The Heart of Ice

Chapter 9

Killian

Everett, Moon, and Ana bursted into my throne room, haunted. It didn't take me long to realize what they were so upset about, though I found it rather hard to believe. Once they finally got the words out of their mouth, finally confirmed it, I had ordered my entire army of royal guards to make their way to the heart of my Kingdom, swords already drawn and ready to slaughter.

Now, on our way there, I let the glacial ice course through my veins, causing my hair and eyes to glow different hues of blue.

"What a lovely monster I have created," Boreas whispers in the back of my skull, voice more cavalier. "I can sense your blood-lust, boy. It's hungrier than usual. Perhaps, because of the girl?"

He means Davina, I think, mind clouded. She's all he's been talking about since she arrived, and I can't help but wonder what she has to do with this all—why she means so much to the god of winter.

"She's the key, boy. You can't see it now—and you might not see it later, but Davina is the key to saving the universe," the chilling voice quiets itself, words lingering within me. "You need to save her or everything goes to shit. You need to save her or everyone dies."

I can feel the magic growing stronger, waiting to free itself from my body, it's prison, every second longer I have to wait. The key? What does he mean the key? I always thought of Lilac as some normal girl Boreas chose because he had to. It does make sense though, that she means something. Normal isn't a word people use too often when describing me.

"I understand that you have questions, but right now, your focus should be on saving the flower from her evil roots. Her destiny might not be as great as yours if you don't, boy." I can feel the spirit of my god wash over me, intensifying all power that might be contained within the depths of my body. It's sensationally rapid—euphoric. "It is time," he whispers as my carriage comes to a halt, retreating from my mind.

My leather boots slam against the frost covered ground as my eyes glaze over my kingdom in blatant agony. Buildings have gone up in flames, specs of ember and smoke floating in the air; people are gathering their things, most likely in attempt to flee before anything gets too out of hand. Usually, I would try to keep them here, even though they'd give me the most horrid looks for talking to them. I'd still try though—to be their king and let them know that I'll always try to protect them. It's worked a few times, actually, but I'm afraid this time is far too different. It's not a nation we're unfamiliar with trying to gain money or land—it's The Kingdom of Fire—our biggest rivals for years. This war isn't one where I can simply ease minds by playing hero. It's killed or be killed.

Two men dressed in bright cloaks reveal themselves from the shadows, fire ignited at their fingertips. The way I see it, this fight could go any way. I have my ice power, ready to clear this kingdom if necessary. I also have my sword, a couple daggers, healing potions, and The entire Kingdom of Ice's army at my command. These two, however, only have their power and swords to defend my attacks.

But The Fire King must've known it would be this way, I think to myself. There's no way it's only these men here. If it is, I may have overestimated the king.

The man on the left side smiles maniacally at me, his crooked teeth being the first thing to catch my attention. Cassian, the man on the right side—who I recognize as The Fire King's personal guard, lets out a slight chuckle, gripping his non-poisonous sword. "The Ice King; old friend," he says in disgust. "We were only supposed to scope out your Kingdom, gain as much information as we can, you know? I didn't think I'd get the luxury of killing you too."

I laugh. He couldn't be serious, could he? There's no way he genuinely thinks he can defeat me on his own, not like this.

"Unfortunately for you, that is not going to happen, Cassian," I retort as calmly as I can. Freya always said that a man who fights blindly in battle is a dead one. "We'll just have to see about that, won't we?" he questions but it's more like a statement.