he said.
I am stunned that Rick said something so blunt. Surely, he knows of Lord Ulrik’s social standing.
I watch in curiosity as Ulrik levels his anger on a new person.
Lord Ulrik raises his voice. “Who are you to say such a thing in front of a woman?”
Rick straightens to his full height as he steps into the lord’s vicinity, eyes raking up and down Lord Ulrik as if he could swallow him.
He leans in, too close for comfort, and Lord Ulrik arches away slightly.
“I’m the man who will chop off your balls and give them to her as a wedding present if you insult her again,” Rick threatens.
My eyes widen, my heartbeat thumping loud against my heart, stunned.
Sweet Makers.
A blur of black covers my view of Rick and Lord Ulrik.
“Alright, gentlemen,” Niko says, hands raised as he separates me from the two men. “Let’s not start anything tonight.”
I peer over Niko’s shoulder, the three men fallen into silence. I glance between them, trying to predict who will take down who.
Niko is well trained with weaponry and blades. Runa and I used to watch all the castle guards train when we were in our teens.
Niko still trains every day. That, I know.
And Lord Ulrik, while he is nobility, I don’t find him as skilled as Niko.
But Rick?
I inhale. I do not know what he can do. But I would wager he is at least capable of following through on his threats.
Ulrik breaks first, whirling to me and offering me a short, brief bow before storming away.
I sag in relief and Niko matches my actions, smiling.
Rick watches Ulrik depart before directing his attention to Niko and me, offering a subtle bow.
Niko laughs, waving him off. All signs of jealousy are vacant from Niko’s demeanor as he addresses Rick.
“How can we extend our thanks, my lord?”
Rick’s eyes meet Niko’s, fleeting before finding mine. His eyes appear darker, less blue and more black, as they give me a once-over.
He blinks, and his features soften, offering me a kind smile. “If My Queen allows it, I’d like to have the next dance.”
