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Iulien slid Boraleashe’s tunic off his shoulders and assisted him into a tub filled with icy water. He sank down into frigid heaven, a loud, satisfying sigh fleeing his lips.
“Oh gods, yes,” Boraleashe moaned, reclining his head onto the thick padding Iulien propped on the edge of the tub.
“The Treasure will need more than you’re offering, Lord Boraleashe,” Iulien whispered after some time—or at least it sounded like a whisper. The soothing tone came from all around him, and Boraleashe found himself giving in to the sensation, allowing the cold bath to calm his irate spirit.
“What if I have nothing to give?” Boraleashe thought of the well-groomed suitor who’d approached Theodor.
“Your heart may be frozen, lord. But a titan’s heart is stronger than any curse, and his soul is touched by the gods… you must have faith.”
Boraleashe closed his eyes, sinking into the fragrance of pine and sandalwood, letting it course through his senses. He felt weightless and heavy. Whatever oils and botanicals Iulien added to the water made Boraleashe feel as though he were swimming in the Lake of Eternal Ice, but he could still smell the sweet, aromatic scents of autumn.
If he concentrated hard enough, he could imagine he was in both places at the same time. The soothing sounds emanating from Iulien continued until Boraleashe drifted off into the most peaceful sleep he’d had in ages.
Boraleashe came awake slowly, his body feeling well-rested and revived from the ice bath. Iulien was there holding a thick cotton cloth to wrap around his body. Boraleashe stared in wonder, letting Iulien guide him from the wash chambers to his changing room.
“If you would allow me the honor, lord.” Iulien gestured toward some pieces he’d chosen for dinner.
Boraleashe frowned. “Surely it’s not time to dress for—”
“Yes. Dusk is approaching quickly, lord.” Iulien smiled while assisting Boraleashe with drying his hair.
Boraleashe was shocked that he’d been in that mind-bending bath dream for over two hours. He stayed in a persistent state of awe and contentment, enough for Iulien to dress him from head to toe, doing a far better job than his aides ever had.
Theodor
We’re Making Progress
Theodor made his way from his side of the palace with Mozraath on his left. He’d sent the rest of his court to the main foyer to entertain his father’s dignitaries on his behalf so he could have a moment alone to clear his head before dinner.
He’d been so engrossed in what his friend was saying that he hadn’t noticed the unique scent of winter pine coming from the adjacent room. His private room. From Theodor’s position, he could only see Boraleashe’s rigid back where he stood in front of Theodor’s coveted tree.
After Boraleashe’s angry departure earlier, he hadn’t expected to see him again that night.
“What is he doing in here without permission?” Mozraath whispered sternly. “And where are his aides?”
Theodor pfft’d, one side of his mouth tilting into an amused grin. “He is Boraleashe Cavalerie, and if you were in the Arctic World, you will often find him alone.”
“He should still request permission to be in your private hall.”
“Boraleashe commands a wind, Mozraath. And the wind goes where it pleases.”
“Are you not upset?”
“No,” Theodor admitted. “Because right now, it pleases him to be in my quarters.” Theodor walked ahead a few steps, mesmerized by the view in front of him. He turned to his friend. “Leave me alone for a moment, and do not let us be disturbed.”
Mozraath side-eyed Boraleashe, but he did what Theodor asked.
Theodor was always a man who stopped to admire beauty. Observing Boraleashe before his Winter Angel cedar—a tree he crossbred and harvested himself—was one of the most breathtaking views in all the worlds.
Boraleashe’s formal dinner attire was sleek and sparkling white without a wrinkle to be found. His hair fell down his strong back like an avalanche, and Theodor wanted to bury his nose in it and breathe in the hidden scents of winter. His hands were clasped together at the base of his spine, his slender, pale neck arched while he stared up at the intricate, weaving branches and the blooming white flowers.
The sun was long gone, and the harvest moon shone through the open rooftop, casting a golden glow across the garden. Boraleashe stood out like a bold sliver of ice, appearing cool and collected in his foreign environment, but Theodor could sense his unease.
Boraleashe had to feel him standing so close behind him, but he never turned to acknowledge him. Theodor sent his wind forward, making the warm breeze rustle the branches over their heads and causing the soft petals to rain down on them.
He pressed his chest against Boraleashe’s back, his gaze cast down at where he dragged his fingertips across Boraleashe’s hands. The muscles in his palms twitched, but he never unclasped them from behind his back. He was using them as a barrier so Theodor couldn’t get too close.
