Chapter 15
I’d been putting off showing Sylvie the ice creature because we had barely begun to be civil to one another.
Revealing that she’d be expected to deal with a monster for the rest of her life.
It lay dormant inside me, save for times of distress such as a heated battle that we couldn’t have won without it, or—when I found my mate.
I hadn’t recognized the sensation at first, the icy tendrils chilling beneath my skin like pulsing wintry veins.
The transformation was instant when I called on it in war, but this was entirely different.
It felt like a godsdamned hard-on that I couldn’t suppress or ignore if I tried.
Opting for attire I wouldn’t normally wear to a ball for fear it would be overkill, I slid on the high-collared jacket, its length draping past my knees.
It was patterned sapphire and silver embroidered filigree on the forearms, the white, curved lapels, and flared shoulder pieces.
I stared at myself in the mirror as I did up the shiny silver buttons of the satin blue vest, a matching shirt underneath it, undone enough to expose my chest. Making the snowflake emblem of my kingdom appear in my palm, I positioned it at my waist’s center, covering it with magic to make it sparkle and shine.
There was no telling how tonight would go. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t fear her not showing up. It was an opportunity, however, to show her a side of me that I was far more confident with—my charm.
After settling into a pair of knee-high black boots, I patted the frost giant’s enormous knee. “Thanks for letting me borrow your cave.”
“You made it after all. I am curious as to why you did not use one of these so-called friends you claim to be making in the village’s home, though.” The frost giant sat on the stony ground, his back pressed to the cave wall, one knee hitched to his chest.
Chuckling, I took one final glance in the mirror, spearing a hand through my hair to make the waves perfect and slicking back the shaved parts above my ears. “It’s winter. They all have raging fires or furnaces. I didn’t want to sweat out my suit before I even set foot into the place.”
“Heat around every corner. Sounds terrifying.” A deep rumble vibrated from the giant’s gut, his shoulders bouncing as if he’d learned how to laugh.
“You have no idea.” Turning to face him, I splayed my arms at my sides. “How do I look?”
The giant shrugged. “Like a buffoon, but I still do not see the point in clothes.”
Honestly? Neither had I. The world was far more comfortable without the restrictions of clothing, but I also couldn’t recall many places where nudity was acceptable in public.
“I’ll be seeing you,” I said through a smile, exiting the cave to the awaiting snowfall. Pausing to let some of it coat my face, breathing the chill into my lungs, I use my magic to prevent snowflakes from settling on my head or clothes.
Nanok’s head bumped under my arm, demanding a good scratching before I abandoned him for the night. Working my fingers over his head, ears, and chin, I pressed my palms to each side of his massive cranium. “Wish me luck, old friend.”
Nanok responded by using his gargantuan, bluish-black tongue to slather my cheek with a slobbering kiss.
Wincing, I dragged the back of my hand over my face, ridding it of bear saliva, and patted his head. “Thanks.”
It was already half past seven, and I’d purposely waited to avoid looking too antsy.
Creating my icy rink trail, I calmly skated through the woods, resorting to a regular walking stance once I reached the plaza.
Several other townsfolk were also arriving, and wearing elaborate gowns and tuxedos.
They also wore some form of a mask—an important detail left out of my impromptu invitation.
Improvising on the fly, I called on the ice surging through the veins surrounding my eyes, allowing the creature to poke through there and only there—for now.
It worked its way under my eyes, to my temples, over my nose, and covered my entire forehead.
Once satisfied that the monster wouldn’t try to take over more than what I was allowing, I moved for the door, holding it open for a female with light purple skin.
Her crimson eyes flashed through her onyx mask as she walked past me, fangs glistening from the moonlight when she smiled.
Offering a neutral grin in return, I ignored her frown and let the door shut behind me.
It took only a single moment to spot her through the crowd.
My lungs forgot how to breathe, my heart refusing to beat as I gawked at how absolutely fucking radiant she looked.
The snow-white dress I created hugged her every curve, and the filigree branch designs with rhinestones and captured snowflakes sparkled from the candelabras.
Her hair was more voluminous, with wisps of silver and blue to match the tint at the ends.
She wore no mask, but silver stardust spattered her cheeks, her wings and ears on full display.