“In the best way.”
Fenric shifted beneath me, testing my grip. I pressed down harder. He went still.
“This is torture,” Fenric muttered from beneath me.
“This is character building. You’re learning humility.”
“I’m learning that you’re a sadist.”
“I prefer the term ‘educator.’”
A small voice piped up from the children’s corner. “Mama! Did you see me get both of them?”
I turned to find Mireth standing triumphant over both Fionn and Eryx, her wooden sword raised in victory. The boys were sprawled dramatically on the grass, playing dead with all the theatrical flair that children could muster.
“I saw, little warrior,” I called back, warmth flooding my chest at the sight of her fierce pride. “That was beautiful. Your footwork is getting better every day.”
Mireth beamed, then immediately launched into an animated explanation of her strategy to Lira, who listened with that patient attention that came naturally to her. Eryx rolled over in the grass, grinning up at his sister with pure adoration, while Fionn began plotting what sounded like revenge for the next round.
“You know,” Fenric said beneath me, his voice strained with something between amusement and mortification. “Most people offer to buy me dinner first.”
I pressed down a fraction harder with my knee, earning a satisfying grunt. “Most people would just be grateful for the education.”
“Education.” He tested the word, shifting beneath me just enough to remind me he could probably throw me off if he really wanted to. He didn’t. “Right. And what exactly am I learning?”
I leaned forward slightly. “That underestimating women is bad for your health.”
“Message received.” He smirked, shifting again. “Loud and clear.”
“Good.” I tilted my head, studying him. “Though I have to wonder what your boyfriend will think about this position we’ve found ourselves in.”
Fenric’s entire face lit up—not with embarrassment, but with absolutedelight. “Oh, please.Pleasemake him jealous. I’m begging you.”
That startled a laugh out of me. “Youwanthim jealous?”
“Oh, you have no idea.” His grin turned absolutely wicked. “Jealous Lincatheron means I don’t leave the bed for at least two days. Three if I’m lucky. It’s the best kind of torture.”
“You’re insane.”
“I’mstrategic.” He was fully grinning now, all teeth and terrible ideas. “So by all means, stay right where you are. Longer if possible. Maybe throw in some hair-flipping. Really sell it.”
I was laughing properly now, the sound bright and violent in my chest. “I’m not helping you manipulate your boyfriend into marathon sex sessions.”
“Why not? It’s a victimless crime. Well, except for me. But I’m volunteering.”
“You’reridiculous.”
The next words died in my throat.
Varyth stood at the edge of the training yard, perfectly still in that way that preceded either violence or devastation. His eyes were fixed on us. On me, specifically, straddling Fenric. And Varyth’s expression was...
Odd.
There was something else there, something I couldn’t parse, couldn’t place. It made my skin prickle with awareness I didn’t want to name.
The yard had gone quiet. That particular kind of silence that meant everyone knew something was about to happen and nobody wanted to be the one who triggered it.
“Varyth.” The name came out steadier than I felt. “Didn’t realise you were watching.”
