Page 90 of Wicked Prince of Frost

Iseul didn’t react to what I said, nor did the bargain silence me. Which means she must know about the curse and why I’m here, at least to some degree.

“What will you do with them?” she asks, gesturing toward the demon.

“I don’t know… I guess, keep them?” the demon rolls onto their back. “I always wanted a dog when I was little.”

Iseul pinches the bridge of her nose and takes a long, deep breath. “Violet, I mean this with nothing but respect, but youdorealize that is a demon,nota dog, don’t you?” She drops her hand and pins me with a look. “If not, then I might have to drag you to the physician to get that head of yours examined.And believe me, you do not want that. She will make you drink the most foul-tasting tonics.” Iseul pulls a face.

“Of course, I know that. Though you can’t deny they do act a little like a puppy.” I pat their head. “Maybe I should think of a name for you.”

“How about, Bear?”

The demon rolls onto their stomach and bounces onto their feet.

“I think they like it,” I say. “Bear, it is.”

“I was… never mind.” She hadn’t intended for me to take it seriously, but somehow, it fits them.

“Now, little Bear, there will be times when I will need to leave you with Iseul. I want you to be nice and watch over her for me, all right?”

Bear nods and prances up to Iseul. She rolls her eyes but doesn’t fight the smile that spreads over her face. She reaches out and pats their head, laughing when they lean into it.

“Yes, yes. Very cute. Now that this has been settled, I should go get your breakfast before everyone arrives to collect your things.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

JOON

A week goesby without further incident. I am uncertain if I ought to be relieved or suspicious by that.

It is possible that whoever sent Violet that note is afraid I will discover their identity if they act so boldly again so soon.

Violet stands beneath the pavilion on the opposite side of the stream, listening to Iseul’s instructions. From the second story of another pavilion, I observe them, taking mental notes of any weak points as well as strong ones.

The two of them have been at this for almost three hours. Every once in a while, Violet’s eyes will dart over to the flat stone bridge, halfway to the west side of the Northern Court, which earns a stern, yet kind, correction from Iseul.

Violet has not uttered a single complaint to me about the tediously mind-numbing lessons I forced on her.

They are exactly as I remember from my childhood. I can’t quite recall, but there is the vague sense that I did not always suffer through them alone. Of getting into mischief—most likely a noble’s child. Trying to remember anything from before the curse only makes my memories more unclear.

Iseul bows to Violet, ending their lesson and dismissing her. They exchange a few words before Violet hurries over the bridge and turns onto the path leading to the library.

Iseul motions for a servant waiting in the distance to gather the lesson books.

Violet does better than anyone could ask—at least while she is concentrating. But she will continue with them past the point of mastery, because I have no intention of parading her before the nobles like cheap entertainment. Or until we break the curse.

“This curse is never-ending.”

“Itmustend,” Imugi says from my shoulder, responding to the thought I muttered aloud. “They can go on for a long time, but they are not meant to last forever.”

Without another word, I turn and descend the stairs. Imugi follows silently. My stride is long as I traverse the path leading back to my apartment.

Inside, I lock the door while Imugi draws the curtains. The room darkens to pitch. I don’t need to see to know where to stand. Calling to my power, I coax it forward until a soft, icy blue light fills my palm.

I press my hand to the floorboards. A rectangle border forms, glowing, as the section of wood vanishes, exposing a set of stairs that lead down a narrow passage.

Imugi is accustomed to my retreating to the underground cavern of the mirror when I am uncertain of my next move.

Our lives are irrevocably tied, yet Imugi has never once mentioned wanting to break the curse so they can live. Only wanting to aid me in my efforts as needed, because it ismygoal.