Page 66 of A Shard of Ice

“You’re right,” I tell Kyrie. “It is overdue that I told you.”

“Does it have to do with why the queen wants to marry you?”

I nod.

“And why a spell was cast on you? And why there’s a bounty on your head? Why all of these fae groups are trying to catch you as we speak? It’s something you’ve been keeping from me this whole time, isn’t it?”

“That’s a little harsh, Kyrie. You didn’t want me to tell you anything. You made it clear that you weren’t interested in hearing about anything I had to say. The less you knew about me, the better.”

While we talk, Thesha and Xander get out from the bedroll and slip away, giving us some space.

“I was hurt. I thought you lied to me.”

“I wasn’t lying, I—”

“I know that now. I came to realize that…aside from your fae…traits, you’re the same as you always were. You’re Taylor deep inside.”

“I’m not Taylor, Kyrie. I’m not from a farm on the plains of Babel. I—”

“I know that.” She sounds irritated. “I know,” she adds, a little softer this time.

“I’m an icefae from the Ice Court.”

“You’re a duke or an earl or something, aren’t you?” she asks, and I must get a sheepish look because her eyes narrow. “Who are you, Damon? The prince?” Her eyes widen in shock, and her mouth drops open for a moment. “The king?” she whispers. “Are you the missing king?” Her eyes narrow. “That’s why you’re so important. Why there’s a bounty on your head and why the queen wants to marry you. Is that what you’re keeping from me?”

It’s hard for me to step forward and say it. My brother is the king…was the king. Not me. Never me, and yet…Iamthe king of the icefae.

I nod. “Yes, I am the lost icefae king, but I swear, I wasn’t keeping it from you on purpose. I wanted to tell you. At first, it was a relief, in a way, that you didn’t want to know. That you wouldn’t let me come clean. I knew you would hate me even more if you knew.”

She sucks in a breath as if to argue but then thinks better of it. We both know I’m right. “I don’t hate you. I never hated you. I was in shock, that’s all.”

“You weren’t ready to hear my story. Then Cyrano was our companion, and I thought it best if he didn’t know, which meant keeping quiet about it.”

“What about once we were captured? You could have told me then.”

“I was afraid…I still am. I don’t want you to hate me for who I am…for what I am.”

“A king,” she whispers. “You’re one of the lost kings. Once powerful and now a nobody. You’re not a nobody, Damon. That isn’t true, and once again, I don’t hate you. I wanted to hate you, but I could never.” She shakes her head.

“I’m glad, and right now, I wish I was a nobody.”

“Why would you say that? You shouldn’t say such a thing.”

“Let’s talk about that kiss.”

Her face goes blood red. “What kiss?”

I laugh. “Are you going to pretend it never happened? That you didn’t kiss me? Because I remember it clear as day.”

“It doesn’t count.” She’s still red, looking mildly panicked. “It was in the heat of battle. I thought we were dead, for sure.”

He smirks. “And you couldn’t face death without kissing me just once.”

“Okay…fine. I kissed you. It happened. I’m not sure why. Can we move on now, please?”

“No, we can’t move on. You kissed me because you feel something for me. Because you’re attracted to me.” I keep my eyes on hers.

“I thought you were going to die, and yes, I’m attracted to you, but I don’t like it at all, Damon. This is all so confusing. We were best friends. I can’t be attracted to you. It doesn’t feel right, and now I find out that you’re the lost icefae king. You’re the king.” Her eyes go wide, and she sucks in a deep breath before slowly releasing it. “It’s hard for me to get my head around it. All I know is that I’m confused and scared.”

---