Page 71 of Frost and Death
A thickness builds in my throat, frightened at the thought of not being with him.
I blink rapidly, forcing my emotions to remain at bay until I am left alone in this dreadful place.
“Trade and new routes will need to be better established between our kingdoms,” I demand, meeting Jerrick’s smirk as he takes the decree and rolls it up, tucking into his shirt.
“We will work it all out.” Jerrick turns toward Jonas, issuing his command. “I am sure plenty of our people will be excited to have expanded trade routes.”
“You are going to be the death of me,” Jonas mumbles as he rises and adjusts his tucked shirt and vest.
He swishes his belt around, making sure his sword and dagger are properly displayed.
“Don’t tempt me,” Jerrick warns.
I look between the two and see Jonas wave away his brother’s threat, facing me and lowering into a bow. “It shouldn’t be a problem, and we will talk soon, Your Majesty.”
“You might as well go ahead and start calling me Tove,” I say to Jonas, choosing to play along with this charade for now.
“The wedding needs to happen within the next week. Privately. I don’t want this to get out to the people until the other kingdoms have been notified,” Jerrick says.
“That can be arranged,” Jonas replies.
My face falls. In a week? I just woke up.
I try to interrupt, but they are already walking toward the exit.
Jerrick holds the door for Dorit and Jonas, extending his arm to the latter. They clasp each other at the elbow, smiling.
Dorit offers me a small curtsy before turning to leave with Jonas.
They are leaving to make everything happen while I am stuck here in bed.
“What do you get out of this?” I call back to Jerrick, halting his steps.
He peers over, those blue eyes tracing down the entire length of my body. A sinful smirk splays on his lips.
“You,” the King of Palaena says in a low voice full of lust. He winks, sweeping the door closed and leaving me alone in a new nightmare.
14
Connections
The brush prickles along my scalp as I drag it through each strand, massaging my head while detangling every knot my hair has accumulated. The past week, I’ve been tucked away in these chambers, allowing my body to heal and interacting with few.
I’ve tried countless times to use Mother’s mirror in hopes of someone hearing me, but nothing. I won’t give up, though. It is my only chance to let Betina and Niko know I am okay.
I pray to the Makers they are okay.
The brush snags on the blue robe I wear, too lazy to dress with my shoulder still on the mend.
Dorit is the only one I’ve seen this past week, and I find her company a blessing despite these red walls being my prison. She brings me food, helps me bathe, and assists me with moving my body a few times a day. And when she greets me every morning,she reminds me each day I am here is another day I wish it were Betina’s voice.
Betina’s warm spiced scent would always linger in my chambers, lending a sense of comfort that would kill me each time I was dragged away from it, whereas Dorit leaves with gardenia and roses in her wake.
She smells so flowery that it can feel stuffy.
It makes me want to be outdoors.
Iloathethe outdoors.
