The Queen of Ice and Stone by C. M. Hano

Author:C. M. Hano [Hano, C. M.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: FIC009070 FICTION / Fantasy / Dark Fantasy
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Published: 2024-10-23T00:00:00+00:00

Part Two: Ice

Chapter Sixteen

Kaleigh

I remember feeling a cool breeze blowing through an open window, gracefully touching my long brown hair as I stood in my white silk nightgown, admiring the White Sun’s beauty and thinking of a way to get to him. It has been one month to the day since Rowland was taken in the middle of the night by a dark shadow, and now he’s in The Hollow Realm, a place full of unknown and immeasurable evil. One lonely prisoner hides the secrets of this realm to bargain for his release. With the dressing of my robe, I attempt to visit the prisoner once again. Greeted by two royal guards, I convince them to let me pass by offering them a barrel of ale. Down the hall lies the holding cell of the last Red Griffin bandit. I cautiously approach the bars. “My, my, aren’t you looking all pretty in your nightclothes,” the bandit taunts me as he lifts his hanging head with a crooked little smile.

“I’ll find out how to get there,” I reply determinedly.

“Night after night, you come and ask me the same questions.” Heightening his voice to mock me, “How do I get there? Who are you working for?” He licks his cracked lips before continuing.“But you know what, princess? You have nothing to offer me for my secrets.”

Crossing my arms and turning to leave, I change my mind.“I can offer you freedom,” I say over my shoulder. This is something I never offered him. At this point, I’m getting desperate. Father has already received threats from King Gregor if he doesn’t get proof that his brother is alive. Last I recall we only have a couple of White Suns left in the countdown to invasion.

“The king already screwed me over once. I don’t believe you.” He spits at my feet.

“Well, you are just going to trust me. Because there is one thing you don’t know about me.”

“What’s that?”

“I am not my father.”

My serious nature makes him chuckle.

“All right, I’ll bite. What are you planning?”

“Once you’re freed, you will take me there.”

“How do you know I will keep my end of the deal? I might just kill you and escape on my own.”

“I have my own ways of making you submit. I will be back in two days. Be ready, bandit.”

“The name’s Zeke, by the way.”

I quickly exit the dungeon, passing by the drunk guards. I make my way out to the Willow Well to think. While running my fingers through the water, it shifts just like before. Hoping to see Rowland again, my heart cinches at the sight of Verglas.

“Princess, it is truly wonderful to see you again.” My brow furrows at the reflection speaking. “Turn around, young one.”

I do as I’m told and am happy to see my grand friend gracing my presence. Running with arms open wide, I hug the dragon’s massive head. Tears roll down my face.

“Dry your tears, Kaleigh. You must be strong, for the journey ahead will not be easy.

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