Page 87 of Wicked Prince of Frost

“What are you doing?” I snap at the demon at the same time.

“I—” she begins, hurt flashing across her face.

But I am focused on the unwelcome creature in my bed. Grabbing a fistful of blanket, I yank, flinging it to the floor. The demon starts and scrambles from the foot of the bed and dives for the pillows.

My irritation gets the better of me. “What are you?—”

“Demons and saints… that’s… that’s,” Iseul’s voice rises to a screech, cutting me off.

I whip around, finally remembering that she doesn’t know about the demon yet.

Iseul gapes, her wide eyes are stark against the backdrop of her concerningly pale face. She points a shaking finger at the pile of blankets, taking a deep breath.

Now, it’s my turn to scramble. I am less than graceful as I launch myself toward her. Stumbling over the blanket, I barrel into her. My hand clamps down over her mouth to stifle her scream before it alerts every guard in the area.

“It’s all right. Don’t scream,” I say.

A knock on the door has me flinching. “Is everything all right in there? Do you need help?” The guard’s harsh voice carries through the door.

“I am fine, thank you. You may go!” I try to insert a lightness to my tone, but even I can tell it sounds fake.

Iseul struggles against my grip, speaking muffled words against my palm. I wrap my arm around her shoulders and pull her against me. It’s a bit awkward with her being several inches taller than me.

“Are you sure?” the guard asks after several beats.

“I thought I saw a bug, that’s all,” I call out. I loosen my hold on Iseul just enough so I can look her in the eye. “Everything is fine,” I add, more to her than the woman outside my door.

Listening, I wait for the sound of heavy footsteps to fade.

“I’m going to let you go, so please don’t scream,” I beg.

Iseul grunts.

Slowly, I release her. Iseul backs away, looking at me in betrayal.

“W-what in the Otherworld are you doing with a wild demon in your bed?” she hisses.

“I think you startled them.”

“Istartledthem?”

“It’s all right. Joon knows?—”

“How long has thatthingbeen here?”

The demon leaps onto the middle of the bed and growls at her for the insult. I wave my hand, motioning for them to behave, without looking at them.

“Only since last night?—”

“Joon knows about this?”

I sigh. “Yes. Please let me explain.”

She looks between me and the demon several times before giving a curt nod.

“Joon and Imugi noticed them following me for a while,” I begin. “I was almost attacked by demons, but this one alerted him and led him to me.”

Iseul looks skeptical. “Demons prey on humans—they don’t send for help.”