Page 29 of Gifted to the Frost King

Thrashing against his metal restraints, they groan but hold firm.

A necessary precaution, especially with her sleeping only a few floors away—tempting and unaware. He doesn’t have much longer. Each day spent with her is a gift and a knife that stabs into his stomach. The beast demands he remember, but he happily forgets their impending demise.

Instead, he thinks of her—of her lovely face and curious dark eyes. It brings him comfort. The metal bindings will hold. There’s no need to keep fighting tonight. He tucks away the vision of Dove into his heart.

He’ll be ready to banish the beast come morning. For now, he must rest.

16

DOVE

I’m waiting for the King when he arrives at my room the following day.

I am wearing my thickest gown, made of heavy red wool that molds to my body. The neckline and sleeves are adorned with pale fur, matching the cloak's lining draped along my shoulders. Stockings cover my legs, and thick leather boots encase my feet.

White satin gloves cover my hands, and I can’t stop wringing them.

A million questions swirl around my mind. I barely slept after returning to my room. What I had witnessed was enough to retrieve some dormant memories from Glimmer. The things she revealed to me had made my stomach turn.

There is a soft rap against the door before it swings open. He’s here—Frosty—looking as handsome as ever. Dressed in his usual simple shirt and pants, his smile is easy as he breezes into my room. My stomach flutters at it, even if my face remains severe.

He draws up short as he stares at me. The easy smile melting away into a look of apprehension.

“What’s wrong? What’s happened?”

Worry laces every word. Crossing my arms over my chest, I shake my head.

“How could you do that?” I demand. “Take something so sacred to them.”

According to Glimmer, the power and significance of the relic could not be understated. It meant everything to her people. Not only was the magic powerful, but it was also a symbol of where they came from—a rich piece of their history. For the Frost King, who serves as their protector and ruler, to be the one who stole it turns this crime into more than theft. It was a declaration indicating that the snow fairies were lesser than others under his rule.

It is an unforgivable offense.

Glimmer had said that returning it would be the bare minimum. She recalled her people's agony over the stolen egg, which many deemed an omen of their forthcoming demise. Then the curse came, and they all turned to ice.

The memory of the egg’s disappearance had faded from Glimmer’s mind until she glimpsed it last night.

Frosty’s white brows pull low over his vibrant eyes.

“I have no idea what you’re referring to.”

Reaching into the pocket of my gown, my fingers graze the raised surface of the bejeweled egg. It hums in my hand. Even the snowflake at my throat dims in supplication to its power.

I extend the relic toward the King. His eyes widen, and his jaw unhinges. His blue skin turns a shade paler as he lifts a trembling hand toward it.

“I remember. I took it—but I don’t know why.” His eyes blaze into mine. “How did you find it?”

Gently, I tuck it back in my pocket, careful not to jostle the delicate egg.

“The corridor revealed itself again to me last night.” I narrow my eyes, and my lips curl. “I was shown a memory of you engaged in quite the sensual act.”

The Frost King’s cheeks darken, and he looks away. I continue, ugly emotions loosening my tongue.

“You were drunk and proudly proclaimed to your advisor that you had taken the egg. To punish thoselittle beasts,as you called them. Saying that if you had to suffer, so too did they.”

Frosty’s mouth falls open, but he wisely shuts it.

“We must return it.” I place my hands on my hips. “Now.”

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