Page 234 of Frost and Death
But my brows furrow at the sight of Jonas and King Beauvais. Jonas’s arms are crossed as King Beauvais perches on the side of the bed, reaching toward me.
I try to lean away from his touch, and he notices and pauses.
“I’m here to help,” he says reassuringly.
The tension and apprehensiveness relax in my system. I still feel as if words are hard to reach for in my mind, so I nod.
He touches the top of my brow, and he peers over me. Alarm has me wanting to cover my chest, but my arms don’t budge. They are too worn, too weak.
King Beauvais meets my gaze, his golden eyes tinged with more yellow than an orange I remembered seeing somewhere. “I wasn’t able to heal you completely, so expect a little soreness. But you will make a full recovery, Queen Tove.” The King of Torgem smiles.
Heal?
A few memories rush in, gripping my heart tight as emotions pair with each one. The visible hurt in Jerrick’s pale blue eyes, borrowing Ophelia’s boots—Nikolaj stabbing me.
A flash of ice and frost dances across my mind as everything pieces together.
But the dread of facing Jerrick for my judgment hits me hard.
Fuck, maybe I should have stayed dead.
The door to my left swings on its hinges.
I am stunned that, of all the people in the world, I would not have expectedhimto come barreling in. His blond hair and high cheekbones are cut and disheveled, and his eyebrows lift when he sees me.
“Your Majesty!” Ulrik Albertsen says with what sounds like genuine relief.
He rushes in the bedchamber as Betina’s father hovers in the doorway. I offer her father a polite nod, surprised the noblemen of Axidoria are freely roaming and not in a dungeon.
Ulrik rushes to my side, shooing away and waving at King Beauvais.
I glance sideways at King Beauvais, Jonas, and the others, perplexed.
Ulrik lowers to a knee and takes my hand, kissing my knuckles before he meets my gaze with worry. “Queen Tove, it brings me such joy to see you are well and are recovering.” Ulrik glances to Jonas.
I arch a brow as Jonas studies Ulrik carefully before inclining his head. Ulrik faces me as Jonas’s eyes land on me.
What the—
The smell of tobacco hits my senses when Ulrik shifts closer, speaking in a hushed tone. “Can you dismiss everyone except Prince Jonas? We have some business to discuss.” His expression is encouraging, not one of scheming.
I eye him skeptically, even though he appears genuine. I pick at my nails in contemplation, feeling wary.
I look at the group in the room. “I’d like a moment alone with Lord Ulrik and Prince Jonas, please.”
My friends bow and exit, passing by Betina’s father and King Beauvais. They leave one by one, with King Beauvais stopping at the door to peer back.
“Shall I?” he asks Jonas.
Jonas stops him. “I will.”
King Beauvais tilts his head to Jonas before meeting my stare with a bright smile. “I’ll return to check on you later. Rest well, Queen Tove.”
I touch my chest with gratitude. “Th-Thank you, King Beauvais.”
“Please, call me Beau. It is what my friends call me.” He beams back.
I smile at the kindness Beau offers before he closes the door behind him.
