Chapter 4

Edric insisted on hosting a grand ice banquet at Crescent Ice Bay. The goal was obvious: elevate Meredith’s status, parade her in front of high society. 

I had zero intention of going. I was just running down the clock until my departure for the marriage alliance.

Meredith leaned against the fireplace in the parlor, a sickly-sweet smile plastered on her face. "If you don't go, sister, people will talk. They'll say you can't stand me. That we're fighting. Your reputation is already... well, you know. I just don't want things getting worse for you."

Edric looked at me. "Leonora, you’re coming with us."

"I'm not going."

His face darkened. "This isn't up for debate. If you don't show up, what will everyone say about Meredith? They’ll say she’s bullying you. They'll say she pushed you out!"

"So you're forcing me to go just to protect her reputation?"

He caught himself, instantly flipping the switch. The anger melted away, replaced by a fake, wounded look. "Leonora, please don't make this hard on me. Meredith is sick. She’s highly sensitive. Just do this for me, okay? Come with us. You'll still get everything you were promised. Stop being mad."

He reached out and grabbed my hand. "Leonora! I love you! I'm just worried about her. You know that. Just play along for a few hours."

I stared into his lying eyes. My stomach did a violent flip. I felt physically sick. 

Seeing I wasn't fighting back anymore, he took it as a victory. "I'll send a carriage for you tomorrow morning," he tossed over his shoulder, already turning away to coddle Meredith.

I stumbled back to my room. The second my bedroom door clicked shut, I dropped to my knees over the washbasin and threw up.

The sun wasn’t even up when the knocking started. Edric’s servants were literally on their knees in my hallway, blocking my path. 

"Please, Miss," the head servant begged, his forehead touching the floorboards. "Don't make this hard on us. Lord Edric will punish us if you don't get in the carriage."

I closed my eyes, exhausted down to my bones. Fine. I’d go.

Crescent Ice Bay was freezing. The lake was frozen solid, surrounded by snow-covered pines. The guests were already out on the ice, laughing, drinking hot cider, and showing off their winter fineries.

Meredith was the absolute star of the show. She walked right in the center of the crowd, wrapped in white fox fur. Mom stayed glued to her left side, holding her arm. Edric walked on her right, his head bent low to whisper something in her ear. Meredith laughed, leaning her head affectionately against his shoulder.

I walked ten paces behind them. I was a complete outsider.

Then Meredith slipped. She let out a sharp gasp, her arms flailing as she tilted backward.

"Meredith!" Edric and Mom yelled in unison. They both lunged for her at the exact same time.

But the ice was too slippery. They completely lost their balance. Meredith managed to steady herself, but Edric and Mom kept sliding backward, out of control.

Straight into me.

I lost my footing instantly. I hit the ice hard, and a loud, terrifying crack echoed directly under my boots.

The ice gave way.

I plunged straight into the freezing water.

I swallowed a mouthful of icy, dirty water, choking violently. My heavy winter dress and thick cloak dragged me down like lead weights. Panic exploded in my chest. I thrashed wildly, fighting my way to the surface.

I broke through, gasping frantically for air.

Edric and Mom were standing safely on the solid ice. Edric had his arms wrapped tightly around Meredith, shielding her from the wind.

"Are you okay? Did you get hurt?" he asked frantically.

Mom was practically in tears, clutching Meredith's hands. "Meredith, you scared me to death! Are you freezing?"

"Help!" I screamed, my voice cracking in terror. "Help me! Edric!"

They didn't even flinch. It was like I didn't exist.

Finally, at the sound of my second scream, Edric turned his head. He looked down at me struggling in the water.

"Just hang on, Leonora!" he yelled across the ice, sounding more annoyed than worried. "Meredith is in shock. I need to get her to a doctor right now. She’s too fragile for this kind of stress!"

He waved a dismissive hand at me. "The water isn't that deep. Just try a little harder and swim up yourself!"

Then he turned his back on me. The three of them walked away.

My heart stopped.

The water wasn't deep? Yeah. But it was the dead of winter. The freezing water was enough to stop a human heart in minutes. 

I watched his retreating back until my vision blurred. My struggles slowed down. My limbs went completely numb. I closed my eyes as the freezing water finally pulled me under.

Three years ago, a boy threw himself into a raging sea storm just to pull me out of the water.

Now, that exact same man was walking away, leaving me to die in a frozen lake.

When I opened my eyes again, I wasn't dead.

I was wrapped in thick, heated furs, lying on a soft cot. I was in the healing ward of the Goddess Temple.

A priestess sitting nearby noticed I was awake. She walked over and handed me a cup of hot tea. "You're safe," she said quietly. "The High Priest's royal guards pulled you out of the bay. You barely made it."

I didn't say anything. I just stared at the stone ceiling. The very last thread tying me to Edric had snapped. There was absolutely nothing left.

---

It took Edric three full days to settle Meredith. She had caught a slight chill from the wind, and he refused to leave her bedside.

On the afternoon of the third day, he finally walked out of her room. The manor was quiet. Way too quiet.

A sudden, inexplicable panic gripped his chest. Something felt wrong. Something felt entirely missing.

He stopped a passing servant in the hallway. "Where is Leonora?"

The servant bowed nervously, refusing to make eye contact. "We haven't seen her, My Lord. We heard she was taken away by the High Priest's men from the bay."

Edric frowned, a flash of irritation crossing his eyes. "The High Priest? Did she go there to complain about me again? Is she throwing another tantrum?"

"No, My Lord. The High Priest sent word this morning."

"What word?" Edric snapped, losing his patience.

"Lady Leonora didn't complain..." The servant hesitated, swallowing hard. "She left early this morning. She’s gone to the Ice Sea for the marriage alliance."

Edric froze. The blood completely drained from his face.