Page 225 of Frost and Death
“Have either of you seen Lord Nikolaj or my husband?”
“I saw King Jerrick and Prince Jonas hurry outside a while ago. They ordered King Beauvais and me over here to help get the guests in here to safety,” Bernie says.
He sees something over my shoulder and pushes me aside.
My back clashes against the wall as another swordsman sprints toward the King of Belmur. This time, Bernie is prepared. He holds his sword with both hands, waiting for the man to strike.
The man inches closer, but Bernie does not move.
I cover my mouth, stunned when the swordsman lifts his sword in an outward and downward swing.
Bernie dodges, unsheathing a hidden dagger and stabbing the man in his side repeatedly until he goes down. Bernie kicks the sword from the dead man’s hands before meeting my stare.
“I last saw Lord Nikolaj with Lord Ulrik in the throne room,” he pants through his hardened green gaze, eyes softening into sorrow. “They ordered everyone to round up the guests and meet in the throne room. They said they were going to have everyone watch them kill a king.”
I need to put a stop to this.
I swallow thickly, as Bernie places a hand on my upper arm, comforting me. “I won’t try to persuade you one way or the other, Tove, but—”
I take his hand. “Ineedone of you to find Jonas and Jerrick for me. Tell them I’m sorry. I’m going to the throne room to order my men to stand down. There is no need for this bloodshed, and… I want to discuss the terms of surrender.”
Bernie’s mouth falls. “Tov—”
“I can find them.” King Beauvais steps forward.
I nod my thanks, turning back to Bernie, whose features tighten. “I’d rather have you get out of here,” he declares.
I shake my head when he tries to tug me along. “You know I can’t. This is my fault and I’m the only one that can talk down my men. I’m the only one Niko will listen to. It’s my call. Ihaveto do this.”
I will talk Niko down. I will keep my kingdoms safe. I will stop the fighting.
Even if that means my life is forfeit.
He grimaces, his own hesitation evident. I am about to reassure him I will be fine, but he finally nods once. “Be careful.”
I nod back, smiling and knowing he means well.
“I will,” I tell Bernie.
I turn to thank King Beauvais, but he is too occupied watching Princess Vivienne and Princess Marian. All of them seem awkward around each other.
Bernie ushers his daughters away from King Beauvais, guiding them and guests down the hall.
King Beauvais inclines his head to me, heading off in the opposite direction. The tall man’s blond hair gleams against the light of the sun as he hurries out of the castle, vanishing from sight before I head for the throne room.
47
The Throne Awaits
The curtains are still drawn over the windows the farther I pass through the castle, a good sign no one has ventured this far. The tall wooden doors of the throne room curve into a pointed arch and are wide enough to fit groups of people at once.
I send a prayer up to the Makers as I reach for the latch.
Decorations from last night’s ball still adorn the lanterns, curtains, floors, and walls. The luscious colors of black and red are bold and pull all eyes away from the beige stone.
To my relief, there is no one in here.
My footsteps echo against the stone as I step closer to the dais, the two black marble thrones bringing in the entire room. I look around once more, stepping up to touch the seat I was meant to sit and govern in. But I recede my hand when someone approaches.
