Page 61 of In The Dark
“Do you not listen?” My voice is sharp, but it’s the only way to mask the way my breath catches as it sends a scorching heat across my skin.
He hums. “I’m curious as to what changed between now and two weeks ago when you were practically begging for me to put my hand in your pants on this very horse.” His teasing words force me to release a groan. “I’m only warming my hands—they’re freezing. Are you going to deny a king hiswarmth?” he murmurs, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
“You don’t need to stick them there to stay warm,” I mutter, yet I can’t seem to shove him away.
He hums again, low and thoughtful, the sound far too amused. “I think this is the perfect spot since you always seem to be so flushed around me—like a furnace,” he muses, somehow leaning closer. “Besides, I just can’t seem to help myself.”
“Do you practice this level of cockiness, or does it just come naturally for you?” I bite out.
“It’s effortless, I assure you.” He chuckles, flexing his fingers just to prove his point and causing me to bite my cheek.
I don’t trust myself enough to respond, so I remain focused on the road, riding the rest of the way in silence. His handsremain where they are. Despite my mild irritation, I let them stay, finding the weight of his touch oddly comforting.
Arriving just outside the castle’s gate, I spot Silas hovering around a small fire, bundled in a fur-lined cloak and puffing a pipe. Smoke billows around his face on an exhale.
He straightens, striding to the gate to prevent my entrance. A large grin spreads across my face, even though he can’t see my mouth. Rydian stiffens behind me as he approaches, still hidden in the Veil.
“Who are you?” Silas questions. “Get off your horse so I can inspect you.”
He freezes the moment my laugh pierces the air. Not from the chill of the cold night—but from the sound of my voice. I suddenly yank down my scarf to reveal my face just as his drains itself of all its color.
“Oh, Silas, questioning my whereabouts again?” I tease, chuckling as I pierce him with a playful glare, my eyes glinting as I peer down.
He pauses, his eyes sweeping over me in a slow once-over before a deep, booming laugh escapes him, reaching to pull me off Bjorn as if I weigh nothing. He wraps me in a large hug, squeezing the breath from me.
“And where haveyoubeen hiding?” he says, hands firmly resting on my shoulders as his gaze sweeps over me again, shining with mischief. He winks. “You look good. Better than good, actually.”
“Oh, come on,”Rydian grumbles in my head, his voice dripping with annoyance. I ignore him, focusing entirely on Silas.
I bat my lashes, feigning innocence. “What do you mean? I’ve been at the castle. It’s only been a couple weeks. I couldn’t have changed that much.”
“Oh, but youhave,” he says, his tone playful. “You look ravishing. And here I thought that the cold has been unbearable—turns out, it’s the lack of your company that’s been the realchallenge. You didn’t think to visit me? It’s been awfully cold without you.” He runs a gloved hand down his face like he’s being tormented.
I snort. “You’re ridiculous.”
“Don’t tell me you’ve been saving all that charm for someone else,” he accuses.
“Is this really necessary?”Rydian growls.
“I’ve just been… occupied.” I exhale, unable to find the words to explain, knowing that I need to stay silent. Giving him a warm smile, I admire the full beard he’s grown now that winter is here. He plants a gentle, friendly kiss on my left cheek.
Rydian’s irritation flares again as another growl enters my thoughts, leaving me to refrain from rolling my eyes. Bjorn shuffles his feet, most likely agitated from Rydian’s growing frustration, so I cut the interaction short.
“I need to get Bjorn to the stables. It was good to see you, Silas. I promise to visit, I swear,” I say, squeezing his hand in farewell.
“It’s good to see you. Stay warm for me, yeah? Wouldn’t want someone as pretty as you to get cold.” He grins.
Grabbing Bjorn’s reins, I steer him to the left of the castle as I glance over my shoulder to Silas.
“That human is in love with you,” Rydian grumbles the moment we’re out of earshot. He appears from the Veil and hops off Bjorn once we reach the inside of the stables. He unclasps the saddle, flinging the straps like they annoy him.
I scoff. “No, he’s not. Silas is just a good friend. He keeps me company at night sometimes.” Taking the saddle from him, I toss it over the side of Bjorn’s stall.
Rydian huffs a dry laugh. “You don’t actually believe that, do you?”
I don’t, but I won’t tell him that. Silas has always flirted and has been very open about his affection toward me. That man wouldn’t know what to do with someone like me though, so I’veignored it and pushed it aside as playful banter. I’d rather remain blissfully unaware than break his heart.
“How would you even be able to tell, anyway?”