Page 17 of The Frost Touched Queen

“Is that so? And just how did I disappoint you,my queen?” he asks, this time, adding a bitter emphasis on my title.

I don’t have time to reprimand him for it since I’m too consumed watching him walk over to a nearby cushion to sit down. His large body occupies most of it, his arms stretching over the white fur, dominating the room with his very presence.

It’s the oddest thing I’ve ever seen.

Dressed in all-black gear, he should look out of place amongst my things, and yet he somehow manages to make it his own. Owning each and every thing in here with just his very being.

This is a king.

A king who is used to holding everyone’s attention. Ruling and dominating everything in his sight.

However, if he’s under the illusion that he can dominate me as easily, he has another thing coming to him.

I lean against the table, running the tip of my finger over the rim of the glass.

“I was half expecting to be wooed. Isn’t that what men do to women they want to marry?”

“Who says I want to marry you?” he retorts with a smug grin, making my cheeks heat up in anger.

“If that’s the case, then maybe I should travel south to Teodoro in the morning, seeing as you’re not interested.”

This time it’s Levi’s arrogant grin that is swiped off his face.

Good.

I struck a nerve.

“Well? Am I wasting my time here? Should I head south and not east as I had planned?” I bait him further.

“You’re coming home with me, Kat. That much I can promise you,” he replies, stone-faced.

I don’t scold him for using my childhood nickname this time, too proud of myself for finding a chink in his armor this soon in the game.

“I need more than promises from you, Levi. I need to know that you are worth my time.”

His formidable square jaw tics, his leg bouncing up and down in annoyance.

“Well, Levi? Are you worth my time? Because I’m pretty sure there are other kings who are.”

When he springs to his feet, and quickly strides over at me like a predator who has had enough of toying with his prey, my whole body tenses. I place the glass of water back on the table, squaring my shoulders to look just as menacing as he does. My jaw slacks when he has the nerve to grab my chin and pull my face up toward him.

“I’m not going to play this game with you. I know what you’re doing and I’m not going to be another pawn in this twisted game you’ve got going.”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“Yes, you do. That stupid decree you sent out had only one purpose and it had nothing to do with you trying to find a husband. You want to pit us against each other, but I’m telling you now, your plan isn’t going to work. I couldn’t give two fucks about Teo or any other king for that matter. Remember, Kat, I could have stolen your throne right from under your nose if I so wished. Me playing along is a courtesy I’m giving you. Consider it my way of honoring the friendship I had for the sweet girl I grew up with. The one I see no longer exists in you.”

I slap his hand away from me and dig my finger into his chest.

“I could have you killed for touching me.”

His head falls back in a cruel cackle.

“If I’m to be your king, I’ll do much more than touch you, Kat.”

My cheeks flush crimson at his crudeness.

He wasn’t always like this.

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