Page 92 of Frost Bound

He winced. He didn’t truly wish death on her … just that he hadn’t wanted to deal with a hypothetical human wife.

“If she isn’t really sick, why do you think the king and queen of Astera went through with this treaty? Even all our coin and gems weren’t worth their only daughter.”

“That is my question too.” Neve pulled his sister into one last hug before moving to the door. “One I intend to find the answer to.”

Chapter Thirty-Four

Dahlia

She’d sataround in her gown for hours after the sun set.

The king never showed up.

Loshika had tossed her pitying looks all evening that made her hackles raise. Why was she waiting around for avallosanyway? It’s not as ifshe’dmade any vows to care for or obey him. A swim across a river and a document with the king’s signature didn’t make her beholden to anyone.

She was done.

Dahlia stood up from the couch and yanked the skirt of her dress out of the way, storming to the door. Enough was enough. She was starving, and she was sure the healer was as well.

Loshika glanced up from her book, a thin pair of spectacles balanced on the tip of her slim nose. “My lady?”

Lia yanked open the door, surprising the guards stationed outside. “It’s time for dinner, Loshika.” She unclipped the choker and tossed it onto the bed.

The healer closed her book and set it gently on the arm of the chair before joining Dahlia. “Where are you going?”

“We’re going to rustle up some dinner. I know Jaessa gave a tour today. Surely you can show me to the kitchens, where we can find something to eat.”

“I’m starving.” A pause. “And you can call me Lo, if you wish my lady.”

Lia grinned. Her healer was warming up to her. “Lo it is.”

She stepped into the hallway, Loshika closing the door behind her.

One of the guards offered, “We can send for a plate for you,reilleve.”

“No thank you,” she murmured, stalking down the corridor. “I intend to meet the staff. No better way to do it than now.” The guards started to follow at a distance, but she spun around and shook her head. “I don’t need you. Please stay here where thereillovstationed you.”

The warriors obeyed, with only a glance sliding between the two of them.

At least she knew she had some power here. She would never be able to do anything or discover any secrets if they were following her around.

Lo looped her arm through Lia’s and directed her to a hidden servants’ staircase. “This is the only way I know,” the healer apologized.

“Don’t apologize. I’m happy you showed me this. Sometimes I prefer to move unseen.”

They entered the simple but clean space and descended the stairs. Eight staircases later, they branched off to the left and entered the main palace once again. A footman stumbled at the sight of her and bowed. She smiled, and they kept moving.

“You’re going to have the whole place astir by the time the night is over,” Loshika muttered out of the side of her mouth.

Dahlia’s mouth watered as she sniffed fresh bread, savory herbs, and roasted meat.

Lo slowed and pointed to the double doors to her left. “The kitchen is in there.”

“You don’t want to go first?” Lia teased.

“It isn’t right for someone of my station to precede royalty. In fact, I should not even be here.”

Dahlia glanced up at her friend and squeezed her hand. “Just because we’re surrounded by all this grandeur and in jewels does not negate the fact that you have been kind and honest with me since we met. I do not leave my friends behind for treasure or position.”

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