Page 16 of Frost Bound

Her stomach dropped. Lia wavered and placed her right hand on the striped divan to keep from falling over. “And why would the giants sendmesomething like this?”

“Because you’re not impersonating just any highborn, but the heir of Astera.”

He said it so matter of fact, like he was commenting on the weather, not the bloody fact that she was supposed to pretend to be the reclusive princess.

“Why?” she rasped, slumping onto the couch. “Impersonating royalty is a death sentence.”

The last time she played princess lead to death and pain. This time would be no different. She could feel it in her bones.

“This was sanctioned by our majesties themselves.”

As if that meant anything. The law still held. “If I was ever caught…” She swallowed hard. The Loriians would make her wish she was dead. And if she failed the king and queen? They’d have her hanged for treason. Or worse. “Godsteeth.”

“Then don’t get caught.”

“But why?” Lia sputtered. “Why not send the princess?” Wasn’t that what royalty did? They sent ambassadors back and forth to foster good spirit. Although she didn’t know what good spirit the frost giants had. They hadn’t crossed the Asteran border unless it was to wage war.

“She’s the only heir.”

Dahlia blinked slowly. The only legitimate heir. “So … I am to go in her place.”

“Yes. Which is why it is imperative for you to keep up your etiquette studies.” Basil clapped his hands together. “Not that you’ll need them amongst those barbarians, but at least you’ll make our kingdom look good.”

This was way bigger than she anticipated. “When will the envoy be here?” she asked.

Basil brushed some lint off his velvet doublet. “Three days’ time.”

Not nearly long enough. How did they expect her to impersonate someone she’d never met? Lia squeezed her eyes closed, a headache starting to throb at her temples. “I want to see my brother.”

“That’s not possible.”

“Make it happen,” she replied firmly, eyes locking on Basil.

Whatever was on her face wiped all superiority from his own. “You’re making a dangerous demand of me.”

She shrugged. “It seems I’ve already made a deadly deal with our queen. I want to see my brother safe and secure before I leave.”

“He’ll be fine.”

She scoffed. “And I’m supposed to trust you?”

“What else are you going to do?”

What was she going to do?

Fight, her mind whispered.Run.

Neither would work.

Negotiate.

“Basil, the successfulness of this ruse rests mostly upon your shoulders, no?”

He squinted at her, straightening. “My queen has tasked me with your care.”

“And if I make a mistake … you will also pay the price.” A small twitch. A confirmation. “So we’re partners really, aren’t we?”

“Getting the handle of being a royal so soon?” he sniped. “If you want to play games, I assure you I’ve been playing them much longer, lass.”

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