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Ironic.
That’s the first thought that enters my mind.
I try to move, but the ice wrapped around my legs is so thick I can’t do anything but stand there, helpless.
“That’s close enough,” my mother says nonchalantly, tapping her fingers on the edge of the couch between us. Her nail is so sharp it leaves indents in the fabric. “I wouldn’t want to hurt you before we can play, my dear.”
Snarling, I don’t say a word. She smirks, stepping around the couch to come behind me. I swivel my neck as far as it will go, unwilling to let her out of my sight for even a moment.
Her lips tilt up, a cruel look entering her eyes. “Yes, I like this look on you,” she says. “A shame I didn’t think of doing this before your wedding. Now someone has killed the Crown Prince of the Ice Mer, and that horrible friend of yours is next in line for the throne.”
“She has a name, Mother. It’s Helena,” I snap, trying to stand tall despite the ice encasing my lower body.
My mother waves a hand in the air.
“Semantics,” she says dismissively. “She’s still a fish. Now let’s talk about you. I’ll have you know; you’ve left me in quite a predicament. I have an unwed heir who seems reluctant to be in my presence.”
Reluctant is one way to phrase it.
“Now, I know you don’t want to hear this,” she continues, “but since you’ll be staying here for the next while, I see no reason why we need to wait to have this conversation. The question is, will you be a good girl, or must you be forced to stay here?”
I stare at the ice around my body as I attempt to sort through everything she says.
Staying for the next while.
Not happening. I won’t stay in this palace a second longer than necessary.
I won’t promise not to harm her, but...
My mind spins until I find the wording I’m looking for.
“I will listen to what you have to say.”
She chuckles, her eyes darkening. “I see you remember how to watch your words. I’m glad spending so much time around humans hasn’t made you soft. Good.” Waving a hand, the ice disbands around my legs and feet.
I sag at the sudden ability to move and collapse soundlessly on the couch. My eyes are constantly on her, as I won’t put anything past her.
“Now, as much as it delights me to hear that you think I would resort to kidnapping you to get you here, I have never done anything of the likes.”
“But—”
She waves her hand, silencing me. “I am not done, Elva. I didn’t kidnap you, but I am pleased you returned to me. It’s long past the time that we discuss how things will work around here.”
“I would rather live in the nine circles of Hell than stay here and work with you.” I go to stand up, but a gust of wind blows me back down in my seat.
“Thatis the Elva I remember,” my mother says, tutting as she waggles a finger at me. A look of disgust crosses her face. “Henrick would have known exactly how to put you in your place. A real shame, what happened to him.”
She stops, staring at me. “You wouldn’t happen to know anything about that, would you? The Ice Mer King seems to have put his court in a media blackout. Not much news in or out, I’m afraid. All my spies were able to tell me was that Henrick has died. They didn’t know the cause or wouldn’t say it. That’s the problem with all those fish people, Elva. They don’t have to tell you the truth. Lies are powerful.”
I shake my head, biting my tongue so hard I draw blood. The words bubble up in my throat, but I push them down.
My mother examines me for a long moment. I don’t even breathe until she turns away to look out the window. I sag in my seat as I try not to tremble.
“Here’s what we’re going to do, Elva. You are going to remain here, in the tower.” She nods to a door beside the fireplace I hadn’t noticed before. “This leads to your bedroom. Guards will be posted outside your doors at all times, and you will not attempt to leave. Ifyou do, I will be forced to act. Are we clear?”
I stare at her as snowflakes begin to fall from the ceiling. My breathing speeds up as I try to focus on her form. Her eyes are hard as she watches me.
She wants to lock me in this tower.
