Page 98 of Frost and Death
Confide and Mortified
Betina stands next to Niko in my old bedchamber, both bundled in warm clothing. The flames from the hearth are still bright and luminous in the morning light. Winter in Palaena has eased, the season drifting by to allow the long plentiful spring and summer to flourish in their lands.
But back home, it looks as if winter has only just begun. Axidoria is cursed by my magic that nibbles away each season, significantly shortening them.
From the looks on both Niko and Betina’s faces, I know my time in Palaena has done nothing to improve my kingdom’s situation.
“Thatfuckingasshole!” Niko says, folding his arms.
I did not want to reach out to them last night, my own anger evident from Jerrick’s harsh words on a constant loop keeping me awake.
Then you mustn’t be trying hard enough.
My lack of sleep allowed me to reach out to Niko or Betina in the early hours of the morning. I’m lucky Betina was awake and I caught Niko between trips around Axidoria.
But Niko’s fury-filled gaze unsettles both me and Betina. His chest rises and falls, his emotions tense and dark.
I try to offer him hope. “At least he agreed to help me with my magic.”
Betina says, “Yes, at least there is that.”
Niko’s golden eyes flash, his body relaxing a little, and he lowers his arms. He glances between us, a long sigh escaping him before he pinches the bridge of his nose.
“Forgive me for my outburst. I did not sleep well last night.”
“Neither did I,” I admit, and he gives me the briefest of smiles.
The stress I have thrown at him dims his normal lighthearted demeanor and shows in his lackluster skin, dark circles, and stubble.
“How is home?” I ask, hoping for a status report on everything.
Niko shifts into seriousness, his jaw flexing and fists clenching. “Fine.”
It feels like he is hiding something from me. And whatever he is keeping could be in regard to the bannermen or my winter spreading. Perhaps he is withholding the details to protect me and grant me a chance to focus on training my magic.
I try to peel something more from him. “Did you receive the extra supplies sent over from Palaena?”
Niko is distant when he gives me another one-word answer. “Yes.”
My stomach sours.
Betina glances to the window and elbows Niko, angling her head toward the light.
Niko looks, taking in the time of day before facing me. “I need to set out.”
My face falls, and my lips quiver at his need for departure.
His amber eyes soften as he steps closer to the mirror, addressing me. “I’m sorry I am not in the best of moods today. I-I—” His head drops, and Betina pats his shoulder gently.
Deities, I wish I could wrap my arms around him.
His red hair moves with him when he faces me again. “I-I didn’t think this would be so hard, but it is. Fuck, I miss you, Tee.”
“I miss you too, Niko.” I clutch the stem of the mirror, wishing I could touch him.
Betina coughs harshly, and I roll my eyes. “I miss youtoo, Betina.”
She smirks, each of us laughing. My eyes find Niko’s again, longing pulling me toward him.
