Page 45 of Frozen Hearts and Death Magic

“Don’t touch them. Why are you doing this?”

He turned and stared at her, his face open, his reddish eyes beautiful and dangerously fascinating. “I’m keeping my word, Naia, it’s all I’m doing.”

She crossed her arms, annoyed that he affected her so much, tired of this game, tired of asking questions that went unanswered. Perhaps she should wait and let him speak.

He tilted his head. “I got you frozen, too?”

Naia glared at him. “You’re here. Talking to me. I assume you want something. Spit it.”

With a chuckle, he said, “Oh, crude words.” Then he got serious and eyed her intently, which did give her chills. “What do you think I want?”

She pushed down all her weird feelings about him and yelled, “I don’t know! I don’t understand you! How did the fae even get here?”

River sighed. “I told you I’ll answer your questions only when you’re my esteemed wife. Regardless, I’m here to stop this attack. So remember I’m the good guy.”

“Or maybe you stopped us so that your fae pals wouldn’t get hit by the mirror shards.”

He glanced around. “Wouldn’t you look at that?” He crouched and picked up a piece of a mirror. “I can see thirteen Ancient warriors in this room, and one shard like this aimed at each of them. Not only any shard, but pointy.” It was true; it looked like a knife. “I’m assuming that in less than a second, mind you, someone was able to break the mirrors in the exact shape they needed, and point the shards in all these directions at the same time.” He glanced at the mirror protecting Princess Leandra. “And also do some other things. That’s quite incredible. Now, who would be this person with such amazing metal magic? Someone from Ironhold? Well, strangely, they’re still back in the banquet room. I doubt any of them could do it. Even the best ironbringer usually only manipulates one piece at a time. Now, hear me out: what do you think will happen to this incredible ironbringer once Ironhold finds out how powerful he is?”

“Nothing.” Could it be true? Could Fel be in danger because of his power? “What are they going to do?”

River laughed. “Oh, Naia, Naia, you have no clue just how protective of their magic the Ironholds are. I mean, how are they going to be the strongest kingdom if there’s someone out there who can best them in their own element? If they see what your brother is capable of, he’s as good as dead.”

Perhaps there was some logic in his words, but she didn’t trust River. She raised an eyebrow. “So you say.”

“So I say. Sure. But I’m sure you’re smart, Naia, and can come to your own conclusions.”

“My conclusion is that your people have just made a successful attack against Aluria. In our territory, and under a dome. What’s happening?”

River shrugged. “Perhaps war is upon you. I’ve told you.”

“You didn’t say it was the fae.”

“I didn’t say it wasn’t.” He stared at her. “So here’s my proposal. I’ll make sure these warriors disappear—”

“So they can come back and fight us when we’re unprepared?”

“Not necessarily. You don’t know.” He raised his hand, palms facing her. “Let me finish. I’ll make these warriors disappear. Nobody will be sure what they’ve seen, and, most important of all, they won’t realize what your brother has done and the extent of his power.”

“And in return?”

“Lovely.” He widened his eyes and smiled. “You’re willing to give me something?’

“No. But you obviously want something.”

“Well, yes.” He fiddled with his hair, revealing a pointy ear. “You know I do. I’ll take you with me.”

Her heart almost exploded in her chest. “Now?”

“When were you thinking?” He had a cute smile as he eyed her, his head tilted.

“You take me now, they’ll blame the fae. My father and brother will be furious, and I don’t know what they’ll do.”

“That’s not my problem.”

Naia shrugged. “Well, don’t stop the attack, then. We were winning.”

“Your brother was winning, and if other people realize what he can do, I doubt he lives even one more week. It was very reckless of your father to bring him here, but then, he probably doesn’t realize how truly unique you and your twin are.”

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