Queen Sephora sat alone in the ice palace. Her white gown lay around her like frost. She crouched low, hands folded, eyes closed. The room felt colder than any other part of the palace. Even the candles can't withstand the cold.
Adam pushed the door open and the cold air hit him so hard. Heat curled in his palms so that his body felt the heat.
"Mum." His voice echoed.
Sephora's eyes opened, for a second she looked fragile, then her face hardened. "Is she dead?" she asked without greeting.
Adam shook his head. "Not yet."
Sephora rose instantly and slapped him hard. Adam went to his knees without thinking as pain flared across his cheek.
"What are you waiting for?" she spat. "Do you only watch while she wins? How long will you let that blind thing take everything?"
Adam's jaw clenched so hard. "Mother, I know what I am doing."
