“She’s right!”
“The queen knows what’s best.”
“But milady, what about the other clans that are still loyal to the capital? They are a threat,” Kerr interjected in a softer voice.
“I’m going to visit both clans,” I said and silence filled the entire room.
Alina watched me, her cheeks pale, her lips parted. And all I wanted was to soothe her worries, to hold her in my arms so tightly that she would forget every fear, every concern she had. Iwanted to cherish her, protect her, give her everything I had to give, and if she wanted, to search this land from corner to corner to give her more.
The crowd cheered, and even the clan elders seemed satisfied with that plan.
“I don’t... That’s not what I had in mind.” Alina leaned toward me, lowering her voice.
“What’s wrong?” I took her hand into mine.
“I don’t want you to leave,” she whispered.
“You’re going with me.”
Almost immediately, her face softened. She inclined her head as if saying that she would allow that. I lifted her hand to my lips, placing a light kiss on the palm of her hand. Her fingers appeared so small and delicate in mine.
She did not know it yet, but I would never leave her alone, not ever again.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
FRID
The night was hot, and filled with aromas that came from the valley, the thick sweetness of field flowers and freshly cut hay. I just started dating Niall, but he constantly tried to place his sweaty hands on my waist, which made me absolutely crazy. I glanced up, looking at Victor who was flirting with some woman from the pub. How this man was able to find women so fast was beyond me. I had only been dating Niall for two weeks, but despite his position in the capital, and being tall and well built, he constantly played on my nerves. At first, I thought it was because we needed more time to get used to each other. But even after spending several nights together, the sense of dread when I had to stay in his company for long periods only heightened. He was decent in bed, as much as I could judge, since it was my first experience. The entire process only lasted several minutes, but it wasn’t unpleasant, just a little sweaty. Niall later informed me that I needed to do more to make him stay enthusiastic, but, in my opinion, I already did quite enough. I could see myself datinghim long term, if we never had to sleep together, and if he would stop putting his wet palms on my thighs.
As I finished that thought, his hand landed on my knee. I caught Victor’s gaze that traveled from my face to Niall's hand and something flickered in his eyes.
Was he upset? Was it because he wanted to be the only one who had any success with the opposite sex? Tynan was still not over his breakup, and hardly even looked at any women. And Sol was... just Sol, he could get anyone he wanted.
“Frid, come here.” Niall tried to take my hand.
What now? I watched him with less than friendly eyes. No one ever told me that dating was so damn annoying. Why did he need to hold my hand at all times? I reached up and grabbed my kvass with my free hand.
In the meantime, Victor whispered something into his lady’s ear and she laughed. The girl had her boobs on display for everyone to see, and at some point in the evening, she had climbed onto Victor’s knees. Victor’s hand was on her cheek and there was something infuriating in the way, his fingers caressed her face. She was so much smaller than me. Petite, narrow boned with a large chest and slim waist. Her mouth was brightly pigmented and she did something to her eyes to make them look shadowed. He liked girls who did stuff like that, so of course, he liked her. I bit my lower lip, trying to look anywhere else. Then from the corner of my eye, I saw that her mouth was pressed against his and he slightly turned her head. My eyes darted back to the pair, and contrary to what I expected, Victor was looking right at me.
I bit down hard. This night could not get more irritating.
“Frid?”
“What?” I snapped, but caught myself just in time to soften my voice. “What’s up?”
“Why don’t you sit on my lap?”
Why won’t you stop talking?
“No, thanks.”
“Why not?”
Shut up! Just shut up!
“I don’t want to.”
“Oh come on! Don’t be a prude.”
