Page 6 of Gifted to the Frost King

The Frost King is not like any human male I have ever seen. With him still mounted on his horse, I can tell he is tall and with thick muscles. High cheekbones taper into his strong, set jaw. Not to mention those eyes. They are brighter than Sophia’s,burning with a primal intensity. He is alluring to me in the most unnatural way.

Clearly, I am under his thrall. If he can blight our land he can steal my wits to make me a tame captive.

His horse’s nose touches the platform, bringing me within arms reach. A breeze kicks up and blows my hair in front of my eyes. Tucking it away quickly, I watch the Frost King’s nostrils flare. Glowing eyes intensify as his blue lips part.

Fresh snow settles on his broad shoulders. Tendrils of my hair cling wetly to my cheeks. A powerful shiver rocks, only this one has nothing to do with being cold. An invisible heated blanket has settled along my shoulders, enveloping me in its warmth. My eyelids droop as drowsiness sets in.

The sound of footsteps echoing down the platform seem far away. A coldness circles my wrist before I hear the manacle crack and fall with a thud next to me. I fight to open my eyes but sleep beckons. I’m too comfortable to fight.

Large hands lift and settle me against a powerful chest.

There is no fear. That is the most damning part of this ordeal. I am going with this creature willingly if only to stay this deliciously warm for as long as possible. Against his chest, another blast of heat settles over me, and I curl towards it. The magic he wields renders me powerless.

I feel his quick intake of breath before one word is growled against my ear.

“Mine.”

It clangs around in my head before settling in my heart. I give myself over to this creature and hope that if he does plan to kill me, my mother and sister won’t witness it. If I am to die, at least I will go feeling warm and believing that I had some part in breaking this infernal curse.

The Frost King settles me atop his horse. The scent of pine and smoke invades my longs. He tucks me full against him,concealing me from the snow. I burrow further into him as if I can crawl inside the raging inferno roaring in his chest. The reins snap, and the horse below me begins to move.

Cracking my eyes open, I watch heavy snow envelop us. Slumber tempts me with its peaceful darkness. I nearly give in until a scream cuts through the icy fog. A voice—one I’d know anywhere—rises above the wind. It’s Mama begging and pleading with all her might. I hear other voices join into the mix. I can picture her fighting and trying to come after me.

The image shocks me into awareness. My eyes fly open, and the warmth surrounding me fades. The icy wind pulls at my wet clothes and hair. I push against the powerful chest and muscular arms caging me.

“L—l—let me g—g—go,” I demand through chattering teeth.

My captor glances down at me. I shove against him with all my fading strength. He doesn’t even budge.

“L—let m—m—me g?—”

Moving faster than I can register, his icy hand wraps around my chin. Forcing my gaze up, his blue eyes blaze into me as if he can peer into my soul.

“Sleep,” he commands.

A metallic scent stings my nose as the fight inside me melts away. By the time he drops my chin, my eyelids have shut, and I’m enveloped in a warm, dreamless sleep.

5

THE FROST KING

Something stirs inside his chest as she rests against him.

Her breaths curl in puffs of cold air. He can feel her steady heartbeat as warmth returns to her small body. The human’s cheeks and lips remain pale and he can’t help but wonder what color will they be once she’s fully recuperated? Without his magic, she surely would’ve perished on that wooden beam. The thought of ripping her town to shreds for leaving her in such conditions plays through his mind. His beast would surely like the chance to sink its claws into something.

Soon, that is all he will be.

Looking down at her, her fragility weighs on him as they journey through the mountains. His magic should keep her asleep for most of it.

A long-forgotten emotion nags at him as he watches her eyelashes flutter atop her round cheeks. He has condemned them both—a thought that may have weighed on the mind of the male he used to be. Allowing one final moment to count her breaths, he gives himself over to the creature lurking deep inside him.

A monster that has no concept of remorse.

6

DOVE

The first thing I notice when my eyes open is the mountains.

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