Page 104 of Frost and Death
“I have my methods.”
Meaning he stole it or paid someone to steal it.
I rub at my chest as I read on. My mother and father never showed me this side of ruling. Looking through these records, one would assume my parents were cruel and evil.
How could the royal advisors agree with this and not a battle?
I knew every kingdom had its own variety of laws and orders, but I was told any crimes were managed by sentencing them to be monitored and tracked their service to the kingdom. It’s how Niko and I have handled any of the criminals since I’ve stepped into this role.
Nothing likethis.
Did Mother glamour this from me? From the kingdom?
But this doesn’t touch on the marriage agreement created by my mother. These documents still do not prove why Jerrick is cursed.
“Why you and not your father?” I ask and put the book back.
His story still does not make sense. I’ve stumped and spoiled his tale from winning me over, and I lean back in my chair, crossing my arms in victory.
Jerrick gestures to the varying stacks of paperwork and ledgers related to magic and correspondence between my mother and his father, pulling the marriage arrangement again to give to me, guiding me to a specific section.
I roll my eyes at the constant reference to it, but if there is any truth behind his claims, I would need to read this thoroughly.Eventually.
Rubbing the parchment in my hands, I trail a finger over lettering that looks squished in between the decree, marked in a darker ink. Dry flakes of red brush off the page, sticking to my fingertips.
Is this…blood?
I swallow thickly and read the text.
Ivan, oh Ivan, how you’ve betrayed me,
killing my love ’cause you were consumed by jealousy.
Ruling two kingdoms filled your heart with greed,
As punishment for your actions,
I’ve placed a curse on your legacy.
Your kin will become the bringer of death,
turning on you first when I draw my last breath.
You’ll be forced to watch from beyond the grave,
Knowing your kingdom is failing
due to the choices you’ve made.
Endless questions run rampant in my mind. I reread the cursed text, working through each line, seeking and hoping for an answer or an explanation. I’m only left with more confusion.
There is no proof of what happened to my father, just my mother’s accusations against anoldlover and extracting her revenge.
Mother was not in the right state of mind after Father, but she never was this cruel. She raised me with empathy, teaching me to show mercy to our people, to our neighboring kingdoms.
I can’t shake the impression of something missing from all of this.
What is and isn’t the trick?
