Page 199 of Frost and Death
One thought sinks my heart, refusing to leave my brain. “What will everyone think?”
“What everyone thinks doesn’t matter. You are a queen in your own right,andyou are married to a king. They are here to celebrate you. They will be wise not to challenge you or Jerrick,” she says.
“And if they do?” I panic, not wanting to wear indifference around people anymore.
I want to be myself and find my happy. I don’t want to be this Snow Queen, and I don’t want there to be a battle.
“Then, I will step in and knock them down a few pegs.” Dorit smiles brightly, resting her hands on my upper arms. “Now, let’s get that dress on you.”
Dorit pulls out the dress, and I try not to admire it more, or else I might cry again.
I close my eyes and avoid the mirror over my vanity as Dorit laces up the back of the gown.
“Now for the best part.” She retrieves my mask and my crown.
The crown is different from the one I wore on my wedding day and coronation. This one is simple and sleek, black metal adorned with small rubies coordinated to complement the rest of my ensemble.
Dorit places the crown on my head and secures it with pins and finishes with draping the mask over my face. “Tove, you are a vision!” She claps and lowers to a curtsy.
I grab her by the arm, hoisting her up as her arms fly around me. “Dorit, you’re going to make me cry again,” I try to joke as tears line my eyes.
Stupid tears.
“Tove, it truly is an honor to serve you. Your friendship has been momentous. I’m so glad you gave me a chance,” she mutters into my ear.
We break apart, and I grab her hand, squeezing it tight. “You are a friend I never knew I needed.”
Her features squish together, and it is her turn to cry. I cradle her again in my arms as a sense of pride and love courses through me, and I wish it was Dorit and me taking on the world.
Remembering Jerrick on the other side of my bedchambers, I harness my strength before ending the embrace.
Dorit asks, “Are you ready?”
I nod slowly and fidget with the sides of my dress as my heartbeat lurches from my chest. Heat floods my cheeks with embarrassment that he might not like what I am wearing, given we have not seen each other dressed up since our time in Axidoria.
I try not to let my heart speak for me, biting my tongue in hopes of not saying anything stupid.
Dorit steps away and opens the door slightly, whispering something on the other side before she vanishes down the hall.
Inch by inch, the doorway fills with Jerrick’s frame.
I shouldn’t have looked because—fuck.
He is immaculate.
I scan him head to toe, noticing a new pair of boots, dark hues of red woven into his vest and trousers, drawing my gaze to his mask and black crown. His crown is like mine, simple and coordinated for tonight’s event.
But his mask, Deities, I wish it wasn’t hiding his scar. It is one of my favorite features.
When our blue eyes meet, I beam, my worries and concerns dissipating.
His jaw slackens, no words spoken between us. He relaxes as a tender smile lights up his entire face, emphasizing his dimple and making my knees weak.
Jerrick gracefully lowers into a formal bow, extending his hand.
I stare before taking it, and I am caught off guard when he leans in.
His lips hover inches from mine, but then they drift to the side. He kisses my cheek, and I shiver. Jerrick takes my hand and pulls it to his lips.
