Page 18 of A Winter Courtship
Ulrich still couldn’t believe all this had happened. Or how recklessly he’d behaved yesterday. Anyone could have walked into the smithy last night whilst Lutoth sucked him. Still, he could not regret it. It had been incredible.
He stared at Lutoth, fingers itching to touch him.
Lutoth mumbled something in his sleep and rolled towards Ulrich. His arm stretched out, fingers seeking. Finding Ulrich, Lutoth snuggled against Ulrich’s chest.
Heart close to bursting, Ulrich wrapped his arms around Lutoth and kissed his forehead.
Ulrich struggled to comprehend why Lutoth wanted him. Sure, they’d been friends all those years ago, but it had only been for one summer, and friendship was different from what this was. He didn’t understand what Lutoth saw in him.
His gaze caught on the necklace Lutoth had gifted him, which he’d draped over a chair. Ulrich had carefully placed it there the night before so it wouldn’t tangle.
Ulrich had inspected it carefully as he placed it down. This wasn’t some quickly made gift. The strands had been intricately plaited. The beads carved into different shapes and forms. It had taken time. And Lutoth had made it for him.
His arms tightened around Lutoth.
He’d given up hope of finding a lover and partner. He’d hoped for it once. Hoped to find someone to share his life with, someone to love and build a relationship that could last.
But he was thirty-four now. He knew everyone who lived in the village. And those in Bordertown didn’t want a dirty blacksmith.
But now a beautiful nymph courted him. He didn’t know what he’d done to deserve this or how he’d managed to catch Lutoth’s eyes. But he’d do his best to keep Lutoth’s interest for as long as he could. And maybe Lutoth would want to be his lover and partner. Maybe he’d want to build a relationship that lasted with Ulrich.
Heavy, clomping footsteps sounded on the wooden floor. Ethel stood at the end of the bed, watching them. Ulrich glanced outside the window. He’d normally be up by now and have taken Ethel for her walk.
Ethel leaned down and grabbed a corner of the blanket in her teeth. She tugged.
“None of that now!” Ulrich whispered, pulling the blanket back. “You’ll wake Lutoth.”
She tugged again. And again.
“Fine,” he whispered. “I’ll get up.”
He looked down at Lutoth, snuggled against his chest. He was reluctant to wake him. He was reluctant to leave the warmth of the bed and this nymph. Carefully, Ulrich disentangled himself from Lutoth and rose. He’d just take Ethel out for a short walk, maybe go to the store. There he could get some food for Lutoth’s breakfast.
But what if he returned and Lutoth wasn’t there? What if Lutoth woke and didn’t know where Ulrich was and decided to leave?
I’ll just be quick. Let Ethel out, briefly go to the shops, and be back before Lutoth wakes.
ChapterTwelve
Ulrich quickly dressed, and a few moments later, he opened the door, specially enlarged for Ethel. As she ducked her head to exit, Ulrich wondered if he’d need to enlarge the door again next year when her antlers grew bigger.
She wandered out before breaking into a run. She ran in circles as the snow fell.
“Feeling a bit cooped up, were you?”
She galloped, circling him, tossing her head before coming to a trot beside him, nudging his side. He stroked her flank.
Today the snow fell thick and heavy as they walked to the village store. A gusty wind cut through his clothes. When they got to the store, Ethel waited outside. Ulrich pushed open the door to find not only Rhorton and Mila, the store owners, but Sero and Aryn in the crowded shop.
This wasn’t unusual, as Sero and Aryn supplied the baked goods to the store. They currently unpacked a variety of loaves, rolls, and cookies onto shelves behind the counter.
“Morning,” Ulrich said as he entered.
“Happy Solstice, Ulrich,” Rhorton called out in his big, booming voice. “Lots of snow last night.” He glanced at the window. “And looks like there’ll be lots today. Hope you’re keeping yourself warm.”
Mila smiled at Ulrich, clasping her hands together and leaning towards him. “Need anything in particular, Ulrich?” She’d seemed strangely fixated on Ulrich the last few times when he’d come into the store.
“Just here to get some bread,” Ulrich said.