Page 157 of Wicked Prince of Frost

“If Joon returns to claim his birthright, then I will abdicate,” he says. “I will do everything in my power to aid you in your search. However, it will be difficult to do so if the world believes him dead.”

“What do you suggest?” Mingi asks.

“I will return, in full support of my brother. Then, after a few days, I will announce that his condition has worsened and he will need to be placed in stasis until we can find a solution,” he says, meeting my gaze. “Depending on public opinion, it may prove difficult to place him on the throne when he’s found. Though not impossible if the people’s memories have returned as well.”

I dip my chin, grateful for the prince’s thoughtfulness.

Prince Eojin’s return is met with a mix of joy and skepticism. But any doubts about his validity are squashed when hisbonded demon emerges from hiding. Mandu is the bright blue of a summer sky with a mane so pale it shimmers like moonlight.

With his demon’s assistance, Eojin quickly regains any confidence he might have lacked from his years away from the palace and falls back into his natural roles with ease.

Over the following days, a numb detachment comes over me. Each one a blur and an eternity. I watch the coronation beside Iseul and Mingi, though I can barely bring myself to pay attention.

I wait for the search for Joon to resume.

As King Eojin restores order. One of his first official acts is to bestow power, nearly equal to that of the royal bloodline, onto Mingi and Iseul for all they have done for the kingdom. The decree instantly elevates their status to nobles and eradicates the stigma they once carried as orphans. I am truly happy for them. They deserve recognition for their loyalty.

One of his first official acts is to enact a system that will create better conditions for orphans, which will give current and future orphans an equal opportunity to find a good place in society, rather than being relegated to the edges, barely scraping by. Forgotten.

By the time the palace repairs are complete, the king has familiarized himself with the running of the kingdom, using his years among the people to find ways to improve laws and policies.

Eojin shocks the kingdom by declaring the border between the human and fae lands open for the first time in centuries since its creation. The decree is unexpected, receiving mixed reactions of reservation and excitement. Many on both sides of the line begin migrating immediately, eager for the potential prosperity and trade.

On and on, time passes without wavering. Refusing to slow.

I go through the motions I must, moving through the world, but never truly part of it. I am stuck, unable to move forward or back.

Even when everything has settled, the only time I feel like myself is when I ride over plains and tundra, searching for Joon. Mingi and Iseul spend an increasing amount of time with the Eojin, join the last true king’s personal spies, Hyeon and Yuna, in near constant discussions about possibilities for the future, as they help him adjust to a life he was never prepared to live.

Clutching the near-empty bag in my hand, I slow Star Runner and stare up at the Maldan Ice Wall. The top reaches so high into the heavens that it’s lost among the clouds.

After months of searching, I have finally reached the end of Arum’s northern land. I pull out one of the markers Iseul created for me and toss it down, then I turn and head toward the palace.

I am weary but not defeated. I can’t shake the feeling that I'm getting closer to finding Joon, even though there’s no logical reason to believe so.

Upon my return, I head straight for the throne room. The guards are used to the routine. With a nod, one turns to announce me, then motions for me to enter.

I stride in, stopping at the foot of the dais, and bow to King Eojin. Instead of the usual cue to rise, there is the gentle susurration of his robes sliding over the steps as he descends.

His hand alights on my shoulder. “I am glad you see you return safely.”

I straighten.

“Tell me what you have to report,” he says. He is giving me a rare courtesy by hearing what I have to say, when a simple glance can tell him everything he needs to know.

“I reached the Maldan ice wall… My results are the same. However, there are still the southern lands to search.”

Eojin nods. “I am sorry to hear that. I was hoping it would be different. It has been a long time since I last saw my brother, and I would like to see him again. I miss him.”

“I will go rest now,” I say. “I want to begin as soon as the sun rises.”

“No,” he says softly.

I freeze. “W-what do you mean?”

Eojin smiles kindly. “My brother is lucky to have someone who loves him as you do. I will always be thankful for your unwavering loyalty, but it is time for you to return to your family. I am sure they are waiting for you.”

I am shaking my head before he finishes speaking. “Please don’t ask me to give up on him,” I plead.