“My point is that there is so much more to you than the warrior blood pulsating in your veins.” He cups her face, and a flicker of rare emotion peeks through his frigid exterior.
“Calder…” She isn’t sure what to say, but she keeps her focus fixed on the ground.
People rarely see Aura for all that she is. As the youngest child, sheis often an afterthought, which allows her to behave as she wishes. From the moment she met Calder, the most compelling aspect of him was that his frostbitten gaze fell upon her andonlyher.
“Princess,” his voice is firm and reproachful. His rough fingertips trace her face, settling on her jawline, where he grips her with an unyielding hold.
Her heart pounds as he, once again, compels her to look into his stoic yet hardened face.
“I need those beautiful eyes to hold my gaze until I let you go.” His thumb glides over her neck, lingering on her pulse point.
An inferno burns within her belly at his gentle touch. The warmth radiating from his body envelops her. If she were to rise on her tiptoes, she could effortlessly press her lips to his.
Would his kiss be as rigid as his psyche? Would his beard tickle my face?
“Keep your bedroom door locked at night.”
She opens her mouth to challenge this strange request when he presses his calloused finger against her lips, and the sensation is like lightning to her core.
“There are those who would seek to ruin you. And I might not always be there to stop them.”
“Blackwood is the safest place in Treland, perhaps all of the Endless Shore.”
“You never know who lurks in the shadows.” His hand roams down her side, resting on her wrist, atop the braided bracelet from Eivor. “Some may be unable to resist the temptation of your soft skin or the fullness of your lips.”
His hot breath grazes her neck, shooting aching pangs of need between her legs. She leans closer, her lips parted expectantly, but he does not reciprocate. Instead, he watches her with a hooded gaze.
“What if I wish to tempt someone?” she whispers.
He smirks. “Then I will be forced to offer them eternal sleep in my ice.”
She watches his lips as he speaks, her heart thundering in her chest.
Around her wrist, the bracelet freezes. “Careful, Princess.”
“Does a mere princess threaten you?” She taunts him, knowing she can only push him so far.
His hand squeezes her throat, shoving her against the tree. He leans so close that they exchange breath.
“Your existenceismy torture.”
10
CALDER
August 15th, Year 21, 10th Era
Toftlund City, Treland
When Calder and Aura enter the Toftlund City dungeons the following morning, the sun just begins to warm the city's crushed shell walls. A heavily armored city guard sleeps outside, his feet propped up on a wooden bucket half-filled with murky water.
Calder curls his lip in disgust, smacking the man’s legs into the bucket, splashing the filthy water, and rousing the guard.
“Where is Isabel Kilton?”
“Who is asking?” The man grumps.
“The Iss Drengr,” Calder growls.
