Page 129 of Wicked Prince of Frost

I can’t help the slight blush that creeps over my cheeks. “Anyway… even though it’s not the same, I also enjoyed working at the archives.”

From there, my story morphs into memories of my surrogate family, skipping the ones surrounding the time when my parents were entrapped in the cursed ice, and focusing on the times before and after. Now is not the moment for that. Right now, I want to relive the happiest times.

Joon moves to my side of the table as I finish telling him about the time Sebastian put a frog in Talya’s handbag when we were in school.

He leans toward me, trailing kisses from my shoulder to the column of my throat.

I trail off. “You are very distracting,” I murmur.

He hums. “I find I am not fond of you looking so happy when speaking of other men.”

“He’s a friend. If anything, the two of them are like the siblings I never had.” My explanation reminds me of what I’d read. “Oh, I nearly forgot. There is something I wanted to tell you.”

Joon nips at my earlobe before pulling it between his lips.

Small bumps race over my skin. I hum at the warmth that spreads within. “Joon…”

“Moan my name like that again, and I might not be able to control myself out here where anyone could happen upon us.” Joon’s voice is a sensual growl as the hand on my thigh inches upward.

“This is important,” I insist weakly. It’s getting harder to remember why by the second as I melt into him.

He nips playfully at my neck, then slowly draws back. All I can manage is a weak, plaintive sound of protest.

Demons and saints, this man will be my complete undoing.

“What is so urgent?” Joon’s eyes and tone show concern.

I sit straighter and turn to face him. “I’ve been looking into your family history?—”

“You have?”

His bewilderment makes me wonder if I overstepped. “Is that all right?”

He shakes his head. “It is fine, just unexpected. Most don’t bother unless it is to confirm a date or some other small detail.” He considers me for a moment. “I suppose those living in the mortal lands would not be so familiar with recent fae history.”

I relax, relieved to hear that. “When I was researching, I noticed something—” I hum, trying to find the right word. “—peculiar. A page was removed from one of the books. And there was something written that didn’t make sense because it contradicted?—”

“Your Highness,” Mingi calls out from the far end of the pavilion. His footsteps thud loudly as he runs toward us.

Still looking at me, Joon holds up a hand to him. “We are in the middle of something.”

“Demons have breached the palace walls,” Mingi says, notheading the order. “They are swarming the Grand Hall and Southern Court.”

He commands our full attention.

“Everyone with lesser magic who cannot defend against demons must go to the Temple Tower,” Mingi tosses me a meaningful glance. “Immediately.”

Joon and I are on our feet before he finishes.

Talons click against the pavilion floor as Imugi and Bear arrive seconds later. Bear nearly crashes into me as the two demons reach us.

Joon takes my hand and pulls me along with him. “I will meet you back at the gate once I escort Violet.”

“There’s no time,” Mingi protests. “Barriers are down and more fail every minute.”

Joon continues dragging me along. He’s not listening. I plant my feet and use my full weight to stop him. “I can make it to the tower on my own. I’ll be fine—Bear is with me.”

Joon ducks his head and kisses me. “I will see you soon, and then you can finish what you were telling me.”