Page 17 of Frozen Hearts and Death Magic

4

Golden Strands

Naia was stunned as she stared at her own image in the mirror. She was part giddy, part surprised at seeing herself wearing a huge, brilliant purple dress, so huge that a maid had to help her get into it. As much as she feared it could be exaggerated, she’d always dreamed of dressing like that, except that she would need to get used to that enormity.

Now, she knew that dresses were often an unfair disadvantage when hunting or running, but she wasn’t planning on doing any of that tonight, and it felt good to look so extravagant. People would notice her from across the ballroom—which wasn’t necessarily bad, but would be new to her.

Her hair was down, though, as she hadn’t let the maid style it. Naia liked her hair too much to keep it in some bun or braid, and she found that the contrast of her black hair with the dress was beautiful. She looked like a princess from one of those stories her brother loved, in that glittery purple that reminded her of the sky right before night.

Speaking of brother, she saw him behind her reflection.

His smile broadened as his bright green eyes set on her. “Wow, look at you.”

“Great. Now you’re going to mock me.”

“I’m not mocking.” And yet his face was still playful. “I’ve never seen you in a ballgown before, and… it’s… interesting.” Was he trying to keep his laughter down?

She rolled her eyes. “Interesting? I love how you’re so encouraging.”

“It’s beautiful, Naia.” There was no trace of mockery now. “It’s just that I need to get used to seeing you like that.”

Naia shook her head and looked at her brother, who wore all black, his hair seeming to dissolve into his clothes. He looked so elegant, so princely.

She chuckled. “I need to get used to wearing it. And you look great too.”

Fel grunted. She really needed to have a talk with him and make a heroic effort to prevent him from becoming a copy of their father. But that was for another time. There was a glint in his eyes, and she had no intention of ruining his happiness. Naia smiled. “She’s beautiful.”

Her brother’s eyes widened, but then he cocked his head casually. “Who?”

“Who, Fel?” She snorted. “Don’t give me that. You know who I’m talking about.”

“The Frostlake princess. Yes, extremely beautiful,” he said matter-of-factly, his voice level.

“Wow, that’s some excitement. You’re talking about her the way you describe a piece of furniture or something.”

He shrugged. “Why should I be excited?”

Naia, who had been talking to him through the reflection, turned. “You don’t have to do everything our father says, you know that?”

“That’s quite funny coming from you, sister. You never speak for yourself in front of him.”

She looked down. It was true. But then, he had no idea what she’d done behind their backs. “Fair enough.” She faced her brother. “But this is about you. If you want to fall in love, you should.”

“You don’t choose to fall, you know? I’m pretty sure you didn’t choose to drag your behind on the lake today.”

“You were standing.”

His eyes had an amused twinkle. “Unlike you, I wasn’t taking any risks but rather relying on my magic, something familiar. I’m not sure that’s a good way to live.” His face then got somber. “Still, as to the Frostlake Princess, I’m not dumb to want what I can’t have.”

Naia hated hearing that hard edge in her brother’s voice. She wanted to tell him that it wasn’t true he couldn’t have the princess, but feared it would make matters worse, as he would dig himself in a bigger hole by arguing why he shouldn’t want her.

She decided to change the subject. “The watersnake, what do you think?” They had told their father, who had dismissed the idea of a wildbringer enchanting the snake, but had no idea what could have caused it. After that, there had been no time to discuss it with her brother.

“If watersnakes were common in this kingdom, they wouldn’t have taken us skating. Something doesn’t…” He sighed. “I think the fae are returning, Naia.”

Naia trembled, then had a nervous laugh. “An odd choice for them, don’t you think?”

“Maybe. But just think how many princes and princesses could have been there. They could have reached the heart of Aluria’s royal families all at once, with one simple stroke.”

---