Ember Frost's POV

“How do you feel?” my father asked, expressionless, the question sounding more like an assessment than a father’s care.

I forced myself to drop the playful tone I often slipped into and answered with careful composure, “Not bad.”

“Your Majesty, she performed admirably. With time, she will grow into a formidable warrior,” Orion said, his expression calm, almost too serious.

The exchange left me feeling strangely out of place, though thankfully neither of them ...