Chapter 16: In Plain Sight

The Winter King stood facing away from his ebony coloured door as I came in. He glanced over his shoulder then turned his attention back to the enormous fireplace before him. The room was as pale and cold as Valentin, himself. Four white walls framed with dark wood, accented with a black fireplace, black four - poster bed, a tall, dark cabinet beside a small framed window. No paintings or tapestries adorned the walls.

I stood silent and still as Valentin turned smoothly to look at me.

"The exile healed well under your supervision," although the king's voice was kind, I could feel the sarcasm under the surface. "I must admit, I did not think he would have survived. His punishment was...severe. Does his tattoo still glow?"

"His tattoo, your Majesty? I haven't seen it glow."

Valentin clasped his hands behind his back and started to pace. I swallowed hard and waited.