Page 54 of Frozen Hearts and Death Magic

“Of course, of course.”

“What happened to your name? And what was it?”

He kissed her temple again, and Naia closed her eyes, wishing he’d move his lips lower. “Tonight we’ll talk. And we’ll spend time together, doing anything you want. I really have to go now.”

“Weren’t you going to prepare some breakfast for me?”

“Yes.” He broke the hug, then took a plate, a cup, some bread, marmalade, and juice, and put them on the kitchen table. He then took a sweet cake and a plate with apples. “Let me know what else you want, and I’ll make sure you have it. I’ll be back tonight.” He looked at her. “Don’t go into the forest.”

For some reason, she felt that it was exactly what she had to do. Why did people even warn others not to do things, if all it did was tempt them?

River smirked. “I’m serious. It’s dark and thick, and there’s nothing to hunt there, but if you want to try it, by all means, have fun.” He kissed her cheek. “I’ll think about you all day.” He smiled, then became black smoke and disappeared.

Naia was left staring at the food on the table. She wasn’t even hungry, wasn’t even sure where her life was going.

Then she took another look at the cottage. It was clean, well organized, but simple. Was River a peasant? A fae peasant? Or maybe fae didn’t have classes like humans. She hadn’t given it any thought, hadn’t realized that perhaps she was giving away all her aspirations, that instead of becoming a king’s advisor, she was about to be a nobody’s wife. River’s wife, though, and when his face and their kiss came to her mind, it didn’t sound bad. It was just… perhaps she wanted more from him, more love, more affection, more something. Perhaps tonight. After all, he had sounded sincere when claiming things would be better, when promising he’d make her happy.

And then there were things she needed to learn about the fae, about the attack in Frostlake, and this was still her best shot. If she ever changed her mind and returned home, she wouldn’t do it with empty hands. And yet… she wanted to hold River’s hand. Once she was sure she could trust him.

* * *

Fel would doanything for his sister. Anything. He’d face any threat, he’d give up riches, he’d fight any foe. And yet, letting her leave—elope—with a fae was not something he’d ever imagined he’d have to do. Perhaps it was worse than fighting a monster, as it meant letting the monster go, letting his sister, his twin, his best friend, leave with the enemy. And yet, he’d told her he’d support her choices. He wanted to see her happy, and if she and the fae were in love, who was he to get in the way? That if the fae truly loved her, but he’d promised he would respect her, and as vicious as those creatures could be, one thing they did was honor their word.

Nothing made sense. How had she even met him? But then, if his sister was happy, who was he to judge? To interfere? But had it been her choice? Or had the fae tricked her? River. Obviously fake name. And Fel let him take Naia.

He touched his end of the communication mirror in his pocket, hoping she would remember it, hoping it would work wherever she went, hoping she’d call him if she had any problem. But another thought was on his mind: his own mother. Perhaps the Ironholds had felt the same way when they found she had eloped, and who knew how much they had interfered? How much of the problems were caused because they hadn’t approved her choice? Perhaps it had even caused her death. Fel wasn’t going to do the same. And yet now he was bracing himself to face sheer wrath.

Holding the note meant for his father, he walked to his family’s quarters with sure steps but an unsteady heart.

He’d barely come in, when he heard, “Where’s Naia?”

As expected, that was the first question his father asked. Fel swallowed, then handed him the note in silence. As his father read the first words, his face became petrified, his eyes wild.

Before his father could ask or say anything, Fel said, “I saw him. I let him take her.”

His father stared at him for a few long seconds. When he opened his mouth, what came out was an almost intelligible barrage of insults and protests.

Fel himself agreed with a lot of it. Why hadn’t he done something? As her brother, it was his duty to protect her. How could he have been so useless?

When his father’s words quieted down, Fel said, “It was her choice.”

“Choice?” his father spat.

“Yes. Like my mother.”

His father shook his head, then touched his ear. “Is this pointy? Do I have horns? Red eyes? No, right? So there’s a difference there.” He wasn’t yelling, and yet, every word was laced with fury. “And I have no clue why your mother did what she did. No clue. None of my business. And that’s not a behavior I’d like Naia to replicate, or my son to condone.”

“I understand.”

“You do not. You definitely do not, and I am ashamed of trusting you, of putting Naia’s safety in your hands.”

“Well, I have no hands. And I respect my sister and what she chooses for herself.”

His father was shaking his head. “Foolish, foolish children. Foolish.” He stared at Fel with a new resolve. “There’s an emergency meeting. You’ll go in my place. Return to Umbraar and bring our things. I’ll wait for you there.”

“Where are you going?”

“Where?” His father narrowed his eyes. “You’re asking me where? I’m getting your sister back.” His eyes turned black, then his entire body dissolved in black smoke, which then disappeared.

Fel was left alone, with dread in his already broken heart. There was no way any of this would end up well.

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