Page 22 of Frost Bound

“There’s not time to argue, you stubborn boy. Please do this for me?”

He swallowed hard. “Are you going to be okay?”

“I always am.”

His gaze flitted to Basil and back to Lia. Lowering his voice he asked, “What if I have a fit?”

“Keep to yourself as much as possible.” She squeezed his hands. “Take care of yourself. I love you.”

Her brother cleared his throat. “How long do I wait?”

“If I don’t make it by spring, make your way into Fierre.”

“I don’t speak Fierran.”

“It’s easier to learn than Loriian, and you’ll be able to blend into the crowd better. I will find you. I promise.”

Basil held out the tray like it was something dirty. “Time is up.”

She took it from his hands, feeling sick. It felt like she was giving up her own child. One look at her brother’s face was enough for her to school her expression. He needed to see her confident or he’d never leave the city, leave Lia behind.

Basil scowled at her. “You know your way back, I presume?”

“Yes.”

“I’ll meet you there in a bit. We need to have a little chat.” The words were completely innocuous, but set her on edge. “Give us five minutes before you come up.”

Cosmos pressed a kiss to the top of her head.

“I love you,” she whispered.

“Love you too.”

She leaned against the bars of the nearest empty cell and watched as her brother walked away. Had she done enough to prepare him for the world? Had she fulfilled her promise to their mother?

All she knew was that they were both alone now.

And safety was nowhere to be found.

She lefta treat next to each cell until all the treats were gone. She wished she had more for the rest of the prisoners, but it was the best she could do. Her heart pounded as she ascended the stairs and passed the entrance guards. She tucked her head down and walked forwards, not meeting their eyes.

Just before she reached the next set of stairs, the flirty guard called. “If you give me a few, sweetheart, I’ll meet you in the kitchens.”

Glancing over her shoulder, she gave him a smirk. “I’ll see you there.”

His low laugh followed her up the next staircase. Her steps sped up once she was out of eyesight and earshot. The guard would be highly disappointed when he arrived at the kitchens and she was nowhere to be found.

Voices echoed above Dahlia and she paused, frowning. They sounded familiar. Lia closed her eyes and listened for another few seconds.

Haughty. Cold. Feminine.

Queen Allium.

Cold dread settled in the pit of Lia’s stomach. There was no way she’d be able to get past the monarch. She kicked herself. Forward or backward? Her legs wouldn’t move.

The voices drew closer. Too close.

Move now.

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