Page 205 of Winter Gods & Serpents

“Well then, aren’t you efficient in protecting my daughter, do that again and no treaty shall hold me back,” Silas added taking seat again, finishing his breakfast as though nothing had happened.

“She is no daughter of yours, but she is to be my queen. Threaten her again and no Highwall will keep Adriata away from you.”

He scoffed in disregard at my words, and I felt the tip of Snow’s fingers grazing my back just lightly prompting me to retreat, so I did as asked.

His promise rung loud on my ears and heavy on my bones. I’d never felt such power and damage from words. She was all mighty, but she was still just human, of flesh and bones, not easy to hurt but to injure, enough to make her suffer. She walked the castle walls silently and slowly, her shoulders and back were moving up and down rapidly guided by her hard breaths. Her fingers coiled in a fist, blue gloves starting to run ruby dark. I followed behind, too afraid to hold and grab her, it felt like she would melt away if I did.

She stumbled and fell to her knees, her hands shaking and breaths furious. Lifting a blood coated hand signalling not to help, she tried to stand herself up.

I could no longer help it, seeing her like that. I wrapped my arms around her waist and hoisted her up, her whole body trembled, and I felt her bursting heartbeat down the stomach and back. One moment, I’d give her a moment then I’d panic and run to a healer. Burying my head on her shoulder, I held her for minutes long. Was I comforting her or me? I did not want to lose her to herself, the princess was also Snow, right now both of them were slipping away from me.

I soaked in her flowery scent and warmth till she took a final deep breath and stopped trembling.

“You are an idiot,” she bit out with force, making me smile.

“I am, but you have stolen my heart so now I am your idiot.”

“He could have had you killed there.”

“And I would have died head high protecting you.”

She turned, her brows narrowed and angry before slapping me across my face and then jumping to round her arms around my neck.

“Say ridiculous things like that one more time, and I swear Kilian whatever your surname is, I will end you.”

“You said you would cut up my balls and feed them to me.”

“No, I need you to have those for a while longer, maybe I might actually get you to use them.” Her lips grazed the shell of my ear causing shivers to erupt at the back of my neck, she then moved and planted about a dozen peck on my cheek. Never knew hearts ever felt that much warmth, I learnt it this day.

“Come, my little kitten,” I said slapping her bottom, putting her down. “Let’s tend your hands first, you can purr and lick me all you want after.”

She sighed and unravelled from me. “And I’m a cat now.”

“I will call for a healer,” I said when we entered her room.

“No, don’t. I am fine.” Her voice schooled to strength and coldness, but she was not fine. Fine, was the dirtiest four-letter word starting with an F and that was beating the word fair and fail, and another one Snow liked to use.

“Nia then, or Penelope,” Anyone being there was enough, enough not to leave her alone and slip to her self-destructive ways.

“No, all is fine, do not call either of them. I just need a bit of rest.”

I did not insist anymore and left.

Chapter 38

Spring and Promises

Snowlin

I had worked the plan all night to distract myself from giving in to my overflowing emotions. Alaric had sneaked vials of blood crafter poison before I left for Isjord. You will never know when you could need them, just do not use them on your father. I will not use my blood to heal that one bastard, he had said placing the vials in my satchel.

Memphis was not only my guardian creature but one of my best spies. She dropped the poison onto their clothing this morning, it did not need to be ingested, that was why it came with its price and rarity. Alaric was one well connected man, he knew almost every dark crafter in Eldmoor.

I reached under my pillow again as I had continuously done for the past couple of days. His last words to me, delivered by Pen the morning after his death. The cerulean coloured envelope smelled of the sea and salt, lingering with Sam’s presence. I felt my throat clog, my eyes welling hot, but I refused to cry, not now. When I would avenge his death, then I would be allowed to cry. I did not deserve to mourn him.

A thin silver chain with a small white sun stone fell out.

“I picked this from a Solaryan merchant, it reminded me of you. Wear it when being alive feels right and there is no hate corrupting your heart. Let’s head out on a spring morning to see first light, the stone glistens at the touch of sunrise.” –Sam.