Page 67 of Frost and Death
The woman near the entrance walks further into the room, and her eyes meet mine as she curtsies. Her long wavy hairbillows forward before rising, sweeping loose strands behind her ears.
“Hello, Your Majesty, I am Dorit, and I am to be your lady-in-waiting,” her high, soft voice chimes.
I tilt my head in acknowledgment.
Jerrick claps his hands and startles me. “Wonderful. Now that you are awake, let’s discuss our arrangement.”
Jonas scoffs, eyes rolling. “Arrangement.”
I fight to suppress a laugh when Jerrick shoots Jonas a hint of annoyance.
Jonas waves his brother, theking,off as he glares. “I am still pissed you didn’t stick to the plan we discussed.”
“I only tweaked a few things,” Jerrick replies.
“Afewthings? You weresupposedto talk to her and show her the decree! What kind ofidiotkidnaps theirbetrothedand leaves a mess in his wake?” Jonas sits in the lounge chair, crossing his legs and folding his arms.
It is surprising to hear their strategy did not involve my kidnapping. But this argument could be part of a plan laid within a plan.
I glance to Dorit, who shrugs as if this is typical behavior for the two of them.
It does nothing to help me.
“You know that plan was shit! Besides, it’s not like anyone knew who I was,” Jerrick dismisses.
“King Bernard and Queen Verena were there! Not to mention their children! They know who you are, you imbecile!” Jonas lectures Jerrick, and a little puff of laughter escapes Dorit’s mouth.
I muddle over the knowledge. Neither of the other kingdoms sought to warn me about my interactions with Jerrick during the celebrations, but maybe they assumed he was also invited.
Jerrick’s scowl melts into Dorit as her lip curls inwardly, hiding her amusement.
He takes a breath, meeting his brother’s gaze.
“Bernard and Queen Verena could not have said anything. They have not seen us since you and I were young. Besides, I thrive in making a little show of things,” Jerrick says, eyes twinkling with mischief.
Jonas lifts his head to the ceiling, pinching the bridge of his nose as he sighs with exhaustion. “Our plan was better than you going about kidnapping your fiancé and leaving blood everywhere.”
Jerrick rolls his eyes, then inspects his fingernails. “I didn’t kill anyone.”
Jonas covers his face as my protective instincts take hold.
“Excuse me,” I start. “Youkilledmy priest!”
How many of my people were hurt by this psychopath?
Another failure of ruling thrown into my face and will surely be used against me.
“Easy there, Frostbite.” Jerrick lifts a hand in warning.
I clench my fists with frustration. “You killed my priest. That is not something I take lightly. And what did I tell you about calling meFrostbite?”
His lips lift in challenge as my anger boils. “What are you going to do about it?”
My rage thrashes and a jolt of ice awakens. I open my palms, hoping to shoot frost at him.
His eyes widen in surprise, and he ducks away as Jonas and Dorit’s mouths drop.
A smug expression tugs at my lips, but I frown when nothing comes out of my hand.
