Page 156 of Wicked Prince of Frost

“I know who they are,” he interrupts, though not unkindly. His voice is soft with awe. “I was wondering if or when someone would come.”

“We need to speak with you about an urgent matter, Your Highness,” I say before the moment can become a happy reunion.

During the ride here, Iseul and Mingi reminisced about their days with the two princes and the antics all four of them would get into.

Prince Eojin nods and gestures to a table against the wall with cushioned bench seats. “Let us sit and speak as equals. I have not been a prince for a long time now.”

He locks the door and draws the curtain over the door before joining us, taking the remaining seat beside Mingi, opposite Iseul and me.

The way Eojin looks at the siblings, especially Iseul, seems to hold extra meaning. Perhaps he is reliving memories from their shared childhood.

“How did you find me?” he asks Mingi.

Mingi nods in my direction. “She did.”

Eojin turns his attention on me, full of suspicion. “You, I don’t know. Tell me, what is a human doing traveling with fae? And how is it that you were the one to track me down?”

“I’m Vi?—”

“I know your name. I want to knowwhoyou are.”

After so much time with Joon, the younger prince’s prickly demeanor is not quite what I’d expected. Knowing his position, I can’t blame him.

“I am Prince Joon’s seventh wife,” I say matter-of-factly. It pleases me inside when Eojin’s brows jump higher in surprise.

“Impossible. We fae do not take multiple spouses.”

“It’s a long story,” Iseul draws out the first word as she offers a smile that is more grimace.

Leaving out the intimate details, I explain everything from the beginning—my condition, my theft, and the bargain with Joon. I explain how I discovered the clues in my research, and the book with the true history disguised as a fairytale. Iseul and Mingi help fill in the details. All the while, Eojin sits back listening with rapt attention.

“Joon killed the Traitor King the night he broke the curse,” I finish.

Afterward, the young prince is silent, as if lost in thought.

“Why did you stay here after your memories returned?” I ask after a while.

Prince Eojin shrugs, then leans on the table with folded arms. Most of his princely demeanors have faded, leaving traces behind that can only be found if you know what to look for.

“I have spent more years in this life than the one I was born into. It’s simple, but it’s a good life.” Eojin gazes out the window to a distant point only he can see with his mind’s eye. “There is no need for a spare to complicate matters. With the curse broken, my brother can take the throne.”

Iseul jabs me in the ribs below the table.

“That brings us to the matter we’ve come to discuss with you,” I say.

Eojin sits straighter, his expression hardens. Perhaps he can sense the gravity in my tone.

I swallow the lump in my throat and steel my spine for the part I must say next. “We found the Traitor King’s body, butwe haven’t been able to find any trace of Joon. We’ve searched and can’t find a trace.” Warm pressure builds behind my eyes as tears build, threatening to drown me.

Iseul gently squeezes my hand, then takes over. “For now, everyone believes he is recovering, but there’s no telling what chaos will break out if anyone discovers the truth about the crown prince.”

“I cannot claim his crown while he lives,” he says.

“That is why we must declare him dead?—”

“No.” I nearly choke on the word as I get to my feet. They had “I won’t give up on him even if you do.”

Iseul tugs on my arm, having me sit back down. “We’re not giving up. This is necessary to prevent unrest while we keep searching.”