Page 71 of Wicked Prince of Frost

She frowns, chewing on her bottom lip. “None… unless you mean the time we were attacked on the way here?”

“Have you ever attempted to deal with one?”

“Of course not. I am desperate to live, but I have no desire to end up demon cursed,” Violet says adamantly. “Why do you ask?”

“I believe you may have inadvertently attracted theattention of a demon.” I lower my voice. “They have been following you for a while… as they are now.”

Violet inhales sharply. Her gaze darts in search of the creature. Unable to find them, her eyes return to mine, worry etched in their depths.

“Do not worry. It does not appear as if they wish you harm.”

Her fingers curl into the material of her cloak with a death grip.

“I am looking into it, but in the meantime, I will keep them away from you,” I add. That comforts Violet enough that she relaxes back into me.

We reach the main road, and the fae road vanishes behind us. From here, it is only a short journey into the capital.

I cast a minor glamour over myself to hide my scar, change the shape of my face, make my one pale blue iris match the other, and turn the white ends of my hair as dark as the rest.

For Violet, I want her to look like herself today, only altering her appearance to instill doubt that she is anything other than fae. I give her pointed ears, darken her hair, and change her eyes to a deep brown, letting flecks of the honey color peek through.

Citizens converge at the crossroads where the six major roads meet. They travel on foot, horseback, by wagon, and by carriage in and out of the main gate. We merge with the market day traffic, unnoticed in our disguises.

At the gate, we dismount and enter, turning down a side street to leave our horse at a stable before we venture into the heart of the city.

Violet’s face alights with excitement as she tries to take everything in all at once. I tuck her hand into the crook of my arm to guide her safely through the crowd as we pass thegathering of small vendors from other cities who have traveled to trade and sell their goods.

She tugs on my arm as we come to the edge of the square. Her breath catches.

The entire business district of her city could fit in this space. The cacophony of voices rises as citizens bustle from place to place. The open square is sectioned off into a dozen temporary lanes, each separated by a variety of goods ranging from food, clothing, jewelry, hairpins, charms, specialty items for homes, and countless others.

“Joon…” My name is little more than a sigh.

I lean down, bringing my lips to her ear. “Careful with my name, Wife. It might be best if you call me Husband while we are here.”

Violet’s lashes flutter as she turns her face toward me. Her entire focus narrows, and pink stains her cheeks as the movement causes her nose to brush against mine.

Satisfied, I straighten. “Shall we?”

“There’s so much I want to see…” Violet trails off. “Will we have time?”

The sparkle in her eyes makes it difficult to keep myself from dedicating the entire day to fulfilling her every whim.

“Today, we are here for a specific purpose.” I watch her face fall. “Perhaps after we have accomplished what we set out to do, and before you leave, I will bring you here again. “

Though she nods, some of her brightness has dimmed behind the smirk she throws my way. “I will hold you to that, Husband.”

“I count on it, Wife.”

We weave through the throng. I catch the longing look Violet gives a booth selling pastries, and despite what I said, I stop to buy her several of the jam-stuffed pastries in the shape of fat little dragons, tipping the vendor an extra gold coin.

Violet devours the delicacies as if she hasn’t eaten in weeks. I can’t help staring at a smear of winterberry jam in the corner of her mouth. Her tongue darts out but misses it completely.

The urge to lean down and taste it on her skin strikes. I am partway there when I catch myself, using my thumb to wipe it away before my baser instincts take over.

“Thank you.” She echoes the movement and laughs at herself. “Talya always said it was impossible for anyone to take me anywhere.”

“I hope that never changes.”