Chapter 26 Halvard
Halvard
Realizing my nails are digging into my palms, I force my fists to relax.
I hate seeing Rychell with Osric. If she was head over heels for him, I would wish them well.
But she’s not. Her discomfort with this decision of hers is written in every stiff line of her beautiful body.
Her shoulders are bunched toward her ears.
As she sits, she crosses her legs tightly and turns slightly away from Osric.
Her lips are pursed. She is bullying herself into this sham of a relationship.
I wish I could assure her that I would never leave her or Nate and that I would do absolutely anything to help her business. I know she’s attracted to me. That hasn’t changed. Her scent is easy for me to find now, even at a crowded event like this.
“That’s not how you get them into bed, friend.” Cyrus has walked up and is slapping me on the back. “You should toss that icy gal over a shoulder and make her melt.”
I know he’s joking, so I shake my head. “I still have a chance.”
“You do. Until they seal the deal at the altar.”
“Yep.”
“Have they set a date?”
“Not that I know of.”
“Would she have told you?”
“Not sure.”
Cyrus puts a mug of strongly scented ale in my hand. “Drink this and we can keep plotting.”
I laugh and take a hearty swallow. It smells of cinnamon like Rychell’s hair. I finish the mug.
“Thanks for the support,” I say to Cyrus.
“You’re basically my brother at this point, so no need to thank me. When you’re happy, I’m happy.”
I clasp his shoulder and squeeze, my heart warming.
Rom comes over, the gargoyle talking quietly to Laini about a magical storm.
“I think that’s the one Rychell and I got caught in on our way home,” I say.
Cyrus’s eyes widen. “I didn’t realize you were out in that mess. I guess it does make sense time-wise.”
Kaya runs up behind him and wraps her arms around his middle. He turns inside the ring of her hold and kisses her lightly.
“Halvard?”
I turn toward Laini and Rom. “I’m sorry. Did you say something?”
They trade a look that I can’t read.
“Aye,” Rom says, “how did you keep from being injured? Is Rychell’s horse and wagon all right?”
“We found a cave just in time.”
Cyrus has his hands in Kaya’s hair, but he freezes. “Wait, wait, wait. You had cave time with Rychell?”
“Cave time?” Kaya frowns at Cyrus.
“Oh yes. Get an orc male in a cave with his love interest and there will definitely be sparks.”
Kaya looks to me. “Were there sparks, Halvard?”
I can feel my face burning. “With all respect, will you lot please mind your own business?”
Cyrus scrunches his face, the scales on his cheekbones reflecting the bonfire’s and the dusk hollows’ flickering light. “You’re no fun.”
“I bet he was plenty fun for Rychell in that cave,” Laini says. She gives my arm a gentle pinch.
“Tully is rubbing off on you,” I say, chuckling.
We get fresh mugs and toast to the night. I try not to notice that whatever Osric has said to Rychell has her staring into the distance, deep in thought. The light dances over her graceful nose and full lips. I long to take her away from him and smooth the worried lines of her lovely face.