42

Faces on Parade

Floral arrangements rest delicately in vases, and lanterns glow and illuminate the hallway as we reach the main level of the castle. Beneath us is a long maroon velvet carpet centered in all areas where the party is taking place.

We pass and acknowledge the staff on duty tonight, approaching the doors to the ballroom.

Jonas appears from the corner of my eye, coming to greet us with a familiar elderly woman who brings a smile to my face. He wears all black to match his combed-back hair, standing out with a red mask held in place by his permanent grin.

Frida is dressed in a deep red gown, silk draped to hug her small body and yet make her presence big enough to fill the entire room. Gold stitching matches the half mask she carries. With an arched eyebrow, she analyzes Jerrick and me before we even reach each other.

Jerrick embraces Jonas before the prince looks upon me and kisses my cheek. I reach up to hide my blush from the gesture.

Jerrick grunts, "That's my wife."

Jonas rolls his eyes, waving his brother off. "She is my sister-in-law and my queen."

Frida scowls, tilting her head and then swatting his arm. "She is everyone's queen. Now, stop talking as if we ladies are not here."

I try to hide my snicker, Jerrick chuckling as Jonas winces but nods at his grandmother.

Frida holds the prince's gaze before turning to me. She lowers her head to Jerrick and me, a complete contrast from when we were in her shop.

"I must say, you wear the gown better than I expected, granddaughter," Frida says, eyes meeting mine.

Remembering her interactions with the two men, I try to appease her with a compliment in return. "Not as well as you wear beauty, ma'am."

Frida flicks her attention to Jerrick, her jaw working. "She learns fast."

Jerrick huffs a laugh. "That, she does, Gran Gran."

Frida turns to Jonas. "You, on the other hand, don't."

I stifle my snort as Jonas's mouth falls and as Jerrick cracks a loud laugh.

Frida smirks. "Be sure to show off that gown for me. I need more customers."

"You already have enough customers," Jerrick says.

Frida looks at him with challenge, and to save each of us her discipline, I chime in. "I will do my best to show off your work."

Her teeth shine brightly, and it takes me by surprise. "That's my granddaughter," she says with praise, turning into the hall without her grandchildren.

The belonging she gives is overwhelming as I try not to let it affect my emotions.

Jerrick asks his brother, "How is the party going so far?"

Jonas's lips tighten, and my concern rises.

"Oh, no. What is it?" I ask.

We planned this ball and thought through every intricate detail to make sure everyone invited would be comfortable. I would hate for something to go wrong before I got to interact with anyone.

Jonas shrugs, smiling as he says, "It's going well."

I exhale in relief, elbowing my brother-in-law for giving me a fright. An oomph escapes Jonas and Jerrick winks at me in approval.

It does nothing to chase away the heat from my cheeks.

I look at the guests entering the throne room we turned into a dance hall. The memory of the last time I was in a tight space with people unsettles my gut.

Jerrick observes my movements before settling on Jonas. "Is he here?" Jerrick asks with lethal calm.

Jonas lifts his hands up, unsure.

I cringe at the thought of Niko, worrying he will not want to hear me out.

Jerrick catches the fall of my shoulders and rubs a circle around my hand.

"Let's get through tonight and then we can plan accordingly," Jerrick says.

I lean into Jerrick for moral support as he gives the guard the okay to announce us at the entrance.

Music floods my senses as performers and nobles dance in merriment to the rhythm of the song. My eyes widen in awe at the clash of beauty in the black and maroon decorations adorning everything from the walls to the people themselves.

The musicians finish the piece of music, pausing for the guards to announce us, but I am too distracted with taking in everything as we walk into the ballroom. The performers, staff, and nobles all turn to us and lower to a bow.

Jerrick raises a hand to stop them. "Welcome! Thank you so much for joining my wife and I this evening! Your king and queen are working hard to help unite the kingdoms, and we are indebted to everyone attending to celebrate our efforts and our marriage." He turns and smiles brightly before returning to the crowd. "Enjoy the party!"

The entire ballroom breaks into thunderous applause, forcing me to grin as the music picks up where it left off. Everyone returns to their conversations when a tall burly man rushes into view, adorned in a golden crown and followed by two beautiful women I recognize.

King Bernard and his daughters, Princess Vivienne and Princess Marian. Bernie's friendly aura shines through his mask as he opens his hands for an embrace.

Jerrick releases me in time for the King of Belmur to wrap his arms around me, lifting me off the ground and spinning me.

I squeal in delight.

Returning the embrace, I am grateful he and his kingdom have always been a strong supporter of me—and now Jerrick.

"Oh, my sweet Tove! You are glowing!" Bernie chuckles, setting me down.

The straps of my gown shift slightly, and I adjust them as I beam back. "As are you and your daughters. It's an honor that the three of you were able to leave your kingdom under safeguard with your advisors so you could attend our celebration," I say.

I clasp his upper arm, and I can't contain the water lining my eyes. "It really is wonderful to see you, Bernie."

He pulls me in for another hug, and I welcome it but go rigid when he mumbles, "Are you alright? Say the word, and I will take you away from here myself."

I close my eyes with fondness. He treats me as if I am his own.

Despite everything I've gone through and have to do, my response feels honest as I whisper back, "I am well, promise."

He nods. "Good." His arms relax as his daughters step forward and curtsy.

"Princesses, welcome," I say. "Thank you for traveling to join my husband and me in celebration."

Jerrick's eyes find mine, and his handsome grin lights up his features at my choice of words. I fight against rolling my eyes at his taunting, lifted brow, needing to keep up appearances.

Vivienne and Marian rise, looking at their father.

He waves at them to speak or say something, and I almost laugh at how much these ladies are rule followers. Near my age, they are beautiful and regal, keeping up with royal protocol and appearances. Eying the two of them, I wonder if they too wear a mask, as so many monarchs do.

Princess Marian says with her alto tone ringing through, "A beautiful work of art you and King Jerrick are, Your Majesty. We are so very grateful to be here to partake in the festivities."

Glancing at Vivienne, I go to greet her, stopping on the bandage wrapped around her arm. I lift a brow in curiosity as she sees my line of vision and bashfully covers it.

Maybe something embarrassing happened.

My husband loops his arm in mine and gestures to the three of them. "It's a pleasure to have you—" Jerrick pauses, looking beyond our group.

I, too, look beyond Bernie and the princesses, seeing another man with a crown coming toward us. It must be King Beauvais Rosselot of Torgem. We've written in correspondence but have never met in person.

King Beauvais is tall and broad, his demeanor making him seem a little older than Jerrick. He holds the stem of a golden mask that matches his blond hair and honey-colored irises shining through.

Jerrick smiles at the man, and I incline my head. But Bernie goes rigid, as do his daughters.

King Beauvais's eyes dart between Bernie and his daughters, his gaze lingering longer than normal on Princess Vivienne, who hides her face in a lowered curtsy with her sister.

When he turns and gives us his full attention, he lowers his mask, smiling brightly. Every feature on this man is illuminated by gold, yellow, and pure sunlight. He is striking and stunning to take in.

I can't deny the heat blooming across my cheeks underneath my own mask.

"King Jerrick, King Bernard, Queen Tove, and—" King Beauvais pauses.

Princess Vivienne's green eyes meet the king's, and he says, "And princesses, a pleasure to see you all."

Jerrick grasps King Beauvais's arm in greeting, and they nod before releasing each other.

Bernie leans in, whispering, "We'll leave you to converse. Save me a dance?"

I incline my head as Bernie escorts his daughters into the swarm of guests.

King Beauvais watches them leave before returning to the conversation. "Believe me when I say I was shocked to hear about the union," King Beauvais admits.

I bite my lip with unease, worried this conversation will turn political before I even have a chance to dance.

"But seeing the two of you now, it seems it was a meant-to-be match." He clutches our sides, pushing us together, and grinning brightly. "My congratulations. And should you need anything, the Kingdom of Torgem is happy to continue our relations with Palaena and Axidoria."

Jerrick smirks. "Much thanks, Beau. We will need to coordinate a hunting trip soon. I could always use more of those tricks you keep to yourself."

Beau?

"Ah," King Beauvais says. "Agreed. It has been too long. Maybe even prior to you taking on your new role."

Jerrick flexes his jaw, and I bristle.

King Beauvais doesn't know about Jerrick's curse, right? No, he couldn't.

"You're right. It has," Jerrick recovers. "Stay here for a few days, and we shall plan an outing."

King Beauvais nods. "I can afford an extra day or two."

"Excellent."

"Wonderful." King Beauvais pivots to me.

I lower my head slightly but not enough to appear lesser than him.

King Beauvais takes my hand and lifts it to his lips to kiss. "It's a pleasure to meet you in person, Queen Tove. I've always been pleased with your efforts at communicating with Torgem, and I must extend my thanks to you and your advisor for always negotiating and seeking trade with us."

"The honor is mine, King Beauvais. Thank you for having resources to trade with us."

Deities, I did not expect him to be so genuine. He seems so happy and cheery. My cheeks would be aching if I smiled that much.

King Beauvais steps back, looking between Jerrick and me. "I best go find some food and refreshment. Thank you for having me." He lifts his mask over his face and leaves.

Jerrick reaches for me, and we remain linked arm in arm as we make the rounds to greet everyone. The fear of murmurs and dark whispers have me gripping my husband tight, and I am surprised when I do not hear anyone call me the Snow Queen.

A new hope twists inside me as I look into each face meeting mine, pleading Niko's features will be recognizable. After a group of nobles leave us, Jerrick and I are alone, yet I remain distracted, scanning the entire vicinity for Niko.

Jerrick leans in to whisper, "Would you like a drink?"

My mouth waters at the thought of wine touching each of my taste buds. "Please."

He kisses my cheek again, my heart hammering as I watch him leave.

Jonas approaches, and I face my brother-in-law, seeking to distract my thoughts. "Where is Viggo?"

Jonas sips his goblet of wine lightly. "I had him on duty tonight so that we can plan for our holiday once everyone leaves."

I grin. "Where are you planning to go?"

I only get a shrug when a staff member approaches my brother-in-law, and he turns to assist them.

Jonas glances back at me. "Duty calls."

I smile as he strides off to ensure the festivities remain without error, glancing through the crowd for Jerrick.

Someone coughs behind me, and my heart leaps at the thought of it being him. But I turn, and my heart plummets when amber eyes I've known for so long stare back.

Red hair, slight stubble, tall. Deities, I forgot how tall he is.

"Niko," I breathe.

A boyish grin, one I know so well, forms, and I am transported home and to the moments I've shared with him. My heart leaps at seeing him here, my lungs unable to function. I've longed to see him, have been nervous to see him, and it all vanished.

I am only happy and filled with excitement that he is here. But I lose the chance to jump into his arms when he lowers into a bow, rising and scanning me from head to toe.

"Queen Tove, it brings us joy to see you in such great health," Niko says politely.

Us?

I peer behind him, recognizing a few men. One is Betina's father, and another is Ulrik Albertsen. My mood sours when Ulrik's eyes meet mine, and he averts his gaze. That's odd.

I flick my attention back to Niko, not letting it keep away the joy of seeing him.

He extends his hand, his smile deepening. "May I have this dance?" he asks calmly and lovingly.

My words run dry, but I immediately seek his hand, his entire demeanor lifting as he escorts me to the dance floor. I have no fear of our steps faltering as he pulls me closer, chest to chest.

Heels and shoes click to the rhythm of the song as Niko and I jump into the current waltz, joining all the others who are masked and dressed luxuriously.

"You look good," he says with kindness, all anger and resentment I last saw completely vanished.

"I've missed you, Niko."

He hums at my confession, squeezing me and admitting, "And I you. I hate that we fought, Tee."

"I hate that, too, and I am sorry, but I still don't want there to be a fight," I tell him, reaffirming my decision.

The dance pulls me in a spin. He circles around as I do before returning to the swaying embrace. When our bodies collide again, he speaks low and lethal, the hatred bleeding through.

"I'm sorry, Tee. Just because you don't want a fight doesn't mean there shouldn't be one. I told you I was coming to get you."

Anger rises to the surface, and I am furious at his unrelenting sentiment. "As your queen, I—"

"You stopped being queen when you left, Tee," he blurts, and my eyebrows shoot up.

"I am queen of both Axidoria and Palaena, Niko. Just because my location changed doesn't mean I ever stopped being queen. I've had to reconfigure how to rule from afar, and I trusted you to help me. I have undergone training to try to stop my winter. So, don't tell me I stopped being queen. Just because I'm not there doesn't mean I haven't been doing everything I can to help my kingdom. Now, I have found a way to avoid hurting anyone during this process, and you will listen to everything I have to say because it's valuable to the kingdom, to you, and to your uncle," I snap right back.

He goes rigid.

I use it to my advantage and press on, "I know my mother cursed your uncle, and I know how to lift his curse, just as I know how to lift Jerrick's. I will bargain for a divorce and tell Jerrick what he must do for his, and this will allow me to return home to you, Niko. You must call off the attack."

His jaw works, and the anger still refuses to leave him.

I cup his cheek, earnestly begging him to listen. "I don't want to see you get hurt. I cannot bear the thought of it. I cannot even fathom it for my own people, Niko. I don't want to wage a battle with a kingdom we have made trade alliances with when there is a more civil and peaceful solution."

He looks perplexed by this tidbit of information. "Y-You found a way to help my uncle?"

"Yes, and that is not all I found," I tell him as the crescendo of the music builds, pushing and pulling us apart.

Our chests touch again, and he holds me tightly. "Tee, what else—"

A hand lands on his upper arm.

My breath catches at the black crown pointing to the chandelier ceiling coming into view. The small wisps of onyx hair escape down Jerrick's face as he looks between Niko and me.

"Hello, wife," Jerrick coos softly, sending my heart skipping.

Niko's features harden, and his posture lifts, squaring his shoulders and puffing his chest. The music ends, but everyone continues into the next song as the three of us remain still.

Niko's hold on me tightens as he stares at Jerrick, while Jerrick remains focused on me.

I swallow down the knot forming in my throat at this arrangement, praying for a miracle to keep a fight from exploding right now. "Hello, husband. Allow me to introduce the current proxy and royal advisor of Axidoria. King Jerrick, Lord Nikolaj. Lord Nikolaj—King Jerrick."

Niko releases me as I extend my free hand between them and they stare at each other, unmoving.

Jerrick says, "A pleasure, Lord Nikolaj. I appreciate the correspondence you've coordinated between my brother and me these last few months. My wife and I plan on visiting Axidoria after this evening's festivities, so we may better assess Axidoria's and Palaena's need as we join our kingdoms."

Niko remains quiet.

Fear quickens my pulse as I wait for him to say something.

Jerrick glances at me, and I shrug as Niko turns to me.

"Are you sure?" Niko asks.

I nod faster than I can reply, needing him to listen and stand down. "I am." I beam up at Niko, hope filling my chest.

Even though I haven't spoken to Jerrick yet about bargaining for divorce, my gut tells me I am right and this will work.

It has to.

Niko drags his teeth against his bottom lip, and his amber eyes peek through his mask. He bows. I reach to squeeze Niko's hand in thanks, wishing I could do more beyond that.

Soon, Tove. This will all be over with soon.

Niko moves to Jerrick, tilting his head slightly. "The pleasure is mine, King Jerrick. Thank you for taking care of our queen during this time. I will be sure to make arrangements for your arrival into our kingdom after the festivities."

The smirk Jerrick gives doesn't reach his eyes, and I can tell he is fighting something internally. But Jerrick claps his hands, a feigned delight in his tone as he addresses Niko.

"Wonderful! Now, if you don't mind, I'd like to steal my wife from you."

Niko stiffens, catching the intended jab that even takes me by surprise. But he tilts his head low, remaining silent.

Jerrick grins wickedly as Niko steps back, taking a piece of me with him. My husband guides me into the next dancing position. I look past Jerrick to Niko, his longing stare cracking my heart.

I mouth, Thank you.

Niko only turns and leaves.

I am quiet for a few dance steps. When there is room for a spin, Jerrick pulls me away, and I fall into the rhythm of the light, jolly tune. He spins me again, and when he touches my waist, I focus on the sensation.

Goose bumps trail down my exposed leg.

Jerrick leans in and whispers, "I know you enjoy dancing, but since we don't have a lot of obligations now, I wanted to show you something."

Anxiety claws under my skin, and I shake uncontrollably. I tighten my grip on Jerrick.

"That's all you have to say after that?"

He shrugs nonchalantly. "He danced with you before I got to. So, I made sure he knew what is mine."

Mine.

Like I could ever be his. He only says those things because we have to show a united front amongst our guests. It's not like that is how he really feels.

His amusement is sure to die out when I tell him everything. Stress further dampens my mood, and I hate I cannot even savor dancing with Jerrick for the first time since Axidoria.

"D-Don't you want to see?" Jerrick asks with a hint of worry.

It distracts me from reflecting on what happened, unsure of what else he would want to show me.

"See what? We have a party and guests to attend to," I say as the song comes to an abrupt end.

Jerrick keeps me close as his brother comes to his side. "It's ready."

Jerrick and Jonas both smile mischievously, and suspicion crawls up my spine.

"What are you two up to?" I ask.

They chuckle to themselves, and it does nothing to make me feel better. But Jerrick wraps my hand around his elbow as my brother-in-law pecks my cheek.

"Trust me, Tove, you'll like it," Jonas whispers as he pulls away.

My chest turns into a sudden inferno. Even though I have no desire for whatever he means to show me, hope blooms at my chance to speak to Jerrick alone and tell him everything. I need to be brave and trust he will hear me out.

As Jerrick leads us out of the ballroom, I peer back at Jonas, hoping I am not in over my head. My brother-in-law gives the same smile his brother gave me, making my unease worse.

I ask Jerrick, "Where are we going?"

"It's a surprise," he says softly, caressing my brow.

"Sweet Makers, I do not enjoy surprises." They only unsettle my stomach even more.

Jerrick responds with a light chuckle, guiding me down a hallway guarded by soldiers.

We walk for a while, guests and staff members we pass dwindling the farther we venture away from the party. When we veer left and stroll down a hall with more guards, I arch a brow in concern. Jerrick acknowledges them with a nod, and they salute.

My heart thunders in my chest, worried this is a section of the castle I am not familiar with.

What if Jerrick knows? What if he is taking me to the dungeons? Shit… I have never toured any dungeons.

I am such an idiot.

What if he is taking me somewhere to kill me? But this hallway is decorated like part of the ball.

I try to stop the never-ending thoughts from coming to a head as Jerrick and I remain linked. We pass by rooms I peek into, each of them empty. It is just us.

We approach the end of the hall, met with a tall black marble door. Varying tints of blue flicker in the light from the lanterns illuminating the area.

Jerrick turns to me, taking my hands in his. "I have a gift for you. It's beyond this door."

"Jer, please. You don't have to get me anything." I try to walk away, but Jerrick grabs my elbow, tugging me back to him.

The sincerity behind his gentleness physically hurts, making me wish and pray that, no matter what happens when I tell him, he won't hate me. I don't think I could live with that, knowing how much I care for him.

Jerrick rubs the back of his neck, his own nerves betraying him. "I-I wanted to get this for you." He reaches for my hands again, drawing circles, and I drop my head to watch Jerrick's hands envelop mine.

"After everything," he whispers, drawing a few circles around my opened palm.

He releases a long sigh, and I peer up at him to see sadness. Arching a brow, I open my mouth to speak, but his eyes meet mine.

"After everything," Jerrick repeats, "I wanted to get this for you. As a token of gratitude for everything you've done for me. And as an apology."

I reassure him, "Jer, you have helped in more ways than I have. You didn't need to get me anythi—"

"I needed to," he whispers, looking at my lips.

I bite my lip as I stare at his, too.

His features soften, his dimple appearing beneath his mask.

I can't help the involuntary lift of my cheeks at the sight. Swallowing thickly, I incline my head, allowing him to proceed.

"Close your eyes," he says.

My joy stays glued on my face as I close my eyes. Jerrick releases my hands, the creak of a door opening. He guides me forward, commanding, "No looking."

"No looking," I repeat, aware of the quiet in the air.

Our feet lightly scuffle against the floor and faint music trickles in from the ballroom. Jerrick's scent surrounds my senses, and he tugs me forward.

I follow him cautiously until he stops and grabs my shoulders to turn me. "Ready?"

Both his touch and the anticipation send shivers up my spine, and I nod with trepidation.

Hands cup the sides of my face, and lips meet mine. Jerrick's kiss thrums in my heart as he unties my mask. I let him peel it away, too busy savoring the buzz from his mouth on mine.

A cold touch of air kisses the portion of my face that was masked, but I keep my eyes closed, not wanting to open until Jerrick says so.

I smile stupidly when his lips meet my forehead.

His kisses make me want to drag his mouth back to mine.

He withdraws, speaking words so softly I can barely hear them. "Open your eyes."

I do as he instructs, my breath catching.