The frozen heart

Chapter 30: Frozen Choices

Chapter 30: Frozen Choices

Anne lay in her bed for days, slowly recovering from the ordeal. Though her body grew stronger, her mind remained clouded with the weight of her encounter with Kaiden. Every night, she couldn't shake the unsettling feeling that someone was watching her. She would awaken in the dark hours of the night, convinced that a shadow lingered at the corner of her room, but when she looked, there was nothing there. Only silence and the flicker of the dying hearth.

As the days passed, her father grew more impatient, eager for answers. On the morning, she was finally well enough to leave her bed, Anne found herself in the royal discussion room, seated across from her father, the king. His eyes were sharp, full of questions that had gone unanswered for too long.

"You've been quiet about your encounter with the Harbinger," her father began, his voice low but heavy with unspoken anger. "How is it that you managed to survive when so many others have not? What did he want from you, and why didn't he kill you?"

Anne sat up straighter in her chair, her hands folded neatly in her lap, though beneath the surface her mind raced. She couldn't tell him the truth. No one would believe that she wasn't just the princess, but the Anne who had known him before. If the king knew the truth, he would never trust her again.

"I... I don't know, Father," Anne lied, her voice steady despite the tremor of fear running through her. "When he took me, he didn't speak much. He asked questions, but I told him nothing. He must've realized I wasn't worth killing."

The king narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing her words, his skepticism clear. "Not worth killing? The Harbinger is a cold-blooded murderer. He doesn't leave people alive unless he has a reason. What did you say to him?"

Anne swallowed, searching for a believable story. "I told him I had nothing to offer him. That killing me wouldn't give him anything in return."

Her father's gaze lingered on her for a moment longer, as though weighing her words. His brow furrowed, and it was clear he didn't fully believe her, but before he could press her further, the door to the chamber swung open. Her brother, his face stern but carrying a slight grin, entered the room.

"Father," he said with a formal nod before turning to Anne. "I've brought something for you. It's a gift from your soon-to-be husband, Elyas."

Anne blinked, her attention shifting away from the looming questions of her encounter with Kaiden. She accepted the small box her brother handed her, curiosity flickering in her chest. It was simple but finely crafted, the kind of box that held something important.

She carefully opened it, revealing a small envelope inside. Beneath it lay an ornate ring, silver with delicate engravings and a single shimmering gemstone at its center. She picked up the letter first, unfolding it to read Elyas's neat handwriting:

Dearest Princess,
I have heard of your unfortunate encounter with the Harbinger of Death. I can only imagine the fear and uncertainty you must have felt. To ensure your safety, I am sending you this enchanted ring. It is imbued with protective magic—wear it, and you will be shielded from harm, no matter who tries to come for you again. No force, not even the Harbinger, will be able to reach you.
I look forward to seeing you soon, my bride.
With affection,
Elyas

Anne stared at the letter, her pulse quickening. The mention of Kaiden—the Harbinger—made her chest tighten. Elyas's words were meant to comfort her, but instead, they filled her with dread. The idea of wearing a ring that would protect her from Kaiden felt like a barrier between them, even though she needed to convince him of who she was.