Page 49 of Gifted to the Frost King

His head rears back. “You do not know?—”

“There is much I’ve come to learn about you since I arrived. I know the type of male you are, and this is not it. You are kind and gentle—compassionate. That is the type of male you are to me—one who is remorseful and capable of change.” I lick over my lips. “The type of male I’ve come to care for.”

His eyes flash as I settle my hands on his bare chest. I feel the hammering of his heart against my palm, and his warmth flows up my arm. I stare into his feral eyes and lay the truth bare.

“The male who is my mate.”

His eyes widen, and a shudder racks his whole body. Yanking against the chain, they groan as the feral look in his eyes intensifies. The stone wall behind him crumbles, but I don’t retreat.

“You won’t hurt me,” I whisper. “Please come back. Help me save Glimmer before it’s too late. Please.”

His whole body tenses as he lets out another snarl. The cursed crown atop his head glints as he thrashes. I watch the muscles in his neck twitch as he shakes from side to side. The struggle inside of him plays out before my eyes. The chains behind him pull from the wall. They slip from his wrists and waists, landing on the floor with loud clangs.

My breath catches as he goes wholly still.

Finally, he blinks clear blue eyes open at me. His skin is a shimmering blue, and his hands are free of their deadly claws. He stares at me for a moment, mouth slightly open. With flaring nostrils, he comes to life and crushes me against his chest. I bask in his pine scent, of the warmth of his body, even if he, too, feels colder than I would like.

There is still time to fix what has been done, but for now, Glimmer needs us. Once she is mended, I will do everything possible to uncover this missing piece. Frosty’s heart pounds in a steady rhythm against me. We both deserve a chance at the loving future I saw. In his arms, I feel closer to that vision than ever before.

“My beautiful mate,” he murmurs into my hair. “I’ve waited centuries for you. Even when I had forgotten what I was waiting for, I still knew you on that platform. I knew you belonged to me, and I belonged to you. It was why I chose you—my one final selfish act.”

“I’m glad you picked me.” My words are muffled against his chest. “There’s so much I have to tell you.”

As I open my mouth to reveal all I’ve learned, the words stick in my throat. Air rasps out of me, and I realize that the curse has affected my ability to share what I know. That sorceress is beyond cruel. Shaking my head, I look up at him.

“That will have to wait. Glimmer needs us.” My grip on him tightens. “But I will break this curse, Frosty. For all of us.”

He smiles, but it does not reach his eyes. Taking my hand, I am pleased to see the frost has not traveled further up his hands. That gives me hope I still have a bit longer to solve this.

Entering the other room, the Frost King kneels beside Glimmer’s shaking body. Her breathing is becoming weaker, barely more than a puff of air. He trails a finger down her chest, and she doesn’t stir. Shaking his head, he looks up at me.

“I don’t have much magic left, but I will save her. This is my promise to you, Dove.”

I nod and watch as blue, healing light pours from his hand. It encases Glimmer’s body. Gritting his teeth, Frosty pours more into her. Slowly, her color deepens. Her wings regain fullness, and her chest rises and falls steadily. Magic coats the air as every last drop he can manage is used on Glimmer.

Finally, the blue light dissipates, and Glimmer sparkles once more. Her eyes do not open, but her breathing is normal. I look to Frosty, who grits his teeth and staggers to his feet. He sways for a moment, and I come to his side. I swallow my gasp as I glimpse his hands, now white to the middle of his forearms.

Hopelessness rises within me, but I shove it away and burrow into the male at my side.

“She will live. She just needs rest,” he whispers, sounding out of breath.

The toll this must have taken on him is great. He leans further against me, and I do my best to help support his massive body.

“Thank you,” I say, kissing the soft skin of his chest.

After a few moments, he regains his strength and leans off me. I immediately miss the feeling of his body. The weight of the evening settles down on me, and suddenly I feel exhausted. A yawn slips from my lips.

Frosty takes my hand in his pale one.

“Come, you need rest as well.”

I allow him to lead me out of the room, comforted that Glimmer will be alright. We walk further down the hallway until we reach an unfamiliar door adorned with gold snowflakes.

“These are the king’s rooms. I haven’t been in them since—” he breaks off, and I gently squeeze his hand.

Quietly, he leads me inside. Much like all the other rooms, white sheets cover the furniture. Gently, he pulls one off the bed before wiping away the frost and dust. The fireplace roars to life and licks over my skin. The cold room warms quickly until my heavy clock feels too hot. I untie it and let it pool to the floor at my feet before toeing off my leather boots.

Frosty’s eyes rove over me, and anticipation kindles in my stomach. Reaching for the laces of my gown, I undo them untilthe garment slips from my body. I stand only in my thin shift and stockings, but Frosty’s gaze never leaves my face.

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