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“Be that as it may, her preferences are no concern of mine. Only my people are,” I rebuke, knowing what sacrifices I must make for the betterment of my kingdom.
Once my mind is made up, I ask him to call Inessa back in.
“Shall I tell the queen that you have accepted her offer?” Inessa is quick to ask when she returns.
“Aye, you may. Tell your queen that I’ll be there at sunset,” I announce, throwing a glance over at Brick. “But before that, I have a favor to ask of you.” Even though she keeps her expression even, I can tell she’s taken aback by this unexpected request. “As you can see, my general is injured and would benefit greatly to some tending to. Could I ask you to mend his wound? I’d be forever grateful if you paid him this kindness.”
Inessa looks over at Brick, his split lip still bleeding all over his shirt. Her brows pull together in deep thought, but in the end she relents.
“Of course, Your Highness. It would be an honor to assist you. I only ask that I relay my message to my queen first and then tend to your man.”
“As you should. Brick will accompany you.”
Inessa curtseys and leaves, while Brick holds back a little while longer.
“Remind me to let you punch me more often,” he teases, throwing me a conspiring wink before rushing after Inessa with a new spring to his step.
Once I’m left to my own devices, my wayward thoughts begin to resurface.
I tell myself it’s only curiosity that has me accepting Katrina’s invitation.
I’m curious to see how far she’s willing to go to play this game of hers.
I tell myself a great many things, but in the end, I know the real reason why I said yes to her request. There’s a part of me that still hangs on to hope. Hope that somehow, my Kat isn’t lost to me.
This never grows old.
Seeing her like this.
In her element, oozing confidence and regal power.
At first, it put me off since it only served as a reminder of how different she’s become.
Now, I must admit I’m a little awestruck by it.
How she commands a room without uttering a word.
The hem of her white gown grazes the floor as she walks toward me, pitcher in hand. My gaze lands on the white fur at the end of her sleeves, wrapped around a slender tilted wrist, as she pours wine into my empty cup. Her pale blonde hair looks luminous by candlelight, the diamond studs embedded in it, making each lock sparkle as if she’d somehow managed to pluck the stars from the sky to weave into her hair.
The woman is a true treasure amongst men.
A winter jewel.
And when Katrina is close enough to me that her rose-scented perfume begins to invade my senses, my hand impulsively wraps itself around her fair wrist, stopping her in her tracks.
“That’s enough,” I groan.
She arches an inquisitive brow, her gaze bouncing off my face and onto where my fingers have latched onto.
As if burned with the feel of her skin to mine, I snatch my hand away from her wrist and clear my throat.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you. I’m just not in the mood for wine tonight.”
I need to keep my head clear when I’m around you, Kat.
Or gods know what I’ll do.
“You didn’t startle me,” she assures with a hint of curiosity to her voice. “Would you prefer I fetch you some water instead?”
