Kingdom of Claw (The Ashen, #2)

by Demi Winters

“I know who you are,” he heard himself say. She went stone still. “I know why the queen is hunting you.” She tensed, as though bracing for the words to come. “Your scar. I was with you when you got it, Eisa.”

“Gods, I can’t take any more of these long, pining looks,” he’d exclaimed, exasperated one day. “There’s no pining, Twig Arms.” “You actually believe that, don’t you?” Vig had replied, shaking his head. “Just tell her you want her to stroke your axe.” “Shut your mouth, Vig, or I’ll do it for you.” But Vig was only getting started. “Tell her you want to raid her shores.” Rey’s glower deepened. “That you wish to plunder her womanly cavern with your manly serpent.” At that, Rey tackled his friend, forcing his mouth shut. “Stop stirring the pot, Twig Arms.”

The last thought Silla had before falling into slumber was that even after eighteen winters, she still very much wanted to hold this man’s hand.

Rey shook out his shoulders. “Do not play games with me, woman,” he growled. “I am not in the mood.” “Did you just growl, Galtung?” said Vig with a chuckle. “He does that,” said Silla blandly. “Don’t worry. I’m unaffected.”

“You want to know my truth?” he asked, that deep voice soft and rough all at once. “Today I was unsettled.” He ran his tongue along his teeth. “I couldn’t feel my galdur. I thought I might have lost it forever.” A look of discomfort crossed his face. “And I did what I always do. I kept everyone out and weathered it alone.” His gaze landed on her, pinning her in place. “I’m not used to letting people in,” he admitted. “And I’m not used to voicing my…sentiments.” His lip curled up in obvious distaste. The tension in Silla’s stomach eased just a touch. “I should have considered you might take my behavior to mean something else.” His hand found her waist, skimming along her back. “Let me make this clear to you, Silla. There is nothing uncertain in how I want you.” She could not look away from the intensity of his gaze. “It’s the most maddeningly certain I’ve ever felt. I want you all the time. I want you everywhere. It’s become a real problem.”

“I wanted you on Longest Day when you came out in that dress,” he said, voice ragged. “I wanted you when you pushed me across the field on the way to Kraki’s. I wanted you when you killed the vampire deer, when you blackmailed me, even when you tried to steal my gods damned horse. I’ve wanted you since the night you stormed up to me and told me I couldn’t frighten you away. That was it for me, Sunshine.”

“I’m not ready to be Eisa,” she said sharply, “but I might never be. So I suppose I’ll simply try.” Silla crossed her arms over her chest and sent him a challenging look. “I’ll go to your meeting, Galtung. I’ll explain everything.” Rey exhaled slowly, pulling her against him. He smelled of porridge and smoke—he felt like safety. And in that moment, Silla knew she didn’t have to feel ready. She could jump off that cliff, just as she’d done with the skjöld leaves. Once again, she was frightened. And once again, Reynir Galtung was by her side. Silla blinked back tears as realization settled into place. She wasn’t alone anymore. Rey was there, and he had her back. “One foot in front of the other,” she whispered into his chest.

“Glaza boyatsya, a ruki delayut. Is Zagadkian saying that means the eyes are afraid, but the hands are doing. You understand, Saga?” Numbly, she nodded. Fear was a thing to be felt, not obeyed.

What I do know is that the people we love wield the sharpest blades of all.”

“I want you,” he said in a bare whisper. “More than air. More than anything in this gods damned world, Silla.” She blinked back tears. He took a deep breath. “You make me happy, Sunshine—so damn happy it terrifies me. But the thought of losing you terrifies me even more. I want this. I want you…us.” Rey paused. “And if you never want to be Eisa, it won’t change how I feel. If you wish to rest, I will shield you from harm. If you want to fight, I will draw my sword beside you. If you want a hundred chickens, I will build you a hen-fortress.”

cannot return to the feast.” “I know a door,” Rurik said, his voice touched with amusement. “Is secret.” “Oh?” “A woman more beautiful than forest fairy showed it to me. I was so enchanted, I set fire to my own boat to stay longer by her side.”

I’m sorry Eisa, she thought. This is the only way to find peace. I love you and will see you again amongst the stars.