Page 200 of Frost and Death
“There are no words, My Queen,” he purrs against my skin.
Knots form in my stomach from the lull of his utterance and his kiss blooming heat along my skin.
He stares intently, and I gulp. “No words?”
“There are no words to describe you. None will ever suffice for your divinity.”
The compliment sends my heart skipping as he loops my hand over his arm. I’m not sure there are any words I could offer him, either. He himself is a deity and exalting to behold.
Jerrick runs his hand in those small circles around mine, immediately calming and soothing me. I smile, and he breathes again, shaking his head and brushing a strand away from his face.
“I wish there was a word that could define everything I see and admire in you, Frostbite.”
I shy away from his words, hiding the heat of my cheeks and the desire blooming in my core. “Th-Thank you, Jer,” I say.
His compliments are more than I deserve. He leans in flirtatiously, turning my gaze back to his, and winks.
“Don’t worry, I know I look great, too.”
I scoff at his ego.
He chuckles, and I can’t help but join in as he guides us from my chambers, well on our way to attending our first festivity together as husband and wife.
42
Faces on Parade
Floral arrangements rest delicately in vases, and lanterns glow and illuminate the hallway as we reach the main level of the castle. Beneath us is a long maroon velvet carpet centered in all areas where the party is taking place.
We pass and acknowledge the staff on duty tonight, approaching the doors to the ballroom.
Jonas appears from the corner of my eye, coming to greet us with a familiar elderly woman who brings a smile to my face. He wears all black to match his combed-back hair, standing out with a red mask held in place by his permanent grin.
Frida is dressed in a deep red gown, silk draped to hug her small body and yet make her presence big enough to fill the entire room. Gold stitching matches the half mask she carries. With an arched eyebrow, she analyzes Jerrick and me before we even reach each other.
Jerrick embraces Jonas before the prince looks upon me and kisses my cheek. I reach up to hide my blush from the gesture.
Jerrick grunts, “That’smywife.”
Jonas rolls his eyes, waving his brother off. “She ismysister-in-law and my queen.”
Frida scowls, tilting her head and then swatting his arm. “She is everyone’s queen. Now, stop talking as if we ladies are not here.”
I try to hide my snicker, Jerrick chuckling as Jonas winces but nods at his grandmother.
Frida holds the prince’s gaze before turning to me. She lowers her head to Jerrick and me, a complete contrast from when we were in her shop.
“I must say, you wear the gown better than I expected, granddaughter,” Frida says, eyes meeting mine.
Remembering her interactions with the two men, I try to appease her with a compliment in return. “Not as well as you wear beauty, ma’am.”
Frida flicks her attention to Jerrick, her jaw working. “She learns fast.”
Jerrick huffs a laugh. “That, she does, Gran Gran.”
Frida turns to Jonas. “You, on the other hand,don’t.”
I stifle my snort as Jonas’s mouth falls and as Jerrick cracks a loud laugh.
