Page 68 of Frost and Death
Jerrick’s eyes flash with haughtiness, knowing my magic won’t summon itself forth.
“That’s enough!” Jonas interjects, looking between us pointedly.
I drop my hands faster than my magic dies out.
What is happening to me? Why didn’t my power stretch outward?
It did not even manifest along my skin.
I break away from Jerrick’s stare, meeting Jonas and Dorit.
“My king, Your Majesty,” Jonas says, hands raised in surrender.
Guilt festers as anger resigns in my blood, even as Jerrick rolls his eyes at his brother. The fear I’ve caused and the people I could have hurt cracks my heart open.
I might have just made matters worse for myself.
I could be forced to remain a prisoner, locked deep in their keep. Then I would never see my home, my family’s graves, my people, Niko, or Betina ever again.
My face falls.
Mother’s mirror.
I pat my body, frantically searching for the one thing holding me to my family and to my kingdom. I could try to reach someone on the other side from my bedchamber’s vanity.
Glancing and moving around carefully, I lift bedsheets without hurting my shoulder, feeling for the one hope I have of home.
“What are you doing?” Jerrick asks.
“My mother’s mirror, did I lose it?”
My voice cracks as panic rises.
I look toward the sides of the bed, hoping a bedside table or something is keeping it safe. Desperation twitches in my fingers, and I comb through my hair.
“It’s here, Your Majesty,” Dorit offers, walking toward the wardrobe. She pulls out a small item and approaches.
Tears flood my eyes, locking on Mother’s mirror. I rip it from her hands, cradling it as a small speck of conviction blooms to life.
I blink rapidly, offering Dorit kindness the two men do not deserve. “Thank you.”
She grins, further illuminating her beauty.
“Your Majesty,” Jonas says, drawing my attention. “I know you do not trust us, but you need to hear us out.”
I dart my attention back and forth between the King and the Prince of Palaena.
Jonas pulls a piece of rolled parchment from his vest. Jerrick takes it from his brother, waiting to place it in my hands.
Skepticism makes me hesitant, but Jerrick waves it again.
I rest Mother’s mirror down, curiosity getting the better of me, as I grip the parchment and unfold it. I skim through the document, noting it is a royal decree of some sort.
My eyes widen in shock as I read the last few lines.
The kingdoms of Palaena and Axidoria hereby approve and document this decree as binding law. This agreement is joined and composed by the two kingdoms acting with the discretion of the Makers. The signatures below, by each of the ruling monarchs of Axidoria and Palaena, agree to the arrangement of marriage between...
My mouth drops as I read my name and Jerrick’s and our parents’ signatures at the bottom of the document. I note the fancy penmanship of King Ivan, the previous King of Palaena, shining brightly on the page.
