Page 84 of Frost and Death
Everyone’s eyes drill into me as Jerrick answers, “I will join hands.”
I am still examining the blood in Jerrick’s palm as I repeat the words after him. “I will join hands.”
Jerrick folds his hands over mine.
The priest turns to a table with a goblet and two crowns. He grabs the king’s crown first, holding it with such tenderness as he pivots back.
Jerrick lowers his towering height so the priest may place it on his head.
The priest repeats his steps, and when I behold the queen’s crown, my heart stops momentarily.
It is silver, like the king’s crown, but adorned with bright blue jewels too pale to be considered sapphires. They are clustered in the center, surrounded by diamonds varying in size. This crown placed upon my head is so surreal I can’t believe this is a wedding and a coronation.
The priest grabs the goblet, lowering his head and gesturing for us to each take a drink.
Jerrick offers it to me before helping himself, finalizing the marriage between Palaena and Axidoria.
The priest joyfully claps. “You are now bonded in marriage. All hail, King Jerrick and Queen Tove.”
The guards stand to attention as Dorit and Jonas applaud from the sidelines, and I can’t help the brief smirk along my lips as I watch them, knowing they didn’t have to pretend to be excited.
Everyone hereknowsit is arranged.
I shake my head at their amusement and swivel back to Jerrick’s hard lips suddenly on mine, sending my blood rushing to my cheeks.
He pulls away, leaving me in complete shock, and lust rests heavily deep in my core.
Fuck.
His eyes open, desire shining behind them.
I take a step away, stopping the tension at his proximity. I should not be feeling anything for this man—this monster. Exhaling and closing my eyes, I try to sear his kisses from my memory and replace them with thoughts of Niko.
Jonas runs up, touching my shoulder. “Welcome to the family, sis!”
Something about the way Jonas says that sends a wave of chills down my spine.
Politely, I thank him, then look for Dorit, only to see she is socializing with a few of the household guards.
I face Jerrick, who studies me cautiously.
He extends his elbow. “Are you ready, Frostbite, or is it too soon to call youwife?”
Both nicknames do nothing to improve my mood as disgust churns in my gut. I can’t stop from hoping it might ruin his mood, too, knowing we are tied together and absolutely despise it.
Taking his arm, I lean in and offer a sweet, sardonic reply. “Only if you are,husband.”
17
A Night toNotRemember
We take a different path from the one Jonas and I did from my rooms, hinting we are going to Jerrick’s chambers instead of mine. We walk in silence, and I don’t know if I am the only one dreading the arrival or if Jerrick feels the same, too.
I try to keep my focus off what lies ahead by taking in the castle, admiring its beauty and intricate details as each step clacks against the rugs and stone floors, the only noise between us.
“Do you like it?” Jerrick asks, pulling me from examining the walls.
“What? Oh! The castle? Yes, it is beautiful,” I blurt, not realizing how awkward my response is.
