Page 31 of The Enchanted Frost

I moved closer to one of the ice flowers, reaching out to touch it. It was cold, yet somehow not harsh, just likeeverything in this hidden sanctuary. “It’s as if you’ve captured the essence of spring.”

Frost’s gaze met mine, filled with a hint of unspoken vulnerability he rarely revealed. “Perhaps part of me has always longed to experience spring in some form. That’s why I wanted to share this place with you, the one who taught me that even in the coldest places, there’s beauty to be found.”

My heart swelled. “It’s a sentiment I share. Until I met you, I never knew winter could be so magical.”

A faint blush colored his cheeks, but his smile was tender. As if to deepen the wonder of the moment, he extended his hand. With a graceful flick of his wrist, delicate ice butterflies formed in the air and began to flit around the garden. They sparkled like jewels, their translucent wings catching the light in a way that made them seem almost alive.

I extended a hand in wonder towards the fragile creatures; to my surprise one lit on my fingertip, opening and closing its impossibly thin, transparent wings. The light shone through it, casting violet and teal shadows over my hand. I was afraid to lean in for a closer look lest my breath melt it, so I stood transfixed until it finally fluttered away.

I looked up at Frost, a little puzzled. “How were you able to do that? With all of the recent changes, it’s astounding that this place remains untouched and you were able to so effortlessly create these stunning butterflies.”

Frost thoughtfully gazed down at his hands, flexing his fingers. “I’m not sure. Perhaps it’s because this place is so meaningful to me. I’ve found joy and purpose in maintaining all of winter that is my domain over the millennia, but this garden was created so I could simply delight in its beauty, to appreciate something that wasn’t solely about the season. I don’t know how much longer this will last if my magic continues to falter, but I wanted to share it with you while I still could.”

I reached out to stroke a delicate cherry blossom adorning an icy branch. “I’m glad. Even if it melts, that’s how spring is—something lovely we experience for a little while in person, and after that only in memory. The beauty of spring is its impermanence, a reminder that nothing lasts forever…but that doesn’t make it any less precious.” Just like the tender feelings budding inside my heart towards him, meaningful for however long we had remaining.

Frost took a step towards me until we stood inches apart, his brilliant blue eyes intent. My breath caught as his hand slowly lifted, his thumb softly tracing my cheek. “Blanche.” The tenderness filling his husky voice made my heart ache.

Before I could respond, a sharp bark startled us. I stumbled backward in surprise, nearly slipping on the icy path. I turned my head to see Shiver joyfully leaping after the crystalline butterflies, his playful spirit uncontainable. His tail wagged as he skidded across the ice, barking in delight as he tried to catch the elusive creatures.

A new sound blended with my pet’s playful exuberance as my laughter spilled out, echoing in the stillness of the garden as I released the tension and longing of the previous moments, filling the space with a warmth that felt almost out of place amid the ice but which had become part of the unexpected friendship Frost and I had forged. The joy of the moment was contagious, making me feel closer to him than I ever had before, as if the unseen magic of this frozen garden had drawn us even closer, making the bond between us all the more tangible.

I turned away from Shiver to find Frost staring at me with a look of wonder. “I’ve never heard you laugh so freely until today,” he murmured. “I don’t think I’ve ever heard a more beautiful sound.”

My cheeks warmed at the compliment, even as I considered his words. “My life for the past year or so has beendevoid of laughter. Even before I found myself on the streets, I can’t remember the last time I truly laughed as opposed to my pretended, genteel amusement as I interacted with the peerage and sought to appear attractive.” I lowered my eyes, ashamed.

“It’s one of my greatest privileges that you’re comfortable and happy enough with me to share true laughter.” Frost took my hand and squeezed softly, leading me deeper into the world of icy spring.

My breath caught at every new marvel I discovered, unable to tear my eyes away—a delicate flower here, a shimmering butterfly there, each a new wonder for my enjoyment. “It’s truly breathtaking, Frost,” I murmured. “I never imagined something so alive could exist in a place like this.”

Frost watched me with a soft smile, his gaze following mine as I took in the surrounding beauty and wonder. “I’m glad that this garden is the one place that has remained untouched by the thaw tainting the rest of my realm, a piece of spring frozen in time.”

I gently caressed the smooth surface of a thin, icy petal between my fingers. “Spring was always my favorite season—a time of new beginnings and hope after the cold winter. I used to spend hours in the garden at home, waiting for the first flowers to bloom. Even after I ended up on the streets, those first signs of life gave me something to hold on to when things were hard.”

Frost’s expression grew thoughtful as he extended a finger for one of his butterflies to perch. “It saddens me that my season caused you so much pain.” He paused, watching the butterfly’s wings glisten in the pale light. “I created this sanctuary at the beginning of time, long before meeting you caused me to long for something beyond the winter that had been my only companion and refuge. Perhaps I’ve always envied spring—the warmth, the vibrancy, the life, everythingthat my world isn’t. I’ve tried to capture that here, though it’s merely a shadow of the real thing.”

A hint of melancholy darkened his expression as his gaze drifted, as though he was lost looking back at the eternity that had led him here.

I stepped closer. “You’ve created something truly special, Frost. But it must be lonely, surrounded by so much beauty that never changes or really grows, merely reflecting all the unspoken hopes your heart longs for.”

I hadn’t yet spoken about the isolation I’d witnessed in the mirror that revealed his past; I wanted him to open up to me and allow me to help him—not just out of appreciation for all the times he’d listened to me, but so he wouldn’t have to continue carrying his burden alone.

A shadow crossed his face as the butterfly took flight and he turned his attention to me. “Loneliness has always been a part of my life; it’s the price of being the Keeper of Winter.” His voice was low, filled with years of weariness. “But since meeting you, something’s changed—you’ve brought warmth into my world in a way I never imagined possible. Even though I’ve existed for centuries, it wasn’t until I met you that I realized I’ve never truly lived. I want to be with you, to share the warmth you’ve given me. But I fear that in doing so, I’ll lose everything that I am.”

The uncertainty filling his deep blue eyes at the possibility extended across the space separating us to touch my heart, allowing me to feel all of his fears with him. I didn’t want him to lose anything because he’d met me. Life had taught me that even if I lost everything I thought mattered, there was always the opportunity to gain something new one might not otherwise discover if they’d gone down a different path.

After all, I’d only met Frost because I’d frozen to death. Perhaps my suffering—not only that cold night in the alleybut my entire time on the streets—had not been merely cruel happenstance, but had been intended to lead to this.

I moved closer, resting a gentle hand on his arm. “And what if it means gaining something even more? Your existence has remained stagnant for so long, but life is about change. Maybe it’s time for you to experience something new. You don’t have to be alone anymore.”

He didn’t respond immediately, his attention drawn to my hand resting on his arm as though my touch anchored him. Slowly, his hand found mine, covering my fingers in a tight grip.

Before we could continue our budding relationship, I knew I needed to tell Frost about the event my showcase of memories from before had stopped just short of. He had opened himself to me and deserved the same honesty.

Noticing an ornate bench of ice beneath one of the blossoming trees, I sat down. Frost joined me, facing me curiously. My fingers trembled slightly as I slowly withdrew the silver door knocker from my pocket. His eyes widened, but he patiently waited for me to speak.

I stroked the glossy surface, untarnished thanks to how often I handled it. “One evening my parents hosted a lavish ball.” I closed my eyes, reliving the moment—the swirling satin gowns, the hundreds of lit candles, the tables piled high with all manner of elegant treats. “Towards the end of the night, a young man who had been showing me particular attention for the past several months led me into a secluded alcove and proposed to me. I harshly rejected him; he wasn’t wealthy enough for my ambitions, nor handsome enough to catch my eye.”

Remorse curdled my stomach. I took a wavering breath and Frost reached out to cover my hand with his own, patiently waiting for me to continue.

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