Hearts Under Ice - CS Patra Page 0,78
I doubt even she knows.”
“I don’t know, but they claim that she is the one who will destroy the world. If I don’t give up the Hearts Under Ice and bring her to them, I can kiss my kingdom goodbye. That’s why I brought you here. I told them to use you as the bait. It would be the quickest way to get Olivia here.” She let out a sigh. “I also told them about your skills.”
“My skills? My invention isn’t complete, Your Majesty,” he pointed out. “I’ve been working long and hard, and I haven’t been able to get into another world with it yet. That’s why I’m so impressed with Olivia. She’s got an ability that I don’t have.”
“You’re impressed with her?” the Queen looked at him like he was lying. She decided to change the subject. “You must be careful when you speak with them again. Pretend that you are working on what they want. In the meantime, try to get ahold of Olivia. I’m doing all I can from my end. My men are trying to find her so you two can be reunited.”
“Reunited?” Donnie was confused. “All right, let me try to understand. You are pretending that you are helping the Brotherhood of Iced Blood. You told them that you’re giving in by giving them what they want. In reality, you want Olivia and me to—what? Stop them, somehow? Neither of us really knows what’s going on or how to stop these guys. I certainly can’t come up with anything while I’m locked in here. Are you sure that we’re the right people for this job?”
“I could have easily asked anyone else, but Olivia has a connection to these worlds. She was unaware of it until now. I’m still not sure what opened up her abilities, but now she can move in and out of worlds with no problem. As you can see, that’s very valuable to the enemy. If they are able to access that ability, then they could cause chaos in other worlds. We have to get to her before they do.”
Donnie nodded. “I guess I can’t keep moping around, then. Basically, you want me to pretend that I’m a prisoner here. I’ll try to contact Olivia and tell her exactly where I am. What am I supposed to do if they want me?”
“You let me deal with them,” the Queen said. “You get to work, and try to get ahold of your love. Pretend you’re making your machine. If I hear from her, I’ll let you know. In the meantime, I need to go back. I have to meet with them soon.”
“All right, Your Majesty. I’ll do what I can.”
As she left, Donnie took time to think about what he had learned. He was bait all right, but not in the way he had expected. The Frost Queen was using him to get back at the Brotherhood of Iced Blood. Both sides wanted Olivia because she had a power to move between universes. The problem was that he didn’t know if he could really trust anyone. He wanted to believe the Frost Queen, but staying in here and being the bait wasn’t for him. He had to get out of the castle. If he could find an opening in the room, then he could break through and try to find Olivia himself. He didn’t want to keep playing the bait if the world was in danger.
Hang in there, Olivia. I’ll be on my way. He thought, digging around in his room. The time for moping and whining was over. He needed to escape, and he would get out of here by any means necessary.
He got down on his knees and began to look for the opening again.
Chapter Twenty-one
Olivia opened her eyes to find herself surrounded by Astrid, Ms. Howard, Gemma, Alice, and also Jei. She thought she had been dreaming again, but remembered quickly what had happened. She had successfully made it to the Frostland without falling asleep, and was now on her way to find Donnie. Gasping, she sat up and tried to get out. Jei and Astrid had to hold her down, and Ms. Howard handed her some water. Her head was pounding, but they needed her to be well. She had to buckle down and ignore the pain. Ms. Howard waited until Olivia starting drinking to speak. Not wanting to keep everyone waiting, she took a sip.
“Drink up. You’ve been asleep for a long time.” She said, letting Olivia