How To Charm An Ice Queen

#6. Decisions, Decisions

Chapter 6

Decisions, Decisions

"Do you have the information?"

I leaned forward in my seat, resting my elbows on the table, and linked my gloved fingers together.

Anabelle gave me a funny look under yet another ridiculous hat before she grinned, probably revelling in her acquired knowledge.

"Sure do,"

We were seated in a secluded booth in a tavern. Jahid lounged in his seat with a look of utter boredom while my sister's bodyguards stood stiff behind her chair.

It was the queen's birthday already and despite her telling me we'd meet again, I hadn't seen so much as a glimpse of her these past couple days. The excuse was always the same: Her Majesty is busy and does not wish to be disturbed.

Of course, with the recent cuts to the candidate list, I don't blame her. All the poor saps had thrown tantrums and caused quite the commotion at being left out due to a simple matter such as age.

Why, an all out riot started right there in the banquet hall just yesterday. With threats flying about and even some candidates turning on each other.

It was quite the sight. But the crowd had been subdued by the Royal Guard just as soon as it began.

Needless to say, no one wanted to face the Guard after that. Those men and women were quite brutal.

But more importantly. My real issue was the fact that today was also the opening ceremony of the Games and as a candidate I'd have a special seat with the queen and all special guests after the ceremony.

And I still had no clue what to get her.

This brings us to where we are in the tavern. The three of us (and Anabelle"s knights trailing her) had split up and searched most of the market for anything fit for a queen. Anabelle had gone with jewellery but I had to get her something different. Something sentimental at best.

But I couldn't do that without knowing what she cared about most. Or her main interests. So, I'd appointed my darling sis to do a little gossiping around.

"Spill it," I said.

She looked slightly smug. "She likes ice dancing,"

I gritted my teeth. "I figured that out myself,"

"Oh? And what about the fact that everyone else thinks she has the ability to control it?"

"Anabelle," I warned.

She giggled at my annoyed expression. "Why are you so sensitive about this? Relax already." Here she began to list off on her fingers. "She likes the winter and only ever leaves the palace during this season, she races her sled dogs every chance she gets, she's brutally honest and sarcastic, she would sentence anyone to death if she feels you're incompetent, she ice skates... Oh! And she has been known to turn down every single offer of marriage including some guy named Rosebud or something."

I furrowed my brow as I processed the information. "What else do you know about that Rosebud guy?" I asked. "I heard his name before."

"That's all you got from that?"

She went on upon seeing my glare.

"I don't know," she huffed, crossing her arms and leaning back in her chair. "I just know they were engaged for like a couple days before they broke it off."

That jerk better not have broken her heart.

"Okay," I said after a moment of thought. "New plan. Buy a random, exotic one-of-a-kind gift and make ot sound sentimental."

I saw Jahid shaking his head at me.

"What?"

Let's just hope you're a better competitor in the Games, he signed.

I growled. "It's not my fault she's so damn difficult to read. And I haven't spoken to her since last time and it wasn't much to go on. I may have been her friend once but I don't know a bloody thing about her now aside from what's floating around the grapevine."

I don't know why but for some reason it hurt to think that she didn't trust me.

A hand clamped down on my shoulder and I looked to Jahid who told me to calm down with his expression.

"Look, Levi," Anabelle started in a soft tone. "I think she's just reserved. Kind of like James, don't you think?"

I tried to conceal my grimace at the mention of our brother's name.

"Besides," her voice lifted on a chipper note and I could practically see her green eyes sparkling. "She remembers you so she must have missed you. Since you forgot she probably felt awkward about going through memory lane with you." She was beaming now. "I can see it now, just like the fairytales. The prince and hos childhood sweetheart reunite after years apart and fall in love. Then they get married and name their firstborn after the prince's gorgeous sister who made all of it possible."

Jahid rolled his eyes.

"I saw that!" She snapped at him.

He stuck his tongue out at her.

"I swear Levi, if you don't fire him I'll have him executed myself."

I wasn't paying attention to them though. I thought about Annora and the possibility of actually getting her to trust me. It made sense for her to be reserved and untrusting. After all, I'd overheard  the whispers about her derranged brother on an island prison and her father residing on a distant estate.

There were rumours of curses and all sorts of theories but I knew of such tales that could be spun and twisted. I'd been victim to them before and even James in all his perfect glory had to deal with the occasional gossip about him.

I wanted Annora to trust me and heck even smile at me.

And I'd do whatever it takes to make her choose me.

***

The ceremony was held in the massive arena. Lanterns were strung and statues of heroes were on display at the entrances. Various performers displayed their talents from circus acrobats to stage magicians.

Luckily it wasn't snowing this evening though it was still rather chilly. When all the contestants for the Winter Games were called out, we all marched into the centre of the arena and formed two straight lines facing the royal seats.

I met Annora's gaze for just a moment before she turned away and I only noticed afterwards that I'd held my breath before releasing in a thick puff of cloudy air.

"And now, for the honour of Her Majesty's hand, I present to you... The candidates of the Winter Season!"

Trumpets blared right after the announcement and once more our names were called for us to step forward.

I noticed there were only seven of us as the crowd cheered.

Captain Zander sent me a wink as he too was among us seven. And I discreetly gestured for him to stuff it.

On my left though, the man clearly held distaste for not just me but the rest of us. His piercing glare was about as lethal as his spiky black hair and he clenched his fists behind his back.

I had a bad feeling about him. And I trusted my gut feeling.

With the first challenge barely a week away, I knew I had to pull through to not only outmatch him but the rest of the other competitors.

I looked up to the queen again. After this was the special event that all us invited guests were to attend. It was now or never.

I had to find a way to give her my gift in private.

And hopefully get her to open up to me.

***

Author's note

Hey guys. So I'm travelling again but I wanna leave you with this update. What do you think of the image above? Prince charming material or nah?

Please vote comment and share the lurve.

Skyglider