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"No," Gemma said, her words firm and certain

Lord Lovland inhaled "Then this may involve Linnea I worried when he denied our request to return to Loire…Ge you to protect Linnea Youis a madman"

"My Lord," Gemma said, taken aback by Lord Lovland’s frankness

"He is, and the sht set him off with a desire to see you killed He is worse than a wild, rabid bear Do you rerimly nodded

"Princess Elise’s near death may be your fate if you displease hi means to keep an eye on you, I cannot protect you," Lord Lovland said "Do you understand?"

"Yes, My Lord," Geo," Lord Lovland said, stepping aside The footuards had brought a cart, into which they helped Gemma cli at a steady trot Naturally, the guards took the h Ostfold Civilians stopped and stared as the cart rolled through the streets Some people looked at Gemma and her armed escort with syhbors A few sneered

Gerimly steeled herself No ood to be called to King Torgen’s attention After what seemed like both an eternity and a second, the urban area of Ostfold peeled back, revealing the Verglas Royal Palace

The palace, built during the Snow Queen’s time, was made to resemble ice and winter Every part of the castle jutted up into triangular cut-outs that were intricately decorated with snowflakes and the royal family crest--a reindeer The only tower in the castle was tall and skinny, and it was angled to get a perfect view of the mountains that unfolded behind the palace

Geates When it stopped, a guard helped Geuards fell into ranks around her, herding her into the castle

The interior was gloo Geht, and he wanted insider information about her--or maybe he meant to hire her to watch Lady Linnea? Geuards escorted her into the throne room

The throne room was a beautiful masterpiece that overlooked Lake Sno--the snowfed lake located at the back of the palace There were two thrones: a central one for the current monarch, which was made of wood and blue velvet and placed on top of a lass and crafted to resemble ice The ice throne was positioned in the far back of the roo the lake view instead of the throne room Tradition said it was occupied by the Snow Queen when she lived, and it hadn’t been moved out of reverence

The floor was s accented with snowflakes and reindeer, and the sunlight sparkled when it hit the silver-glass- and gold-work at the opposite side of the room, which was crafted to resemble a winter scene

But Geeous room because when she stepped inside it and took note of those ere present, her worry increased tenfold

Kneeling before the throne was her sloppy father Her mother was on the sidelines, squished between an army of clerks, record keepers, and scholars

This isn’t about Lady Linnea, Gemma realized as she stared at her father, who couldn’t even uard said, bowing to the king

"Very good," King Torgen said, folding his hands over the expanse of his belly

King Torgen was considered coer days, but years of hatred, spite, and ave every part of his face the shadow of cruelty His eyes were the worst The whites were a sickly yellow, and the dark irises gloith fires of hatred and insanity Gemma had seen him before for public spectacles and events, but she had never before born the weight of King Torgen’s sickly, feverish eyes

"I’ve heard about you, Geold"

WHAT? Geo slack Sheyour pardon, My Lord, old I have received a report that your father has run his en said, aon his lips