Page 202 of Frost and Death
He pulls me in for another hug, and I welcome it but go rigid when he mumbles, “Are you alright? Say the word, and I will take you away from here myself.”
I close my eyes with fondness. He treats me as if I am his own.
Despite everything I’ve gone through and have to do, my response feels honest as I whisper back, “I am well, promise.”
He nods. “Good.” His arms relax as his daughters step forward and curtsy.
“Princesses, welcome,” I say. “Thank you for traveling to join my husband and me in celebration.”
Jerrick’s eyes find mine, and his handsome grin lights up his features at my choice of words. I fight against rolling my eyes at his taunting, lifted brow, needing to keep up appearances.
Vivienne and Marian rise, looking at their father.
He waves at them to speak or say something, and I almost laugh at how much these ladies are rule followers. Near my age, they are beautiful and regal, keeping up with royal protocol and appearances. Eying the two of them, I wonder if they too wear a mask, as so many monarchs do.
Princess Marian says with her alto tone ringing through, “A beautiful work of art you and King Jerrick are, Your Majesty. We are so very grateful to be here to partake in the festivities.”
Glancing at Vivienne, I go to greet her, stopping on the bandage wrapped around her arm. I lift a brow in curiosity as she sees my line of vision and bashfully covers it.
Maybe something embarrassing happened.
My husband loops his arm in mine and gestures to the three of them. “It’s a pleasure to have you—” Jerrick pauses, looking beyond our group.
I, too, look beyond Bernie and the princesses, seeing another man with a crown coming toward us. It must be King BeauvaisRosselot of Torgem. We’ve written in correspondence but have never met in person.
King Beauvais is tall and broad, his demeanor making him seem a little older than Jerrick. He holds the stem of a golden mask that matches his blond hair and honey-colored irises shining through.
Jerrick smiles at the man, and I incline my head. But Bernie goes rigid, as do his daughters.
King Beauvais’s eyes dart between Bernie and his daughters, his gaze lingering longer than normal on Princess Vivienne, who hides her face in a lowered curtsy with her sister.
When he turns and gives us his full attention, he lowers his mask, smiling brightly. Every feature on this man is illuminated by gold, yellow, and pure sunlight. He is striking and stunning to take in.
I can’t deny the heat blooming across my cheeks underneath my own mask.
“King Jerrick, King Bernard, Queen Tove, and—” King Beauvais pauses.
Princess Vivienne’s green eyes meet the king’s, and he says, “And princesses, a pleasure to see you all.”
Jerrick grasps King Beauvais’s arm in greeting, and they nod before releasing each other.
Bernie leans in, whispering, “We’ll leave you to converse. Save me a dance?”
I incline my head as Bernie escorts his daughters into the swarm of guests.
King Beauvais watches them leave before returning to the conversation. “Believe me when I say I was shocked to hear about the union,” King Beauvais admits.
I bite my lip with unease, worried this conversation will turn political before I even have a chance to dance.
“But seeing the two of you now, it seems it was a meant-to-be match.” He clutches our sides, pushing us together, and grinning brightly. “My congratulations. And should you need anything, the Kingdom of Torgem is happy to continue our relations with Palaena and Axidoria.”
Jerrick smirks. “Much thanks, Beau. We will need to coordinate a hunting trip soon. I could always use more of those tricks you keep to yourself.”
Beau?
“Ah,” King Beauvais says. “Agreed. It has been too long. Maybe even prior to you taking on your new role.”
Jerrick flexes his jaw, and I bristle.
