These Infinite Threads (This Woven Kingdom, #2)

by Tahereh Mafi

Cyrus sighed, looked away. “And you appear to be in grave danger of freezing to death.” “I am not,” she lied. Without a word he removed his heavy, unadorned black coat—but as he leaned forward to drape it over her shoulders, Alizeh stayed the gesture with a single hand. “If you think,” she said carefully, “that I will ever accept an article of clothing from you again—then you, sir, are deluded.” She saw the uncertain movement in his chest, the sudden tension in his jaw. “There is no danger to be derived from this garment. It was only the gesture of a gentleman.” She felt a spark of heat near her sternum just as surprise widened her eyes. “A gentleman? Do you often confuse yourself for such a man?” “With what ease you insult me,” he said, his eyes mocking. “Were you anyone else, I’d have you executed.” “Goodness, more poetry. Are these tender declarations meant to endear you to me?” He fought a smile at that, running a hand through his hair as he looked up at the stars. “Tell me—is it too much to hope for our future that you will not make it a habit of slapping me in the face?” “Yes.” “I see. Then married life will be exactly as I imagined.”