Page 39 of Wicked Prince of Frost

Silence falls between us as we watch a shoal of shimmering fish with silver scales swim in lazy patterns beneath the gentle ripples of the water.

He turns to me. The warm expression he wore moments ago is gone now, replaced with a slight frown. “You need not lie or cover for his behavior. It is well known that he is cruel to his wives.”

I take a step back, waving my hands. “He has not acted in an objectionable way. I swear it,” I say quickly. Then, not wanting to find out what would happen if I openly disagreed with someone so powerful, I add, “Perhaps it is because I’ve been here less than a day and spent so little time with him?”

The king hums and nods, seeming to accept that.

Long before the mortal and fae worlds collided, fairytales spoke of the inability of the fae to lie and their magic that binds them and others to their promises and bargains. In truth, they can lie as readily as any human, but thankfully, we managed to get the second part right.

“I hope you will not hold it against him when that side emerges.” He shakes his head and heaves a weary sigh. “It is not his fault. His heart holds a lot of pain ever since the… brutal murder of the last king and queen.”

My hand flies to my mouth, smothering a gasp. I’m stunned by his candor. “I had no idea.”

Everyone in the kingdom knows of their passing. But all the rumors spoke of a rare illness contracted during their travels.

He nods, his shining pale blue eyes watching me expectantly.

I am curious about learning the details, but I dare not pry.If they wanted the world to know what really happened, we already would.

When I don’t inquire, the king tilts his chin up and peers down at me. “There is something different about you from his other brides.”

“I’m not sure what you mean,” I say slowly.

The king couldn’t possibly know the truth—that Joon and I made a bargain… and that I know more than I’m letting on.

My throat feels tight. A warning from the magic of our agreement, ensuring my silence. Surely, Joon would have warned me if anyone could sense it.

The king waves a hand dismissively. “Perhaps things will be different this time. I’ve long hoped for a bride strong enough to guide him toward his true path.”

I shift, unsure of what he’s alluding to or what he expects from me.

“I was only supposed to be on the throne until his nineteenth year when he was of age, but he has shown no interest in fulfilling his role even after all he did to gain it.”

If convincing him to take his place as the rightful king is part of my duties as his wife, this is the first I’m hearing of it.

“Please, do not feel compelled to take on such a daunting task.” Emotion pulls at his features, something akin to…regret? “You are aware of the dangers of your position. It is more important to keep yourself safe from harm. The prince is not all he appears to be.”

I suppose that is as kind a way as any to say someone is dangerous. If not for the bargain, I would be afraid.

“Thank you,” I say. “I appreciate your concern.”

The king’s smile is sad but kind as he rests a hand on my shoulder. “I will leave you to return to what you were doing before my interruption. Perhaps we will have another chance to walk together soon.”

“I would like that.”

“When you leave, take a left and continue straight, and you will find your way back to where we met.”

As he walks away, I’m struck with a sense of strangeness. My head feels fuzzy, as if I’d been drinking or about to come down with a head cold. It must be from exhaustion and the stress of the situation. I’ve barely slept since it all began.

I contemplate my first encounter with the king, going over our conversation as I lazily make my way back the way we came.

There was a warning in the king’s words, and I doubt they were given lightly or without reason.

I’ve already seen different sides of Prince Joon. Yet, it is hard to imagine the prince as the king implied.

Which version of you is real, Joon? The one you show me, or the one everyone else knows and fears?

“There you are!” Iseul calls out, waving as she hurries over to me. Her cheeks are flushed bright pink against her pale face as she struggles to catch her breath. “I’ve been looking everywhere for you, My Lady. I was worried.”