Page 66 of Frozen Hearts and Death Magic

And it would have been wrong. He’d given her his word that he would wait. Wait for a faint hope that one day this would be real, this would be forever. That one day they would indeed stand before the Ancient council, before his father. Perhaps he’d be lucky enough to make love to her every night until the end of his days. A sweet, idealistic dream. Of course he wanted her, but she had to want him too—and know all the truth to be able to decide.

So strange that he had spent so many years frozen in time in the hollow. For him it had felt like days or at most months, he hadn’t even aged, but the reality was that he had spent almost nineteen years lost in that darkness, only to wake up again when it was time to meet her, wake up years later, still young, still the right age for her.

River didn’t want to believe in destiny, didn’t want to think horrible things had been meant to happen. And still, the fact that he’d been frozen in time for nineteen years, only to wake up and see her… It gave him pause. Perhaps there was something bigger than time itself connecting them, some mysterious magic. And yet, even if they were connected, it wouldn’t change the burden on his back.

A drop of water fell on her face. He looked at the ceiling, but it was well sealed, and it wasn’t even raining. Another drop, and he realized it was from his eyes—a tear.

Because he knew. Once he did all he had to do, he’d be lucky if she didn’t try to kill him. Not try. Kill him. He doubted he’d have any strength left to stop her.

20 years before

River lay under a tree,his carlay on his lap, fuzzy memories of the revel dancing in his head.

“River!”

Somebody was angry at him. A day like any other. Based on the voice, it was his cousin, Kanestar. River closed his eyes and pretended he was asleep, then felt a kick on his ribs.

“What was that for?”

His cousin had dark brown hair and two long horns, which he adorned with rings and even golden tips. Right now he looked like a bull. “Where were you?”

“Here. Didn’t you just find me?”

“There was a meeting, you miscreant.”

River ran his hand through his hair, painfully aware of the lack of horns on his head, and smirked. “I like it when people use pretty words to describe me.”

Kanestar glared at him. “You are a disgrace, River. Irresponsible, drunkard, selfish, careless, immature.”

“Why are you naming all my lovely qualities in such an exasperated tone?”

“You think you’re funny, River?”

“I’m pretty sure, actually.”

“We’re at war, cousin.”

River mock-shivered. “Oooh, so scary. Humans. I’m terrified.”

“Don’t be dim. They have weapons, they have iron, they even have deadly metal magic.” His cousin was so dramatic and exaggerated.

“Oh, stop it. Their magic doesn’t compare to us. And even if it did, I’m sure we can trap them into a deal or something. What horrible nonsense.”

Kanestar glared at him. “That’s it, then? You’re going to act like a spoiled kid and ignore your responsibilities?”

“I’m the youngest brother. Don’t you all say I’m just a child? I don’t even have my horns.”

“You’re eighteen. And you know you’ll never have horns.”

That was probably true. River should perhaps see the healer about that, but then if anyone found out he actually worried about it, the mockery would have no end. He had also considered glamouring fake horns on his head. He was good enough that he could keep the spell all the time, but then, if anyone tried to touch them, it would be the pinnacle of humiliation.

So River just laughed and ran his hand through his hair. “Oh, so that’s the problem. You’re jealous because I don’t have an anatomic hindrance on top of my head.”

Kanestar rolled his eyes. “Your knowledge of anatomy is as bad as your fighting prowess.”

“Who even cares about that? There are better things in life. And, by the way, if you’re going to call me weak, don’t blame me for wanting nothing to do with this ridiculous squabble with the pitiful humans.”

“Pitiful. Yes. Maybe that’s why you look like one of them.”

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