I sat on the low rock, tossing the golden apple in my hand. Hunger gnawed at my stomach, but the apple was solid stone, a cruel feature in this moment. I heard the approach of heavy footsteps and changed nothing of my actions or posture; any being that would harm a one-armed blind woman was one I couldn’t fight right now anyhow.

  “I want that.”

  A shrill, almost adolescent voice, something distantly feminine in its quality. I paused my tossing and held up the apple. “This?”

  I felt the wind as she reached for it and quickly lowered it, holding it between my knees. The shrill voice came again: “Give it!”

  “Perhaps I will, perhaps I won’t. What motivation have I to do so?”

  “Ugh- you sound just like Cervis. What is it with you people? Is the ice making you thick-headed?”

  I smiled. “Perhaps it is- perhaps it isn’t.”

  “Just give me the apple!”

  “I will do so, but I require something from you in exchange.”

  “Well, what do you want? I’ll give you gold for it.”

  “Why would I take measly gold coins in exchange for a golden apple?”

  “I don’t know. I’ll give you gems and fine linens.”

  “I’m blind, miss- what good would those do me?”

  “I don’t know!” She stamped her foot. “What do you want?”

  “What is your name?”

  She didn’t reply for a moment. I twirled the apple between my fingers. Then: “If I tell you my name, can I have the apple?”

  “Sure.”

  “I’m the princess.”

  “And does the princess have a name?”

  “Well- no. I’m just the princess. Later, I’ll be the Chieftess. Or…” Her voice took on a contemptuous note, “The Ice Queen.”

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  I handed her the apple and she snatched it greedily.

  “Wait- who are you?”

  I smiled. “Simply a blind traveler, washed up on your shores. So, tell me- do you not want to be the Ice Queen?”

  “No! I live on a beautiful island.” The shrillness left her voice. It was still high in pitch, but more sad, less whiny. “I love my people. I love the open sky, the ocean, the food and the music and the festivals. Why would I ever want to leave?”

  I considered. “Hmm. It does seem you’re in a dilemma. What is your motivation for marrying Cervis, then?”

  She sighed. “My mother wants me to. She says our offspring would be the prettiest I could produce, on account of my physical appearance.”

  “I don’t find you bad-looking.”

  “Th- oh.”

  I laughed lightly. “I’m sorry. Have to find the bright side of this. Anyhow… If you don’t want to marry him, then why would you? Even if offspring with someone else were hideous, at least you’d be happier.”

  “That’s true.”

  “And I’ve heard some things about the Ice Prince- he doesn’t seem compatible with you at all.”

  The shrillness started to come back to her voice. “Why not? I’m quite great, you know-”

  “I didn’t mean to imply you’re not!” I said quickly. I withdrew the comb from my pocket and began to run it idly through my hair, as best I could. “I’m sure the princess is as regal and grand as her title implies. I simply meant that the People Under the Ice and the Jotunn seem quite different, and not the sort of different that makes a good match. Do you know what I mean?”

  “Yeah- but what can I do about it now?”

  I tilted my head. “What are the terms of your arrangement with Cervis?”

  “He must marry the princess on the island East of the Sun and West of the Moon. In exchange, his people will receive better barters, in terms of supplies, for the duration of the marriage.”

  I held down a smile. “That’s it?”

  “Yes.”

  “Well, princess, consider yourself saved.”

  “But- but how? You are only a blind woman, who came here by accident, and I- is that comb gold?”

  I held it out where I could feel the sun on my hands. “Indeed. And what sort of person do you suppose has a golden comb?”

  She gasped.

  I placed the comb in my pocket and withdrew the goblet. “And what sort of person do you suppose drinks from a golden goblet, or keeps a golden apple?”

  “But- who are you?” Glee had entered her voice. “How did you manage to arrive just on time?”

  I smiled. “I suppose that would be fate, dear child. Now- if you would, please continue the charade and prepare for a wedding you won’t be forced to participate in. I have a few preparations I need to make. If you would… Lead me to Cervis.”

  “You know it’s bad luck for a groom to see his bride before the wedding? And would you really marry a man you’ve never met, have only heard about, just to free me?”

  I smiled. “No one should be forced into a marriage that holds no love. Lead me to him?”

  She gasped again, and then clapped. “Oh, that’s so romantic!”

  No further questions asked, she led me into the castle.