Page 26 of Gifted to the Frost King

After a powerful shudder turned his skin dim and cold, those feral eyes had returned. Gone was the warm male who gave me whispered praise and gentle touches. He was replaced by that harsh version of himself that dismissed me with a snarl, saying dinner would be delivered, and I was forbidden from leaving my room.

The nature of his curse is precarious indeed.

The beast was a stark reminder not to get swept up in his kindness. I’m here for a reason, and without indicating how long I have to uncover the nature of this curse, breaking it before we all turn into icicles is my most pressing concern. I cannot waste hours inside the library, stealing glances at the handsome Frost King.

Did he have to be so good-looking? If we’re being honest, I found him alluring from the moment I saw him. Even if he did terrify me, his power calls to me, unlocking some primal part of myself. I’m growing addicted to his smiles and longing looks. Something I should not do as I plan to leave this place once I break the curse.

My heart aches at the thought, but it’s the truth. No matter that when we are alone together, he looks at me like I am more glorious than the moon and stars. I cannot succumb to those lingering caresses even as I slip on my heavy wool robe, knowing that I’ll be dreaming about his fingers after my adventure tonight.

What would they feel like on my naked flesh? Does he desire me in that way—beyond just someone who may free him from this dark magic? The heat in his gaze suggests so, but I’ve never been the best at understanding human men—let alone frost elf males.

I sigh and slide into my plush slippers.

The moon has risen, and the room is cast in a gentle blue glow. The window remains the same, while the stone I held the previous night sparkles again. Padding over to it, I gently reach behind and slide it from the wall. A familiar groan rips through my room as I watch the secret door open into the dark passageway.

Whatever I discover tonight will hopefully lead me one step closer to finding answers.

The snowflake at my throat flares to life and pulses in encouragement. Taking one last deep breath, I head into the corridor, the necklace and stone illuminating the dark path. It feels colder this time. I shiver and wrap my robe tighter around my body.

The wind blows through my hair and tickles the exposed skin of my legs. A distant humming sound echos down the hall. With each step, it gets louder until it sounds right by my ear. I wave my hand, only for it to connect sharply with a snow fairy's soft, plump body.

“Ouch! Watch it!” Glimmer snaps, rubbing her side.

I whirl on her.

“What are you doing down here?”

Ignoring my question, she flutters on her wings until she lands on my shoulder. Letting out a shrill whistle, she rubs her tiny hands together.

“You weren’t kidding about the secret passageway.”

I narrow my gaze. “I thought the castle's secrets would only reveal themselves to me.”

Waving her hand, Glimmer gives a bored yawn.

“Those rules only apply to Frosty.”

Shaking my head, I continue down the corridor as Glimmer lounges on my shoulder.

“If you must know, I was napping in your sock drawer when I heard the door open. I had to come see for myself what this place was all about.”

“It could be dangerous down here.”

Glimmer raises her brows as if to say,Don’t insult me.

“If it’s safe enough for you, then it’s safe enough for me. I may be tiny, but I’m powerful.” She waves her hand, and a glittering spray of frost covers the nearest wall. “See? That’s why you need me. I’ll watch your back.”

“Impressive,” I say, and Glimmer preens under my praise.

We travel further down the corridor, the temperature dropping the deeper we get. Glimmer burrows under my hair before slipping into my robe pocket for warmth. My breath begins to curl in front of me. Thankfully, we reach the end of the hall after a few more minutes.

This one appears to be in pristine condition. The double doors mirror the library ones I saw earlier, if only a bit smaller. Each one has silver snowflakes adorned with blue and white crystals.

“Wow,” Glimmer says, popping her head out of my pocket.

“Do you recognize this door?”

The snow fairy flies forward and touches her hand to one of the crystals. Her wings flutter quickly before she floats back over towards me.

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