Page 30 of A Winter Admire

Edwin’s cheeks heated, and Sinoe chuckled.

“I love that you can still blush after all we got up to last night.”

Edwin trailed his finger along Sinoe’s collarbone. “The festivities will be going for quite a while yet. So we can stay a little longer in bed.” Growing bolder, he stroked his fingers downwards, across Sinoe’s toned chest and the flat plane of his stomach, before resting them at the thatch of hair above Sinoe’s groin, teasing the hair.

Sinoe’s half-hard cock pressed against Edwin’s thigh. “I like the way you think,” Sinoe said and captured his mouth in a kiss.

A thump caused them to pull apart. Snowflake perched at the end of the bed, glaring at them with one eye.

“I usually have fed her by now.” Edwin sighed. “I should probably get up.”

“Probably.” Sinoe chuckled.

Reluctantly, Edwin sat up. “I guess now that we are getting up, we could also go to the festivities.” Sinoe still lay in Edwin’s bed, under the covers, white hair pooled around him. Edwin felt the urge to cuddle up with him, but Snowflake bounded up next to him, impatiently pushing his knee with her nose.

“All right, Snowflake. I’m getting up.”

A short time later, with Snowflake fed and napping beneath the bed, Edwin and Sinoe prepared to step outside into the chilly winter air.

It was almost midday, and Edwin bundled up in his winter gear. But of course, Sinoe, unaffected by the cold, only wore his breeches and necklace. Edwin pinned the wrin flower that Sinoe had given him to his coat. Until today, he hadn’t had the courage to wear it.

Sinoe’s eyes lingered on it, a pleased smile on his face. Reaching out, he pulled Edwin to him and kissed him once again. “I like seeing you wear my gift. In the spring, I want to pick flowers for you. I’ll weave them into your hair and make garlands so you can wear them like crowns. You can wear them and nothing else.”

Edwin ducked his head, the tips of his ears burning.

“Oh. I forgot.” Edwin ran towards his jars of plants. He searched amongst the twigs, leaves, and flowers before spotting what he was looking for. “Don’t look, please,” Edwin said as he picked up the jar and unscrewed the lid.

“Why not?” Sinoe asked but did as he was told.

“Just don’t look.” Edwin ran around the room, grabbing red ribbon and thread. Finally, he was ready. “You can open your eyes now.”

Sinoe opened them and looked at the Solstice gift Edwin held out in the palm of his hand.

“It’s a eustice flower,” Edwin said. “I brought it back with me from Bordertown. It can be used to make a tea to relax and help induce sleep. It’s a Solstice gift.”

“For me?” Sinoe said, the corners of his eyes crinkling as he smiled.

Edwin nodded. “May I?” he asked, holding it out.

Sinoe nodded, and Edwin attached the flower to Sinoe’s necklace, nestling it amongst the twigs, reeds, and berries, tying it in place with the thread.

Sinoe touched it reverently. “It’s beautiful, Edwin. Thank you.”

Edwin smiled, stepping back. “Now we are ready for the festivities,” he said and opened the front door.

ChapterTwenty-Three

As they walked through the village, Sinoe reached out and took Edwin’s hand. A thrill shot up Edwin’s spine.

Snowflakes floated downwards as they approached the village centre. The smells of cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamon, and a variety of other Solstice spices drifted through the air. His stomach grumbled, and he realised just how hungry he was. He’d barely eaten the day before.

Several people glanced at Edwin and Sinoe and their joined hands. Although it wasn’t as common as it once had been for humans and oreads to pair up, it had always been accepted in Ores. And unlike in other kingdoms, in Norend, two men together was nothing of note. Still, a new relationship in the village caused a lot of interest.

He squeezed Sinoe’s hand, and Sinoe squeezed back.

“We should try the honey-roasted nuts,” Edwin said.

“Whatever you wish. I am eager to experience everything you love about Winter Solstice.”