Champion of Fire & Ice - Megan Derr Page 0,45

"Keep this for me?"

"Of course." Davrin wrapped the collar around his wrist like a band or brace, buckling it in place. "I'm sorry it's come to this too."

Cimar laughed. "It won't kill me. I don't like all the attention. But nothing could possibly draw more than being the lindworm slaying champion of the prince consort, so…" He shrugged one shoulder. "Now wish me luck, my prince, and let's put this matter to bed once and for all."

Davrin dragged him into one last, searing kiss, holding fast to either side of his head and devouring his mouth like it was the last meal he'd ever have. "You don't need luck," he said, voice ragged. "I do, however, promise that I will make all this strife, present and future, worthwhile every single day of our lives."

"I like that better." Reluctantly withdrawing, he pressed a closed fist to his chest, over his heart, in a traditional salute of fealty, then turned smartly on his heel and led the way from the room. Davrin removed the ring from around his neck as they walked, and by the time they stepped into the hall it was on his finger. Betrothed to the crown princess, future prince consort, for all the world to see now.

He offered his arm to Korena, who took it with a pleased smile. "You make a handsome pair, you and your champion." She waggled her eyebrows, a playful smirk curving her pretty mouth. "Maybe Aliara and I should test your mettles sometime."

"Honestly, Ren, I'm surprised it's taken you this long to make such a lecherous decision." Aliara cast Davrin a look that was equal parts fondness and exasperation. "Please ignore Her Highness's terrible attempts at soliciting a foursome. Orgy. Whatever it is at that point."

"I think for it to qualify as an orgy there must be at least five," Cimar said blandly, as though discussing a treatise on the average crop yield over the span of a decade. "Don't ask me how I know."

"Oh, I'm going to ask," Korena retorted.

Davrin and Aliara lifted their eyes to the ceiling.

Sadly, they then passed through the doorway that took them back to the public spaces of the castle, and then out into the great hall itself, beyond the walls of the castle, and to the fairgrounds.

The air was bitingly cold, the kind of cold that hurt to breathe in, left the lungs full of needles and the face frozen within moments. Even the fine furs they wore only did so much to keep them from being miserable.

Well, him and Korena and Aliara. If Cimar was affected by the cold, he gave no sign of it. He was as calm and collected and beautiful as on the morning he'd presented himself as Davrin's champion, angering King Rorlen and genuinely concerning Grayne and Tekker, despite their attempt at acting otherwise.

As they reached the private royal entrance of the fairgrounds, Leonine stepped clear of the crowds. He was carrying Cimar's shield on his back—not the usual buckler used in most duels, either, but a full-sized battle shield. He was holding the reins to their horses and lifted a hand in greeting. "Sir Cimar! Oh! Your Highness, my lady, your pardon." He knelt in the snow, smooth and graceful, and rose just as easily when Korena bid him do so. "Your lordship. May your noble champion take the day." His mouth twitched, and breaking formality he said, "Not that victory is hard when one is fighting a rabid dog with one trick to his name, and that trick quite old and used up."

"What have I told you about being cocky?" Cimar asked lightly, the reprimand ruined by a soft laugh.

Leonine grinned unrepentantly. "It's not cocky if it's true."

Cimar sighed. "Let's go, rapscallion. Your Highness, my lady, thank you for allowing me to walk with you. My lord, I will bring you victory."

"Just stay alive," Davrin said, hating he couldn't drag Cimar in for one last kiss. He watched as Cimar and Leonine walked away, and once they were out of sight escorted Korena and Aliana to the royal box.

King Rorlen was already there, Tekker alongside him like always. Normally the box was full of toadies and other guests, but right then there was only the five of them. Korena and Rorlen shared a look, some indecipherable conversation between king and crown princess, father and daughter.

Whatever was said, Rorlen wasn't happy about it, but he only grunted and motioned for all of them to sit.

Davrin bowed respectively and went through