Page 16 of Frost and Death
The idea of hiding away tugs at me regardless of the trouble I could get into with Niko about abandoning the party too early. But obligation and everyone’s happiness weighs on my shoulders, and I should cut my losses here with this man, my embarrassment killing my chances for me.
Glancing back to the party, I mentally prepare myself for my return. “I should probably head back there. Thank you again foryour assistance.” I move to sidestep him, only to pause by the soft touch at my elbow.
“May I escort you back?” he asks, all jokes tossed aside.
I am unsure why I agree, but his lips lift as he takes my hand and drapes it over his arm. The effort is smooth and gallant, making me wonder where he comes from.
We saunter down the hall in silence, my nerves and thoughts already ten steps ahead while I think of how everyone will take my return as we drift into the brightly lit ballroom.
Guests hover near the entrance, bowing as we stroll past.
I refrain from warning my escort of my nickname, assuming he already is well versed on my reputation. But even through maintaining my regal appearance, I catch the man sneaking glances at me.
“If you are feeling alright, would you join me for a dance?” he asks.
As much as I want to sit and forget my little mishap, I can’t turn down a chance to dance. I dip my head, letting him lead me to the dance floor.
We wait on the sidelines for the music to end with the rest of the crowd when Queen Verena Lorenz of Unterkirch approaches with her daughter, Princess Sybille, in tow.
Both the mother and daughter have long raven hair adorned with small, jeweled tiaras. Their hair, pinned half up, highlights their resemblance. Pointed chin, straight nose, and sharp jawline.
The preteen Sybille is already a spitting image of her mother, save for her eyes. They are brown and doe shaped, holding wonder behind them.
Her mother, however, is stone faced and serious. She looks older than her years, with her gray eyes still reflecting the mourning of her long-deceased husband.
“Your Majesty,” I extend in greeting to Queen Verena, lowering my head. My dance partner bows in kindness and echoes me.
Queen Verena politely smiles. “Queen Tove, a pleasure to be here.”
Princess Sybille scoops up the sides of her dress, offering me a graceful curtsy. The princess’s happiness turns giddy when she returns upright.
Princess Sybille’s angelic voice sings, “Mother! You never told me arranged marriages bring together such beautiful couples!”
The Queen of Unterkirch’s eyes widen as her mouth falls, and my dance partner and I stiffen.
“We—We aren’t—”
Queen Verena steps forward. “I am so sorry, Queen Tove. You’ll have to forgive my daughter.” She whirls on Princess Sybille, anger rolling off her in swirls as she smacks her daughter’s hand in reprimand.
The young girl bristles, holding her hand to her chest, lowering her face to the floor.
Queen Verena looks at my partner and me apologetically. “She hasn’t been well since her father passed, and she sees the toll his death takes on me. Her hopeful heart wants everyone to be together and happy.”
My heart is heavy for Princess Sybille, the loss of a parent is a mournful path. She is approaching her teenage years, and it plucks a somber song in my soul to know she has already faced grief.
Her brown eyes meet mine, water lining them.
Knowing the pain she is feeling, I hate she was deprived of the happiness she had mere moments ago. I extend my hand to the princess.
She takes it cautiously as I beam down. “No one will be as beautifully coupled as you and your future husband.”
Her expression lifts from cheek to cheek as she grins. “You hear that, Mother! Another queen thinks I am beautiful like you!”
The queen smirks at her daughter, extending her gratitude. “A pleasure as always, Queen Tove.”
“And you as well, Queen Verena.” I incline my head.
Queen Verena glances at the man beside me.
