Page 87 of Frozen Hearts and Death Magic

“No harbor in Aluria is safe anymore.”

His face was wistful, as if recalling a memory. “Yes. But they used to be.”

“River, how old are you?” Yes, she realized she was asking this a little too late.

“I don’t know. Truly. I was eighteen when I got lost. A lot of time passed, but not for me. Not the same.”

“When did you get lost?”

“Some twenty years ago. But I didn’t live through these years, I didn’t age in these years, so it doesn’t count.”

“Don’t fae live longer?”

“Not that much. Us, at least. I don’t know about across the sea. We tend to be healthier, that’s all.”

Twenty years ago. “You were alive during the war.”

“Yes, Naia, I was. Before you get angry at me, please know that I lost many friends, many people I loved.”

She wondered if he had lost a girl he had loved, and felt an odd pang of jealousy. “My kingdom lost an entire city.”

A cloud crossed his eyes. “I know. But I don’t think it was us.”

“If not the fae, then who?”

“A natural disaster. Some magical race from the continent. Another human kingdom. Those are my theories.”

“What race? Like other fae?”

He shook his head. “Fae are peaceful.”

“Then who? Trolls? Dragons?” She wasn’t even sure if they existed, but was asking.

“You mean dragon lords.” His voice was clipped. “I doubt it was them.”

“Dragon lords?”

River sighed. “They’re magicians from the continent. Apparently they rode dragons. A long time ago.”

“Then who?”

His face was strangely serious and thoughtful. “Either us, but I knew nothing about it, and it doesn’t make sense. Or another kingdom.”

“Let me guess. Ironhold. Your pals. But why?”

River stared at her. “Not necessarily them. Still, you should know that humans can do despicable things.”

“Fae, too. Or Ancients.”

“True.”

Naia hadn’t expected him to agree with that. She lay down on the blanket, but turned to him. “But how… I mean, how are you in Ironhold? I mean, I doubt they’ll just take anyone who walks in and then even bring this person to the gathering. Bring them to a ball.”

He had a relaxed chuckle. “Oh, Naia. Am I supposed to feel slighted that you’re overlooking my irresistible charm?”

She raised an eyebrow. “I know of your charm. But it doesn’t explain how Ironhold let you in their circle.”

His expression was still playful. “Of course it does.”

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