Page 56 of Wicked Prince of Frost

I rest my arms on the desk. “You have my attention.”

The demon lifts their head at that, but I send a subtle command not to interfere.

“You never said why you were looking for me earlier.”

“That is no longer relevant. Now, if that is all?—”

“That is certainlynotall,” she bitesout in a tone no one has ever dared to direct toward me. “You’re avoiding me—and don’t bother saying you’re busy because you’re more than capable of finding the time when you want something.” She shakes her head and exhales, refocusing. “I wanted to find you because I want to know more about everything. I want to do more than to stay behind or have you drag me along. But more than anything, I want to be your ally—someone you can trust. I want you to be someoneIcan trust.”

I scoff. “A pretty speech, and though I am sure you think you mean it, you would change your mind once you are in the thick of it. But by then, it will be too late.” I lean forward, searching for her real motivation in her bright, honey eyes. “Considering the circumstances when we made our bargain, I am not inclined to take your words at face value. Nor am I in the habit of falling for such childish trickery.”

Violet’s hand shoots out to grab my wrist. “I am not trying to deceive you, Joon. I know you only threatened me because you are as desperate as I was when I stole the frost bloom.”

My name on her lips sounds warm and natural, filled with a familiarity I’ve not heard in years.

When did she stop using my title?

“Being here was my choice—I begged you to bargain with me and offered to help with anything you wanted, remember?” she says softly. A furrow forms on her brow as Violet searches my face.

She is human. Nothing more than a vessel to siphon the power needed to stave off the curse. No different from the six who came before her.

Yet, sheisdifferent.

They were content to stay within the palace, safe from the dangers of traversing the wild, never requesting to join my search—never asking why. And siphoning certainly did not bring any of them within an inch of their lives.

Violet releases a heavy sigh. “You do not need to carry this burden alone.”

I clench my jaw. “It is not a simple matter of trust. It would endanger both my life and yours.”

“How?” she prompts. Almost demanding.

“Telling you means a higher chance of the wrong people learning the details. Few would hesitate to use it against me. If my enemies thought for a second that you knew anything, they would threaten and torture you for the information—you would become their weapon against me.”

Violet’s grip on my wrist goes slack, her hand sliding away. She lowers her gaze, looking down at her clasped hands. “I understand.”

She gave up so easily. Unexpectedly, I find myself wavering at the disappointment on her face.

“I am sorry for pushing the issue. Endangering your life was never my goal. I wrongly assumed the same magic that keeps our bargain secret would keep that information safe in the same way.” Violet stands, bowing at the waist, then turns to leave.

Demons and saints…

I had not thought of that. Of all my wives, she is bound to silence, because she alone knows what the others did not.

I am used to keeping the details close to my chest, never needing or wanting to let someone in. Violet’s constant needling to know has burrowed under my skin and rooted in the marrow of my bones.

The memory of her taking the shard from my hand and wrapping it flickers in my mind.

By now, Violet has seen enough to know basic details of the curse. It was a kind gesture, but she could never guess the significance of the shards in a thousand years. Yet, in thatmoment, she seemed to understand its importance on a deeper level.

Against my better judgment, I find that Iwantto tell her—not just part of it—I want to tell hereverything.

Violet reaches for the door.

“Wait.” The word escapes with a will of its own.

Imugi’s head snaps up, and the demon sends me a sharp warning glance.

She glances back at me, waiting patiently.