Iron Frost - Clan of the Rim Chronicles #1

7

THE HOT BATH SEEMED to melt away what troubles I'd been feeling since I froze Blane and this whole mess had started. The castle medic took a look at my injury from the iron knight and patched it up with some type of ointment and a bandage, that he said would work on healing the raw skin.

I was given new clothes which weren't really what I'd consider myself ever wearing even in the human world. It was a long silk dress the color of a red raspberry that laced up in the back, with a gold lining and sleeves that nearly hid my hands.

The shoes were thankfully ballet flats that matched the dress, and I was given a mesmerizing crystal necklace that might've actually been made of ice itself. The maid put makeup on my face, and my white-blonde locks were pulled into a strange braid down my back that was otherworldly.

A crown was placed on my head though I was hesitant at first to wear it. I had never worn a crown a day in my life, not even a fake one as a child, and this just seemed to be going too fast.

The maid assured me it would be ok and just to take a deep breath, so that was what I did. She placed the icy elvish crown onto my head and I froze in near shock in front of the mirror.

I was taken as a baby, but seeing myself this way, it almost felt like a memory that seemed. . .so right.

I left my chamber for my advisor to introduce me to all the guests and staff inside the palace, because I was told I'd be dining with them before I went to see the Clan. No one, not even Calder, had told me anything about who the Clan were or why I had to see them. I was told only I, my advisor and one other person of the staff could come with me to the chambers to see them because it was a private affair. That made me all the more nervous.

Coming down the long staircase from the top wing of the castle, I could feel my heart thumping at the speed of a racecar engine. My advisor, the lady who had greeted me at the gates who's name was Eeira, gently patted my hand reassuringly. I gave her a small smile to hide my true feelings of actually wanting to cry.

"Are you ready, Princess?" she asked me, but I couldn't seem to bring any repsonse to my lips. I took another deep breath and gave a nod, and she guided me forward.

Coming to the edge of the downward staircase that led to the foyer, my eyes wandered around the adorning crowd.

"It is with great pride that I present to all of you our lost Princess, Eerika Arnesen!" Eeira called out to them.

I watched as everyone around slowly bowed, and I shifted awkwardly in my place. On the side wall I noticed men in silver knight armor and cloaks, and realized those must have been the men of the royal guard. Calder stood stiffly at the head of them, looking so professional and focused that it rather mesmerized me. It seemed like he was straining himself to keep his statue appearance though, but when my name was called he looked over at me.

His stony expression changed, and he almost seemed taken back by me. His eyes traveled slowly up and down my body before they settled on mine, and we locked. I felt a blush rise to my cheeks and quickly jerked my gaze away.

A man stepped up the stairs and with a warm smile outstretched his hand for me to take.

"Come ma'lady, it is time for the feast in your honor."

"Okay," I complied, placing my hand in his and being guided down the stairs to the dining hall.