Page 64 of Frozen Hearts and Death Magic

“I absorbed some of your metal magic. It’s deadly to us.”

“How did you survive?”

“I’m not sure. Now it’s time I ask you some questions. Why did you agree to come with me?”

Naia smiled. “Your beautiful eyes.”

“See? It’s not fair. You say anything you want instead of answering.”

She laughed. “But it is part of the truth.”

“I thought your kind was repulsed by our eyes.”

“Nothing about you is repulsive.”

He scoffed. “That’s a… touching compliment.”

“What about me? Do you find anything about me strange?”

“Not strange, just… You’re like the night sky when the clouds are gone, when just staring at it fills you with awe and wonder, and it makes you humbled that you’re alive to witness it.”

She paused, stunned by his words, but then realizing she shouldn’t take them seriously. “You truly exaggerate.”

“I can’t lie.”

“But what’s the rule about exaggeration?”

“It would be a lie. I don’t exaggerate, Naia. Just because your people do, it doesn’t mean I do.”

She couldn’t hold back her laughter. “So you’re humbled that you get to look at me?”

“I don’t know what’s funny about it, but go on, mock me.”

“I’m not mocking. Your words sound…” She was going to say funny, but then thought better of it. “Odd to me.”

“First you complain I’m not romantic. When I do express what I think, I’m odd.”

“Being here is romantic. Your music is romantic. Yes, your words were romantic. But you coming into my room saying: let’s make a deal, marry me, that was awful.”

He shrugged. “I don’t see why.”

“Now tell me, if looking at me is so great, what does it feel when you kiss me?”

“There are places words can’t reach.”

She stared into his eyes, wondering if he was going to take the hint, but instead he got up suddenly, and said, “I have something for us. A special drink for a toast.”

“I don’t drink alcohol.” Perhaps she should stop being the obedient daughter, but she couldn’t shake her upbringing, all the times her father warned her against it… She just didn’t want it.

“Not alcohol. It’s… a juice. Rare and special.” He walked to the kitchen counter and took two cups and a large purple bottle.

She got up and followed him. “Is it some fae drink?”

“Well, yes. Assuming that by fae you mean Ancient.”

“No. I mean, will it have some effect on me?”

“You’re going to like it.” He locked his eyes on her. “You still don’t trust me?”

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