Page 6 of Wicked Prince of Frost

Instead of a response, the door slides open and my second steps through, closing it before rushing over. The king’s messenger bows, then straightens without bothering to waitfor the order to do so. Few could get away with such informality, though he is careful to show proper respect when necessary.

“My Prince, King Sameun wishes to see you. Allow me to scout the forest to find the cause of the alert.” Mingi is very careful with his words, making the last part nearly soundless in case one of the palace spies happens to be listening in.

I grab my riding jacket and unceremoniously yank my hat onto my head with more force than necessary. “Unfortunately, my uncle must wait to ask, yet again, if I am ready to accept the crown,” I bite out. “There are matters I must attend to first that cannot be put off. I am sure he will understand.”

With that, I stride past Mingi and throw open the door. A passing woman squeaks in surprise and rushes off, darting around the nearest corner.

Imugi rushes to curl around my neck, secure in the safety of the shade of my hat, while Mingi trails behind, hand resting on the pommel of his sword.

As we leave the Western Court’s corridors and step outside, everyone in the vicinity is careful to avert their gaze and bow at the waist.

We stop at the entrance to the stable, and within moments, two horses are saddled and brought out. No words are spoken as Mingi and I mount our waiting horses, then ride through the front gate.

Once the palace is out of sight, I close my eyes and focus on the location where the alarm sounded as I summon the fae road, changing the path ahead.

It is not simply that a human dared to break one of the Old Laws—for that, I might have sent Mingi—it was the specific location breached.

This is a matter I must attend to personally.

The timing seems anything but coincidental. It could be a plot concocted by one of my enemies within the palace walls. Luring an unsuspecting human to do their dirty work.

My gut twists at the possibilities. I am already running short on time. Whether by mistake or design, I will hunt down this trespasser and make them regret crossing me.

Trees slip past at blurring speed. I urge my mount faster.

My tenuous hold on my power slips further with every passing year. The beast within me stirs earlier each time. It is too soon. Yet, it is not entirely unexpected. It will not be long before I lose control entirely.

Fury and fear mix like a bitter storm in my blood.

“Imugi!” I grind out, “Can’t this infernal animal go any faster?”

They act without needing to respond. A puff of frost extends from the dragon-like demon’s mouth, drifting with intention toward the horse’s muzzle as if we stood still. The animal inhales, pulling the misty cloud into its lungs.

Instantly, we pick up speed. I hear Mingi shouting as we leave him behind. He will catch up. But this dark foreboding clings to my back like a monster intent on swallowing me whole.

I must see for myself if what I fear is true or if it’s a lingering fragment left behind by the nightmare.

The horse’s hooves pound like thunder in time with the beating of my pulse.

After what feels like a torturous eternity, I catch sight of the border in the distance. I pull on the reins and leap from the saddle before my mount has come to a stop. Paying no heed to the cursed ice that engulfs the land, I race to the small clearing.

A harmony of lesser demons has gathered in the shadowsaround the area, fighting over some object even as they shriek and recoil from the diffused sunlight.

I lift a hand and send out an icy blast, sending them scattering.

My chest heaves with labored breaths. I come up short and stare in disbelief.

The flower is gone.

Nothing remains but the stubs of cleanly cut stocks. Even without a closer inspection, it’s clear that this work was done by the hand of a human.

Demon shit.

It takes great effort to suppress the storm building inside.

“Imugi, search the area,” I grind out.

I approach the scene of the crime with measured steps and crouch. Those infernal lesser demons have trampled the traces of footprints. In my attempts to conserve as much power as possible, I have been lax in my duties.