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

by Meg Smitherman

“If I hear rumblings again of my choice in bodyguard,” said Elma, catching each of her guests’ eyes one by one, “I will personally see to it that you’re silenced.” Rune stepped forward into the light and leaned arrogantly over her chair, practically draping himself across it, smiling viciously. “She means I’ll cut out your tongue.”

AND WILL. PERIOD SLAY.

One day you’ll outright laugh at something I say and hate yourself for it.” His eyes shone. “I can’t wait.”

“If that’s what my bloodthirsty queen so desires.” She glanced at Rune sidelong. “I am anything but yours.” He grinned, but something tugged on the corners of it, weighing it down. “If it makes you feel any better, Majesty, I am nothing if not yours.”

“The manner of your arrival suggests a bid for war,” said the white-plumed man. His hand rested on the pommel of a sword, and his stance was tense, ready to spring. “You speak of peace, yet you hold our Crown Prince hostage. If it weren’t for our queen’s mercy, you would be dead where you stand.”

I KNEW IT

Oh, and tell my mother I’m home.”

“Well,” he said, “you’re a weapon. I had to keep my guard up in case you tried to pierce me through the heart. The only difference now is that I no longer fear such an attack. You could puncture me full of holes, Your Majesty, and I’d only beg for more.”