Page 70 of Wings of Ice and Steel

‘Word is there’s a travelling band in the marketplace this weekend,’ Kayla chimed, not noticing the flush of Nieve’s cheeks. ‘They’re meant to be good.’

‘Okay.’ Ariadnne smiled.

The midday sun made Nieve blink as they passed through the main gateway at the front entrance. It was a glorious day of blue skies and gentle breezes. This seemed to cheer Kayla, and she loosened, chatting away about the last band that passed through.

The route was pleasant, a meandering dirt road around the edge of the forest. At the side of the road were two small shrines to the sun god, Ra’Tel, the tiger, and the moon god, Dianea, the huntress. Ariadnne lingered at Dianea’s to offer a quiet prayer, Nieve’s eyes resting on the back of her neck as she bowed. With a silent gulp, Nieve clenched her fists in the effort to control herself. She wanted to take her hand, to ask what she prayed for with that soft smile on her lips—but she couldn’t. Not under Kayla’s watchful eye.

Instead, Nieve watched her as she listened to Kayla’s chatter and asked questions in that soft, collected way of hers. Nieve’s heart threatened to burst each time Ariadnne’s head tilted, the sun catching her eyes’ burnished amethyst as they flicked Nieve’s way, arching a brow, Nieve’s nostrils flaring with the willpower it took not to draw her close and kiss her.

Her mate.

The word still sounded strange on her tongue. Her mind drifted back to the absolute joy and infatuation her parents had with each other and found herself wanting that life, but with that longing came the tangled knot of worry of whether she could ever have that with Ariadnne.

Kayla coughed, snapping Nieve out of her thoughts.

‘You know, it’s nice to spend time with you,’ she addressed Ariadnne. ‘It’s a shame we’ve never done this before.’

Ariadnne’s lip lifted in a wry smile. ‘I don’t often get the opportunity.’

‘Well, I’m glad I have this chance to get to know you.’ Kayla grinned.

Ariadnne looked almost embarrassed as she smiled in return and a spark of jealousy flared in Nieve—the darker side of the mate bond until she got it under control.

‘So, Kayla.’ She cleared the thickness from her throat. ‘How are your brothers? Have you seen them lately?’

‘Gods no. I miss them.’ Kayla sighed. ‘Devan’s been away trading for the last month, and Tire is too busy bedding every available lady in Rosedale to come home! He’s grown into such a rake…’

‘I didn’t know you had brothers?’ Ariadnne’s voice was curious.

‘Just the two, but they’re my world. I raised them when my Ma died.’

‘I’m sorry,’ Ariadnne said, but Kayla shook her head.

‘Don’t be. It was a long time ago.’

Ariadnne nodded, digesting, before her eyes glinted.

‘So… you and Josef?’

Kayla turned brick red and Nieve laughed.

‘Gods! Does everyone know?!’ Kayla exclaimed.

‘Even Melixanthe, I’m afraid.’ Ariadnne chuckled. ‘Not that she seems to mind.’

‘Well, that’s something at least.’ Kayla looked relieved.

‘Don’t flaunt it in her face, but I think you’re okay.’

Nieve was sure Ariadnne’s eyes flickered to her as she said that. She wondered what conversations involving her, if any, had been had between handler and dragon.

Ullieve appeared around the bend, a fair-sized market town with winding, cobbled streets, quaint thatched cottages and a tavern on every other corner. The clang of a blacksmith filled the air, while along the streets, vendors advertised their wares. Less pleasant was the pungent aroma of seafood, the town’s main produce, drifting in from the docks.

The three of them made their way up the busy high street. On restdays the small town was always packed with people from the nearby hamlets and villages. The shop fronts were full of flowers, baked goods and fabrics, the busy shoppers bustling through, browsing their wares. A squat Earthling with a bushy beard and the characteristic grey skin that came from wielding earth magic thudded past, barging Kayla out his way as he headed straight to the bakers.

‘Watch it, friend,’ she grumbled. ‘It can’t be that important that you fill your belly.’

Nieve laughed and continued to meander along beside Ariadnne. Her mate had lost some of her relaxed air since stepping through the gates, her forehead creased as she scanned the crowds.