Total pages in book: 53
Estimated words: 49027 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 245(@200wpm)___ 196(@250wpm)___ 163(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 49027 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 245(@200wpm)___ 196(@250wpm)___ 163(@300wpm)
“That ice sculpture was a neat trick,” Theodor complimented, yanking him from his solemn thoughts.
“We all have our tricks, don’t we, lord?” Boraleashe muttered.
“Do you think I’m going to trick you?” Theodor stood close. Boraleashe wanted desperately to lean forward and trust everything Theodor was showing him, but a thousand years of solitude had turned him into a surly bastard.
Boraleashe was freezing on the inside, but he never shivered. Theodor somehow sensed his discomfort and wrapped his long, emerald robe around his body and pulled him closer.
Boraleashe moaned, he was wrapped so tight, leaving no room for the cold. Theodor’s presence and his warmth were so overwhelming it stole his breath away.
“I won’t hurt you, Boraleashe.” Theodor made his robe pull tighter.
No wonder that damn thing was the size it was. It lures men in.
“Use your many years of wisdom, Boraleashe. Have faith in me, make me your king.”
Boraleashe lowered his chin to touch his forehead to Theodor’s. It was the most intimacy and contact he’d had in far too long, and he didn’t want it to end. All he had to do was…
“Say the words, Boraleashe.” Theodor pressed against him.
He smelled foreign and delicious. Like the ripe berry he’d consumed, and he probably tasted just as sweet.
“Let me in. I will not live a loveless existence. I will not be controlled by your Snow Moon.”
Boraleashe inhaled a warm breath, allowing Theodor’s robe to continue heating him on the inside.
“I swear I’m trying to fight it, but I fear I may have waited too long. What if I can’t, Theo?” he whispered.
“I believe there’s nothing you can’t do, Boraleashe. You just have to believe in me.” Theodor released his hold on him and turned away. His luxurious, brown hair flowed on the wind, as did his robe. “I’ll leave you to your thoughts, lord.”
Alone in the store, Boraleashe didn’t realize his breath was so shallow until his viceroy came in a few minutes later and asked if he was feeling well. Boraleashe lied and said he was fine before Adresin relayed the message that Notalus was calling for him.
Boraleashe wanted to growl. His brother was taking his new role as ambassador a bit too seriously.
Damnit. “I’ll be right there,” Boraleashe answered.
But he hadn’t travelled all the way to the Land of Autumn to meet Fhomhair’s pompous elders and nobles of their high society.
He’d come there in the hope Theodor was still willing to heal him.
Boraleashe
The Chill is Bone-Deep
The walk back to the palace was long but festive. The people were still excited, lining the cobblestone paths, scrambling to get one last look at their foreign guests. Flowers and garland were tossed at their feet as they passed.
Boraleashe balked at the hint of jealousy he felt toward Notalus when praise and cheers were shouted for him and his lord consort. He had no right to feel jealous because his brother had found something good and real in the earth realm and was brave enough to go after it despite the risk.
Boraleashe stayed close to his viceroy while he fired off numerous questions about his and Theodor’s conversation in the small store. His confidant got his hopes up when Boraleashe admitted that, yes, Theodor appeared to still be interested in him, but only him… not the curse.
“This is exceptional news!”
Boraleashe shook his head. “Theodor Cavalerie is a highly sought-after bachelor—”
“And still…” Adresin stressed. “He is without a king consort.”
“Certainly not for a lack of options.” Boraleashe almost made a fool of himself by stumbling over his own boots.
A man in pretentious silk linens was presenting Theodor with such a massive bouquet of flowers, fruits, and gods knows what other bullshit that it blocked half the bastard’s face.
“Please stay calm, lord. It’s only a…”
Boraleashe could no longer hear what Adresin was saying, his vision turning red after Theodor accepted the offering with a polite smile. He could’ve overlooked the expression of gratitude as Theodor being courteous. But there was no reason for Theodor to allow the man to lean into his personal space and whisper something in his ear.
A sharp pain hit Boraleashe in the center of his chest that almost made him double over.
“Lord…” Adresin touched his shoulder, and Boraleashe shrugged away the comfort. He didn’t want to be touched. “Perhaps you should rest before the evening’s festivities.”
“I will not be attending any dinner or festivities,” Boraleashe fumed, his eyes locked on Theodor.
“You are the guest of honor. You will insult your brother if you do not show—”
“Leave me,” Boraleashe ordered his court.
He didn’t want to listen to reason; he just wanted to stop feeling as though his trip to Fhomhair may have been pointless. He thought he had a chance of getting Theodor to understand his predicament, and as always, doubt and reality reared its ugly head.
The suitor departed with a pleased smile on his stupid face. Boraleashe wanted to send a shard of ice through his eye socket. Theodor glanced in his direction, his broad smile falling from his face and replaced by a confused frown.