Page 49 of Frost and Death
I clutch Bernie’s arm as the doors close behind us, the only path onward being straight down the long aisle.
Each step and each set of eyes gnaw at me, devouring me.
I forgo the cold ruler they believe me to be, opting to show happiness that this day is finally here. Inclining my head as Bernie and I pass each row, I admire the ethereal aesthetic while being careful to not let my crown fall.
That would be an utter disaster.
But when my damned line of sight catches Rick in the crowd, I curse myself before darting my gaze away from him, hoping I didn’t linger on him too long.
Bernie coughs lightly, my grip on him getting the better of me, and I direct my apprehensiveness to rubbing the worn grooves of Mother’s mirror in my pocket.
Drifting closer, I allow myself to meet Niko’s gaze, and my cheeks flush.
His sand-colored trousers complement the accents of baby blue lining his white doublet designed to match my gown. He wears a beige sash that matches his sword belt and medals, achievements he earned in serving Axidoria pinned neatly in place.
My heart leaps at the dedication he has for our kingdom.
He is everything Axidoria needs right now.
And while I want to move faster to get to him already, my mind wants to commit his boyish grin lighting up the entire room to memory, as if this will be the last time I see him like this.
Niko's gaze is intense, his amber eyes never leaving mine.
My own smile grows underneath his stare, enough reassurance that this is real and this is happening.
I am marrying Niko, and I could not be happier.
He extends his elbow when Bernie and I reach the end of the aisle at the foot of the dais.
Looking beyond the Alorian priest and Niko, I admire the lone throne, soon to have a partner.
I keep my feet planted on the floor for a few more brief moments, so that I may wrap my arms around Bernie.
He covers me entirely, the sun shining over me as if my family is watching.
I lean close to Bernie’s ear. “Thank you foreverything, Bernie.”
His muscles tighten around me, giving me two squeezes before releasing me and offering me to Niko.
When our hands touch, a shiver rolls up and down my spine.
I am tugged closer to Niko, and a startled laugh escapes before the Alorian priest clears his throat and addresses the crowd.
“Ladies and gentlemen, Your Majesty.” He looks at me, and I give the go ahead to continue.
“We are all gathered here today in celebration of the union between Her Royal Majesty, Queen Tove, and our very own Lord Nik—”
The priest coughs.
Mumbles from the crowd increase, and Niko and I arch a brow at each other as the priest’s coughs turn frantic.
Niko eases forward to help the man—
The priest collapses.
Gasps escape throughout the crowd, and I peer over my shoulder, seeing the panic and horror. I turn back as Niko approaches the fallen priest, squatting and touching the man’s throat.
“Is he—”
