Calder returns the embrace of one of the few people he trusts with his life. “I would love to have you cook an elk steak.” He mutters their code to speak privately.
Gunni’s smile twitches, no doubt anticipating the fuckery his Jarl has brought home. “Come, my friend, I have one ready.”
Aura’s bound wrists are pressed against her chest as she latches herself onto Calder. He is careful not to return the touch. If the nosey bastards of his Hold suspect she is anything other than a slave, he risks drawing the attention of one of Lavinia’s spies. He catches Gunni’s gaze, receiving a curt nod, understanding that he should not invite focus on the young woman.
They trudge away from the main streets and bustle of Kaldrgataness and out to the evergreen forest line and Calder’s home.
“Is that your house?” She squeaks at his side as they approach his home.
Like the ancient Skalor castles, the structure has a rough gray stone exterior, a central room, a massive hearth, and elegantly curved windows. A stone bridge spans a channel to a path of narrow steps leading to a set of double doors. A turret nestles along the A-frame windows, giving the structure a dramatic appearance.
To her, it was likely something a wealthy noble of the Ridge orTimber Province would reside in. Alas, her home province is known for its frugality.
He finds his lips twisting into a smirk as she scans the structure with distaste. “What did you think I lived in? A one-room cabin?”
“That fits better than that monstrosity.” She scoffs.
The Princess must think I am a more modest man.
“You must have a large staff. I thought you cooked for yourself?”
Is she trying to shame me?
He chuckles, “I have no staff.”Oh no, I have not explained Argnier.“I do have a friend who lives with me.”
She stumbles over her feet, stammering as they enter the warm entryway. The large hearth has a roaring fire, and most of the sconces along the walls bear a flickering flame.
“Welcome to Coldheart Keep, Your Highness.” Gunni gestures.
“A bit too on the nose, don’t you think?” She glances around the vaulted ceilings with an expression that warms his frigid heart.
“Edmund and I named it. Calder is careful not to share his thoughts.”
He grunts in acknowledgment at his Second, even as she giggles.
A man who bears a much closer resemblance to Aura than he is willing to admit, at nearly seventy winters, pads down the main corridor. His bare ass is on full display for all to see. His wispy white locks are wound in a bun at the nape of his neck.
Why in Briny’s great saggy balls is he naked?
His piercing blue gaze assess them with minor interest as he strides past. In the distance, they can hear him descend the kitchen staircase without a word.
“Is that the friend who lives with you?” Aura jabs a finger in his direction, her appalled expression a horrible reminder he needs to deal with this swiftly.
Gunni slaps his back, excusing himself from the awkward situation.
Calder growls in frustration. “Yes, he is. I am unsure why he is roaming without clothes.”
With a frown, she continues to investigate themain floor. “There's something familiar about him. What is his name?” She calls out from the sitting room.
Before he can answer, his friend emerges from the kitchen carrying a bottle of mead.
The man coughs and scratches himself, eliciting a lip curl from Aura, who stands steadfast against the scene.
“Welcome back, Ice Prick.” He assesses her in an all-consuming manner. “Is this the one you were going to save and leave in Salt?”
“We ran into complications.” She mutters, seeming to struggle with his appearance.
“With what?” He points at Calder. “He can freeze people by thinking about it.”
