Page 78 of Enchanted By a Pirate
"Or she…" Ultimately, her suspicions revolved around a woman. "What can you do against the Snow Queen's magic?"
"That is my concern." He kissed her fervently, as if he wanted to make her forget all the dangers. When her chain with the sun-shaped pendant brushed against his chest, he took the pendant in his hand. The way he looked at it told her it wasn't thefirst time he'd seen it. "Do you remember where you got the necklace?"
Anna shook her head and stroked it. "It means a lot to me, I know that much."
He smiled and sat up. "As much as I would like to have you naked by my side longer, we should get up and get moving. We already traveled for a day, so this afternoon, my crew should arrive in the harbor — or at least be nearby. No one will pay attention to a man and woman entering the capital from the southeast."
She glanced up in surprise. How fast could the Fortuna sail? "This afternoon?"
"Aye, I whispered to the sea to speed up her journey."
They peeled themselves out of bed. Overjoyed, Anna discovered a basin full of warm water that the captain had fetched for her. She washed herself thoroughly and slapped several handfuls of water onto her face. The previous night and the dream, which had actually been a memory, made her feel reborn. What better conditions for facing a villain?
When they left the inn, it was early morning. It wasn't snowing and the sun was shining in the ice-blue sky, but it was still frosty, so Anna wrapped her coat tightly around herself, as did Chris. He didn't appear cold, but Anton's objection that the captain would be immediately recognized as a pirate based on his clothes couldn't be dismissed.
They followed the road, which was only visible by the ruts left in the snow by the traders' carts. They marched briskly for a while, passing through several villages where well-dressed people on the streets and heavily smoking chimneys showed that the people living there were as wealthy as those in Frost Home. With each settlement, her suspicions about the Snow Queen grew stronger and Anna could hardly wait to reach King's Snow.
Although the coat warmed her, she felt her lips starting to turn blue and her fingers stiffening. She hoped they would reach their destination soon — they wouldn't be able to stay in this icy land for much longer. Chris sensed her worries and took her hand in his. His body heat helped, but she still felt frosty shivers frequently traveling down her back. A fur coat, no matter how warm it was, wasn't enough if there was just a summery dress and pirate boots underneath.
The Ice Palace became increasingly more distinct before them. It was surrounded by a large city protected by a thick wall, and only the upper floors and spires of the palace rose above the surrounding buildings, like a mother keeping an eye on her kingdom from above.
The closer they came to King's Snow, the more often they were overtaken by traders in their carts. The merchants had stowed the goods under tarps so that the harsh weather could not harm them. What was hidden underneath? Anna would have loved to peek at the loads, but she had to restrain herself all the way into town. There was probably a marketplace and shops where she could admire the products.
"Damn cold to walk that far," came a voice from behind them. When they turned, they spotted a merchant with a tired donkey harnessed to his cart. The man's coat was frayed at the hem and his face was gaunt. "May I offer you a ride?"
Glancing at each other, they nodded. "Gladly."
"You can sit next to me on the bench, everything in the back is full." He slid to the side as Anna hopped up onto the wagon and sat next to him with Chris right behind her.
"You're going to King's Snow, right?"
Before the captain accidentally let out an "Aye," Anna spoke. "Exactly, we're on our honeymoon." It was better to stick to one story, or else they might get confused. "We have already been to Frost Home and walked along the border of the giants' realm.Now I want to see the beautiful capital — and I would love to meet the Snow Queen."
"Meet the Snow Queen?" He laughed as he flicked the reins, and the donkey started moving sluggishly. Anna doubted if they could get into the city faster in the wagon, but it was definitely more comfortable. Although the boots fit well, the break was good for her feet.
"Why are you laughing, sir?" she asked. "We heard she's in the Ice Palace. Doesn't she grant audiences?"
"You're not from here, are you?"
"No, we are from Linnenberg, but we have heard that she helps her people and is the best ruler one could ask for."
"I am not from this land but from the Kingdom of Flowers. I used to live in the Kingdom of Rocks with the giants. We weren't wealthy, but we lived a good life until I had to flee with my family after the events at that time. Since then, I have been working as a trader between the south and north."
That explained the tattered clothes and the exhausted donkey.
Chris remained reserved. The man had traveled a lot — perhaps he had heard of the dreaded captain. Still, without leaning forward, he asked, "Why don't you think we can meet the Snow Queen?"
The trader eyed them skeptically. "Why are you so eager to see her?"
Anna's eyes lit up — and she didn't even have to act. "Well, she is a queen, just like in books. I've wanted to see one all my life."
"Women!" The stranger laughed. Anna winked at Chris. She had mollified the merchant's suspicions.
"Unfortunately, the Snow Queen doesn't grant audiences like in your novels, dear lady. She is a busy woman and highly skeptical of anyone who does not live in her realm. Except for theinhabitants of the Kingdom of Winter, no one is allowed to enter the palace." He cleared his throat, covering his mouth with his palm. "I think she doesn't want to share the wealth that she has brought to her people and herself. But you didn't hear that from me."
"Do you think so?" The captain leaned forward, alert. "Do you suspect she acquired her wealth through dishonest means?"
"If you ask me, it's highly suspicious that things go downhill for us and shortly after, things go up for her. They say it has something to do with that cursed fairy who threw our world out of balance back then…"
