Free Crown of Ice by Vicki L. Weavil Page B

threatens to rim my words. “Surely not. You know my destiny’s tied to yours. And we’re both linked to the mirror. I’ve no intention of failing you. Such an action will only condemn me to becoming a wraith. And trust me—I’ve no wish to join that pack of mindless, mewling spirits.”
    “Yes, that would be a pity.” As Voss turns his robes flicker like flames in the sunlight. “Very well, step forward. I will grant what you ask.”
    I cross to him with measured steps, steeling myself against what’s to come. I know that he must lay hands on me to give me what I desire, but I dread his touch. I recall far too well the pain—like hot coals pressed against my flesh. But I must do whatever is necessary to thwart Gerda and keep Kai focused on the mirror.
    When I reach Voss he flexes his fingers before reaching out to grip my shoulders. I stand still, pressing my toes into the soles of my boots. Voss’s fingers thrust daggers of fire through my body. I grit my teeth and clench my hands into fists. I won’t move, or even wobble. I won’t allow him that satisfaction.
    After several minutes Voss drops his hands and steps back. “You may now choose to change your appearance to suit your need. You may also travel beyond our realm, but beware, my queen. There are dangers in the wider world that cannot touch you here.”
    “What dangers?” I rub at my shoulders with the edge of my cloak, scrubbing away the remnants of his touch.
    Voss turns to gaze out the window. “There are those who will not wish you success in your quest. One in particular—a mighty enchantress who will do anything in her power to thwart my plans.”
    This is new. I stare at Voss’s rigid back. “And why is that?”
    “It is of no importance. Just watch your step, Thyra Winther. There are few who may match wits with you, but she is one who can challenge your every move.”
    “I’ll bear that in mind, if I encounter any enchantresses.” I examine Voss’s face with interest. There’s a shadow of actual fear in his eyes. I file this information away for future use. “Now I’ll go and ready myself for my journey. I’m leaving Kai here to continue his work on the mirror. Don’t interfere with him.”
    “I will leave him alone, as I have thus far. He is of no interest to me, at any rate.” Voss’s gaze rakes over my face. “I am curious, I must admit, how much he interests you, my queen.”
    I turn on my heel and stalk toward the exit. “As I said, he’s a useful tool. A bright mind and an extra pair of hands. I value him because he may keep me from the wraiths. For that reason, I’ll protect him, as long as necessary.” At the door I wheel about to face the mage. “But don’t think you can use him as a bargaining chip, Master Voss. I’ve no feelings for him. He’s useful to me but I’ll sacrifice him in a heartbeat if it suits my purpose.”
    “No doubt.” Voss’s cool smile conveys admiration mixed with disdain. “Good fortune on your journeys, my queen. I too will be traveling later this day. You may leave your human pet without fear.”
    I smile in return—a smile as slow as a glacier, and as cold. “I’ve no fear. Your spells and training ripped that from my heart.”
    He nods his head in a brief acknowledgement. “I know. And for that I am truly sorry. Not for you, Thyra Winther, but for all who oppose you.”
    “Something to remember, Master,” I say as I turn and stride out of the room.
     
    ***
     
    Kai’s displeased that we’re not traveling to locate the lost fragments of the mirror. I watch him pace the floor of his chamber.
    “I told you, Voss’s set me to another task, and I dare not refuse.” I lean back and rest my elbows on the pile of furs heaped on Kai’s bed.
    “We need those pieces,” says Kai. “We can’t complete our task without them.”
    “Obviously not. And we’ll retrieve them as soon as I return. But while I’m gone, you can run a few more calculations and piece together more of