Frost Chapter 2

Princess Rachel is visiting again. She and Jesten have been courting for years now and when she’d first started visiting I’d been determined to make friends with her. However the Princess is a spoiled brat who looks down on everyone around her. The only good thing about her visits is that Jesten eats dinner in the hall with us.



“You should come with us to Todoba for the Winter.” She gushes over him while we eat a roasted onion potato soup. “You would love it! The seaside is wonderfully warm then.”

“Would you take a swim with me then?” He asks knowing full well Rachel would never scandalize herself so publicly. She giggles and it makes the hairs on my back raise.

“You’ve gotten just as bad as they say…” She scolds playfully. I’m not hungry anymore.

“You don’t know that half of it.” He laughs loudly. I jerk up watching him in awe. It’s the first time I’ve seen him really laugh in years. It’s beautiful and gives his face a boyishness more suited to his age. My chest burns with envy at how easily the princess brings out the best in him.

“To that I am sure.” She doesn’t argue or press for more information like I would. The rest of dinner passes without a single glance or word my way from Jesten or Rachael. They retire to the piano room where I am loathed to join them as their chaperone. Rachel sings sweetly and off key while Jesten plays the piano. It’s almost funny watching him play the simple silly songs the Princess requests. I’ve seen him play regularly with far more talent and passion. I pretend to be unfazed by their neglect by reading a book on the chaise under the window. But every few moments I look up just to see Jesten smile. I watch him whisper something in her ear. It must have been a question because her face turns red and she gives a hesitant and bashful nod. He gives her the biggest smile yet and jealousy burns in my chest. I don’t even see the words as I glare down at the pages in my hand.

That night I headed downstairs to the kitchen for leftover cake. I can’t sleep with Jestens’ smile in my head and this jealousy burning a hole in my heart. I’m aware of my full figure especially when the willowy princess is around. But cake makes me happy.