“I wasn’t planning to. After that moment in the alley when we were hiding from the soldiers, my bargain was fulfilled. I didn’t need to bring it up again. But… After kissing you once… I knew it wouldn’t be enough. I would want more. I willalwayswant more of you, Eira.”
I leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to his lips. His mouth captured mine once, fervent and tender, before I curled up against his chest again.
“I would make a thousand more bargains just to kiss you, Eira,” he whispered as his hand resumed its circular motions along my bare back. I grinned into his chest, drinking in his scent and relishing this feeling. Just us, two lovers lying together, reminiscing of fond memories we had shared together.
For one beautiful moment, we were merely two people in love. Nothing more. No threat of death or war hanging over our heads. No bargains to fulfill. No bloodthirsty queen seeking our deaths.
Eventually, Theron’s hand dropped, and I felt his breathing slow as he dozed off. His eyes were closed, his arms around me now limp.
I watched him with a smile, pleased with how peaceful he looked. His eyebrows were raised, his expression relaxed. I was so accustomed to seeing him scowl, his brow furrowed, the weight of the world darkening his face, that for just one second, I allowed myself to enjoy this carefree Theron.
I knew there was so much we had to do still. But for a few minutes, I could give him this respite from the world.
I only wished I could join him. Though he’d effectively exhausted me, I couldn’t sleep.
There was too much on my mind.
My gaze snagged on my bare arm. The green spots had now spread to my hand, the small specks dotting each of my fingers. My entire left arm was covered in the poison.
Carefully, I eased off Theron, keeping my hands against his chest to hold him steady. When I was certain he wouldn’t wake, I quietly tugged my clothes back on. Then, I crept back over to the table with the basin of water. Our bags lay on the floor, and I dug through them until I found what I was looking for.
The mirror.
With everything going on, I’d almost forgotten about it. But the poison spreading through my body was constantly on my mind, reminding me I was on borrowed time.
I was almost certain that when I uttered the words, the mirror would show me the poison had spread everywhere and I only had a few minutes left before my heart gave out.
But still… Ihadto know.
If these were my last moments alive, I could certainly have done worse. Making love to Theron was a delight I never could have predicted.
I only wished I could have taken Calista down before my death. I wished I could have carried on my father’s legacy.
Just as I raised the mirror to my face, I heard her voice.
I see you, Snow Princess.
My blood ran cold. For one horrible moment, I thought she’d found her way into the infirmary.
But no. Through the reflection of the mirror, I saw her smirking at me, her eyes full of triumph.
Calista. My stepmother.
She’d found me.
The poison in my body burned hot. Fire scorched my veins. Darkness clouded my mind, and I was powerless to fight it.
Come to me,Calista commanded.Bring me the mirror.
A hazeof feverish fog clouded my mind. My mouth tasted like sandpaper. I could see nothing but vague, blurry shapes around me. Gold lights. Cream-colored walls. A door slammed shut in the distance, the sound echoing against the vast walls.
Panic spurred me forward, and I collided with a wall. I groaned, and black spots appeared in my vision. Blinking blearily, I tried to clear my head. I leaned against the wall I’d run into, the cool marble strangely soothing to my flushed and overheated skin. Like a soothing balm to the sweltering heat I couldn’t escape.
My breathing was wet and ragged. I couldn’t get enough air in my lungs. I allowed myself to stand there, propped up by the wall while I tried to breathe.
I didn’t know where I was or how I’d gotten here. I had no idea where Theron was, either. I tried to speak his name, but only a hoarse gurgle came out. Shivering bones, my head wouldn’t stop spinning.
I lifted one of my arms, squinting through the murky delirium of my fever. I could vaguely make out the blurrygreen splotches of the poison that had completely taken over my arm. When I lifted the other, my heart jolted.
