Page 53 of Frozen Hearts and Death Magic

“I didn’t expect being alone all day, that’s it.”

He took a deep breath. “Most couples don’t spend all day together. You know that, right?”

“In the beginning they do, when they are recently married.”

“There are serious issues about to happen in Aluria, Naia. And I told you we’ll wait to get married, wait to make sure that’s what you really want.”

“That’s even worse. I’ll be ruined and unmarried.”

He shook his head. “You won’t be ruined. Your brother will take you back, your father will probably do that too. Then you’ll even be able to pick another husband. But that won’t happen because everything will be fine, and when everything is solved, I’ll introduce you to my family, and we’ll have a public Ancient ceremony. I’m promising you that, Naia. And tonight we’ll have more time.”

Tonight. What was he expecting tonight?

He must have noticed her fear, as he said, “I won’t touch you. We’ll do it if and when the time is right, when you trust me, when everything’s settled, when you’re my wife. Meanwhile, you’re safe.”

She was almost asking if the not-touching thing included not kissing, which would be unfair. Perhaps one of the reasons she’d come was in the hopes of more kisses, and yet, she didn’t want to beg for one. “Fine.”

His beautiful reddish eyes were on her for a long while, as if trying to read her. There was something disconcerting about seeing him almost vulnerable, different from his usual confident, playful manners.

He extended his arms. “Come here.” Naia should resist, but she didn’t, and found herself hugging him, the feeling so comforting. Strangely, it felt right. Caressing her hair, he said, “It will get better, I promise. And I’ll do everything I can to make you happy.”

“What about the kisses?” she blurted, regretting it even before she finished the pathetic sentence, but her mouth and mind were unfortunately disconnected.

“There will be tons of kisses,” he whispered, then kissed her temple. “I was just planning on going slowly, and I don’t know if you want to wait. I didn’t want to be, like your people say, improper. It’s up to you.”

“No kisses.” This was her sense of shame finally speaking, but part of her was fuming that she was saying that, when he was so close, when it would be just a matter of moving a little. “Not until it’s all official.” The upside was that her self-respect had won.

“That’s what I thought.” He was still hugging her. “I need to get used to a human companion. Let me know if I do something wrong.”

“Leaving me alone is wrong, River.”

He hugged her tighter. “Did you know I love my name on your lips? But yes, it will get better. This is not forever.”

She raised her head to look at him. “Is River your real name?”

“It is.” His face was so close.

“What about your last name? I’m sure it’s not Ancient.”

“It is, in a way. What about you? Umbraar? Is that even a name?”

“The kingdoms take the name of their families.”

“Hmm.” He had an amused expression. “And here I was thinking it was the other way around…”

“What’s your last name, River? Your real one?”

He tensed in their hug. “I lost my name.”

“You can lose that?”

He ran his hands up and down her back, as if to comfort her. “It can be taken away from you, yes. So you can call me whatever you want.”

“Hmm… River Annoying. Do you like that?”

He chuckled. “If I’m annoying, why are you upset if I leave you alone?”

“You’re annoying because you leave me.” Naia then remembered one other reason she’d chosen to come here. “And I want answers to my other questions.”

---