Page 18 of Gifted to the Frost King

It looks perfect except for the tiny teeth marks marring the meat and rolls. I raise a brow at Glimmer.

“Helped yourself, did you?”

The snow fairy’s cheeks go up in blue flames.

“Just making sure it wasn’t poisoned,” she delicately corrects. “That’s all.”

“Mm-hm.”

Settling into the nearest chair, I slice off a good portion of the meat she’d been nibbling on and hand it to her. Her eyes glow brightly as she clasps the greasy pork between her tiny hands—gnawing and suckling with her sharp teeth. I can’t help but laugh at the sight. Taking my own bite of the meat, the salty flavor causes me to groan.

Having finished the pork and most of the eggs, I’m buttering a roll when Glimmer buzzes excitedly in front of my face.

“How was dinner with the King?”

Licking over my teeth, I take a bite instead of answering. Glimmer settles beside me on the armrest as she awaits my response.

“He is an interesting male,” I say, swallowing. “The King has your fondness for speaking in riddles.”

Glimmer nods sadly. “That’s one of the unfortunate parts of the c—c—cu—c?—”

“Curse?” I offer.

The snow fairy glows brightly, moving swiftly to hover before me.

“Did the King tell you about it?” Her excitement is palpable.

I give a slight shrug. “Not in so many words. I pieced it together during our dinner.”

Polishing off the last of my roll, I level a stare at the snow fairy.

“What do you know about the sorceress behind all of this?”

Glimmer’s color dims to a sickly pale blue.

“We shouldn’t speak of her. She’ll return soon if you can’t break it in time.”

“And you don’t have any idea how I could possibly do that?”

Sadness tips the tiny fairy’s lips. “No. I wasn’t even here when the curse was cast.”

At my lowered brows, Glimmer settles atop my turned-over teacup.

“I was away—deep in the forest, avoiding my responsibilities. I never could’ve imagined what I would return to.” Her color dims further as her wings sag. “Life was different back then. Hundreds of us snow fairies lived in our fortress in the woods. From what I remember, the frost elves and my people got along. It’s blurry now, as are the years before the curse. All I know is that the King was being punished for something, and we all had to suffer for it. The details of how and why are missing.”

Shimmering eyes stare up at me.

“By the time I returned and learned what had been done, this land had become barren, and my people?—”

Her body jerks as she breaks off into a sob. My heart aches for this tiny creature all alone in this world. What kind of sorceress punishes all for the faults of one? A better questionmight be, what kind of male is the King to have incurred such a wrath?

Until I better understand who he is and what he’s done, I can’t determine whether this punishment is just. Right now, I think it’s a bit overkill.

Reaching down, I cup Glimmer in my palm. Her curvy body settles there as I soothe her with gentle strokes down her back. Wiping away at her eyes, her smile is sad.

“It was dark magic she used. Our bodies are so small—they froze in an instant. I would’ve joined the rest of my kind in time, but since I was away when the curse was struck, I was spared from the initial wave. I live under the same conditions the King must adhere to. He doesn’t have much longer. Everywhere the curse touches will get worse very soon.” She grips my thumb, rubbing her face against it. “I cannot even remember what my family looks like or their names. Every passing day, the curse takes more of my memories, and I fear the day there will be none left.”

Moisture stings my eyes.

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