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The physical exertion and the heavy clothing she wore kept her warh she’d had to pull her scarf around face, just below her eyes, and use the hood on the cape as a light snowfall started again

She hed with relief when she discovered a bounty of fallen branches She knelt and began collecting them, but stilled when she heard a rider approach fro the snow, but now leaped into her throat

Slowly, Jade returned her arround and stealthily reached for the hilt of the sword She let the horse draw closer Then, in a fluid movement, she whisked the blade from its protective sheath and whirled around to face whoever sneaked up on her, sword raised

“I thought you were told to stay inside”

She pulled the scarf from her mouth and scowled at Darien “You scared the hell out of ain please”

He slipped frolad to see you’re so alert”

“Yes, heart pounding vigorously and all Unfortunately, I’m about to be frozen to the core The fire wraith burned my wood supply”

Darien frowned His gaze slid to the two chi fro embers?”

“E room, a little more than that in the bedroos of a chair, but I knew there’d be plenty of debris out here”

“Just had to dig your way to it, I see” He came closer to her and handed over the reins “This is Thunder Why don’t you walk him over to the house? I’ll meet you inside”

The horse neighed softly and she smiled “Aren’t you handsome?” She rubbed his nose and he seemed to enjoy it

“He likes you,” the king said “Froo

”

“I’m flattered,” she told Thunder “How about a snack?”

She led him to the house Over her shoulder, she asked, “Do I need to tie him up?”