I call Kai’s name into the hallway. A flurry of snow bees rushes off. In minutes, almost as if he was waiting for my call, he comes striding down the hall like a thundercloud. “What’s taken you so long?”
“Cooking. It takes a while. You wouldn’t know that, though, would you?” I remove my apron and assemble the platters on a wheeled cart, ignoring his sneer. He doesn’t help me push the heavy cart down the ice halls, although he is forced to assist me in maneuvering it up a set of stairs without spilling everything.
Back in the icy portion of the castle, he leads me down grand halls adorned with elegant crystal sconces lit from within by what I assume are magical lights like the ones Christabel used.
We roll on and on. “Where are we going?” I ask.
“To the Queen’s dining room.”
It’s taking so long to get to our destination that the food will be cold by the time we arrive. I seriously hope my presence here isn’t dependent upon my ability to serve a fine banquet. It seems like the kind of thing she would do, though. This is some kind of test, or demonstration. I’m not sure which.
“Your room is…” I trail off, staring straight at the gleaming chafing dish as heat rushes to my cheeks. “Where?”
“Down there.” Kai points. A tiny smirk tugs at his mouth. “Are you planning to visit me later?”
We both know I’ll be coming to his room tonight. Anticipation clenches low in my belly. Still, I can’t let him think I’m a sure bet. Even if it does make me a liar.
“I’m not sure.” I would toss my hair, but both hands are occupied with steering the cart. “Depends upon your behavior at dinner. If you’re a complete prick, you can sleep by yourself.”
He laughs. I hate the way I heat up inside, hearing it. I hate that part of me likes going toe-to-toe with his cruelty. Maybe I haven’t made him a better man, but he has certainly dragged me down to his level.
We enter a grand room with the highest ceiling I’ve ever seen. The floor is as slick and shiny as a mirror. The Queen sits regally in a huge throne at the head of a long table crafted entirely from frost. A crackling sound underfoot prompts me to look down, where a thin film of spiderwebbed ice gives me enough traction to walk but makes the cart rattle like its wheels are about to come off.
Wordlessly, I set tableware before the two royals seated at either end of the table. I place a taper in the center and carefully use a piece of tinder to light it.
“Put it out,” Kai growls. “The fire. Douse it.”
The Queen inclines her head. The only color in her face are pale blue eyes and ruby-red lips. She gestures for me to continue. I pinch the flame, extinguishing it, and wordlessly finish setting the table. “Sit. Join us.”
A frozen chair appears behind me. It scoots forward, bumping into the backs of my knees and forcing me to obey. I twist to place my bowl of stew before me.
“You do not partake of your own cooking?” asks the Queen.
“I do not trust fae food. I’ll only eat from my own stores.”
Kai saws into his meat and takes a large bite, only to choke, his face turning red as he spits it out and glares at me.
“It’shot.”
“Yes, Prince. Food is typically served warm,” I remind him.
“Not here.”
He shoves the plate away. The Queen waves her long fingers. A tall goblet filled with shimmering powdered snow appears before him. Kai picks up his spoon and digs in with relish.
“Stop,” I warn sternly.
He halts with a scoop partway to his lips, glaring at me.
“Don’t eat fae food. It gives them control over us.” I glance warily at the Queen, who looks amused.
“Is it true?” he demands.
“I am impressed by your clever little scullery maid.” She beckons to him. Kai slides out of his seat and goes to her. The lady offers her hand. He bends to brush his lips across her knuckles.
We’ll have words about that later, in private. She is taunting me. Showing how she keeps him, like a pet.
“Go now, my darling. I wish to have a few words with Gwendolyn alone.”
