Page 37 of Frozen Hearts and Death Magic

Her father said that every theory should be given due consideration. Then the Ironhold king spoke, offering to provide support to each and every kingdom, sending his best weapons and some of his soldiers.

“And you’d do that from the kindness of your heart?” someone asked. Leah could see only part of his face from where she was sitting, but recognized Fel’s father, the Umbraar king. Odd how his voice was different from his son’s.

“No, no,” the Ironhold king said. “Not kindness, but caution. The fae is our common enemy. If they take one kingdom, they’ll take us all, including Ironhold. Since I don’t want the fae to have Aluria, I’d rather do something before it’s too late.”

It would be a good idea to do something, for sure. But should Ironhold be the ones doing it?

“And what guarantee do we have that you won’t turn your soldiers against our kingdoms?” That was Fel’s father again. He was as outspoken in this meeting as he’d been silent in the ball.

A laugh echoed in the room. It was the Ironhold king. “Oh, King Azir, if you’re speaking for Umbraar, let me be clear. First, I have no interest in your shabby kingdom. Second, if your guards can’t contain a small force meant just to support you, then all it means is that you are definitely unequipped to deal with the fae.” He laughed again, and was joined by some of the other kings. “All I want to do is help.”

“Great, then. You can help the ones who want your help. I don’t need it,” the Umbraar king said.

“Aluria needs unity.” This was another king speaking. Greenstone maybe? Leah couldn’t see. He continued, “It needs a united army to fight the coming threat. This won’t work if each of us makes their own decisions. It’s not about you or your kingdom, it’s about the entire land.”

They kept arguing. Her father was silent, and she wondered what he was thinking. What would she do? Accepting help from Ironhold could be good, but it could also hurt their autonomy. It could also mean putting potential enemy forces in their kingdom. But Ironhold couldn’t want to conquer the entirety of Aluria; it was too big. Also, it was true that a small force sent to support local armies wouldn’t be enough to overcome them. And if they moved against one kingdom, all the others would be on alert. And yet, it would give Ironhold immense power over the entire land.

On the other hand, refusing Ironhold’s aid could be seen as an act of defiance. Perhaps a good solution would be to accept the help and keep an eye on them. But then again, if the fae did return, these squabbles would matter little, and misplaced pride could put Aluria at risk.

Leah didn’t know what the right answer was and apparently neither did most of the kings, as they postponed the matter for further discussion.

Now Leah’s heart was truly speeding up. Fel was going to propose. And then what? What would her parents do?

* * *

Fel assumedthat Queen Ursiana wouldn’t attend the council meeting. If she hadn’t been in any of the previous gatherings, she likely didn’t have an active role as Frostlake Queen, at least concerning inter-kingdom matters.

He let Naia watch his father at the meeting, and took the opportunity to request an audience with Leah’s mother. To his surprise, it was immediately granted, and that was how he found himself stepping into a study with bookshelves on one side, a large window with a view of the city, and chairs around a small table. Two guards stood on the corners, and the queen wore a daytime dress. Fel was wearing the shirt and pants from the ball, without the coat, hoping to make a good impression, hoping that his instincts had been right.

Queen Ursiana got up and raised her eyebrows. “You wished to see me?” It was odd to see her from up close. Her face resembled a lot Leah’s, except that she had brown eyes and her complexion was a little lighter. Fel wondered if she had indeed rejected his father in the past. Perhaps it was a pointless suspicion.

Fel nodded. “Indeed, your majesty.”

She gestured to the chair in front of her. “Well, have a seat.”

So far she’d been friendly, and yet his heart was thumping against his chest like a caged animal.

Fel sat down, took a deep breath, then said, “I know that your majesty and my father have had disagreements.” There was a flash of fury in her eyes, but very brief. Fel tried to appease her. “No, I mean, perhaps my father has offended you. I wish he had apologized, but what I can say is that I’m sorry, and if I can do any reparation—”

“Skip your pity, boy.” She waved a hand, as if dismissing him.

This wasn’t going well. “My apologies. I meant no pity. I meant to say that I am not my father. Whatever faults or mistakes he’s made, they are not my fault, and if I can, I will do everything possible to repair them.”

She arched an eyebrow. “Is that why you came here? Your talk is tedious.”

“My apologies. I’m here to request your daughter’s hand in marriage.” He wished he’d worded this better. He wished it didn’t sound as if he were begging, and, most of all, wished he didn’t need anyone’s permission.

The queen’s disgusted grimace was a horrible response. She then closed her eyes and sighed. “You do realize she has other suitors, I assume.”

“I do. But I’m also sure your majesty loves your daughter and will let her choose.”

She tapped her fingers on the arm of her chair, as if thinking. “Prince Isofel, I have no quarrel with you. However, you must be aware that Leah has better matches. That said, you’re right that it’s up to her to choose, and I’ll pass on your proposal. You’ll be notified of her reply.”

While her voice had been cold, the words were great. They were just great. Fel made an effort not to smile too broadly. “Thank you so much.”

“Good luck.” Queen Ursiana’s voice was clipped.

Like that, Fel left the room with the certainty that his father’s gloomy warnings had been exaggerated and unfounded, and glad he hadn’t listened to any of that.

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