His handsome face came to mind, free of the stubble that grew during our long journey. Gilead worked wonders, cleaning him up until he resembled the man I remembered.
When I had voiced my pitiful wish that he could be at this trial, he simply replied, “Likewise, Princess. Likewise.”
My shoulders dropped as I wiggled my fingers in my lap. He was still healing in the clinic. He sat up with more ease now, and thankfully there were no signs of infection. Though his movements were stiff, Gilead insisted on gentle exercises, and massaged oils into his back to aid his recovery.
I offered to do it once. Their reaction, the glances exchanged, clarified that my bid to assist was deemed inappropriate for a princess.
I only wanted to help.
It had nothing to do with the fact that a knot twisted my gut every time I witnessed her gentle hands on his skin.
Gods, I wished he were here. His presence brought a sense of reassurance, a semblance of safety that I craved. It wasn’t about lingering emotions or romantic interest—it was purely about feeling secure. That’s all.
“Ugh,” I muttered, rising to stand. I had to get my mind off him.
The priests leaned forward in their seats, stares fixed, assessing if I’d step beyond the circle.
“Cold, little sister?”
I forced a haughty grin. “Not at all.”
Anderz explained earlier that movements were permitted, as long as I stayed within the boundaries, though he cautioned me against sweating as it would chill me faster. The priests would supply cold water, a bowl shared between me and Adastrus. If I could exercise without worrying about dehydration, what better way to warm up than to move?
I jumped into a star shape, extending my limbs outward. Bystanders gasped and checked that my feet were within the circle—which they were. Returning to a straight position, I clapped my hands on my thighs, then with a grunt, repeated the star jump. After a few more sets, my quick pulse warmed my blood, and I settled onto the ground.
Adastrus observed me with a narrowed glare, his handsome face etched with a deep frown. He really did get the good looks of the family. High cheekbones, full lips, powerful green eyes, and blue-black hair cascading over his forehead. He was quite attractive.
I hoped the women he bedded knew the glitter in his eye was not from charm, but madness.
I pulled my knees to my chest and tugged the thin dress closer to shield against the bite, though the chill seeped past the fabric. With each breath, a puff of frosty air escaped in a halo of gray.
Either Adastrus would die or I would bow out. I doubted this would end any other way, but I would give it my best.
Night descended and the first layer of frost nipped at my blue skin. The nobles retreated to the castle’s warmth, but the Priests of Nellium and Counselor Dyre lingered, bundled in furs.
Adastrus and I were given nothing, left exposed.
My exhaustion discouraged further exercise. The chill seeped too deep into my bones, making it unbearable to rise. The water given only intensified the cold—and now I had to piss.
But I was pretty sure I was frozen to the ground.
A shiver jerked my entire body as I struggled to open my eyes. My teeth chattered, rattling my head where a steady, pulsing headache throbbed beneath my skull.
With no lanterns or torches casting a warm glow, the twin moons hung full and luminous, their silver light bathing the scene like a celestial spotlight.
Adastrus shivered as well, his eyes shut against the frigid air. His fingers developed a dark blue tint, a testament to the bitter cold. He maintained the same dignified composure, sitting motionless, as if carved from stone.
I whimpered, trying to curl into a tighter ball. The thin dress offered little protection, and I cursed myself when my movement shifted the fabric, letting loose a pocket of marginal warmth.
I lay that way for what felt like ages, each second stretching into an eternity of shivers and chattering teeth. Everything ached. My heart thudded, slow andheavy. Every breath was a struggle, as though my ribcage was frozen solid, resisting my attempt to draw in air.
In that frigid darkness, I wondered if I had the strength to crawl out of the circle, to escape this icy prison. But exhaustion weighed me down, pulling me into a numbing haze as I closed my eyes.
A giggle jolted me awake, a tinkling rich cadence, like ice crystals clinking together. The sound pried me from the cold, dark abyss of sleep. I took a gasping breath as waves of pain washed over me, but I lacked the strength to cry out.
Forcing my eyes to flutter open, a ripple of panic quickened my pulse. Anderz and the priests were gone. Adastrus remained in his circle, his expression contorted in agony, his fingers a deep, bruised blue, as if crushed by a hammer.
“Oh, good morn!”
