Page 24 of Wicked Prince of Frost

Before I can address the other man, whom I assume to be his personal guard, the prince speaks first, “Her name is Violet.”

I blink at him in surprise.

The prince lifts his chin a little higher, his nose wrinkles in distaste. “It would be nearly impossible not to know when your acquaintances were shouting your name at the top of their lungs.”

Determined not to allow his grumpy disposition to make this situation worse, I ignore him and address his guard, glancing uncomfortably between us.

“Violet Hawthorn,” I say, letting them both know that I am aware that giving them my full name does not grant them power over me as it would with fae.

It wasn’t until after we made our bargain and he departed that I realized we never introduced ourselves. If he didn’t ask then, I doubt the prince would deign to ask my full name at this point.

“Hawthorn,” the guard says, testing the sound of it. “An interesting surname.”

I shrug. “Thank you. I inherited it from my parents.”

He laughs.

“I’m sorry, I don’t know either of your names. What should I call you?” I ask, as if I am entirely unaware that it’s a pointed remark toward the prince.

“I am His Highness’s captain of the guard, and second. Captain or Mingi is fine.”

“You may address me as ‘My Prince’ or ‘Your Highness.’ There is no need for you to address me by anything else,” the prince says, without bothering to look in my direction.

I offer him a fake smile.

Anyone who knows a fae’s true name will have unfettered power over them. They have all gone by their given names for so long that most true names have been lost to time.

There is no reason for him to avoid giving me his name, as it grants me no power over him without the other, except out of pettiness.

Mingi clears his throat again. “Yes, well, I wanted to inform you that we will stop at an inn shortly after nightfall and you will be given clothes to change into.”

“Are we staying the night somewhere? How far are we going? I thought you traveled by the fae roads.”

The prince scoffs under his breath as if I should already know the answers.

“We do, but it is not safe for you to use them until you are bound. This will give you the chance to wash and make yourself presentable for your arrival at the palace. In other circumstances, we would ride through the night and arrive before dawn,” Mingi explains.

I nod. It wasn’t intended as such, but it’s hard not to feel insulted when I’ve taken the time to bathe and pick out my best dress.

Of course, even the most expensive dress in Firnhallow would pale in comparison to one befitting royal standards.

The carriage comes to a halt, and I’m startled awake. I sit up straight and look out the window. The light is fading, but it’s still early evening. We can’t possibly be near our destination just yet.

“I will see what the holdup is,” Mingi says, as he exits.

The prince glowers at me as if my very existence is an offense to him. “I trust you had a pleasant nap?” His tone makes it clear he means the opposite.

I groan. “What have I done to upset you? I did what you asked of me so far. I haven’t pushed you to tell me details I need to pull off this—this—” I wave my hands around to indicate everything.

“Farce?” he supplies.

“Yes!” I agree in a harsh whisper.

“You know exactly what you have done—the reason why it isyousitting across from me and not someone more suitable.” Each word is spat out like poison-laced needles.

I take two calming breaths. It won’t help matters if we both lose our tempers.

“Yes—and I am paying for it now,” I say slowly. “I am doing all that you ask. Continuing to be nasty toward me will not make things easier for either of us.”