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My face burned with embarrassment and frustration. I was supposed to be furious with this man. My mind screamed that I couldn’t trust him. But I couldn’t forget that he was the one who’d come to my rescue repeatedly, who’d tenderly carried me from danger. The one who’d joined me in studying the stars. The one who’d looked at me like I mattered.
“This is...unbecoming for a lady,” I whispered fiercely. Glancing over my shoulder, I found myself startlingly close to Garrick’s face, his breath warm against my cheeks as his mouth twisted in a smirk.
“No one cares here. They only want to know you won’t leave Silverfrost, and that means they want you as close to me as you can be.”
“To ensure I don’t escape?”
Was that regret in Garrick’s eyes, melting the lighthearted grin that had concealed his cares? I wasn’t sure, didn’t know what I could trust about him anymore. He looked as if he wanted to say something, but like earlier, he didn’t.
“If I promise not to run,” I pressed, “could I have my own horse?”
As if the pained look had never existed, Garrick’s eyes shone once again with mischief. He bent his head until his chin rested on my shoulder, his lips brushing against the shell of my ear. The scents of leather and fur wrapped around me. “Then I wouldn’t have the pleasure of your company.”
Against my will, my stomach flipped, and my whole body tingled pleasantly from his close proximity. “You betrayed my trust, Mr. Darkgrove,” I said. My gaze darted about, ensuring that no one riding before or beside us could hear our quiet conversation, though I wasn’t sure if their fae hearing wouldpick up what a human’s could not. “Andyou told me before you weren’t flirting with me. It certainly sounds as if you are now.”
“I may have said I wastryingnot to flirt, Starlight, but you’re awfully fun to tease.”
I didn’t know what to make of this man, or the conflicting emotions he stirred within me. “I’m not speaking to you anymore.”
We rode on in silence to the foot of the mountain, our pace picking up once we reached the flat path leading into the city. The scents of woodsmoke, roasted meat, and sweet pastries wafted on the breeze, making my stomach grumble even though I’d had my fill at breakfast. Sleeping and healing for so long had left me ravenous.
King Preston pulled his stallion up beside Garrick’s and mine as we neared the first cluster of homes nestled on the outskirts of the city, a collection of wood cabins alongside grand estates of fine stonework. “Your people are eager to see you, Florentia,” Preston murmured, his gaze cutting to mine.
I swallowed. “I prefer Ren.” My voice was quiet, meek. I wished I had the courage to make it stronger, more commanding.
Preston arched a brow in silent question, while behind me, Garrick stiffened. The king leaned over, lowering his tone so that only Garrick and I could hear. “Your preferences don’t matter, mortal. We’ll test you again...and even if you do prove to have Silverfrost heritage, you are still a lowly human. Unworthy of the crown. As I said before, the only thing important about you is your blood. The people may celebrate you, but most of us see you for what you are: pathetic, with a short life with little meaning.”
As he sat back in his saddle, plastering on a fake smile, I turned away, feeling that angry storm building within me again. Unfortunately, my magic was once again distant, leaving nothing but an ache in my bones.
I scanned the area, but unless forget-me-nots could influence magic without one directly touching them—in which case, the other fae would be affected too—I saw no sign of any nearby. So why was my magic so difficult to wield, when before it had come so naturally? I might not have known how to control it well, but I’d been able to manifest it easily enough.
My thoughts scattered as we entered the city proper, where, despite the frigid air, countless people were gathered around fire pits along the road, cheering and waving silver ribbons. I blinked, shocked when I realized the name they were shouting was mine.
Or close to mine.
“Florentia Silverfrost!” they cried, fae of every color and size beaming at me as if my blood truly could hold back the creatures of the underworld.
Everywhere, cozy shops and cottages were adorned in sheets of ice, some appearing magical and impossible, as if they’d been carved from blocks of ice themselves. Others reminded me of miniature snow-capped mountains, their floors topped with rocky peaks and their cavernous entrances adorned by engraved doors or sparkling sheets of ice. A few others seemed to be only made of snow, pure white and almost blinding to look at, crafted in beautiful layers.
Despite their cozy homes, it appeared every citizen was gathered outside, strumming instruments, dancing, or roasting spits of meat or fruits.
“It’s a celebration, all in your honor,” King Preston muttered, just loudly enough that I could hear over the music and the shouts. “Smile and relish it,Your Majesty.Our court knows how powerless you truly are.”
I pursed my lips as Garrick tensed again, but he didn’t say anything.If you despise me, why keep me alive?I wanted to demand of Preston, but the crowd was growing louder thedeeper we wound into the city, and I wasn’t sure he’d hear me if I tried to speak. Besides, the answer was in front of me. I was a symbol of hope for the people of Silverfrost, and if Preston and Nerissa killed me without covering it up in some way, their citizens would likely revolt.
My skin prickled as I scanned the countless people—a woman with butterfly wings, a man with antlers, pixies like Aspen dancing on top of a box outside of a shop, and green-skinned children laughing and tossing snowballs at one another. These people were my power. Maybe they wouldn’t help me escape, but would they help me gain my freedom in some other way? As long as the citizens of Silverfrost loved me, I had a modicum of strength against the cruel fae who owned me.
Once we reached the town square, Preston and Nerissa paused our procession and lifted their hands, calling for silence. Everywhere, people hushed to listen, wings fluttering, tails flickering, and faun hooves stomping. A sprite alighted on a nearby fountain, its water drained for the frozen months.
“Citizens of Northelm, words cannot express our joy at seeing your festivity and happiness today,” Queen Nerissa began, her words echoing off the walls around us. “It gives us great hope to know that there is a possibility a member of our dear Silverfrost royal line survived, and that we may have found that survivor at last.”
Cheers arose, their thunder reverberating in my chest. I swallowed and shifted in the saddle, uncomfortable with the attention from the countless eyes boring into me. Most seemed reverent, but a few looked greedy, as if they, like Preston, only saw me for the blood I carried. The tool I could be.
Garrick’s arms tightened around me, though I wasn’t sure if he meant the motion to be comforting or restraining, keeping me from running.
Like I had anywhere to go.
“Though Miss Florentia Cantwell’s magical display in our castle arena showed great promise, we know we would be remiss if we didn’t ensure she was who she claims to be before we celebrate fully. We unfortunately have days of waiting left until the winter solstice, when she could use her blood to seal the entrance to the underworld and erase all our doubts with her enduring protection. I expect you to remain here in Silverfrost for this grand occasion to celebrate, rather than partaking of your usual revels in the human city of Altidvale.”
