Page 92 of Once Upon a Crown
The carriage rolled along the forest road as the afternoon sun slowly began to set. The air was already starting to feel colder, and I nestled deeper into my cloak to prevent myself from shivering. Despite all my layers of clothes, I never felt warm. Spring couldn’t come soon enough.
Lance sat on the opposite seat. He’d been sleeping for a while, and though I wished I could do the same, my mind was too restless to allow my body to sleep.
I put my head out of the carriage window to see how far we were from the nearest town. There were a few lights and some smoke in the distance. Not too long now and I’d have a warm bed and a meal.
“Lance,” I called out to him, but he didn’t react. “Wake up, would you? We’re almost there.”
The only response I received was a few incoherent mumblings.
“Lance,” I said, louder this time, and when there was still no response, I opted to give him a little kick in the shin.
He immediately sat up. “Ow, what the hell was that for?”
“You wouldn’t wake up.”
“Well, I’m awake now,” he grumbled, running his hands through his dark hair.
A slight breeze entered through the carriage window, and I shivered a little.
“Are you cold?” Lance asked.
“Mostly just my hands. I can’t believe I forgot to put on gloves this morning.” I tucked my hands into my lap but my fingers were starting to feel numb.
“Here.” Lance moved to sit next to me. “Give me your hands.” I didn’t see a reason not to.
He took both my hands and held them up to his mouth before blowing his warm breath onto my palms. Then he rubbed my hands with his, trying to create a little warmth. The act was so gentle and sweet that it took me by surprise.
“Can I tell you something, Lance?” I didn’t give him a chance to respond. “I’m glad you’re coming with me to Norrandale.” This journey frightened me more than I wanted to admit. I didn’t mind travelling so far without company, but it was whatever awaited me on the other side that I feared. It was nice to know I was not alone.
Lance stopped warming my hands for a moment and looked up at me, his expression once again unreadable.
“Really?”
“Yes.”
“Even though I’m a selfish narcissist with mediocre kissing skills?”
I pressed my tongue to my cheek. “You’re not going to let me forget that anytime soon, are you?”
“Let you forget?” he asked with a raised eyebrow. “How do you think I’m supposed to feel?”
“I already told you,” I said with as much confidence as I could muster while his warm hands covered mine. “I’m merely keeping you humble, Prince.”
A mischievous look crossed his face, and I knew I was in trouble.
“Is that so?”
“Yes,” I said with certainty.
“Is that so?” he asked again, his voice having dropped a little lower as he leaned towards me.
“Yes.”
Our noses almost touched. His hands still cradled mine. Those cold blue eyes stared right through me, and it felt as if my heart had stopped beating altogether.
“Do you want me to kiss you, Gwen?”
“Yes.”
