Page 203 of Frost and Death
King Beauvais doesn’t know about Jerrick’s curse, right? No, he couldn’t.
“You’re right. It has,” Jerrick recovers. “Stay here for a few days, and we shall plan an outing.”
King Beauvais nods. “I can afford an extra day or two.”
“Excellent.”
“Wonderful.” King Beauvais pivots to me.
I lower my head slightly but not enough to appear lesser than him.
King Beauvais takes my hand and lifts it to his lips to kiss. “It’s a pleasure to meet you in person, Queen Tove. I’ve always been pleased with your efforts at communicating with Torgem, and I must extend my thanks to you and your advisor for always negotiating and seeking trade with us.”
“The honor is mine, King Beauvais. Thank you for having resources to trade with us.”
Deities, I did not expect him to be sogenuine. He seems so happy and cheery. My cheeks would be aching if I smiled that much.
King Beauvais steps back, looking between Jerrick and me. “I best go find some food and refreshment. Thank you for having me.” He lifts his mask over his face and leaves.
Jerrick reaches for me, and we remain linked arm in arm as we make the rounds to greet everyone. The fear of murmurs and dark whispers have me gripping my husband tight, and I am surprised when I do not hear anyone call me the Snow Queen.
A new hope twists inside me as I look into each face meeting mine, pleading Niko’s features will be recognizable. After a group of nobles leave us, Jerrick and I are alone, yet I remain distracted, scanning the entire vicinity for Niko.
Jerrick leans in to whisper, “Would you like a drink?”
My mouth waters at the thought of wine touching each of my taste buds. “Please.”
He kisses my cheek again, my heart hammering as I watch him leave.
Jonas approaches, and I face my brother-in-law, seeking to distract my thoughts. “Where is Viggo?”
Jonas sips his goblet of wine lightly. “I had him on duty tonight so that we can plan for our holiday once everyone leaves.”
I grin. “Where are you planning to go?”
I only get a shrug when a staff member approaches my brother-in-law, and he turns to assist them.
Jonas glances back at me. “Duty calls.”
I smile as he strides off to ensure the festivities remain without error, glancing through the crowd for Jerrick.
Someone coughs behind me, and my heart leaps at the thought of it being him. But I turn, and my heart plummets when amber eyes I’ve known for so long stare back.
Red hair, slight stubble, tall. Deities, I forgot how tall he is.
“Niko,” I breathe.
A boyish grin, one I know so well, forms, and I am transported home and to the moments I’ve shared with him. My heart leaps at seeing him here, my lungs unable to function. I’ve longed to see him, have been nervous to see him, and it all vanished.
I am only happy and filled with excitement that he is here. But I lose the chance to jump into his arms when he lowers into a bow, rising and scanning me from head to toe.
“Queen Tove, it brings us joy to see you in such great health,” Niko says politely.
Us?
I peer behind him, recognizing a few men. One is Betina’s father, and another is Ulrik Albertsen. My mood sours when Ulrik’s eyes meet mine, and he averts his gaze. That’sodd.
I flick my attention back to Niko, not letting it keep away the joy of seeing him.
