Thorns of Frost (Fae of Snow & Ice, #2)(2)

“And if he’s wrong and you can’t, you’re bound to him indefinitely.”

This time, I did smack a pillow over my face.

“So, not only did he kill Tormesh for speaking the truth last season about the dying crops, and then our parents when they came to the court to ask what became of him, but now Prince Norivun is demanding that you fix our continent’s dying crops after finally admitting there is a problem?” She let out a disgusted sound. “What a load of hypocritical domal dung.”

I pulled the pillow from my face to see Cailis scowling. And witnessing her righteous anger stirred the flame inside me, the fire that had raged so hotly when I’d first met the crown prince of the Court of Winter over a month ago. I’d forgotten . . . no, not forgotten . . . I’d temporarily dismissed what he’d done to our family, letting him charm me over the past week, but he was a murderer.

How did I forget that?

“I’m an imbecile,” I said with a groan.

Cailis’s expression softened. “I suppose what’s done is done. We’ll have to deal with it now.” She patted my hand. “Enough of all of that, though. How are you feeling? You scared the daylights out of me last night when they brought you back to this room unconscious.”

“I’m okay. I guess.” I laid a hand on my stomach where that ever-present sensation rumbled. And to think all along what I’d been feeling were my affinities, not indigestion. “It’s a lot to take in, though. I’m still coming to terms with it.”

So much had happened since the prince’s Betrothed Ball last evening. I still couldn’t believe that I’d shared a scorching encounter with the murderer of my family on the throne room’s balcony, only to then be attacked by Vorl and be entered into the Rising Queen Trial.

I shivered when I recalled how my village’s archon had nearly choked the life from me.

Tilting my neck, I ran a finger against my skin.

Cailis frowned. “Does your throat still hurt?”

“It’s tender, which I suppose shouldn’t be surprising considering Vorl nearly crushed my windpipe.”

“Bastard.” She seethed. “At least he’s been arrested. That’s the only good thing that’s come out of this.”

“Agreed.”

“Now, we just need to get you out of that Trial.”

Another knock came on the door, and then Sandus, the prince’s personal guard who he’d assigned to me, peeked in.

He wore traditional colored clothing—blue, black, and silver. As always, two swords peeked out from beneath his wings, one on either side of him in a crisscross pattern, and his beard looked freshly trimmed.

“There’s someone here to see you, love.”

My spine stiffened. I could only imagine it would be Prince Norivun striding into the room.

Sandus opened the door wider, and my heart thumped painfully, but it was Sir Featherton, the Rising Queen Trial archon, who sauntered into my chambers.

Sir Featherton had introduced the other three females in the Trial just last night—Lady Meegana Ockson, Lady Georgyanna Endalaver, and Lady Beatrice Leafton.

He hadn’t introduced me yet, though. My admittance was still too new.

Bringing a fist to his chest in traditional Solis greeting, he bowed. “Lady Ilara Seary, daughter of Mervalee Territory, it is a pleasure to officially meet you. I’m the Rising Queen Trial archon, Sir Edmund Featherton.”

Sir Featherton was tall, thin, and he held his chin high when he straightened. Navy slacks covered his legs. A crisp white top covered his upper half, and wings of a soft black draped down his back.

I gave a tight smile and wished I was properly dressed and not still in my nightclothes. I figured either my sister or Daiseeum had changed me into them when I’d been unconscious. At least they were modest, a full top and pants.

Regardless, I mimicked his movements, bringing a fist to my chest. “It’s nice to meet you, Sir Featherton.”

I pulled the covers higher, but Sir Featherton was either oblivious to my embarrassment, or he didn’t care, because he clasped his hands behind his back beneath his wings and faced me squarely.

His gaze flickered briefly to my black hair. The crown prince’s illusion spell, which had concealed its true color, had shattered last night after my affinities had manifested. But I wasn’t the only Solis fairy with black hair. Queen Lissandra also bore that feature. Only, most Solis fae didn’t know that since the queen’s illusion affinity kept it hidden.

“What can we do for you, Sir Featherton?” Cailis asked briskly.

He gave her a cursory glance. “The king has sent me to explain the rules of the Trial to Lady Seary. Normally, the Trial’s tests would have taken place next month, but since Lady Seary’s affinities have only just manifested, the king has prolonged the Trial. You’ve been granted three months to train before the first test. During that time, you shall also be placed in the Trial’s courtship, which has also been extended to three months.”

Cailis scowled as blood pounded through my ears.

“Tests?” I murmured. “Courtship?”

“Indeed.” Sir Featherton gave a slight bow. “There shall be three tests at the end of your three months of training. You will be required to compete with the other females in the tests. During the three-month Trial period, you will also date Prince Norivun. This is so you may become better acquainted with him should you end up his wife. However, despite any affections you may develop, at the end of the Trial, the winner will ultimately be chosen as his bride.”