Ava climbed on, settling in front of him and he wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her close.
“Mmm,” she hummed, leaning back. “This reminds me of something.”
“What does it remind you of?” He gave her a light kiss on the neck. “A certain horse ride?”
“Yes. I remember every second of that ride.”
“As do I.”
You will not get frisky on top of me or I’ll throw you off,Aro said with a growl.
“What’s with him?” Ava asked.
“He’s traumatized by this.” He tilted her chin and kissed her.
Aro grumbled as they began to move, the army headed out.
Casimir swiped his thumb back and forth along Ava’s stomach, relishing having her in his arms. Every second she was out of his sight was agony, and though he was ignoring his worries, he desired to wrap her up safely and keep her protected from those who wished her harm.
How tortuous it was for his soulbond to be the key to savingEorhan and the one Deidamia and Andras hunted above all else.
The other night, they’d camped near a hot spring and were finally able to clean themselves of the accumulated dirt and sweat of their trip. Casimir had taken significant advantage, spending the night worshiping Ava until she could barely contain the screams she’d had to silence in their definitely-not-sound-proof tent.
The desire to spend every waking moment with her was almost unbearable. He longed to go to the animal rescue and watch her laugh at the playful cats, or sip tea on the balcony of their suite. To sleep in and remain in each other’s arms until the sun was high in the sky. To make love to her until they were drenched in sweat and exhausted with pleasure.
But war interfered with it all.
After it was over, Casimir was determined to create the life he always longed for—a quiet existence with his dear one. He already knew exactly how he would accomplish this. He’d been planning it for several months. After they banished the daemon queen and rid the world of her forces, they’d be able to spend their lives together…in peace.
The terrain had started to change as their travel took them closer to the territory of Frosthaven. Sprawling oak trees transitioned to regal pine, their sharp scent mixing with the chill now in the air. With each step, the snowy mountains grew closer, their peaks bright in the morning sun. The once green landscape was now covered with a layer of white powder, sparkling like quartz when the light peeked through the tree branches.
Only a few more days of travel, and they would reach the borders of the lava kingdom’s territory.
“General,” Maeryn’s voice interrupted as she approached on her massive midnight black horse. “We have a problem.”
“What’s wrong?”
“There seems to be an obstacle ahead.”
“Obstacle?”
“An ice wall is blocking the way forward.”
“Show us,” he replied.
They halted the army and he followed Maeryn, joining Aelerion and Thalia at the front lines.
Before them sat a blockade of ice, just as Maeryn had described. Almost fifteen feet high, it towered above them, obstructing their path.
“Queen Valeria must know we’re here,” said Thalia. “Shall we melt it?”
Casimir stroked his beard, glancing at Maeryn. “Not yet,” she said. “Can you send some of your flying creatures over to see what’s on the other side before we make a decision?”
“Yes.”
On it,Aro said.
Casimir faced the army behind him, raising his voice. “We’ll investigate beyond the wall before we make a decision. Take some time to rest but do not let your guard down. This is enemy territory.”
