Chapter Nine

ISA

I woke up as light landed on me through the window of the chamber. The room was quiet except for the slow crackle of a dying fire in the hearth. I turned, expecting to see Thadron's head on the pillow beside me. Instead, there was only an indentation.

A tangle of emotions wove through me.

One of his layering tunics lay across the foot of the bed. Where could he have gone this early in the morning? A prince's duties never ceased. But at least we had our night together. No matter what happened beyond this point, I would always cherish the memory.

With a sigh, I rose and dressed. Stepping into the hall, the sounds of urgent voices pulled me from my reverie.

Cryostrum glided down the corridor, his lean figure enshrouded in robes that whispered of status and secrets. His movements were precise, fingers deft as they slipped something small and unknown into his pocket. He turned then, his piercing eyes meeting mine, and offered a smile that did not quite reach them.

"Good morning, Ambassador. I can’t talk today. There are urgent matters."

“You’re always on the move, Cryostrum." I replied, acting disinterested, though my mind churned. What was he hiding? "Is everything alright?" I ventured, hoping my inquiry sounded casual.

He looked at me as though weighing whether he should hand me information. "Prince Lucian is missing. Thadron went out into the forest at first light to find him. The woods can be... inhospitable, even to those who know them."

A cold shiver ran down my spine. A cold shiver ran down my spine. Lucian is missing? And Thadron had gone out into the unforgiving Glaciarian wilderness to find him. The forest, so beautiful beneath the veil of snow, suddenly felt like a sinister place.

“Why didn’t anyone wake me?” My voice came out sharper than I intended.

Cryostrum’s expression barely shifted. “Thadron made his decision quickly. He didn’t want to disturb you.”

His words stung. Didn’t want to disturb me? As though I were a delicate thing, left behind by the fire while he risked himself out there. Frustration flared in my chest, tangled with fear. I clenched my fists, trying to steady myself.

“We should go after them,” I murmured, half to myself.

“We?” Cryostrum’s hand shot out to block my path, his touch light but firm. “Don’t be foolish. You won’t make it far in the forest with that thin human skin. Let the prince handle this.”

Before I could shoot back some very undiplomatic words to the royal advisor, the massive palace doors burst open, the wind whipping through the entryway. My breath caught in my throat.

Thadron strode in, his figure stark against the swirling snow beyond. His hair was wild and damp with snow, his jaw set with determination as he helped his brother who limped into the room alongside him.

Relief swept through me so swiftly my knees nearly shook. Lucian was pale, but alive.

Thadron’s gaze found mine, and for a moment, the world stilled. His eyes were deep with exhaustion and resolve.

I ran to them. The guards didn’t stop me. “Thank goodness you both are okay.”

Thadron’s shoulders relaxed a fraction. “We found him in time. Thanks to you.”

I was genuinely confused. “I didn’t do anything. I was in bed, asleep.”

“You told me about a gift once, and how I had the ability to share it with others.”

I understood at that moment. I nodded, a lump forming in my throat. Words failed me, but my hand found his, and he squeezed it.

The queen and her entourage gathered near us. The crown prince laughed, making me think he left his mind back somewhere in a snow drift. His sprained ankle, an angry shade against his blue-grey skin, seemed to bother everyone else more than it did him.

"Sorry for the scare, everyone. Guess I've always been too adventurous for my own good," He quipped, wincing as he favored his injured limb. He threw an arm around Thadron's shoulders, their brotherly bond evident even in this casual gesture of gratitude. "Couldn't have braved the forest without Thadron here. We Glaciarians are tough, but sometimes we need a hand—or a shoulder."

Amidst the chuckles and murmurs of agreement, Lucian raised his voice to carry over the crowd, "Now, why don't you all grab a drink? Let's warm our spirits before the gift exchange tonight." His command was gentle, yet everyone dispersed with a sense of eagerness, eager for the excitement and alcohol to dispel the tension of the morning's events.

The hall emptied swiftly. I noticed Cryostrum was gone without having talked to the princes when they arrived. I caught Thadron's eye just as he eased Lucian into the care of a palace medic. Our gazes held a silent conversation filled with relief and something more tender.

"Come with me, please.” I motioned and led him down another corridor. The walls here whispered of ancient winters. We arrived at a narrow alcove.

"I used to hide here during the Starlight Songfests when everything got too loud," he confessed, a soft smile touching his lips.

"Thadron," I began, my words treading the line between joy and concern, "I'm so glad you and Lucian are safe." In that secluded space, I reached up to place a kiss on his cheek.

He turned to me, his eyes reflecting the subtle glow that emanated from the walls. The world beyond our hidden corner might have been spinning with preparations, but here, time seemed to slow, allowing us to savor the quiet before the celebration.

“Isa, I’m sorry.” He stood before me. "I should have told you what was happening. You shouldn’t have had to wake up alone, wondering."

"Yet I did," I countered softly, my voice betraying the tremor of concern that had gripped me when I found his side of the bed cold and empty. "What made you think I wouldn't be worried?"

"I made the wrong decision," he admitted, capturing my hand and drawing it close to his chest. "I care about you. You deserved to know what was going on. I won't make that mistake again."

Listening to him, I detected something more profound in his words. Or maybe I was reaching for what could never happen. "You talk like you might want me around past this assignment.” My pulse flared like the distant stars above the palace’s spires.

His fingers tightened around mine. "I hope this isn't our last winter festival together.”

I heard his words, and was suddenly remembering others, more ambiguous words, that were spoken by someone else.

"Isa?” Thadron searched my face. "You still seem uneasy. Is there something else?"

I paused, knowing how deeply the roots of loyalty grew within the royal family and the people closest to them. Still, I couldn’t ignore the discomfort planted in my mind. "I have a bad feeling about Cryostrum." My words tumbled out with an urgency I couldn't shut down. "I know he's been with your family for years, and he's an advisor and all, but something about him just doesn't sit right with me."

A flicker of shadow crossed Thadron's face. “I will hear anything you tell me. Go on. Please.”

My heart still racing from the conversation, I drew in a deep breath. "Earlier, while you were out in the forest, I saw Cryostrum in the halls." I started out soft as if speaking louder might summon the advisor himself. "He was alone, and right before he noticed me, he stuffed something into his pocket. I don't know what it was, but it seemed strange."

"I see." Thadron's tone was even but tinged with an undercurrent of concern. "Thank you for telling me. I'll have a talk with Cryostrum soon.”

I nodded, satisfied for now.

"Until then," he continued, "Lucian's advice stands. We should enjoy ourselves. The gift exchange will be starting soon, and we could both use some fun after this morning."

As if to underscore his words, Thadron leaned in and pressed his lips to mine. I melted into him.

"Perhaps you're the one in need of relaxation," I teased when we finally parted, my fingers tracing the silver embroidery on his tunic.

"Relaxing together does sound appealing," he replied with a hint of a smile playing at the corner of his mouth. “Maybe the bed is still warm.”

“We can find out.” I followed him down the alcove on an alternate route back to his chamber.

WE DIDN’T MAKE IT BACK to the chamber.

The cold stone of the alcove's wall pressed against my back as Isa's warmth enveloped me. I took her from behind, her skirt hanging over my arms, my hands tracing the contours of her curves.

“Thadron.” She groaned out my name before proceeding to utter a string of naughty words that made my cock even harder as I thrust into both her tight entrances. The forbidden thrill of our sex sent adrenaline coursing through my veins.

"Shh," I whispered against the shell of her ear. “Let the palace nap for a while.” My lips captured hers, muting her cries of pleasure. Our kisses were as necessary as air. I felt the universe contract until there was only the rhythm of our bodies.

In those moments, I lost myself. Time ceased its relentless march. The weight of my title, my duties, my past, all faded.

"I want you forever," I murmured as the storm within me broke and crashed over us both. It was more than physical release. It was an admission of the bond that had silently woven itself between us. Isa was the hope I hadn’t allowed myself to hold.

Her eyes held mine, a mirror reflecting the awe and fear within me. Could this woman, this extraordinary, passionate being from another world, truly be mine?

I vowed to myself then, as our bodies separated, that I would find a way. Gently, I lifted her in my arms and carried her through the dimly lit passageways to her assigned chamber. The silence of the palace enveloped us like a secret promise kept between ancient walls. Her breathing was soft against my neck as I laid her down upon the bed. As sleep claimed me, I felt a peace I had not known in years.

When I woke, it was to the sight of Isa's serene face, her mahogany curls splayed across the pillow like spilled ink. I brushed a kiss upon her forehead. "I'm going to get ready for the gift exchange.”

She mumbled, sleepily. “Make sure you and Lucian don’t wander off into the forest again." Reluctantly, I left her chamber to get to mine. A hot shower and change of clothes lifted my mood even higher.

And then, it plummeted as I remembered Isa's words about Cryostrum. I never could see what my brother and the queen liked about him or his slick advice.

I took a walk into the palace’s small communication room to clear my thoughts before the gift exchange. Light reflected off the sleek surfaces of the equipment.

I sat down in front of the console. Isa’s words echoed in my head concerning Cryostrum . I had always been skeptical of my brother’s and the queen’s unwavering trust in him, but Isa’s instincts were sharp. I trusted her judgment.

I activated the console, fingers hovering over the keypad. My plan was simple: connect to the archives back at Gelverin Keep and review the diplomatic records, maybe look into recent system backups. A quick, rational task to quiet my nerves before I faced the uncertainty of the gift exchange. I didn’t know if Isa would like my gift to her or laugh at it.

The screen flickered to life, casting a cold blue glow. I navigated through the security protocols, inputting my access codes. The connection took longer than usual.

Finally, the main archive menu appeared, but something was wrong. Half the folders were grayed out, inaccessible. I clicked again. The error message blinked back at me. Backup Files Not Found.

That wasn’t supposed to happen. The archives were meticulously backed up to ensure no data was ever lost.

I tried another path, rerouting through a secondary directory. The same result. Backup Files Not Found.

A low pulse of anger began to simmer beneath the surface. This wasn’t a glitch. Someone had removed or corrupted the backups. Someone who knew what they were doing.

My suspicion of the royal advisor flared hotter now. Isa had noticed his strange behavior the way he deflected, the way his hands were never quite still. What had he slipped into his pocket earlier?

I clenched my fists. If vital files were compromised, what else was at risk? My family’s safety, our diplomatic relations, Isa.

The soft hum of the console felt deafening in the silence of my thoughts.

I needed to tread carefully. I didn't want to draw the attention of others when I confronted Cryostrum. But if Isa was right, I couldn’t afford to let him continue unchecked.

I straightened my shoulders and left the communication room.

The distant sounds of laughter and clinking glasses grew louder as I entered the main hall. Courtiers, officials, and guests were engaged in lively conversation. People paused as I approached, waiting for me to either enter the talk or shake hands.

There was no time. I moved through the crowd. I spotted Cryostrum near the far side of the hall, standing in the periphery of a group that included the palace chancellor, the queen, Lucian, and Isa. His expression was the picture of neutrality, his smile polished but hollow.

I stepped forward. “Cryostrum,” I said, my voice low but firm. “A word.”

He turned, his eyes narrowing just a fraction before his smile widened. “Your Highness, of course. How can I assist you?” His tone dripped with practiced deference.

I gestured subtly toward the shadows just beyond the towering columns lining the hall. “In private.”

He inclined his head. “As you wish.”

We made our way to a corner of the hall. Curious glances followed us. I had to make this quick.

“I just checked the archives from the keep,” I said, keeping my voice level. “Backup files are missing.”

His brow lifted. “That’s troubling news. I trust you’ll get to the bottom of it.”

I stepped closer. “Don’t play games with me. I know you’ve been in the archives recently.”

His expression remained composed. He cast a helpless look at the crowd, as though hoping to catch the sympathetic eye of another official. I wanted to knock the look off his face. “I manage many affairs for the crown, Prince Thadron. It is hardly unusual for me to access our records.”

“But these files weren’t your concern. And now they’re gone.”

His mouth curled into a faint smile, condescension barely hidden. “Surely you’re not suggesting I had something to do with this theft?” He paused, his eyes glittering. “Or has Ambassador Hartman planted that suspicion in your mind?”

“I don’t know what you think you’re—”

"Thadron!" He raised his voice in a surprised shout. Heads turned, and a hush fell over the crowd, their attention snapping towards us.

"Keep your voice down, Cryostrum," I warned, but it was too late. He wormed his way back toward the crowd, waving his sinewy arms in a strange, panicked motion.

"I saw her,” he declared, pointing a finger at Isa. “Ambassador Hartman took the backup files from the royal archive!"

A collective gasp rippled through the hall, and I felt an icy dread settle in my gut. The room seemed to contract, the air growing thinner as all eyes shifted to Isa.

She stood there, her red dress now forming her into a target for all to look upon. Her face filled with shock and confusion.