Page 123 of Frozen Hearts and Death Magic

She turned and sighed. “For the last time, go. The dragons are dangerous, even if you managed to trick them. Go, and go as fast as you can.”

“Come with me, then.”

After staring at him for a moment, she said, “Fine,” then took his hand and pulled him.

There was a strange, pleasant energy between them. Soon he was following her, running down a stairway by the hill, a stairway he hadn’t seen before.

River was careful not to slip on the small steps. “I still want to know who you are.”

“It doesn’t matter.” She sucked in a breath. “My time’s up.” Her eyes locked on his, as if she wanted to say something. There was such a mix of emotions there that made him confused.

And yet he felt as if she liked him—a lot. There was warmth and familiarity in those eyes, as if she’d known him for a long time, but it made no sense, and then, at the same time, it explained how she knew his name. River had no time to figure out what any of that meant, as she disappeared, her lips slightly parted, as if about to say a word. But there was nothingness where she had once stood.

River took the stones quickly, knowing the dragon lords would notice the missing staff, but then ran to the village, traded a horse for fake gold and galloped back to the port. He’d need to get in the first boat to Aluria, and quick.

As he left the mountain and the “lair” behind, as the wonder of meeting his beautiful savior faded, his heart sped up, and it wasn’t with fear or worry. It was knowing that he had gotten the staff, knowing that it was on its way to its people. For the first time, he’d be able to look his father in the eyes with pride. This was legendary. He was going to save the Ancients.

* * *

Crouchedunder a sheet that was covering one of her tables, Leah heard the door open and someone step into her old room. Perhaps she should run to them, tell them Frostlake could be in danger, then run past them and try to find her parents. She just wanted to save her family, to save her kingdom.

And yet here she was, crouching. Her father’s words from the dream came to her mind: “save yourself.” But she wished she could save everyone. No, she wished there would be no need for any saving.

The steps coming in were heavy, and sounded like boots.

“Empty. No recent fire or candle,” a man said.

It wasn’t a voice she recognized. She peered from under the sheet and saw the rim of the man’s pants. Gray, like Ironhold’s uniforms. Probably.

A second man then spoke. “No. We need to find the queen. She could be hiding anywhere.”

Find the queen? It meant her mother had escaped. But then, it also meant that they were targeting her.

The man continued, “And any servants who might be hiding. This would be a good hiding place. Search the room.”

This wasn’t good. Leah could try to pretend she was a servant, but only if people didn’t look at her too closely. Few people had both blue eyes and dark skin, so she was too easily recognizable.

The table she’d chosen was small, though, so maybe they would ignore it. The men shuffled curtains, opened the wardrobe, moved the bed, and yet her hiding spot was left alone. She didn’t want Ironhold soldiers to find her. But would they even know it was her, when she was supposed to be in their evil castle? Still, she didn’t like this.

The steps receded and the only reason she didn’t exhale in relief was not to make any sound.

Her plan now was to wait until the hall was quiet, then leave her room and try to find her parents while pretending to be a servant. But they were also searching for servants. That didn’t make sense. Why would they bother with that?

Right as these thoughts crossed her mind, she heard steps again, then saw the sheet being pulled.

Leah covered her eyes and trembled, pretending to be scared. Not that she wasn’t scared, but she wouldn’t normally be covering her face and trembling like that. “Don’t hurt me,” she pleaded, hoping they would believe she was just a young, scared servant and not look too much at her.

“Oh, would you look at that?” The stupid soldier was mocking her. “What a cute, scared little thing.”

Fear became a cold chill running all over her body. His tone reminded her of Cassius, reminded her of what she’d gone through in Ironhold, and she was crouched, cornered, in a position from where there was no escape.

“Let’s bring her to the dungeons,” the second man said, his tone harsh. That was much better than his companion’s lecherous remarks.

“Don’t be so boring, a few minutes won’t hurt anyone.” He chuckled, then touched her face and cooed, “Right? My pretty thing.”

Her body was about to turn to ice. Perhaps she could yell for help. There were certainly still Frostlake guards in the castle. But then she would be found out. Perhaps she was overreacting and all the man wanted was to make her feel uncomfortable, to let her know that he had power over her.

No. He wasn’t the one with power. Something snapped inside her. Leah opened her eyes, pushed his hand away and glared at him. “Get away from me.”

---