Page 55 of Thorns of Frost

His chest heaved, but his expression cleared slightly. “You’re saying Georgyanna manipulated Lord Waterline to attack you.”

I nodded frantically, my heart still beating much too fast, but at least the cold air was helping to cool my heated flesh. “Yes, yes, that’s exactly what I’m saying.”

He stabbed a hand through his hair, his bicep bulging. Every line of his body still exuded such a fierce aura that it was a struggle to stand, but I made myself stay rigid and out of arm’s reach.

“You can’t kill Lord Waterline.” I gulped in another breath.Blessed Mother, when did it become so hard to breathe?“Georgyanna’s behind what just happened. Not him.”

The prince’s head snapped toward where Georgyanna stood inside. She was with the circle of fae still in the dining hall, acting as though she hadn’t a care in the world as her head tilted back every time she laughed or smiled coyly at the males around her. Thankfully, we’d been far enough away that they hadn’t seen our air elements collide before we’d flown out to the balcony.

The prince took another deep breath and raked a hand through his hair again. “How do you know?” he finally growled. “How do you know it was her and not that prick, Lord Waterline?”

“I...I don’t have proof,” I stammered, “but it’s not the first time she’s tried to make everything harder for me. Please trust me. It’s her.”

I had never told anyone about the balance beam incident, and I wasn’t going to. Lady Endalaver played dirty, but I wasn’t going to run to anybody for help. I’d figure out a way to deal with her on my own. I wasn’t weak anymore, and I refused to become another bully’s victim.

“And you’re certain that Lord Waterline wasn’t acting upon his own mind on the balcony?”

I thought of that strange gleam coating his eyes, as though he’d been influenced, then gave a curt nod. “I’m certain. She manipulated him.”

Prince Norivun took another deep breath, the ardor in his eyes finally cooling. “In that case, Lady Endalaver is about to realize what happens when someone messes with my—” He cut himself off and raked a hand through his hairagain.

I frowned. “Your what?”

His lips sealed, and he shook his head. “Nothing, but if she thought she was getting a private date with me tonight, she’s wrong.”

* * *

The prince stayedtrue to his word. Despite Lady Endalaver trying to persuade the prince to leave on a private date, Prince Norivun refused, repeatedly telling her that this was all he planned for the evening, and that was that.

And each time she tried to manipulate him or pouted prettily, he brushed her off and reminded her that this date was still within the rules of the Trial.

I kept my distance from both of them, still in disbelief at how quickly things had heated between the prince and me on the balcony, but it didn’t stop my satisfaction every time the prince refused her.

Once again, the prince’s protectiveness and possessiveness stirred my thoughts. Never mind the way we reacted to each other physically.

All this time, I’d thought his protectiveness was because he saw me as an asset, someone he must keep safe at all costs because of what I could do with theorem. He needed to keep me protected so I could save the continent, but that hardly explained his fierce desire. Each time he’d kissed me, he’d nearly look possessed. As though a succubus had ensnared him and demanded that he claim me.

I nearly snorted at that thought as the music continued around me while those remaining in the dining hall danced or chatted. Such a thought was ridiculous. The only time somethingthatextreme happened was when...

My eyes turned to saucers as my heart jolted.

A fae male had found his mate.

My lips parted, and my breath stopped.

It felt as though the realm tilted off its axis.

I reached a steadying hand for the wall and gripped my wineglass tightly. The only time a fae male naturally acted with such extreme behavior was if he’d foundhis mate.

My heart pounded more as blood thundered through my veins.

Near the wine table, Prince Norivun spoke with several males beside him while Georgyanna pouted in the corner.

My heart beat even harder.

No, surely,no. Thatcouldn’tbe the reason.

But...

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