Page 44 of Wicked Prince of Frost

Neither of us intended for that to happen, but I cannot chase the look of betrayal on Violet’s face from my mind. If ithappens again, she will not be persuaded that I do not intend to harm her.

If I wait to siphon only as a last resort and stop it before it takes a toll on her, then there is a slight possibility I can prolong this until another frost bloom is ready. If not, then no amount of magic will help me keep up my end of the bargain.

Determined to check the progress of the next viable plant before settling on a plan that may not even be an option, I quickly dress in a simple riding outfit. Mingi reaches the door just as I exit.

“You are up early, My Prince,” he says in a way that makes it clear he would like to know where I think I am going without him. There are times when he acts more like a mother than Captain of the Guard.

“I would like to check on Miss Hawthorn’s condition,” I say, turning in the direction of her quarters and away from the stables.

Undeterred, Mingi keeps pace with me. “How uncharacteristically considerate of you,” he says flatly.

Iseul stands outside Violet’s door. The only outward sign of her true feelings is the way she presses her mouth into a thin line.

“The future queen is still resting,” she says after a quick half-bow. “She tossed and turned all night.”

I cannot blame Iseul for being upset. She doesn’t know of Violet’s condition, and it is not my place to tell her. It is better if she believes I completely disregarded Violet’s life.

“I would like to see for myself… and to apologize.”

Iseul’s gaze snaps to Mingi, who shrugs, as if to say he doesn’t understand either.

“Then I suppose that would be all right,” Iseul says reluctantly. “Don’t upset her further.”

Iseul’s tendency to become overly fond of anyone oranything in her care is why I never assigned her to this post before. As it is, I wouldn’t put it past her to fight a harmony of demons with her bare hands if it kept her charge safe.

“I promise to leave the second she asks.”

Iseul gapes for a long moment before she gathers herself and allows me to enter.

I cut through the main area, pausing at the threshold of the bedroom. Violet sits cross-legged on top of the covers. She has one elbow propped on her knee, resting her chin in her palm while she traces the stitching on the blanket with a finger.

She must sense my presence because she looks up.

“Tell me if you want me to leave, and I will.”

She says nothing, only offering a small grunt of acknowledgement.

“Did… you sleep well?” I try again.

Violet glances up, her warm, honey eyes narrow at the sight of me. “You’re going somewhere,” she says, ignoring my question.

“Only to check on something.” I edge closer. “I wanted to see how you?—”

“There is always some mysterious thing you must ‘see to’.” She sits straighter, folding her arms under her chest.

“I have upset you.”

“I vaguely remember being promised a discussion of my involvement the last time yousaw to something.” She turns her face away. “It would probably cause me a great deal of distress if you put me off again without keeping your word.”

Demon shit. How could I let a human corner me?

“All right. What sort of involvement would you like?”

Violet’s demeanor changes in the blink of an eye. She scrambles to the edge of the bed, eyes shining and wearing a broad grin. “I want to go with you.”

“No.”

She frowns. “What do you mean, ‘no?’”