The Frost Queen's Blade (The Iceblood Duet, #1)

by Meg Smitherman

“Everyone loves your mothers,” Rune said, coming to stand next to her, and she loved that he wanted to be in her personal space, to share her warmth. “Almost as much as I love them,” Elma said, turning. She hesitated, knowing what she was about to ask, and still not certain of the answer. “But… what about you?” “Do I love them?” Rune raised an eyebrow. “I suppose, although—” “No, no,” said Elma, “I mean, would you… like them to be your mothers, too?” He blinked. “I’d rather not be your brother if that’s what you’re asking.” She laughed, pulling him to her and wrapping her arms around his neck. “I mean, you idiot, that I would like to marry you.” “Oh,” said Rune, his eyes bright, as if not quite understanding. Then his gaze sharpened, and he grinned. “Oh.”

“Marry me,” she said, kissing his ear. “Join our kingdoms. Be my king. Spend every day at my side and every night in my bed, for the rest of your life. You’ll be far from home, but—” “Elma,” he said, interrupting. She could feel the heat in his voice, his excitement in the languorous way he nuzzled her neck. “Home? What do I care about home? I could never see Slödava again and die happy, just for the chance to spend a week of nights in your bed. Even for one night, really. I mean, all you’d have to do was ask. Want me to declare war on my mother? I’ll do it.”

“That won’t be necessary,” she said, removing her flower crown and placing it on top of his. “Just marry me.” “Then I’m yours,” said Rune, meeting her gaze with his bright blue one. “I always have been.”

Rune’s hands were vivid and warm, his mouth spoke love, and she was a blooming flower in his embrace.