Page 13 of A Storm of Fire and Ice

“Want to see if Maisol has any cookies for us to munch on?” Brontes asked slyly.

“We’re going to eat dinner soon!” I rebutted.

“Eh, it’s just a snack. Come on.” He pulled me to my feet.

I giggled, and we headed to the kitchen in search of cookies.

Chapter Four

Helena

Asitcameintoview, the frosty landscape of the Ice Castle shimmered in the sunlight, and a blanket of snow draped over the sprawling grounds. Our carriage clattered as its wheels crunched against the frozen earth, and the clop of unicorn hooves echoed against the walls of the courtyard.

The four ice unicorns pulling our carriage had long silver horns on their heads, sparkling in the light of the winter sun. Their thick, ivory fur glittered like a thousand tiny diamonds. Their sapphire-like eyes twinkled with purpose as they galloped gracefully with their tails and manes streaming behind them, the colors running together in a beautiful mix of blues and whites.

The carriage came to a halt in front of the Ice Castle’s grand entrance. As I flung the door open, icy air slapped me in the face. My feet crunched on the winter-hardened earth as I leaped down. The castle’s façade blazed with a crystalline blue that pricked my eyes after spending the last few days under the black skies of the Storm Castle.

“Helena!” Fannar called, his tone half exasperated, half amused. “You’re supposed to wait for the footman!”

“Why wait when I can just jump down myself?” I grinned and waved a hand dismissively at the approaching footmen as my boots crunched on the snow-dusted cobblestones.

Fannar shook his head as he stepped down, the hint of a smile playing on his lips. “At least, let me get out first soIcan help you down. Otherwise, people might think I’m an impolite asshole.”

“Fine.” I rolled my eyes with a laugh, linking my arm through his. “I promise to curb my impulsive nature so you can play the proper prince.”

Adis welcomed me once we were inside. The king and queen had assigned her as my handmaid during my stay at the castle. She would be pleased to hear how happy Gwyneira was in the Storm Kingdom since she had previously served as Gwyneira’s handmaid.

She brought me a large royal-blue velvet coat adorned with an intricate gold pattern along the edges and lined with soft white fur. She slipped it over my shoulders and clasped it around my neck. Ice Enchanted didn’t need coats, but of course, I did.

I thanked her quietly before making my way back to Fannar’s side. We made our way through the castle’s vast halls, each room more breathtaking than the last. Towering ice sculptures, glittering like diamonds, lined the path to the throne room. Beautiful but cold . . . so fucking cold.

Fannar’s smile faded as we ascended the stairs toward the throne room. He always tensed up when he was about to see his parents, their frosty formality leaching the warmth from him.

With a tug from the guards, the massive doors groaned open, and we stepped inside the cavernous throne room. Jagged icicles hung from the arched ceiling, refracting the sunlight into a thousand shimmering rainbows on the floor. The Ice King and Queen sat rigidly atop their glassy thrones, regal and aloof, epitomizing their kingdom’s frozen majesty.

The queen’s gown appeared to be pure frost, shimmering with her every movement. A crown of imposing spiked icicles adorned her long snow-white hair, which flowed like a frozen waterfall down her back. Her arctic blue eyes, set against her pale skin, burned into my soul like the icy grip of winter.

Beside her, the Ice King drew equal attention. Deep blue eyes that pointedly assessed everything accentuated his stern visage. He wore a crisply tailored navy-blue full dress military uniform with gleaming gold buttons. Numerous medals adorned his chest, showcasing his achievements and stature. His short silver hair, crowned by an intricately designed lattice of sparkling ice, enhanced his dignified appearance, capturing any daring light.

“Welcome back, Prince Fannar, Lady Helena,” the Ice King greeted us with a curt nod, his voice devoid of warmth.

“Thank you, Your Majesties.” Fannar bowed, and I curtsied alongside him.

“Father, Mother,” Fannar began, his voice matching their detachment. “We are back from the Storm Kingdom and have important news to share.”

“Proceed,” the Ice Queen arched an eyebrow, her eyes never leaving ours and her face unreadable as always.

According to Fannar, his parents believed that showing emotions was a sign of weakness, so this aloof, reserved demeanor was expected of everyone here. I knew it was part of their culture, but it didn’t mean I had to like it. Fortunately, they did not expect it from me.

I bit my tongue, longing to shatter their icy composure with some smart remark. But I knew my irreverence would only cause Fannar distress later.

“First, Gwyneira is very happy in the Storm Kingdom.” Fannar’s voice betrayed a subtle hint of fondness when saying his sister’s name. “Brontes is treating her very well, and they are deeply in love.”

The Ice Queen rolled her eyes.

“Is that all?” the Ice King asked dismissively, his cold stare not matching the warmth of the news. “You wasted your time visiting her when there are far more pressing matters?”

Fannar’s hands clenched into fists. I could see the anger flickering beneath his carefully maintained composure. He cared deeply for Gwyneira, and their parents’ indifference weighed on him. I placed a gentle hand on his arm, reminding him to stay calm and urging him to continue.

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