Page 28 of Frost Bound

Dahlia rubbed her forehead. “Last night?”

“Yes,my lady,” he emphasized. “It’s well into the day. The whole palace is in an uproar due to the fact the envoy arrived early, and they don’t plan to stay even one night.”

Her stomach dropped. “What?”

“That’s why I am late.” He pulled her from the wardrobe out into the light of her bedroom. “I’ve arranged for your things to be packed and sent along.”

Lia glanced at the ceiling. The gloomy sky hovered just outside the domed glass roof. Not a good omen. The weather seemed to reflect her mood. “My things?”

“Yes, you silly girl. You’ll travel with the Loriian delegation, and your trunks will follow behind you.”

“So what now?” she asked woodenly as Basil hustled her into the bathing chamber.

“We dress you properly, and ready you to leave with the envoy.”

Dahlia swallowed hard, feeling faint. “Are they as scary as everyone says?” She hadn’t been able to see anything in the dark, but she felt how the giant had loomed over her like a demon ready to devour her. All she could see was the Haunts in her memories as they beat her mother.

Basil paused, meeting her gaze. “They are … different.”

Translation: terrifying. “I don’t think I can do this.”

“You must. What are a few claws and fangs?”

Lia shuddered. “Monsters.”

“Maybe, but…” His gaze trailed to her legs and then back to her face. “What are a few monsters against a witch?”

“I’m not a witch.”

“Could have fooled me.”

She closed her eyes and centered herself. All she had to do was get through the meeting and the next few days of travel. Once the delegation had passed the Loriian border, she’d disappear and meet up with her brother. She’d take him and flee the kingdom.

Duck and cover, for the beasts now roam. Escape now quickly, don’t lead them home.

Dahlia couldn’t breathe asshe descended a grand staircase of pure copper. Fear wrapped around her throat like a serpent. Basil strode ahead and waved a hand at the doorkeepers. The two liveried men opened the elaborate double doors, revealing the throne room within.

Lia paused at the bottom of the stairs and pressed a hand to her belly, the hard corset unforgiving beneath the emerald gown. The maids had cinched her so tightly, it felt as if her ribs creaked with each movement. After the last few weeks of being subjected to the fashions of court, Dahlia was thankful she didn’t have a drop of highborn blood.

She stared at the profile of the queen, who hadn’t looked in their direction. Queen Allium was like a diamond—glittering, cold, and hard. King Randa was another matter altogether. Heleaned forward out of his great amber throne, his gaze roaming all over her. Inwardly, she winced. No father would look at his daughter in such a way. If the king wasn’t careful, he’d ruin the ruse just by looking at her.

Or show just how depraved he actually was.

The steward waved his hand at her, his expressionless mask in place. Dahlia could take a lesson or two from him. He transitioned with his crowd. While Basil portrayed himself to be an addled fop, she had a feeling he was more calculating, and savvier than anyone knew.

Pushing her shoulders back, she glided forward, her eyes on the ground in submission. Playing princess or not, Lia wouldn’t get her head cut off for raising her eyes in insolence. From beneath her lashes, she caught glimpses of soaring columns, gilded frames, and emerald marble. She paused at the bottom of the dais and curtsied, nary a wobble in the movement. Her thighs cramped as she held the stooped position, waiting for the monarchs to bid her to rise.

“Rise,” King Randa commanded.

Slowly, Dahlia straightened, still keeping her eyes on the ground. Her lungs labored for breath, but she tried to pull in slow, even sips of air.

“My love,” the king commented. “Look what our dear Basil has done.”

“You mean turn a commoner into a royal? It’s repugnant, and yet … she’s perfect.” Queen Allium’s tone was begrudging.

Lia didn’t feel any pride at the compliment. Looks were only skin deep.

“Let’s see if she’s truly ready. Look at me, Dahlia.”

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