Frost's POVI sat rigidly behind the heavy oak desk in my private study, brow furrowed in thought. My second-in-command Flint had just finished briefing me on the skirmish with unknown assailants beyond our northern border. From his account, they did not seem to be the work of the dragon Scar or his forces. Their fighting style was different, more ruthless and chaotic. Humans, perhaps a renegade warband. But we had been at peace with the local villagers for some time now.I waved a hand, dismissing Flint for the evening. "Double the patrols for now, but do not engage unless provoked. And keep this quiet - no need to alarm anyone unnecessarily." Flint bowed. "Of course, Commander. I will inform only the sentry captains.""One more thing," I added as he turned to leave. "Do not let Lena know of this incident. She has enough to fret over as things stand."Flint nodded in understanding before departing to relay my orders. Alone again, I sank back in my chair, rubbing my temples wearily
Lena's POV I awoke to rays of morning light spilling across my face, along with a splitting headache. Groaning, I buried my head under the pillows, fragments of the previous night flashing through my mind. Dancing provocatively, shedding my clothes, then finally joining passionately with Frost. My cheeks burned remembering it all. At the time, the excess wine had bolstered my courage to be bolder. But now I just felt terribly self-conscious about my wanton behavior. Peeking out, I realized Frost must have cleaned and dressed me before leaving me to rest. Another flare of embarrassment went through me. The imposing commander seeing me in such a state! What must he think of me acting like an infatuated girl, using wine as an excuse? I wished the furs would simply swallow me whole.Only the pressing needs of my protesting bladder finally drove me from the bed. After tending to necessities and splashing cold water on my face, I surveyed myself critically in the mirror. My dark mane wa
Lena's POV I was abruptly jolted from a peaceful sleep by a tremendous crash directly overhead, followed by muffled cursing. Heart racing, I bolted upright in the massive bed, peering around wildly. It took a few panicked breaths to get my bearings and realize there was no attack or imminent danger. Only the patter of footsteps across the ceiling, accompanied by more thuds and colorful vocabulary. Exhaling shakily, I wrapped a robe around myself and crept upstairs to investigate the source of the commotion that woke me at this godsforsaken hour. Pushing open the door near the top of the stairs, I was met with a scene of chaos. The pretty blonde maid Helga stood in the midst of what looked like the aftermath of a small hurricane - smashed pottery, torn fabrics, broken furniture and assorted debris scattered everywhere.In the center of it all stood Freya, hands planted on her hips defiantly as she surveyed the damage with a critical eye. Hearing my approach, she whirled and broke i
Lena's POVI lingered in the restaurant after lunch, sipping tea by the window. Freya sat nearby, unusually quiet as she picked at the remnants of her meal. I studied her pensively, remembering how flustered she had seemed yesterday morning around the archivist Mars. My curiosity finally got the better of me. Setting down my cup, I leaned toward Freya conspiratorially. "So...is Mars the 'friend' you hope will impress you at the tournament?" Freya's head jerked up, cheeks flushing scarlet. "I never said that!" But her telling reaction answered the question well enough. I had to bite my cheek to keep from grinning outright."But you do fancy him, don't you?" I pressed gently. Freya huffed, stabbing at her food. "And what if I do? It's pointless anyhow. He's not some muscle-bound warrior."I waved my hand dismissively. "You needn't hide your feelings. I saw how tenderly he looks at you, Freya. Why not speak openly together?"She smiled sadly down at her plate. "If only it were that sim
Lena's POVI awoke feeling troubled after the unpleasantness with Frost the night before. His severe reaction had been so unlike the patient kindness he had shown me previously. I knew his overprotectiveness came from care for Freya, yet it still rankled. Rising slowly, I decided to seek him out and appeal to his reason today if he was receptive. Last night's harsh words could not stand between us if we were to build trust. I would remain calm but firm that his sister deserved happiness, and I autonomy.After washing and dressing warmly, I headed downstairs only to be intercepted by a maid informing me the commander had summoned me to the training grounds after I my breakfast. My nerves fluttered anxiously, unsure what Frost had planned. But I steeled myself and made my way to meet him. I found Frost examining the racks of practice weapons with flinty eyes. At my approach, he turned, expression unreadable."Lena. Let us begin your archery lesson." He gestured curtly for me to choose
Lena's POV I was jolted awake by the loud crash of shattering pottery. Blearily opening my eyes, I realized I had dozed off curled up on the armchair in the study while waiting up for Ryder. My neck and back protested as I straightened up with a groan.Looking over, I saw the vase of flowers I had left on the oak table now lay in pieces across the hardwood floor. Cursing under my breath, I carefully avoided the shards scattered everywhere as I went to fetch the broom. So much for my sweet surprise for Ryder after our misunderstanding. I swept up the mess bitterly, realizing he had never even come home. Have I missed him too much for my brain to conjure him in my dreams? Where had he been all night? Probably off brooding somewhere while I made a fool of myself trying to make amends. Men!Dumping the remains of my ruined gift in the trash, I trudged upstairs to shower and change. No texts or calls from Ryder of course. Sighing, I resolved to just give him space today. I couldn't keep
Lena's POV The week dragged by with still no sight of Ryder except brief notes saying he was unavoidably detained by work. I missed him more each day, fearing we'd never have a chance to truly make amends after our quarrel. Finally, the long-awaited day of the annual summer tournament and games arrived. This massive outdoor sporting event gathered warriors and athletes from all the clans to compete in contests of skill and strength. I was excited to attend with Freya.She arrived early, brimming with enthusiasm, and helped me dress in stylish athletic wear. "This will be such fun! You'll see skills no other clan can match. Maybe some handsome muscular men too!" She winked conspiratorially.I just laughed and shook my head indulgently. How quickly bold Freya's thoughts turned to handsome men. Linking arms, we set off walking under the sunny skies to where the massive arena and adjoining fields were located.We passed vendors hawking snacks and cold drinks, the atmosphere buzzing wit
Lena's POV The thrill of the tournament still buzzed through me as Ryder led us away from the crowds. We walked hand in hand to where a motorcycle was parked on a secluded forest track. My heart fluttered wildly being alone with him again after so long apart."I thought after so much excitement, a private picnic might be pleasant," Ryder remarked, handing me a helmet and strapping on his own. "Just the two of us." His eyes crinkled warmly.I nodded, cheeks heating. "That sounds wonderful." Settling behind Ryder, I wrapped my arms snugly around his lean, muscular torso as the engine roared to life. We took off down the winding wooded lanes.Ryder drove expertly, slowing whenever he felt me grip him tighter around sharp turns. I breathed deep of the pine-scented air, feeling carefree and exhilarated. With the quarrels behind us, it was like I could finally relax and just enjoy being with this man who made me feel so alive.We arrived at a secluded glade blanketed in wildflowers and dis