Page 20 of Gifted to the Frost King

“I’m glad I could return it to you.”

The King’s eyes linger on my face. I feel his stare as if it was a physical touch. A soft chuckle passes through his full lips. Shaking his head, he takes a step closer towards me.

“My father gave it to me to bestow as I see fit. I want you to have it.”

I blink at him, my mouth falling open.

“Me? No, I couldn’t possibly?—”

“Please. Allow this to be my first gesture towards apologizing for my abhorrent behavior last night.”

Licking over my dry lips, I nod, not trusting my voice. He smiles, and my insides turn warm. Heat pours off of him and teases my skin. What magic is he using on me to feel this way? It threatens to thaw away my icy resolve.

Walking around me, I feel him move my hair over my shoulder. His fingertips skim down the back of my neck, and I can’t stop the sigh that leaves my lips. His touch kindles something dangerous in me. I’ve never craved the touch of another like this. I used to dream about the embrace of a man, but only in the abstract. Now, with the King’s fingers teasing my skin, this brief touch is more wonderful than I ever imagined.

The pendant rests in the hollow of my throat. The crystal is cool against my warm skin. As he secures the clasp, he gently moves my hair back. Instantly, I miss his touch. What is happening to me?

“I see you’ve met the smallest nuisance our castle has to offer,” he laughs, standing before me once more.

A furious buzzing sound echoes by my ears, and my face flames anew.Glimmer. I had completely forgotten all about her nestled under my hair. With a dramatic twirl, the snow fairy turns dark blue before crossing her arms over her chest and pouting at the King.

“A nuisance? How rude. Dove and I are friends.”

The King’s eyes return to me, his mouth parting slightly.

“Dove,” he sighs, as if tasting the word. I try not to shiver at the utter delight swimming in his gaze. “That is your name?”

I nod, realizing that he never asked me for it. Nor have I asked for his.

“It’s beautiful,” he whispers. “Almost as beautiful as you.”

Before I can respond, Glimmer flutters between us, breaking the King’s stare.

“Old Frosty must’ve lost all his manners if he hasn’t even bothered to learn your name.”

With one last huff, Glimmer disappears into a cloud of sparkling dust. The King shakes his head, peering down at me. With his height, I must lean back to meet his gaze. Hiscompliment still rings in my ears. What should I even say to something like that?

Ignoring it is my best bet, and I do just that.

“Frosty? Is that your name?”

The Frost King chuckles before shrugging.

“It’s become somewhat of an unfortunate moniker. Glimmer is intent on using every chance she gets.” He smiles softly. “You can call me whatever you like.”

“Hmm,” I say. “Frosty seems fitting, especially after last night.”

The King dips his head, color spreading over his cheeks.

“That’s part of the reason I came. I wanted to make sure you were alright.” His throat muscles tighten, but after a deep inhale, they relax. “Our dinner ended dreadfully, and I wanted to apologize formally.”

I cross my arms over my chest.

“I don’t think anyone cares to be magically tossed through walls and locked in their bedroom like some ill-behaving child.”

Again, this need to nettle flourishes within me. Instead of getting angry, he looks more contrite. He brushes invisible dirt from his shirt and refuses to meet my gaze.

“I haven’t been myself lately. It’s not an excuse, but when the beast takes over?—”

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