Page 33 of Frost Bound

Blood. Screaming. Black eyes.

“They are calledcaern’ye,” the king offered softly, pushing his spectacles up his deep blue nose.

Lia blinked hard to dispel the memories. A blush tinged her cheeks in embarrassment. “I didn’t mean to gawk, my lord.”

The king smiled, flashing a long fang that made her breath catch. Frost giants were predators incarnate. He could tear herthroat out in a second flat. Luckily for her, she doubted they would hurt the Asteran princess in her own kingdom. In fact, the king seemed almost downright affable. But she didn’t trust it. They were enemies. Restrained aggression practically teemed in the air.

A shiver skated down her spine as she felt eyes upon her once again.

Dahlia peeked over her shoulder and locked eyes with the frost giant who petrified her the most. His narrowed black gaze seemed to be pinned on her since she’d stepped out from behind the throne. If looks could kill, she would be dead by now. He clearly wasn’t a fan of humans, by the perpetual snarl he cast her way.

Shiny phthalo blue and black braids hung around his face as he bent to tighten the saddle. Long, tapered ears peeked out, proudly studded with black gems and spikes. His movements were quick and efficient, and somewhat angry.

As if he could feel her attention, he glanced her way. Lia stood stock-still, like a hare scented by a wolf. A low growl rumbled in his chest, and she jerked her eyes away. No need to court trouble. She’d stay far away from that one.

“You do not need to fear us,” the king murmured.

“I don’t,” she replied, fixing a bored smile on her face. The wind whipped past her, cutting right through her gauzy court dress. Even the embroidered cloak Basil had thrown over her shoulders seemed unpractical for the morose weather.

You need to fear me.

The emerald ring felt heavy on her finger.

He tapped his blue nose. “I can smell it on you.”

Embarrassment crested first, and then horror. How was she to hide anything from the giants if they could smell her emotions? Lia wrapped her arms around her waist, clutching her cloak a little tighter.

You’re fine. Just shove your feelings deep down. You’ve been practicing for years.

“I apologize, my lord,” she managed past the lump in her throat.

He smiled, which, to be honest, was still frightening. Lia hid her flinch. At least she thought she did, until the king’s grin faded.

“You do not have to apologize for your feelings, my lady.”

“I do have to apologize for my rudeness though.” She stared at his chest and frowned. His fine black embroidered shirt was open all the way to the waistband of his trousers. A dark blue nipple peeked out as he attached a bag to his saddle. No piercing. Well, he hadn’t been the one to threaten her in the dark, she noted absently. “I’ve not been out in the world, truth be told, and I’ve never been in the presence of giants.” A truth and a lie. “Your appearance is quite fearsome. I’ll work on my reactions. I meant no offense. Please forgive me.”

The king chuckled, tucking a navy-blue strand of hair behind his long, pointed ear. “There is nothing to forgive. We both are… how do you say it? In this together. I have only been in the company of twosaloesbefore.”

“Saloes?” she asked, nose crinkling in confusion.

“It meanshumanin Loriian.”

“Saloes,” she repeated, the word flowing off her tongue. She cocked her head in curiosity. “How did you meet them?”

“Both tried to kill me.”

That was sobering. Dahlia didn’t know what to say to that.

Soon, I’ll be number three.

Awkward silence stretched between them.

The king cleared his throat and gestured to the biggest horse she’d ever seen. “I assume you can ride, no?”

“Yes, my lord.” But nothing that bloody big. The horse was easily nineteen hands tall. Straddling the beast would be achallenge. Her thighs were already crying out in pain at the thought of the long ride ahead of her.

He nodded and turned his back. “Then I will have my man Arun help you find your seat.”

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