Page 158 of Frost and Death
It is law to follow a monarch’s binding decree, yes, but my readings have shown divorce is possible. The downside to making it happen is that it is a long process, which is why it is so rare.
But I can’t help but think if Jerrick’s curse was lifted, there would no longer be a reason to be together, and I could return home.
A change in a monarch’s decree is not taken lightly and has to involve all the rulers and a priest from each kingdom. It requires the revised version to be as close to the original as possible but with a few changes. Then it has to be read and approved and signed by each one.
My heart is banking on the hope that breaking the curse means breaking the marriage, and it means going home.
Jonas shrugs in uncertainty. “That is between you and Jerrick.”
I hold his gaze, begging for the new plan I have in mind to work. “But do you think he would?”
He looks between my eyes, releasing a long sigh. “I think when it comes to your happiness, Jerrick would grant you anything.”
I scoot across the mattress, wrapping half of myself around Jonas. I sigh as he rests his head against mine.
The solid comfort and support of Jonas weighs me down as this overwhelming, yet familiar feeling overtakes me. I’ve felt this before.
With my parents, with Runa, and now with him.
My love for Jonas blurs my vision.
This could all work. Ithasto.
Faith and hope tighten in my chest, knowing I will not hurt any of the people I have come to care for here.
A tear slips on Jonas’s skin, and his eyes meet mine as he asks, “What’s the matter?”
I pull away, wiping my eyes, my own liberation warming my heart enough to tell him how much he means to me. “It’s just—youreallyare an amazing brother, Jonas. Not only to Jerrick but to me. I thank you for your constant stream of kindness and company. They are something I don’t deserve.”
He faces me, pulling me in tightly. “Oh, Tove.”
Something wet touches my cheek, and I joke, “I thought men weren’t supposed to cry?”
Jonas half sobs, half laughs. “Yeah, well, I wasn’t expecting such a heartfelt moment.”
We break into a laugh, comforting each other for a few minutes as my tears dry.
When Jonas pulls away, he holds my cheek, forcing me to look at him. “I am honored to know you, honored to be your family, and I can only hope Jerrick will realize how much of a light you are to us and our kingdom.” He kisses me on my forehead, and emotions I stupidly thought were done coat my cheeks yet again.
I whisper, “Thank you, Jonas.”
“Anytime, sis.” He winks as he peels up off the bed to make his way out of my chambers.
I call after him before he leaves. “Wait, why did you come to my chambers?”
He waves it off. “Nothing too important, only letting you know preparations are being finalized for the party in a fortnight.”
I think quietly to myself, and Jonas departs. Warmth and a fuzzy feeling seep deep into my bones as I lie down, the exhaustion and events of the afternoon come full circle.
I grab a second pillow, drawing it close as my chest rises and falls. The bed sinks me into a comfortable place, relaxation finding me and creeping up my body.
Hope clutches my heart in a firm grip, believing that if I truly did help Jerrick, he would let me go. I muster confidence and form a prayer to the Makers above.
Taking my time, I recite each of their names and abilities, expressing gratitude and admiration for them, unsure if pleasantries will gain me anything.
Struggling to reach the end of my prayer, I whisper the final words repeatedly, “Please. Please, help me, and please help Jerrick.”
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