Page 161 of A Lord of Snow and Greed

“I would never harm my lady for she is also a dear friend.” Clemencia’s voice, though quieter, rang through the room as loudly as Anna’s had.

Lord Riis gave a stout nod. “Then the only people we must question are Prince Vale and Sir Caelo.”

I sucked in a breath. “Excuse me? She’s my wife. I . . .”

I trailed off, not about to admit that I loved Neve when she barely looked at me.

Still, her head swung around, eyes wide as they landed on me. I was sure that everyone in the bedchambers sensed what I’d nearly admitted.

“Sheisyour wife,” Lord Riis said. “And you promised to protect her. Didn’t he, Princess Neve?”

Of course I had. Save for the Riis brothers, everyone present had been there that night—the night I’d proposed and given Neve my name to keep danger at bay.

“Yes,” Neve whispered. “But this . . . my secret will shake many. Perhaps asking him to keep his promise now is too much.”

Lord Riis stood up straighter. “It might be. But I’ve also known Prince Vale since he was a babe. I’ve seen him grow, watched him turn into the male before us today.” His voice softened. “To the prince, honor means much. So, Vale, if your wife shares news that may distress you, will you honor your word?”

What in all the nine kingdoms could be so dire that they thought I’d turn against Neve? After I’d thrown myself into danger for her. After I’d seen a friend injured and still said nothing.

After I’d fallen for her.

If they were questioning my honor, then Neve must be hiding something awful.

She had tried to lie. Tried to lie about a price and a female she’d seen. Why?

By the dead gods, the haunted, terrified look in her eyes made me want to rip something apart. Even if it toremeapart, I had to know what had done that to her.

“I will honor my vow of protection,” I said finally. “Caelo?”

“I stand with you, Vale. Always. Whoever she is, if you are with Princess Neve, so am I.”

Lord Riis bowed his head. “Princess?”

“Perhaps I’ll start with what I just saw? Answer Vale’s first questions?”

She stalled, but I didn’t mind. I sensed she needed the courage to work up to whatever she must share.

“As you wish,” Lord Riis said.

Neve turned her face up at me. Tears swam in her eyes. “I saw a Drassil tree. And heard a voice.”

Like the day we’d wed.

“The voice was familiar and told me I was on the cusp of the afterlife, a sort of in-between land. I think my magic was killing me as it”—her hand swept around, encompassing the room—“did this.”

For a moment, she broke eye contact with me andsought Lord Riis. “Apologies for this, by the way. I’ll clean it up. Somehow.”

Lord Riis let out a throaty laugh. “Let’s not worry about such trivial matters. Continue.”

“Right.” A wobbly sigh left her lips, but she returned to face me again. “The voice was that of my mother, though I didn’t realize it right away, only at the end. I asked if I was paying a price because when I saved Anna, the same voice said they could do so. For a price. I thought that meant my life.”

Anna’s hands flew to cover her mouth. “You didn’t.”

Neve turned to face her friend. “I did, and I’d do it again.”

“But what if it costs your life later?” Anna whispered.

“I have a feeling something else will claim my life. But if I gave mine for yours, it is a price I’m willing to pay.”

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