Page 33 of Wicked Prince of Frost

As the final note dies away, the ribbon shines. Violet flinches away from the blinding light. As the glow fades, the ribbon vanishes, forming a connection between us.

“It is done,” the officiant says flatly. She turns to me, adding, “Now, seal the binding.”

I guide Violet toward me by the shoulders, then lift the veil, letting it slip and flutter to the floor. Cupping her jaw, her heartbeat speeds up under my finger that rests atop the pulse point in her slender neck.

I lean in, she squeezes her eyes shut, holding her breath. I stop just shy of brushing my lips against hers, close enough to feel the heat of her skin. The slightest shifting of weight would close the distance.

She peers through her lashes and releases the air trapped in her lungs. Before she can accidentally move, I draw back.

Violet glances around as if waking from a dream. She frowns at the empty spot where Minister Molan had been moments ago.

I could have easily prepared her for how it would be, but I cannot afford to trust her. She could very well be responsible for that strange hovering presence.

Unlike the fae, humans are not held so tightly to their word. Where my kind will shrivel and eventually die, mortals feel a constant nagging ache—a bearable consequence to live with.

Her gaze trails up to an upper atrium overlooking the main room, and squints. I follow her line of sight, but there is no one there and nothing out of place.

“What now?” she asks in a whisper as her attention returns to me.

“To the marital chambers. It is our wedding night, after all,” I say, trying to keep my tone light. I am unsuccessful, and my voice comes out rough and low.

The thoughtless comment holds an unintended implication.

Embarrassment stains her cheeks. It is easy to tell where her thoughts have gone.

This is not the first time she has jumped to the conclusion that I expect unfettered access to her body.

It reminds me of the way she blushed when we sealed the bargain. At the time, I thought the idea of being my wife repulsed her… but this reaction makes it seem as though she forgot this was all a ruse.

“I—are we—to…” Her voice trembles as she stumbles for words.

Despite assurances, she remains wary of my intentions.

“I meant what I said,” I murmur, wanting to put her worries to rest before she faints at my feet. “I do not need a bargain to keep my word about that.”

“Oh…” The small sound is little more than a breath, quickly followed by a grimace.

She does not strike me as vain enough to consider herself irresistible. And since she believes I send the Winter Dragon to attack human cities to subdue the people, attraction would be the last thing causing these momentary lapses.

Regardless, perhaps I can use this little detail to keep her on her toes.

If offered the chance to be privy to everything going through her head in a day, I would be tempted to take it.

It would certainly be interesting, to say the least.

CHAPTER TEN

VIOLET

As it turns out,the marital chambers are his personal apartments. His belongings are arranged comfortably, as if he’s long lived here, rather than newly settled.

A few lit candles situated around the room add just enough light to see. I take in the space, only to freeze when I see through the open doorway his bed with the covers pulled back, ready for us.

I turn and cross to a bookshelf that spans from floor to ceiling in the study opposite the bedroom and try to think of anything else.

Recalling the shadows on the third-floor balcony, I could have sworn I saw the tall figure of a man bow. It’s entirely possible it was an illusion caused by the flicker of light passing through crystals.

The prince stalks up behind me. “Does my word mean so little that you still believe I would force myself on you?” The ice coating his words belies hurt.