Page 73 of Sky’s Edge

Both she knew not to do when no one was on the island, or perhaps ever.

And one could say, the pens were located at least twice the distance away than that cove, so it was at least a two-hour hike.

“Was there any security there for her? Them? Before you became king?”

He shook his head.

He pushed away from the jamb but didn’t move from it. “You are here until this threat is cleared.”

“But, what about Mira’s plans?”

“Fuck Mira’s plans.”

“You can’t hide me in this castle, Tanyn. Beings will find out I’m here.”

“Fuck the beings too,” he bit. “You’re to be my wife. I’d prefer you live to attend our wedding, not to mention all that’s to come over the years after it.”

I wasn’t sure about the wife thing, but I definitely wanted to keep breathing.

Since I knew I’d get nowhere with this discussion, I moved on.

“I’m going to get lost in this farging ice mausoleum, so will you take me to my parents?” I requested.

As answer, he stepped out of the doorway.

He strolled, but his legs were so long, his stroll was fast, and I had to rush to keep up with him.

I did this partially to see my parents and set their minds at ease, partially because I had no choice because he had a punishing grip on my hand.

Hence me needing to say, “I’m all right, honey.”

His head jerked so he could look down at me, the lightning crashing in his gaze.

Well, there you go.

One could say he liked the endearment.

“See?” I asked.

He aimed his attention to where we were going, but his grip on my hand lessened.

We descended some stairs (made of ice, but they were warm under my bare feet—strange, but cool). And then we went down a hall (the floors there also made of ice, and all the walls were made of packed snow).

And finally, we entered a room where my father was pacing and my mother was sitting on a winter-white velvet couch with silver gilding at the edges. She was fretting.

Dad whirled and Mom popped up when I arrived.

“Catty!” Mom cried.

But Dad was staring at Tanyn and my linked hands.

Tanyn let me go, so when Mom pulled me into her arms, I wasn’t attached to him.

I held her to me and whispered, “I’m all right.”

“What more have you learned?” Dad barked at Tanyn.

Mom and I didn’t quite let go, we just moved so we were standing side by side with our arms around each other.