12. Dove

12

DOVE

T iny hands pinch my cheeks and tickle my nose.

I half-heartedly swat at them. It’s too early. Even with my eyelids closed, I can tell bright sunlight is streaming into my room. Another pinch is delivered to my nose, and I swipe a hand at the one pestering me.

“Watch it!” Glimmer’s squeaky voice snarls in my ear.

“Go away,” I mumble. Burrowing into a pillow, I try to ignore her ever-present buzzing. “I’m sleeping.”

I don’t have to see Glimmer to know she’s turned a deep shade of blue.

“Get up,” she declares. “Your breakfast is getting cold.”

My grumbling stomach rouses me, and I peek one eye open. With a sigh, I crawl out from my warm swath of blankets. The sunlight is blazing. Not pulling back the curtains after last night’s adventure was a mistake. My eyes adjust slowly until a small, sparkling figure comes into view.

Glimmer grins at me, her tiny teeth looking extra sharp this morning.

“Morning,” she chirps.

“Morning,” I say, stretching my arms above my head.

Despite having slept on the most luxurious mattress, my muscles feel sore. All that magic traveling over mountains, through walls, and now into the past clearly takes a toll on the human body. Kicking my feet over the side of the bed, I shove them in my slippers and follow Glimmer’s gossamer wings over to the sitting area before the fireplace.

The snapping flames send licks of heat over my body. Glancing down at the silver tray, it is laden with all manner of breakfast items. There are eggs—a delicacy back in my village—salt-cured pork, thick slices of pale-colored cheese, steaming rolls, and two different types of jam.

It looks perfect except for the tiny teeth marks marring the meat and rolls. I raise a brow at Glimmer.

“Helped yourself, did you?”

The snow fairy’s cheeks go up in blue flames.

“Just making sure it wasn’t poisoned,” she delicately corrects. “That’s all.”

“Mm-hm.”

Settling into the nearest chair, I slice off a good portion of the meat she’d been nibbling on and hand it to her. Her eyes glow brightly as she clasps the greasy pork between her tiny hands—gnawing and suckling with her sharp teeth. I can’t help but laugh at the sight. Taking my own bite of the meat, the salty flavor causes me to groan.

Having finished the pork and most of the eggs, I’m buttering a roll when Glimmer buzzes excitedly in front of my face.

“How was dinner with the King?”

Licking over my teeth, I take a bite instead of answering. Glimmer settles beside me on the armrest as she awaits my response.

“He is an interesting male,” I say, swallowing. “The King has your fondness for speaking in riddles.”

Glimmer nods sadly. “That’s one of the unfortunate parts of the c—c—cu—c?—”

“Curse?” I offer.

The snow fairy glows brightly, moving swiftly to hover before me.

“Did the King tell you about it?” Her excitement is palpable.

I give a slight shrug. “Not in so many words. I pieced it together during our dinner.”

Polishing off the last of my roll, I level a stare at the snow fairy.

“What do you know about the sorceress behind all of this?”

Glimmer’s color dims to a sickly pale blue.

“We shouldn’t speak of her. She’ll return soon if you can’t break it in time.”

“And you don’t have any idea how I could possibly do that?”

Sadness tips the tiny fairy’s lips. “No. I wasn’t even here when the curse was cast.”

At my lowered brows, Glimmer settles atop my turned-over teacup.

“I was away—deep in the forest, avoiding my responsibilities. I never could’ve imagined what I would return to.” Her color dims further as her wings sag. “Life was different back then. Hundreds of us snow fairies lived in our fortress in the woods. From what I remember, the frost elves and my people got along. It’s blurry now, as are the years before the curse. All I know is that the King was being punished for something, and we all had to suffer for it. The details of how and why are missing.”

Shimmering eyes stare up at me.

“By the time I returned and learned what had been done, this land had become barren, and my people?—”

Her body jerks as she breaks off into a sob. My heart aches for this tiny creature all alone in this world. What kind of sorceress punishes all for the faults of one? A better question might be, what kind of male is the King to have incurred such a wrath?

Until I better understand who he is and what he’s done, I can’t determine whether this punishment is just. Right now, I think it’s a bit overkill.

Reaching down, I cup Glimmer in my palm. Her curvy body settles there as I soothe her with gentle strokes down her back. Wiping away at her eyes, her smile is sad.

“It was dark magic she used. Our bodies are so small—they froze in an instant. I would’ve joined the rest of my kind in time, but since I was away when the curse was struck, I was spared from the initial wave. I live under the same conditions the King must adhere to. He doesn’t have much longer. Everywhere the curse touches will get worse very soon.” She grips my thumb, rubbing her face against it. “I cannot even remember what my family looks like or their names. Every passing day, the curse takes more of my memories, and I fear the day there will be none left.”

Moisture stings my eyes.

“I’m so sorry, Glimmer.”

The snow fairy nods before giving me a triumphant smile.

“But you're gonna save us, right?”

Sadness encases my heart in ice, but I return her grin.

“I’m going to try,” I say, leaning back in my chair.

The movement causes something heavy to hit my outer thigh. Everything from last night comes rushing back.

“The King gave me a riddle last night at dinner,” I explain. “It didn’t make much sense then, but I figured it out and discovered a hidden passageway where I found this.”

Digging into my pocket, I pull out the snowflake necklace. In the sunlight, its cloudy white crystal sparkles and refracts the light. A thousand incandescent colors dance on its surface. Glimmer gasps, touching a pointed tip of it with her hand.

“Have you ever seen this?”

“Yes,” she breathes. “Around the throat of a queen.”

A queen . The Frost King’s mother. Is she connected to all of this somehow?

“It’s more than just a necklace. Its magic is powerful—elemental. How did you find it?”

I cringe. “A glowing rock led me to it.”

Glimmer nods as if that is the most normal answer in the world.

“It wanted you to find it for a reason. Perhaps it will lead you to?—”

A knock sounds at my door.

Glimmer flies from my hand in a flash of sparkling wings and nestles herself on my shoulder. Quickly tucking the snowflake necklace back into my pocket, I rise from the chair.

“Who is it?” I call and quickly slap a hand to my forehead.

No one else lives here. What kind of question is that?

“It’s me,” the King responds. “Can I come in?”

His voice is gentle with a hint of amusement. My face flushes, but I am at least pleased that it is this version of him outside my door and not the one that so casually locked me in here last night.

“Yes.”

The lock on the door clicks before gently swinging open on silent hinges. The King is there, looking much like he did last night in his simple pants and silver-trimmed shirt. His crown still neatly rests atop his snow-white head. His eyes glow differently as he appraises me from head to toe. My stomach dips at his attention, and I feel naked even with my thick robe covering me.

A gentle smile plays on his lips as he walks closer. My heart hammers painfully in my chest. Light flares along my side, the necklace in my pocket blazing unrestrained. The King’s eyes dip towards it.

Having no choice but to reveal it, I pull the jewelry from my pocket and extend it towards him. The King’s eyes widen as he slowly extends a finger to trace along the pendant before taking it into his large hands. His scent of pine and spice invades my nostrils.

“You found it,” he says. “Clever girl.”

His praise sets my cheeks on fire.

“It belonged to my mother,” he says, confirming my earlier suspicion. “I’d forgotten all about it. It’s been centuries since I last saw it. I—I don’t know why.”

He swallows audibly before his gaze slams into mine. Gratitude dances in his fiery blue eyes. I could drown in their intensity. Our chests nearly brush as I take a deep breath. He tempts something dangerous inside of me—it urges me to forget why I’m here, even if it would be unwise to do so.

Clearing my throat, I give him a brief nod.

“I’m glad I could return it to you.”

The King’s eyes linger on my face. I feel his stare as if it was a physical touch. A soft chuckle passes through his full lips. Shaking his head, he takes a step closer towards me.

“My father gave it to me to bestow as I see fit. I want you to have it.”

I blink at him, my mouth falling open.

“Me? No, I couldn’t possibly?—”

“Please. Allow this to be my first gesture towards apologizing for my abhorrent behavior last night.”

Licking over my dry lips, I nod, not trusting my voice. He smiles, and my insides turn warm. Heat pours off of him and teases my skin. What magic is he using on me to feel this way? It threatens to thaw away my icy resolve.

Walking around me, I feel him move my hair over my shoulder. His fingertips skim down the back of my neck, and I can’t stop the sigh that leaves my lips. His touch kindles something dangerous in me. I’ve never craved the touch of another like this. I used to dream about the embrace of a man, but only in the abstract. Now, with the King’s fingers teasing my skin, this brief touch is more wonderful than I ever imagined.

The pendant rests in the hollow of my throat. The crystal is cool against my warm skin. As he secures the clasp, he gently moves my hair back. Instantly, I miss his touch. What is happening to me?

“I see you’ve met the smallest nuisance our castle has to offer,” he laughs, standing before me once more.

A furious buzzing sound echoes by my ears, and my face flames anew. Glimmer . I had completely forgotten all about her nestled under my hair. With a dramatic twirl, the snow fairy turns dark blue before crossing her arms over her chest and pouting at the King.

“A nuisance? How rude. Dove and I are friends.”

The King’s eyes return to me, his mouth parting slightly.

“Dove,” he sighs, as if tasting the word. I try not to shiver at the utter delight swimming in his gaze. “That is your name?”

I nod, realizing that he never asked me for it. Nor have I asked for his.

“It’s beautiful,” he whispers. “Almost as beautiful as you.”

Before I can respond, Glimmer flutters between us, breaking the King’s stare.

“Old Frosty must’ve lost all his manners if he hasn’t even bothered to learn your name.”

With one last huff, Glimmer disappears into a cloud of sparkling dust. The King shakes his head, peering down at me. With his height, I must lean back to meet his gaze. His compliment still rings in my ears. What should I even say to something like that?

Ignoring it is my best bet, and I do just that.

“Frosty? Is that your name?”

The Frost King chuckles before shrugging.

“It’s become somewhat of an unfortunate moniker. Glimmer is intent on using every chance she gets.” He smiles softly. “You can call me whatever you like.”

“Hmm,” I say. “Frosty seems fitting, especially after last night.”

The King dips his head, color spreading over his cheeks.

“That’s part of the reason I came. I wanted to make sure you were alright.” His throat muscles tighten, but after a deep inhale, they relax. “Our dinner ended dreadfully, and I wanted to apologize formally.”

I cross my arms over my chest.

“I don’t think anyone cares to be magically tossed through walls and locked in their bedroom like some ill-behaving child.”

Again, this need to nettle flourishes within me. Instead of getting angry, he looks more contrite. He brushes invisible dirt from his shirt and refuses to meet my gaze.

“I haven’t been myself lately. It’s not an excuse, but when the beast takes over?—”

He breaks off in a fit of coughs, his powerful chest shaking with force.

“Because of the curse,” I offer.

His eyes fly open as his coughing subsides. The King fists his hands at his side.

“You know about the curse?” Disbelief colors each word.

“It’s obvious something is wrong here—things are not what they seem.” I take a deep breath. “In my village, I was taught you were the one who cursed us and our land. All of our bad fortunes landed squarely on your shoulders. It’s clear to me now that you may have had a hand in why this curse happened, but you were not the one who cast it.”

The King nods. “You are right. I did not enact the foul magic that turned these lands into what they are now.”

“Do you have any idea how I could break it?” I ask.

“I did once—now I’ve forgotten. It’s been stolen away with most of my memories.” He grits his teeth. “Time is almost up. I can feel it. The five centuries I’ve been forced to endure are almost at an end.”

My mouth goes dry.

“Five centuries?”

The King’s lips pull into a smile, even if it doesn’t reach his eyes.

“I wasn’t always like this. Long ago, before the curse was laid, I was a powerful male fully in control of myself and this land. My only desire was to find—” He breaks off, eyes skimming over my face for a moment before shaking his head. “I can’t remember now. Regardless, most of my power was stripped away instantly, and I became this. Barely in control of my body—shackled to this beast while my memories fade each year.”

Stepping closer to me, our bodies nearly touch.

“The only thing I know is that I cannot help you break it. That was the one rule written into my bones when the curse was enacted. If it is to be broken, only you can do it. And if you don’t, this realm will be plunged into icy darkness, and everyone will freeze.”

I roll my eyes, huffing a laugh.

“No pressure.”

The King gently settles his large hands on my shoulders and gives me a soft squeeze. I feel his warmth through my layers of clothing. Pleasure washes over me at the brief touch. I should’ve experimented with men back in my village. Then maybe I wouldn’t be so affected by the minor grazes of this male. I don’t push him away. I silently will him to pull me closer to him.

I am losing my mind, and I’ve only been here a day.

“When the sun is up, I will fight the beast to stay here with you. I want to show you the male I once was. Moreover, I want you to see my realm and why you may wish to save it. The more you learn, the more I can share with you.” His grip on me tightens as his eyes grow serious. “But I’ll have to let the beast out eventually. That is why you must promise me never to venture into my room on the third floor. I don’t know how he would respond to you after I’ve suppressed him for so long, and I won’t risk your safety.”

“I wouldn’t know how to get there even if I wanted to,” I grumble.

His lips twitch. “Promise me you won’t. No matter what.”

I incline my head. “I promise.”

Satisfied, he releases my shoulders, and I feel cold instantly. Turning my head, I gaze towards the window—the stone I used to guide me last night blends in with all the others.

“Do you think more secrets will be revealed in the hidden corridor?”

The King’s brows lower. “What corridor?”

I wave a hand towards the window.

“The riddle you told me last night—I figured it out. That stone in the center is a key to release a secret door that leads into a hidden passway. That’s where I found the necklace. Isn’t that what you were trying to tell me?”

Dark blue stains his cheeks. “Truthfully, I didn’t know the answer to the riddle. I could only remember that I needed to share it with you.”

I nod, feeling a sense of pity. How awful it must be to know you are cursed—to understand how to break it—but to have forgotten it after all this time. Walking over to the window, I kneel before the stone. In the morning light it looks as ordinary as all the others.

“Here, let me show you,” I say, reaching behind the rock.

Only this time, my fingers brush the wall before reaching behind the stone. I try to twist it, but nothing happens. It feels lifeless against my palm, not humming with power as before.

“I don’t know why it isn’t working,” I mutter.

Soft footsteps creep up behind me. Looking up, I realize I am at eye level with a very intimate part of the Frost King. Quickly, I rise to my feet, willing my face to not flush. The Frost King’s eyes are sad as she shakes his head.

“The secrets of this castle will not reveal themselves in my presence—only to you.”

I try and fail not to roll my eyes again.

“Of course they fucking won’t, Frosty.”

Slapping a hand over my, I’m mortified. I never curse—Mama hates it, but I can't hide my exasperation after one step forward today and twenty back. The Frost King—Frosty, I shall call him because the formal title is grating on my nerves—widens his eyes before tossing his head back. A booming laugh echoes out of him, and I can’t help but grin.

Amusement floods his blue eyes as he gently cups my cheek. I suck in a breath, itching to lean fully into his hold. His hands are deliciously warm and soft as silk. Biting his lip, he gently traces the hollow of my cheek.

“Why me?” I ask.

Frosty’s eyes turn serious. His smile dims as he strokes my skin again.

“I wish I had a better answer to give. All I know is that from the moment I saw you, it was the first time I felt like myself in centuries. I felt hopeful.” His fingers flex against me. “I truly am sorry for dragging you into all of this. This burden is not yours, yet I have settled it upon your shoulders.”

Releasing me, he dips into a dramatically formal bow.

“Please, lovely Dove, allow me the honor of showing you my castle.”

I incline my head as I watch dark blue dance over his cheeks.

“And,” he adds, “because I want to show you the male I am. The real me. I want to wipe the memory of the beast away and have a fresh start between us.”

Appraising him from head to toe, I bite my lip. I should tell him no—say to him that I have work to do if I am going to break this curse. The task already seemed overwhelming yesterday, and now it has worsened after learning what’s at stake if I fail.

Especially given the fact that I have yet to figure out where to start.

Despite that, I let the idea of spending the day with him flood me. The thought is a pleasant one. Part of me is still weary of him—of the beast, as he calls it. Yet a more significant, more demanding part of me wants to learn who the real Frosty is.

As the thought occurs, the snowflake at my throat glows in approval. The memory from last night resurfaces as I remember the old Frost King’s words. The snowflake will guide you home. Perhaps if I trust this magical crystal, I’ll be one step closer to reuniting with my family before it’s too late.

Frosty raises his brows at me.

“Let me change into something warmer,” I say. “Then I’d love to go exploring.”