Page 76 of Frozen Hearts and Death Magic

“There are none. That way we make sure only people authorized by our family can come up here. It makes it safe.”

Leah was almost asking how she would move about when she had no metal magic, but realized the question was stupid before it came out of her mouth. That was the point: her room was a prison, and unless she learned to climb really well, there was no getting out of there. Only an ironbringer could move the cage up and down. Fel. Yes, she was going insane now. He’d never come anywhere near here, and even if he did, it wouldn’t be to save her.

She had to smarten up. Now. She turned to Venard and smiled. “That’s amazing.”

“Isn’t it?” He seemed satisfied.

Leah was starting to think that he truly believed she was going to get along with his family and everything would be wonderful. Something wrong with his head, for sure.

They stopped a couple floors below where Leah’s room was, then walked to a large silver door, which two guards opened. Somewhat silly to have them open it, if it was made of metal, but she didn’t say anything.

Beyond the doors was a large room, all beige, with huge chandeliers and a table long enough that it could fit some sixty people. Large windows on both sides illuminated it. At the edge of the table was Lady Celia, and Leah had to refrain from shuddering. Beside her was the middle brother, Silas. Across from them was the crown prince, Cassius. Leah almost shuddered again remembering that her cousin had been hoping to marry him. At least she had escaped. Unless there were more cruel people in the world, unless marriage was a prison from which there was no escape.

But those were some unwelcome thoughts, when she had to act nice and friendly and oh, so happy to be part of that lovely family.

They sat her across from Lady Celia, between Cassius and Venard.

The woman smiled at her. “How did you sleep?”

Leah was staring at her plate and glanced at Lady Celia. “Very well.”

“Feeling calmer than yesterday?”

“Much calmer.”

The woman stared at Leah’s bruised neck and had a satisfied smile. “That’s great to hear. Now I bet you must be hungry.” She snapped her fingers. “Servers.”

From a side door, three young women brought trays with bread, cuts of meat, fruit, cakes, pastries, and cheese. Leah was going to avoid the pastries this time, even if she’d love to puke on these people.

She took bread, cheese, a slice of beef, and a glass of tea. She made an effort to bite and chew slowly so as not to look like a starved wild animal, even if she was starved. But she got a second serving and a third serving, ignoring the intent eyes on her.

“Got a good appetite?” Celia commented.

Leah swallowed quickly, so as not to speak with her mouth full, and smiled. “These are delicious, that’s all.” That, and spending so long without food, but she wasn’t going to mention that.

The woman took a deep breath. “I was thinking you’d like to send a word to your parents, wouldn’t you?”

Leah froze. No, there was no reason to panic, she didn’t know about her note. She nodded. “Yes. Of course.”

“She wrote a note already,” Venard said, then took it from his pocket.

Cold, so much cold inside her. No, it should be fine, the code was very subtle, nobody would notice it. Hopefully.

“Let me see that,” Celia took the note and unfolded it. She tilted her head and looked at it. “So lovely. She finds our castle beautiful, had a pleasant trip, and has a beautiful, pink bedroom. That’s such a harmless note.” She was smiling, but there was something chilling about her tone. Then she glared at Leah. “Why, then, are you so pale?”

Quick, quick, she had to come up with something. “Afraid you’ll find some offense in what I wrote.” Her voice came out clipped and strained. Well, she was afraid.

Celia frowned. “Oh, but you look so guilty. Something doesn’t make sense.”

“It’s… been stressful.”

“Stressful? We’ve received you in our family, despite your shame, and you dare complain?”

“No, it’s—”

“Do not interrupt me.” The woman glared at her, but then she smiled. “But now I’m curious. What’s in this note? A secret message? You need to tell me, girl, or I’ll be wondering until the rest of my days.”

Celia glanced at Venard, then her eyes traveled to his brother. “Cassius. Encourage her.”

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