Page 41 of Gifted to the Frost King

How much longer does he have? How can I change his heart enough to break the curse? A curse I desperately want us both free of. Frosty deserves a chance to make amends and live as a better male.

My heart squeezes at the notion that I may have just found him, only to lose him.

Slamming my book shut, I settle it on the small table before me. Frosty’s eyes track every moment, a feral gleam rising to the surface before disappearing. The snowflake glows, and bright light illuminates the dim sitting area.

“What happened to the others living here when the curse was struck?”

Frosty’s eyes ice over.

“Everyone in the room when it was cast froze immediately. The others living in my realm slowly froze over time.” He shakes his head, his crown glinting in the light. “If only I could remember more about that day—of how it happened—I could’ve saved everyone by now. I spent months relocating their frozen bodies to the castle's basement.”

Frosty huffs a laugh.

“I was ashamed to see them—I couldn’t stomach it. It was a reminder of all of my failings.”

Reaching over, I rest my hand atop his. He shudders, his eyes losing focus for a moment. After a sharp inhale, he shakes himself again.

“I don’t think I was ever meant to end this curse. All this was just an illusion—tempting me with the idea of breaking it while knowing I never could.” He grips my hand in his. “I think—I think I took you knowing that. It was my final selfish act in this world and also my greatest punishment. To know you, but not get to have you.”

My heart gives a painful squeeze.

“I’m sorry,” he whispers. “For not being the male you deserve—for letting my people down.”

Moisture glimmers in his eyes. My breathing becomes painful.

“I wish we had met before all of this,” I murmur. “Maybe none of this ever would’ve happened.”

His hand cups my cheek, and I swallow my gasp. The frost-bitten fingers feel like ice against my skin.

“If anyone could’ve stopped me from becoming that wretched male, it would’ve been you.” I shiver as he smooths his thumb over my cheek. “The freeze is beginning—I can feel it. Fighting back the beast has depleted my magic. It won’t be long until I join the others in their icy prisons.”

Hopelessness weighs me down. If this is not the mark of a changed heart, then I don’t know what it is. Genuine remorse for what he has done is written in his gaze. What will become of me once he is gone? Sadness spears through my heart. I can’t consider such things. Frosty still draws breath, meaning there is still time to fix this.

“I will save you, Frosty. Don’t give up yet.”

His smile is sad as he brushes his lips over my forehead. My whole body tightens—turning hot. I need him. Each moment I spend with him, the feelings I have only intensify. It’s like I was brought here for a reason, not just to break the curse but to find myself and learn what I truly desire.

The Frost King has claimed my heart, and I gladly surrender to him.

“Come with me,” Frosty says suddenly, rising to his feet.

I follow suit and stare up into his blue eyes. Our chests brush, and I remember his lips on my bare skin. A shiver licks down my spine, and his eyes glow anew as if he knows what I’m remembering.

“Spend the day with me.”

“We spend every day together.” I raise a brow.

“No,” he shakes his head. “I don’t know how much time is left, and I want to show you while I’m still me. You’ve only gotten a glimpse of the wonders of my kingdom.”

Warmth pours from my chest and tingles my fingertips.

“I’d love that.”

“Good. Let’s take the fun way down.”

“What—”

Before I can say another word, Frosty hefts me into his arm. His muscular chest presses against my side as my arms wrap around his neck. With a nod of his head, the windows along the nearest wall fly open, and a cold breeze swirls into the room. Without warning, Frosty sprints towards the open window, launching us through it with a hearty cry.

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