Page 72 of Frozen Hearts and Death Magic

Fel shrugged. “The same. If ever my magic fails I need to be ready. Even if it doesn’t, I mean… And it’s good exercise.” Good to make him stop thinking, stop feeling, stop remembering. Good for him to leave Frostlake and the gathering behind him.

“Great exercise.” Arry rolled his eyes. “So much that I’m exhausted. And hungry.”

“You could have to face an enemy in those conditions. If you want you can try to sleep choke me, then I’ll leave you alone for a while.” It was a technique to make the enemy unconscious for a couple minutes, but Fel himself hesitated trying it because he feared he could do something wrong.

Arry starred at Fel. “You still haven’t said anything, but I know something’s wrong. What is it?”

“What’s wrong with practicing?”

His friend kept staring at him. “What is it?”

Using his magic, Fel pulled his hands, which had been lying on the ground, then crossed his arms. “I say it’s nothing, it’s nothing.”

Arry was thoughtful, then said, “It’s a girl.” He scratched his chin. “I know it is. You were there with all the fancy princesses. One of them stole your heart.”

Fel chuckled and looked away. “Not quite.”

“You think you can fool me?”

The more he avoided the topic, the worse it would get. Arry would not leave him alone, would tease him, would insist… Fel decided to tell him the truth. “Maybe. Yes. I met someone. And then she married another prince. Happy?”

Arry stared at him for a moment. “Sorry. I…”

“Nevermind.” Fel shook his head. “I just don’t want to talk about it.”

If only stopping thinking about it were as easy.

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