Page 57 of Kiss of Ice

“No. But it’s happening. And you’d better start believing in yourself or it will crush you.” He released her and walked to the door. “Now get some rest. Tomorrow we’ll carry out that mad plan of yours.”

He closed the door behind him and she threw herself down on the bed. How dare he point out her personality defects when he had so many of his own? She shook her head irritably.

Her future husband was a walking slew of contradictions. One minute he was sweet and kind, the next he was laying down the law. Her father was right when he called the Emperor fickle and unreliable.

And yet he hadn’t taken advantage of her drunken state last night. He could easily have done so; she distinctly remembered telling him how much she liked his mouth. But he hadn't.

And there was the fact that he’d agreed to come with her to discover what was really going on in Nush’aldaam. That had to mean something, didn’t it? Oh gods, her head hurt too much to think about it.

She was glad when Ruth came in. The witch was holding a glass of some minty concoction that soothed Ren’s hangover almost instantly.

“That’s so much better, thank you. And thanks for the magic confidence booster you gave me last night. I couldn’t have got through the evening without it.”

The wiccan grinned at her, her yellow eyes dancing with merriment.

“I hear you were quite the success. Gracious, witty and charismatic.”

“It was all down to your potion. What was in it?”

“Water, aniseed, a little colouring.”

“No, I mean the magic ingredient. Or is it a secret?”

The witch shrugged.

“No secret. And no magic. It was all you, my dear.”

Ren sat bolt upright, horror on her face.

“Youtrickedme? It was all a lie?”

“The only lie was making you believe your self-esteem came from magic. You are naturally vivacious and engaging, my Lady, I just helped those qualities out.”

“What if I’d fucked up? What if I’d said all the wrong things or fallen down the stairs or knocked someone’s glass over…”

“None of those things happened. You were wonderful. And it was all you, not some witchery.” Ruth patted her hand. “Now, I understand the wedding is in six days from now.”

Ren gulped. Somehow she’d managed to forget the point of all this. She was getting married.

“Gods, I’m so not ready for this,” she muttered.

“You will look magnificent. I’m already working on the dress, I promise you’ll be pleased. But I need to beg permission for a day off. I need to see my coven.”

“Of course. I hope nothing’s wrong?”

“I hope so too.”

“Is there anything I can help with?”

Ruth shook her head.

“It’s witch business. I’m sure it’s nothing to worry about. I’ll be back in plenty of time to finish your dress. Do you need anything else before I go?”

“Um…” Ren blushed. “The wedding night. I’m not sure what… what to do or what to expect.”

Ruth gave her a faint smile.

“I’ll wager your fine young man knows what to do so you shouldn’t have concerns in that department. Have you talked about children? He’ll be wanting heirs I imagine. Do you want them straight away?”

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