Page 94 of Frost and Death
While I knew there was more to explore, I lingered longest near the training arena, near the kitchens to chat with Ophelia and Cordelia, and near the courtyard to take in its beauty once more.
Dorit drags me to my meeting with Jonas and Jerrick in earnest, as if she does not wish for me to roam alone or converse with the castle’s staff.
While I would like to learn names and familiarize myself with their faces, I stop my intentions abruptly, remembering I do not intend to remain here. I keep my resolve tight in my chest, only to lose all sense of it completely when Dorit and I drift down the study wing, catching sight of Jerrick at the opposite end.
His blue eyes seem dark and distant. But they flare when they meet mine, the same rigidness he had from our wedding night evident in his entire demeanor.
My skin turns cold underneath his stare, fear gripping me like a vise, and I pull Dorit to stay in place. My heartbeat thrums in my ears while the walls close in around me.
Darkness and hatred roll off Jerrick in waves, confusion furrowing my brows over what is wrong with him.
Jonas tentatively touches his brother’s elbow.
Jerrick jerks away and snarls, Jonas flinching as Jerrick scowls back at Dorit and me, promptly leaving without any word.
I spare a glance at my lady-in-waiting, shock in her eyes as Jonas runs a hand through his hair, turning back to face us.
The rage from the King of Palaena still feels thick in the room, and whatever I just witnessed means getting Jerrick to help train my magic is going to be more difficult than I anticipated.
Nausea rolls in my stomach while I try to suppress defeat.
“Give him some time.” Jonas smiles tightly.
“He can take all the time he needs. I much prefer your company,” I retort as Dorit leaves us with a bow.
A hint of approval is evident in Jonas’s grin as the two of us enter a study hall to discuss the future of our two kingdoms asthey merge into one. Jonas pours me a glass of wine, while I take in the map of Draymenk stretched out on a long wooden table.
I’ve debated and planned out most of my excuses, compiling compromises that will not let the joining happen faster than I can control. I cling to a mask of lies, striving to build trust and appear willing in these negotiations, knowing it will be arduous and tiring.
“Here you are,” Jonas says, handing me the wine.
I take a sip and seek the courage it will give me to function through meetings. But it is bitter and dry, nothing in comparison to the sweet wine from home. My features scrunch as I swallow the burning liquid.
Jonas studies me through his glass, unfazed by the harsh drink. He places it down as he takes a seat, jumping straight into business.
“Axidoria does have a few resources to offer, but your trade with other kingdoms and the routes your kingdom has maintained for so long are what really interest us,” Jonas says, and I nod.
He continues, “We already have sent word to the other kingdoms explaining the situation, along with notifying them of the union between you and my brother. We also mentioned hosting a meeting regarding territories when the warmer seasons grant every kingdom safe passage to travel.”
I relax slightly at the mention of other kingdoms being involved around the time Niko seeks to fight. The information is mercifully granting me time.
“I think it is wise to host a meeting for the merging, but I also know King Bernard will not believe everything simply from a letter.”
Excitement dances in Jonas’s brown eyes as he chuckles, lacing his fingers together. “Oh, I know he does not. Which iswhy I want us to throw a masquerade to celebrate your marriage and then host a meeting with the others.”
I cannot interpret if it is for the celebration or the meeting, but I ask, “And what does thekingthink?”
My brother-in-law reclines in his chair, sighing. “He agreed to them all before he left.”
“And whydidhe leave?”
Jonas shrugs dismissively. “He had other duties to attend to.”
The words are short and evasive. It does nothing to ease my suspicions of Palaena and their intentions.
I plaster a light smile on my face. “I will need to write home after each of these meetings to alert my advisor, who is acting as our current proxy, of what we intend to do. We will also need to visit Axidoria.”
Jonas claps, startling me. “That gives me another idea!” He wiggles his eyebrows with delight as he says, “We can host two celebrations! One here in Palaena and one in Axidoria, where the people from both kingdoms can attend both celebrations to create and strengthen the unification!”
