Page 6 of Frost and Death
Oh, Sweet Makers, I wish I never had to leave this bed.
2
Thrown to the Wolves
Guests arrive from near and far throughout Draymenk, carrying on diverse conversations scatteredaroundthe throne room.
I am tucked away in the back chamber, the safest place to peer out, while praying for the impossible feat of no one noticing my absence. But hiding for these few moments does nothing for the twists and turns of my insides.
I fuss and tug on my gown, adjusting the fabric to make my body shape look smooth. It fits tight in the bodice, hugging each curve. The sleek satin, dyed a deep emerald green, has handsewn beading and lining to depict branches woven across the center. A sequined belt tightens my waist, holding an overskirt and beautiful train. Pockets are sewn in under the overskirt, allowing me to carry Mother’s mirror.
But the one thing I am self-conscious of in this gown is the plunging neckline exposing the curves of my breasts as the main attraction.
Betina, my lady-in-waiting, worked with my tailor these last few weeks, ensuring every outfit I wear is unique. While she succeeded in that aspect, she used my love for fashion to help me taunt and lure in more suitors.
Despite my modest reservations, the cheeky woman knew I wouldn’t turn down wearing a beautiful dress.
Glancing back to the ballroom, I marvel at the delicate intricacy of each garment the noblewomen wear. The vibrant colors adorned in an array of beads, jewels, and sashes, pair well with the noblemen’s velvet vests and leather pants, warming everyone from the chill outside.
The tension remains in my muscles as I hold the door for support. “Sweet Makers, help me,” I pray, hoping that honoring them all this week might grant me fortune in findingsomeone.
I walk myself through every minor detail of how each night this week is coordinated. Grand entrance, dance, converse, repeat. And when everyone is stupidly drunk, I can sneak away to rest.
Niko and I worked diligently last week, ensuring everything was set for the celebrations. From extra staff entertaining and decorating the castle for each ball, to having the guests visit the villages during the day. We planned to narrow down my options after each night, hoping to announce an engagement by the third, with the wedding and union happening at the end of the week.
I wanted it to be a surprise while also get it over with.
I didn’t want a long duration to think and grieve my family being absent on a day meant to be filled with happiness.
It is fitting I won’t be marrying for love.
My stomach drops as dread looms in the back of my mind. Somehow, I know I am going to ruin this all.
Stress and the fear of failure have been rooted so deeply these last few days my night terrors drove me into sleepwalking.
The knowledge of guests and suitors coming here to my home to see the damage I’ve caused firsthand—
I jolt from my trance when a hand touches my shoulder, slamming the door shut in an instant. The relief of a scream not escaping vanishes as Niko stands with his arms crossed and his brow arched.
His tousled auburn hair is slicked down, the waves smooth and neat to bring out his amber colored eyes. A deep emerald vest peeks through his black jacket, matching his tailored trousers, his entire ensemble hugging and emphasizing the muscles he trains every day.
I ache to see how they might flex if I were to grip them when on my knees before him—
“You look… good,” Niko rasps, voice thick and husky.
I shrivel inward at the compliment, meeting his glinting amber eyes. “You look… good, too.” I gulp down a breath.
Niko chuckles, scanning me over, and I avert my gaze when his stare lingers on my chest.
Brushing my sweaty hands against the sides of my gown, I try to appear as if I am smoothing the fabric and not imagining my mouth taking him.
Niko lowers into a formal bow, grabbing my hand to brush his soft lips against my knuckles, eyes blazing. “Care to accompany me to the party?”
The fire in his stare goes straight to my core. Words dry on my tongue, but I nod quickly, trying to remember myself.
Niko rises, his broad frame towering over me as he wraps my hand around his.
My grip tightens, the tingling in my legs leaving my knees wobbly as I brace myself.
