Page 201 of Frost and Death
Frida smirks. “Be sure to show off that gown for me. I need more customers.”
“You already have enough customers,” Jerrick says.
Frida looks at him with challenge, and to save each of us her discipline, I chime in. “I will do my best to show off your work.”
Her teeth shine brightly, and it takes me by surprise. “That’s my granddaughter,” she says with praise, turning into the hall without her grandchildren.
The belonging she gives is overwhelming as I try not to let it affect my emotions.
Jerrick asks his brother, “How is the party going so far?”
Jonas’s lips tighten, and my concern rises.
“Oh, no. What is it?” I ask.
We planned this ball and thought through every intricate detail to make sure everyone invited would be comfortable. I would hate for something to go wrong before I got to interact with anyone.
Jonas shrugs, smiling as he says, “It’s going well.”
I exhale in relief, elbowing my brother-in-law for giving me a fright. An oomph escapes Jonas and Jerrick winks at me in approval.
It does nothing to chase away the heat from my cheeks.
I look at the guests entering the throne room we turned into a dance hall. The memory of the last time I was in a tight space with people unsettles my gut.
Jerrick observes my movements before settling on Jonas. “Ishehere?” Jerrick asks with lethal calm.
Jonas lifts his hands up, unsure.
I cringe at the thought of Niko, worrying he will not want to hear me out.
Jerrick catches the fall of my shoulders and rubs a circle around my hand.
“Let’s get through tonight and then we can plan accordingly,” Jerrick says.
I lean into Jerrick for moral support as he gives the guard the okay to announce us at the entrance.
Music floods my senses as performers and nobles dance in merriment to the rhythm of the song. My eyes widen in awe at the clash of beauty in the black and maroon decorations adorning everything from the walls to the people themselves.
The musicians finish the piece of music, pausing for the guards to announce us, but I am too distracted with taking in everything as we walk into the ballroom. The performers, staff, and nobles all turn to us and lower to a bow.
Jerrick raises a hand to stop them. “Welcome! Thank you so much for joining my wife and I this evening! Your king and queen are working hard to help unite the kingdoms, and we are indebted to everyone attending to celebrate our efforts and our marriage.” He turns and smiles brightly before returning to the crowd. “Enjoy the party!”
The entire ballroom breaks into thunderous applause, forcing me to grin as the music picks up where it left off. Everyone returns to their conversations when a tall burly man rushes into view, adorned in a golden crown and followed by two beautiful women I recognize.
King Bernard and his daughters, Princess Vivienne and Princess Marian. Bernie’s friendly aura shines through his mask as he opens his hands for an embrace.
Jerrick releases me in time for the King of Belmur to wrap his arms around me, lifting me off the ground and spinning me.
I squeal in delight.
Returning the embrace, I am grateful he and his kingdom have always been a strong supporter of me—and now Jerrick.
“Oh, my sweet Tove! You are glowing!” Bernie chuckles, setting me down.
The straps of my gown shift slightly, and I adjust them as I beam back. “As are you and your daughters. It’s an honor that the three of you were able to leave your kingdom under safeguard with your advisors so you could attend our celebration,” I say.
I clasp his upper arm, and I can’t contain the water lining my eyes. “Itreallyis wonderful to see you, Bernie.”
