Betrothed to Jack Frost (REWRITTEN)

7)The King of Winter

"Castle" by Halsey
...I feel this song is perfect for this book...
Happy Reading!
*****

Elle remained silent as Khione guided her through the sprawling palace. The woman muttered incessantly about Elle's "terrible outfit," but Elle paid no mind. She had no intention of donning one of the elaborate gowns Khione was so eager to dress her in. The last time Elle had worn a dress was for her high school graduation, and that had been more than enough. She was perfectly content in jeans and a hoodie, and that was all she needed.

As she glanced down at her attire, Elle was relieved she had treated herself to a leg waxing the week before. Parading around in pajama shorts might have been a bit too revealing otherwise. Still, she regretted not having shoes on, her bright red toenails starkly visible.

Khione finally stopped in front of a set of immense doors, their surface studded with diamonds and stretching nearly to the twenty-five-foot ceiling. She knocked sharply on the door, and Elle looked up, awed by the grandeur. A booming voice echoed from within. "Come in," it called, reverberating through the room.

Khione nodded toward the opulent doors, signaling Elle to follow. Reluctantly, Elle complied, her only strategy now being to persistently express her desire to return home. Surely, if she kept at it, someone would eventually heed her pleas.

Inside, the room was grand and imposing. A deep, resonant voice filled the space. "Ah, my most precious of daughters," the voice boomed, reverberating off the walls. Elle's gaze settled on an elderly man seated on an enormous throne. The throne itself was a marvel, crafted to look like it was made entirely of shimmering icicles and diamonds. The man resembled Santa Claus in many respects, save for the dazzling silver armor he wore and the intricate crystal scepter he held. Elle mentally noted that Santa's wardrobe didn't quite match this regal attire. Khione offered the man a demure smile. "I am your only daughter, my lord," she replied, her tone laced with a hint of irony. "I'm afraid that disqualifies me from being the most precious." With a graceful curtsy, she motioned for Elle to do the same. Elle watched as Khione demonstrated the proper form, using a refined hand gesture to indicate the bow.

Elle attempted a curtsy, her long hair falling into disarray as she did so. She quickly blew it out of her face and straightened up, trying to regain her composure.

The old man's eyes twinkled as he addressed Elle. "Ah yes, Evangeline Darrow, I presume?" He waved his hand dismissively, his gaze then shifting to Khione with a frown. "My daughter, why is she dressed as though she were a common miner?"

Khione cast a reproachful glance at Elle. "My apologies, Father. The girl insisted on wearing this attire and refused any more suitable options."

The old man studied Elle with a keen, penetrating gaze. "Interesting," he finally said with a thoughtful nod. "It seems we have a visitor to our kingdom who is not only reluctant to take advantage of our hospitality but also defies the norm for a lover of any of my sons." He chuckled heartily, eliciting a wry smile from Khione.

"Indeed, Father," Khione agreed softly. "However, I'm afraid the girl is struggling to adapt to her new surroundings—"

"If you're talking about me, you could just say my name," Elle interrupted, casting a pointed look at Khione. She was growing increasingly frustrated with the situation. How could these people not see that all she wanted was to go home?

Elle turned her attention back to the old man, hoping he would be the one to finally listen. His imposing presence suggested authority. "My name is Elle Darrow. I don't understand why I'm here. Last night, someone tried to kill me, and today, I woke up in this strange place." She paused, gathering her resolve. "So, I want to go home." Her words were brief but firm.