Page 15 of Frozen Hearts and Death Magic

Leah chuckled. “Like King Skeleton?”

“You read Rudolf the Mighty!” he sounded surprised.

“Well, yes. They’re popular books.”

He then went on to ask her about her favorite character, and they ended up discussing King Skeleton and his completely unrealistic necromancy feats, then moved on to talk about everything absurd in the series. The funny thing was that he enjoyed the books just like her, even if he also knew they were absurd. She felt at ease talking to him, no longer intimidated by his looks.

Fel then asked her, “What about Adelia’s Secret? Have you read that?”

She swallowed. That was one of those kissing books forbidden to her. She’d read half of book one before it disappeared. “No. I… I don’t think we have them.”

“I can send them to you. I think you’d love them.” He paused. “If it’s deemed appropriate, of course.”

Leah looked down. “My mother doesn’t let me read those books.”

He smiled. “I could change the covers. If you wish.”

Leah chuckled, but then the carriage stopped. They were already behind the castle and their conversation was cut short. So soon. It was a pity, as she could spend forever talking to him about books, about anything, really. And his sister was nice too. Leah even felt bad for ignoring her, but she had a friendly smile and didn’t seem upset.

They said goodbye, then Kasim took Leah to the rose path in the garden. It was a spot without trees around it, allowing good visibility. While it was a horrible place to hide, it was a great place to talk to someone and be sure not to be overheard.

Leah thought he was going to scold her for almost accepting a gift from a young man, but he just smiled. “You had fun?”

“So much. They’re so nice.”

He nodded. “I’m glad you’re making friends, but I need to warn you against any romantic aspirations towards the Umbraar boy.”

He was not a boy. And she wasn’t having any romantic aspirations. Not yet, at least. “We were just talking!”

“I know, and it’s why I didn’t mind it, but he’s not for you, Leah.”

“Because of his father?”

Kasim sighed. “I won’t even tell you my opinion about his father because those would not be appropriate words before a young lady, but I would never judge children for their parents’ mistakes. Except in this case.”

“But what’s the problem? Is it whatever happened between them and Ironhold?”

“Not really. One day you’ll learn it all. This is just a warning. I trust you and know you’re smart and level-headed. I know you won’t make a foolish choice.”

Leah nodded, but wished she understood why he was saying that. Kasim was the greatest rule-breaker in their family, and for him to forbid something meant it was pretty bad. But what? What was wrong with the Umbraars? Even Naia didn’t know.

Kasim then added, “Also, I’ll tell your father about the watersnake, and I’ll omit your presence there.”

Watersnake. She had forgotten about it—and had many questions. “I don’t understand how it showed up at the lake.”

“What do you think, Leah?”

“I… it doesn’t make sense. It’s a lake. Aren’t they sea creatures? It’s as if someone put it there. But why?”

“I’d say the question would be by whom? Then we get the answers.”

“But who could perform that kind of magic? I don’t think even a wildbringer could.” She shivered with dread. “The white fae?”

“I don’t know.”

“And why?” She paused. “Hang on. If it was on purpose, it could be targeting the twins.”

“It could be targeting any young visiting royal. A lot more people were supposed to go there.”

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