The Frost Queen's Blade (The Iceblood Duet, #1)

by Meg Smitherman

Elma only ever saw her father truly eager when there was a smell of blood in the air.

She had been fond of her father. As fond as one was of a half-rotted meal that would pain the stomach yet stave off starvation for another day.

What need did a prisoner have of an opinion when her chains might never break?

“Honesty, a good heart, a conscience… What use are those to a queen?”

Fear, her father had taught her, led to death. Fear made you sloppy; it made you weak.

“Came to admire, Your Majesty? Didn’t get your fill the last time, I see.”

“Sweet, depraved creature. I’ve never met anyone with such bloodlust.”

“Stop talking,” she said, “and do something useful with that tongue.”