Page 194 of Frost and Death
“It’s okay if you don’t.”
“No, it’s not that.” I hesitate for the right words but draw up short because I think of Jerrick instead of Niko, comparing the two as I did when I was trying to find a suitor in Axidoria.
“Then, what do you mean?” she asks.
“It’s just… he’s so different from—”
“From the king?”
I dip my head, looking down at the floor, ashamed to even admit it.
Betina will not judge me for my feelings. She has always been unfazed whenever I find myself offering deeper and more intense emotions. It is one of her greatest qualities that I miss being around every day.
“I don’t want either of them hurting the other, even more so now that I have realized Palaena is not an enemy,” I confess, pulling my knees up.
“I built so much resentment for Palaena and everyone here for years. But even when I was kidnapped, I still did not want to hurt anyone. I never wanted a fight, but Niko convinced me it was my only option. It wasn’t until I could find no evidence of their involvement with my father that I knew I needed to call off the fighting. And when I did, Niko lost it, believing I was doing it for Jerrick. I care about both of them and just want there to be peace.”
“Maybe they can fall in love with each other.” Betina wiggles her brows.
I laugh. “Wanting to fall in love yourself?”
But when I look at my friend, a blush blooms along her cheeks.
My eyes widen with questions.
“Have youmetsomeone?” My own smile grows at the possibility.
She looks around before shushing me.
I squeal in delight as realization dawns. “Is it the keeper?” I ask, delighted and grateful for a change in conversation.
She bites her lip, and I grin.
“Tell meeverything!” I demand as I pull the mirror close to my face, as if to intimidate the story out of her.
Betina quirks her brow and braces her hands on her hips. She pauses to peer out the window, the moonlight highlighting her features before she faces me once more.
“Go saveourkingdoms. And when you do, I will tell you everything when you come visit.”
I exaggerate a groan of disapproval. “You are such a tease.”
“Don’t need you to go chasing after them.” She winks.
I roll my eyes in amusement, her love and aura peeking through her exhaustion. A twinge of pain clatters against my heart, knowing I’ve done this to her, and she has delivered, giving me a chance to help everyone.
The miracle I have prayed for.
“Betina, I don’t even know how to thank you for this and for everything. Love you.”
“Love you too, Tee.” She waves a farewell, her grin bright and genuine. “Now, go. I’ll be here when you come back.”
A tear falls down my cheek, and I close my eyes, nodding. I have to wait a little longer to see her in person, but when I do, I will tackle her to the ground.
I swipe my hand once over the frame, severing the connection, and the image of Betina’s smile fades away.
The moon shines into my room as I put my mirror on my nightstand. I study the night momentarily, taking in a moment of peace before hurrying down to the library, determined to set my sights on my marriage arrangement.
Running down the staircases, I debate visiting the kitchens but decide not to once realizing Cordelia and Ophelia have turned in for the night.
