Page 55 of Kiss of Ice

“That’s probably a good idea.”

His shoulder was comfortable and he didn’t seem to mind when she snuggled into it. She closed her eyes drowsily.

“Can I ask you something personal?”

“I doubt I can stop you.”

“Where were you all those years? When you left the palace?”

“According to popular opinion, I was living it up with nymphs and satyrs.”

“Tell me what really happened.”

Her eyes opened and for a moment he was lost in their silver depths, his mind a whirl of confusion.

Did she no longer think he’d run away? Could he trust her with the truth? But no. He wrenched his gaze from hers, knowing anything he said would destroy the heroic image she had of her father. And though he hated Salaq with every fibre of his being, he found he couldn’t take that away from her.

He was saved from answering. When he looked back, she was asleep. One hand was splayed against his chest, the other was curled under her cheek. She looked as defenceless as a child.

“You are a singular person, Morenna bin Salaq,” he murmured. And without knowing why, he pressed his lips to her forehead.

He hovered for a while, watching the glow of the Gilded Palace far below. No doubt people would be looking for them. Perhaps they’d assume the newly betrothed couple had stolen away for some private time.

When he couldn’t justify staying up there any longer, he carried Ren back to her chambers and laid her gently on the bed. She didn’t stir once.

Twenty Two

She surfaced groggily, blinking as her eyes adjusted to the light. Her mouth felt like cotton wool and her head was aching.

She lay still for a while, trying to remember the last thing that had happened. Had she been dancing? WithKam?No, surely that was some wine-inspired hallucination.

“By the gods. I’m never drinking again,” she said out loud.

There was a polite cough from the other side of the room and she sat up in shock. Kam was stretched out on the chaise longue, hands behind his head, eyeing her in amusement.

“Everyone says that after their first hangover,” he said mildly. “How are you feeling?”

“Like a troop of centaurs had a party in my mouth. Have you been here all night?”

“I wanted to make sure you were all right.”

“Oh. Thanks. Um, my memory’s a bit hazy. Were we… were we flying last night?”

“I took you up for some air. Then you fell asleep and started snoring.”

“I did not!” she said indignantly. “I don’t snore!”

“Like an ogur in a thunderstorm.”

Outraged, Ren threw her pillow at him. Her sheet slipped to her waist and she belatedly realised she was naked. She yanked the blankets up to her neck.

“Did youundressme?”

“I was certainly tempted. That gown you were wearing was sinful. It was crying out to be peeled off you. Slowly. Bit by bit.” Ren’s cheeks flamed and he grinned. “But no. I had your maids do it. I was a complete gentleman. Even when you told me I was handsome.”

“What?” She wanted to dive under the covers in mortification and never come out. “Tell me that’s a joke.”

He shook his head solemnly.

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