Page 5 of Frozen Hearts and Death Magic

Naia sat on the bed and offered him the cup. “You should drink it. Warm tea is good when you’re cold.”

River grimaced, staring at the cup as if it had poison. “I don’t want any.”

“My brother prepared it for me. You do realize he doesn’t want me dead, right?”

He raised an eyebrow. “One can never know. And it stinks of metal magic.”

Naia rolled her eyes. “Metal magic doesn’t stink.” She truly hoped so, or else he would think her smell was dreadful. “It’s just mint. Which I like.” Naia shook her head, took a sip of the tea, then put the cup on a corner table, while River still eyed it with disgust.

He took a deep breath, then his face got serious for once. “Ask me something.”

“Why? Now you’re going to answer?”

“Not a question. Something. You think you saved me, and I can’t convince you otherwise, so ask for something in return.”

“Eternal devotion.” The words popped out of her mouth again. She knew he’d never agree to it, but she wanted to see his reaction.

River sucked in a breath. Again a flash of fear crossed his eyes, but then he laughed. “Not that. Something simple.”

That fear… it meant something. She had room to maneuver, had an opening to get what she wanted, but needed to make sure to do this right. “I’ll think about it. But before that… You saw my brother, right? I could have told him about you, and I didn’t. Now, I’ll keep your presence here a secret, as long as you answer my questions.”

He managed to look confused. “I haven’t refused to answer anything, you know?”

There was no teasing, mischief, or defiance in his face, as if he were the most helpful fae in the world. But since he wanted to pretend to be nice, she’d better seize the opportunity. “Why did you come to this house? What were you doing in the woods?”

He paused, then answered slowly, “I intended none of those things, therefore I cannot give you a reason, Naia. I’m wondering as much as you are.”

She took a deep breath, then decided to ask something different. “Why did your people disappear?”

He bit his lip and had a thoughtful expression for a second, then shrugged, as if unfazed. “We didn’t disappear. I’m here.”

She frowned. “Are you planning to return?”

“You mean my people. Well, do you know everything humans plan?”

“We’re many kingdoms in Aluria. You’re just one.”

River shook his head. “It doesn’t mean I know everything.”

His eyes locked on hers, and it felt as if it was raining inside her, but more like a cool, comforting feeling of summer rain. She didn’t think he was trying to deceive her. There was openness and honesty in his beautiful red-brown eyes lined by long lashes. His face was so perfect, like an unrealistic drawing or sculpture, and it was calling to her. His lips were calling to her.

Naia looked away, trying to focus, but even the scent of rain was overwhelming her senses. Focus, Naia.

She looked back in his direction, making an effort not to pay attention to his astonishingly compelling looks. There was a lot she wanted to understand, and she couldn’t afford to be distracted. “You’re the first fae to be seen in Aluria in many years. There must be a reason.”

He stiffened and his eyes widened, then he looked away. Or maybe it was an impression, as he turned back to her and chuckled. “We also live in Aluria.”

“But you weren’t seen,” she insisted.

He shrugged. “Maybe your kind didn’t look.” He then stared straight into her eyes. “Ask me something, Naia. I can give you anything you want.” His voice was a soft caress in her ear.

Anything? Her attention was again drawn to his lips. She swallowed. It was unlikely that she’d ever again see any man half as good looking as him. It was unlikely that she would ever again be alone with someone like that. The idea that was coming to her was so strange and scary that she didn’t even dare think about it.

“What do you want from me, Naia?” he insisted.

There was an entrancing softness in his voice. He’d managed to make her name sound like music, a lullaby soothing her into wanting. It would be bold and wrong and inappropriate. Bold and wrong. Her father would be furious if he learned she did that. His pure daughter, meant to be single forever. Perhaps that was a good reason to ruin his absurd wishes. Undisturbed in her room, she could have wishes of her own.

“Kiss me.” She didn’t feel embarrassed, afraid, or ashamed. The voice was hers and wasn’t. It was the voice of a different Naia, one that had been imprisoned, gagged, and bound. And it was free now.

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