Page 121 of Wicked Prince of Frost

I stand through pure strength of will alone and storm overto Mingi. “Did you know he was lying and manipulating me this whole time?”

Mingi opens his mouth to deliver his predictable denial, but I cut him off. “He is as cruel as everyone says.” I thrust a finger toward the frozen women at my back. “Look at them! They are nothing more than trophies—he’s even prepared a place for me.”

Mingi sighs—actually sighs—as if I’m overreacting to something trivial.

“They are not—” he begins.

But I’m not listening. I shove past Mingi, bumping him with my shoulder. Imugi glides effortlessly out of the way to avoid me.

I can’t stand to hear more lies. Not from another person I’ve foolishly come to trust.

Why wouldn’t they defend him? They are his loyal subjects. They’ve told me as much and proved as much with their actions and their words as they went along with Joon’s deception.

As I pass Iseul, I let her see the hurt on my face. An expression that says,I trusted you. I thought we were friends.

CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

VIOLET

I stridethrough the halls with purpose, though I don’t yet know where I am going or what I will do, only that I want to get away from all the death and the deceit.

Joon never intended to keep his end of the bargain, which means that it was never binding. Except… I never could speak about it. Or it could mean the only bargain we had was that we couldn’t tell others about the verbal agreement we made.

I shake my head. I don’t know how to tell what’s real or not. There are too many possibilities.

It’s possible I misunderstood by assuming things. Yet it’s equally as likely that Joon used clever wording to make sure I did.

I try to remember the exact phrasing, but I can’t. There is only a vague notion of the whole thing.

Too many emotions are clouding my thoughts, making it hard to think straight.

If I am to die no matter what, then what was the point of any of this? Our bargain, searching, researching….

He used my optimistic nature against me to manipulateme into falling for him. He said it himself, I needed to be willing.

And it’s far easier to kiss someone you love than someone you loathe.

Outside, the bitter air stings my face. The magical storm weakens. Under the dying ghost of wind, I can feel the familiar sensation of Joon’s power. The way it traced through my veins when he siphoned and healed me.

Death will come for me whether I return to Firnhallow or remain here, so I might as well be in the home I’ve known my entire life, surrounded by the few people who genuinely love me. Even if the two most important people are doomed to be forever encased in enchanted ice.

With the Temple Tower behind me, my mind is made up. I will leave this place and never look back. He can suffer as he would have let me suffer. I won’t care about his pain—I won’t let myself.

Bear scurries out from a bush to their usual place under my skirts. Their presence is a mild comfort. At least there is someone who isn’t using me.

Halfway to the gate leading to the Southern Court, I stop and change direction, remembering that I’ve moved to the Western Court.

Back in my apartments, I head straight for the wardrobe. Nothing of mine from before I arrived at the palace remains. In fact, nothing in this room belongs to me. But I can’t very well travel with nothing other than the clothes on my back.

I sift through the various items, selecting the warmest ones and tossing them into a heap on the bed. Annoyingly, it dawns on me that I will have to do more than pack a bag before I can leave. There’s transport, money…

Mingi and Iseul are not far behind. His heavy footsteps stop partway inside the room.

“I’m leaving. Don’t try to stop me,” I say.

“Despite what it looks like, the prince and the dragon are not the same,” he lectures, in a tone that says he thinks I’m being childish.

My hands still. I glance at him as I cross over to the bed and begin folding. Whatever he sees in my face is enough to keep him from saying more.