Cracks in ice

Adrian should have pushed Elias away.

He should have walked out of the room, thrown up his walls again, and acted like their moment of weakness never happened.

But he didn’t.

He couldn’t.

Because even after Elias left him alone that night, his words kept echoing in Adrian’s mind.

"I won’t force you to trust me… but I won’t let you push me away either."

It was infuriating.

No one had ever been this patient with him. No one had ever looked at him the way Elias did—like he was worth waiting for.

And it was dangerous.

Because Adrian was starting to feel like maybe—just maybe—he wanted to believe him.

—

The Next Morning

Adrian was determined to ignore Elias.

He wasn’t going to think about their conversation.

He wasn’t going to think about the way Elias’ golden eyes had softened when he whispered, Prove it.

And he definitely wasn’t going to think about how his chest had felt lighter after hearing Elias say, I will.

Nope.

Not happening.

He stormed into the dining hall, grabbed his breakfast, and sat as far away from Elias as possible.

It didn’t work.

Because the second he sat down, Elias appeared beside him, setting down his own plate with an easy smirk.

“Good morning,” Elias greeted, voice smooth as ever.

Adrian glared at him. “Why are you sitting here?”

Elias arched an eyebrow. “Because you’re my husband?”

Adrian scowled. “I don’t remember agreeing to that.”

“You signed the marriage papers,” Elias pointed out. “That counts.”

Adrian clicked his tongue, stabbing his fork into his eggs. “Technicalities.”

Elias chuckled, resting his chin on his hand as he watched Adrian eat.

Adrian tried to ignore the way those golden eyes followed his every movement.

Tried to ignore the warmth creeping up his neck.

Tried to ignore everything about Elias.

But then—

“Eat slower,” Elias murmured, reaching out to gently tilt Adrian’s plate closer. “You’ll choke.”

Adrian froze.

For a moment, neither of them moved.

Then, very slowly, Adrian put his fork down.

He met Elias’ gaze, searching.

Looking for mockery. Looking for control. Looking for anything that would justify his instinct to push Elias away.

He found nothing.

Just calm patience.

Adrian exhaled sharply and picked up his fork again, this time forcing himself to eat slower.

Elias didn’t say anything.

Didn’t gloat. Didn’t smirk.

He just continued eating beside Adrian like it was the most natural thing in the world.

And for some reason, that irritated Adrian even more.

—

Afternoon Training

Adrian needed a distraction.

Something to get Elias out of his head.

So, naturally, he ended up at the training grounds, throwing himself into combat practice with ruthless precision.

Swords clashed. Footsteps thundered. The scent of sweat and steel filled the air.

Adrian liked this.

Liked the burn in his muscles, the sharp clarity that came with every strike.

He was sparring with one of the royal guards, their blades locked in a fierce battle—

Until suddenly, a voice interrupted them.

“You’re leaving yourself open.”

Adrian stiffened.

He turned his head slightly—only to find Elias standing at the edge of the training ring, arms crossed.

Adrian scowled. “What are you doing here?”

Elias smirked. “Watching my husband get his ass kicked.”

Adrian growled. “I am not—”

The guard took advantage of his distraction, lunging forward—

Adrian barely dodged in time.

He glared at Elias.

Elias only grinned. “Told you.”

Adrian gritted his teeth. “You want to fight me that badly?”

Elias’ smirk widened. “I’d love to.”

Adrian threw down his sword.

“Fine. Get in the ring.”

—

The Duel

They circled each other, both unarmed.

Adrian knew he was fast. Knew he had years of combat experience.

But Elias…

Elias was a wall.

No matter how many times Adrian struck, Elias deflected effortlessly, barely moving an inch.

It was infuriating.

“Stop holding back,” Adrian snapped, wiping sweat from his brow.

Elias chuckled. “You’re cute when you’re mad.”

Adrian’s eye twitched. “I will kill you.”

“Mm.” Elias dodged another attack with ridiculous ease. “Doubt it.”

Adrian lunged.

For the first time, Elias countered.

In a blur of motion, Elias grabbed Adrian’s wrist, spun him around, and slammed him against the training post.

Adrian’s breath hitched.

Because suddenly, Elias was too close.

His body was pressed against Adrian’s back, one strong hand gripping Adrian’s wrist, the other resting lightly on his hip.

Hot breath ghosted against Adrian’s ear.

“Got you,” Elias murmured.

Adrian’s pulse spiked.

His whole body was tense, heat pulsing through him in a way that had nothing to do with the fight.

Elias was so warm. So solid.

Adrian should have shoved him away.

But he didn’t.

Because a dangerous part of him liked it.

Liked the way Elias held him in place. Liked the way his body reacted to Elias’ touch, even though he didn’t want it to.

Elias leaned in slightly, voice a low rumble.

“Tell me,” he murmured. “Do you still want to push me away?”

Adrian’s breath came shaky and uneven.

His pride screamed at him to lie.

But his body—his instincts—betrayed him.

He didn’t answer.

Couldn’t.

Because he knew Elias would hear the truth in his silence.

And judging by the slow, knowing smirk that spread across Elias’ lips—

He already had.

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