The cabin was warm, but the atmosphere was sub-zero. Outside, the wind howled through the gorge, rattling the heavy iron bars of the windows like a prisoner demanding release. Inside, the only sound was the crackle of the fire and the chattering of royal teeth.
Cassian sat on the edge of the bed, shivering violently. He had refused to put his tunic back on after the wood-chopping incident, claiming the heat of his love for Rowena was enough to sustain him.
Apparently, love was not a substitute for wool.
"I am fine," Cassian chattered, his teeth clicking together like castanets. Sweat beaded on his forehead despite the chill, rolling down his chest in rivulets. "I am... invincible."
"You are hypothermic," Elian corrected, throwing another log on the fire. He bolted the door and dragged the heavy oak table in front of it for good measure. "And you are feverish. The magic is burning you out."
