Page 151 of Wicked Prince of Frost

Iseul rushes to meet her brother. They exchange hushed words. From my vantage, the two of them are either disagreeing or plotting.

I would like to know what they are talking about that they don’t feel the need to let me in on it.

Pushing the blankets off, I get to my feet, taking a moment to ensure I am steady. My muscles feel strong and rested. In fact, my entire body feels strong. I don’t remember the last time I felt this good.

I quietly make my way over to the siblings. The siblings are so engrossed in their conversation that they don’t notice me until I clear my throat. Iseul and Mingi startle and gape at me with identical expressions.

“You should stay in bed and rest. You’re not—” Iseul says.

I hold a hand up to stop her. “I have rested enough. Right now, I want to know what you are hiding from me. Where is Joon?”

Imugi’s pale form slips through the wall like morning mist. The demon’s eyes lock onto Mingi. “Sightings of the second dragon have sparked confusion and unrest. Speculation of a second curse is already spreading through the city. It is only a matter of days before it reaches every city in Arum.”

“Have the captains send their men to squash the rumor before it has a chance to leave the walls of the capital,” Mingi orders.

“What should they say?”

“Anything—whatever they must to ease the tensions for now. The threat has been handled and is no more.”

I push between Iseul and Mingi. “Second dragon?”

Imugi blinks twice. “Yes. In order to become one with a guardian, the Traitor King bonded with a higher demon.” They gesture to themselves with their tail. “But they were greedy and did not care that their natures and powers were ill-suited. Even the most powerful will end up demon cursed with the wrong fit.”

Flashes of scales flicker in my hazy memory. Ash and rust.

I thought it was only the Traitor King’s demon. But had it actually been the dragon within him? If he and Joon were the two who were spotted, then?—

My stomach tightens with desperation. “And Joon?”

“Their dragons fought,” Imugi says, confirming my theory. Frustratingly, there is nothing in their tone to hint at the outcome.

“There is time for talk when everything has settled,” Mingi interrupts. “We must focus on keeping the people at ease now.”

Imugi stiffens. They remain where they are, though they heed the unspoken command to stop talking.

I round on the two fae. Iseul stares at the floor, lips pressed into a tight line, while Mingi sighs and swears at the demon under his breath.

His reaction makes me think that I might stand a better chance at pulling the truth from him.

“Tell me what happened to Joon.” I clench my fists so hard, my nails dig into my palms. The sting grounds me, preparing me to hear the worst.

If Joon were fine, they would have said so.

He would be here now.

I would sense if he were hurt or worse. Wouldn’t I?

“There is nothing to tell,” Mingi says.

I take a calming breath, which does absolutely nothing to help.

Demons and saints protect this man because I will send him to the Otherworld with my bare hands if he gives me another non-answer.

“What does that mean?” I ask through clenched teeth.

Mingi’s eyes narrow with suspicion, as if he can hear my thoughts. “It means that we cannot tell you what we do not know. We do not know where he is or…” He takes a half step back, then another. “Or what condition he is in.”

All the fight leaves me as that last part sinks in. The meaning underlying his words is crystal clear despite his attempts to soften the blow.