Page 86 of Wicked Prince of Frost

Ire sparks in me at the petty interference of those who have been whispering in his ear.

“She hides away, claiming to be unwell. It sets a bad example. My brother’s wife—your mother—would never let a headache or minor illness keep her from her duties to the people. I will not allow this woman to ruin everything I have worked to accomplish—for this kingdom and for you,” he snaps. Then, with a breath, he releases his frustration. “I tell you this because the nobles have begun to talk, and the Ministers are suspicious.”

My boots scrape against loose gravel between the stepping stones as I halt in my tracks. “What are they saying?”

The king stops and faces me, clasping his hands behind his back in a casual manner. “That she has done something to you. There are whispers she is a witch, or if not that, then she enlisted the help of one to cast an enchantment to bewitch you.”

“That is absurd,” I scoff.

“Perhaps,” he agrees. “But what do you expect when you have changed so drastically since the Choosing?”

I want to deny it, but he is right. Even I can see the changes in me, though not for such a preposterous reason.

“To prevent a scandal, we must act sooner rather than later—before talk reaches the people.” He shakes his head, and a loose strand of hair falls over the rim of the wide circlet crown. The metal band bears an embossed image of the official—a symbol of his temporary status.

“I will think on it.”

“Your absences have not gone unnoticed either, Nephew. You do not seem to be present at the palace for long these days. If you are not careful, there will be consequences, and I can only do so much to mitigate them. The entire court worries that you are not taking your position seriously,” he continues. “I cannot help but think that this is her doing.”

If only they knew how seriously I am taking my duties.

“There is nothing so sinister about her.” I lower my head in respect. “She is merely a sheltered woman who grew up with naive ideals. The changes to her life as she settles into her role have been overwhelming.” Even as I say the words I once believed, I know it would hurt her if she heard me.

Uncle places a hand on my shoulder. “Then consider the presentation an act of goodwill. It would go a long way to cut these rumors off at the ankles.”

I lift my head to meet his gaze and remind myself that he has been on my side since the beginning.

“The others had almost eight months to prepare and learn the expected etiquette after they settled in. I ask that you grant her adequate time.”

“How much time?”

“Five months.”

His hand falls away. “You ask for too much.” The rejection is soft, though it does nothing to ease the blow.

“Two months then.”

He purses his lips as he considers. He is no longer my uncle in this moment, but the king. Whatever his next words are, they will be as good as law.

“Very well. You have two months. Not a day longer. I do not need to tell you that the court’s expectations of her are high. She should be the image of perfection.”

The tension in my back eases. I am careful to keep all emotion from my face and voice. “Yes, Your Majesty. Thank you for your generosity.” I bow, then straighten. “I will attend the next council meeting to personally inform them.”

Violet will be gone before the time comes. Either we will have broken the curse, and she will be free to return home, or we will both be dead.

None of this will matter in the end, and in the meantime, I will play their game.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

VIOLET

I stretchmy arms and legs over as much of the mattress as I can. The space beside me is empty but not yet fully cold. I frown.

“My Lady,” Iseul’s gentle voice is accompanied by her soft knock.

A flash of shadow streaks across the floor and dives under the thick comforter. With a startled cry, I bolt upright at the feel of their cold, bone-like skin brushing against my leg.

Iseul bursts into the room. “What happened?”