Page 80 of Frost and Death
“He is going to regret that,” I vow.
“Tee, we still need him for trade.”
I roll my eyes, hating how he is right. We need Ulrik for trade because he helps keep Axidoria’s funds full enough to pay other kingdoms for resources we have depleted. I can’t wait for the day I’ll be able to remove the thorn in my side that Ulrik Albertsen is.
“But when I said he is trying to, he is tryingandfailing.” Niko laughs, knowing I fell for it, and shrugs. “What can I say? The people love me.”
I give him a knowing look with my eyebrow raised. I’m met with his grin on full display. While I want to smack him and scold him for teasing me, I can’t help the small tug of my smirk, the Niko I have fallen for peeking through our predicament.
Annoyed but in happy defeat, I appreciate having such a man in my life for myself and for my home. I touch the reflection, and I wish with my entire heart to have him here beside me, facing this together instead of apart.
It will be hard, but in the back of my mind, I pray to the Makers there is a way to avoid a fight and save my kingdom from my own magic.
“I miss you.So much,” I confess.
He smiles again, sending my heart skipping a beat. “I miss you too, Tee.”
16
Wedlock
Iopted to get ready for tonight alone, remembering the quiet and bliss from my time with Niko.
Staring out the window as nightfall takes over the skies, I note the lake near the town reflecting the moonlight into my room. Lights lit in the village are visible from where I observe, dreading the rest of this evening approaching.
The only reprieve the Deities blessed me with was seeing Niko. Reuniting with him and forming a rescue mission was not what I planned, but somehow, through it all, I am filled with hope. I have replayed our time together over and over in my mind as the hours tick by, dragging me further into this nightmare.
With Niko trekking throughout Axidoria to call the banners, reaching out to King Bernard and Queen Verena for support and extra supplies and handling the Ulrik situation, I firmly believethat, by the end of this, my people will rejoice in having a king and queen together again.
Even though my heart aches for him, I need to do everything right on my end to ensure I find answers and learn about my magic.
A strong, short knock comes at the door.
Looking down at my dress, I wipe my sweaty palms on it, adjusting my features and putting on my regal smile. “Come in.”
The door opens, and I turn, expecting Dorit, but am surprised to see a different face.
Jonas offers a tight smile, bowing. “Your Majesty, are you ready?”
He is dressed in warm, bold colors that match the reds and browns of my room, his jacket a dark burgundy lying on top of a cream-colored tunic. His pants and boots blend into one another in a chocolate brown. A sash drapes over his vest laced and adorned with jewels that complement the small crown resting on his head.
He wears royalty handsomely, knowing he is well outfitted for tonight.
“Right,” I mutter to myself more than him, mentally preparing for what’s to come.
As I turn, Jonas scans me appreciatively. “If I may, can I say you look radiant this evening?”
My cheeks redden, genuine shock from his compliment turning my insides into mush. Compliments are weird and unusual, yet his made my stomach somersault.
Jonas then takes a step forward, reaching down to help hold my train in one elbow while extending his other toward me. “Allow me.”
I exhale in awe of his manners, almost forgetting he is an enemy. “Where wereyouwhen I was looking for a husband?”
Shit. Did I reallyjustsay that?
I squint my eyes closed in embarrassment. This is because he complimented me. I should have just bristled at his words.
Jonas laughs. “While I appreciate the honesty, I am afraid I’m not up for grabs.”
