Page 160 of A Lord of Snow and Greed

“Then don’t,” I said, trying to sound calm, nonjudgmental of what she’d said, how she’d wanted to lie to us. “Who is she? And what was this price you spoke of so many times?”

Despite my efforts, the words came out harsher than I’d intended, and when Neve looked at me again, fear clouded her eyes.

“Wait,” Anna interrupted. “Neve, let’s get you near the fire. You’re still blue.”

My wife lifted her hands and stared at them, aghast. “Holy stars.”

“You were worse just moments ago, my lady. Before we lit the fire.” Clemencia came forward to help Neve stand.

Though I knew I should have assisted my wife, I did not. I merely watched as Clemencia and Anna helped Neve to the hearth. The snow and ice that had filled the room hindered their movements, though at least it hadn’t seemed to get worse.

Neve had conjured it all. Had created this room of pure winter. Now that she was back and thawing, would everything melt? I had so many questions, so I followed the females, watched as they settled Neve into a chair in front of the hearth.

“Once you’ve warmed a bit, there’s also a bath being drawn,” Clemencia informed Neve. “It might be too much of a shock for you right now, though.” She paused,tears filling her dark eyes. “We thought we’d lost you, my lady. That the release of your magic killed you.”

Neve extended her hand out for Clemencia. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you everything before. That I had no magic. That I could lie. You must have been so confused after I killed that vampire and . . . Stars, Clem, I was trying to keep you safe, but I’m so sorry. I should have been more forward with my past—given you a real choice.”

The lady-in-waiting nodded. “Anna told me much about your past. Once here, I did ask. Things weren’t fitting.”

“I’m glad she told you.”

Clemencia swallowed. “Thank you for saying that. You are a real friend.”

Neve’s face loosened a touch.

“And I also wish to say that I’m sorry for your past. You should have never been held there. You’re a fae of winter—a holder of winter magic, even.” Clemencia gestured to the surrounding room. “This room is not the only place covered in frost and ice. The outside of the tower is too, spanning two rooms in either direction. All from you.”

“Seriously?” Neve asked.

“You do not realize this, perhaps, but that means you are likely of noble birth.”

No inkling of surprise flitted across my wife’s face.

So she had known. Or, at least, suspected. But how? And why hadn’t she mentioned it to me? She’d spoken of getting to know her family. Of wanting to know who theywere. If she’d discovered a bloodline, then why not tell me? No matter the distance between us, I would have helped.

“She knows she is of noble birth,” a deep voice said from the doorway.

Every head spun to find none other than Lord Leyv Riis at the door.

“Father!” Luccan stood. “When did you arrive?”

“Just now. I came calling at your house and saw the vampire ash before the gate. When no one was home, I had a hunch that something had happened. That you’d come here. Arie and Thantrel?”

The pair poked their heads out of the adjoining bathroom. Arie waved. “Here, Father. Running the princess a bath.”

“Good.” Lord Riis entered the room. “Which brings me back to the matter at hand. You know who you are, don’t you, Princess Neve?” Lord Riis’s eyebrows arched. “You are protecting yourself by keeping it a secret. However, those in this room have proven themselves trustworthy.”

“Some secrets should remain in the shadows,” Neve replied.

“Agreed,” Lord Riis replied. “However, some deserve to see the light. Yours among them.”

“How can you be so sure?”

“I might have worked out who you are,” the spymaster replied.

Neve stiffened, and Lord Riis rushed onward. “And I can speak for my house. If I am correct, no one bearingmy surname will say a word. Anna and Clemencia have proven themselves to be true friends too. I do not think either would share information to harm you?”

“Of course not!” Anna shouted. “Neve is my sister!”

---