Army Of The Winter Court (Skeleton Key)

by Ali Winters

  “If she doesn’t decide by the Winter Solstice, she will die,” Lilith’s voice chimed from behind, breaking the spell.

  “Don’t you think I know that, Lilith? I can’t tell her that,” Auri snapped.

  “What’s the matter Auri? You seem tense.”

  “Nothing for you to worry yourself about.”

  She danced circles around him like a giggling summer pixie, before stopping in front of him.

  “You’re staring at her like a lost sun sprite.”

  “Don’t be absurd.” Aurelian stared past her as Evvie crossed the large hall.

  “Then tell me what has you so twisted in knots.”

  Aurelian sighed and brought his attention to the annoyance in front of him.

  “You’re enjoying this entirely too much.”

  “Maybe so, brother, but you have to admit that this is the most excitement we’ve had in a while,” Lilith said, turning serious.

  “She can never leave our realm; the key has been destroyed.”

  “Were you ever planning on letting her leave?” she asked tipping her head to the side.

  “Yes… No.” He sighed. “I’m not sure. I never planned for it, but it had always been a possibility.”

  “You know better than that. It doesn’t work that way.”

  “What are you babbling about now?” he asked.

  “She was never going to leave this realm while you are connected.”

  “After she served her purpose, I would have dissolved the claim. Evvie would have been free to go if she wished to.”

  Lilith’s high pitched laughter shattered the quiet.

  “What is so funny?” Aurelian snapped.

  “You are a fool, brother. A claim cannot simply be dissolved at will. Even if it could, you wouldn’t have the power to do such a thing.”

  “Stop playing games and tell me what you’re talking about,” he demanded.

  “Because of your claim, she was never going to leave. Not while you still live.”

  “Claiming her was a mistake…”

  “Oh, you didn’t claim her; you allowed her to claim you.” Her laughter resonated around them once more.

  “What?” he asked in disbelief, slowly turning to meet her gaze.

  “You’re a fool, Auri. You can’t claim anyone against their will. You can only offer your own claim and hope they return it. You should have done your research before attempting such strong magic.”

  He glared at her. “Why did you not say that before?”

  “You should stop fighting it,” she said. “If you accept it, you’ll always be with her.” She shrugged, ignoring his question.

  “I—” Aurelian stopped, all thoughts lost as he spotted their brother on the second level atrium, watching them.

  With a graceful leap, Nolan vaulted over the banister and landed in a crouch. Straightening, he glanced toward Aurelian with a slow smile spread across his lips.

  Aurelian’s fists tightened at his sides as he watched Nolan turn and walk in the same direction Evvie had gone.

  Lilith’s small but strong hand gripped his arm, holding him back.

  “He is owed time with her,” she warned.

  “He’s up to no good.” He felt the panic curl up and sit heavy in his gut.

  “If you do not allow this, you will have to forfeit.”

  “Nolan can’t be trusted. I won’t leave him alone with her.” Aurelian ripped his arm from his sister’s grasp and ran. The only thought on his mind was keeping her from his brother. Rules be damned, he was going to protect her.

  Reaching the end of the open hall which led to the garden in the center of the palace, he scanned the area. Nolan was nowhere to be seen.

  Evvie’s form was concealed by the darkness of the trees, but flashes of her red dress showed through leafless branches.

  “Evvie!” he called, running toward her.

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  Evvie

  Evvie wandered down the winding path that led to the most depressing garden she’d ever seen. Black trees cast shadows across the lawn and roses so dark they were almost invisible against the ebony background bloomed, releasing a sweet aroma. A wide, gnarled tree in the center with its branches reaching out created a broad umbrella, stretching over half of the open space.

  “Evvie!”

  Aurelian’s voice startled her, making her jump. She turned and peered through the thick branches, watching as he ran toward her. All she wanted was time to sit, think, and be alone. Evvie pressed her back against the trunk hoping he hadn’t already seen her.

  Playing their game was the last thing she wanted, even just thinking about it zapped all the energy from her body, as if it too refused to go along with it any longer, fighting against whatever evil they had planned with their army.

  “Evvie…” Aurelian appeared at her side.

  She sighed heavily and closed her eyes, forcing herself to remain calm.

  “What is it Auri?”

  When only silence answered, she opened her eyes to see him standing in front of her, seeming to be at a loss for words. He stepped forward, seeming uncertain. Evvie lifted one hand and opened her mouth to protest, but before she could get a single word out, his arms were around her, his face buried in her neck as he whispered words she didn’t understand against her skin.

  The move was so out of character of the man she first met, and the man he had ended up being the more she got to know him. His embrace tore down the fragile remains of what was left of her guard and left her utterly disarmed. The air left her lungs in a whoosh from the effects his vulnerability had on her.

  “Wha—” Evvie pulled back to look at him. His expression was unreadable. Something was wrong… his once bright eyes were now darkened with secrets she didn’t know—and might never know— because he hid all traces of his thoughts from her.

  Aurelian pressed his lips against hers. It was a kiss filled with longing, with desperation… and with a finality that she didn’t understand.

  After several intense moments, he broke away, leaving her breathless.

  “Auri…” she murmured.

  “I will send you back with a protection spell, so that no part of you can ever enter the Winter Court again.”

  “How? I thought you said it was impossible.”

  He hesitated before speaking.

  “I will make it happen.”

  “What about your army?” Even knowing she shouldn’t question him, it was obvious something had happened.

  Swallowing loudly, he let her go and stepped back.

  “It doesn’t matter anymore.”

  As soon as the words left his mouth, he turned and swiftly walked away.

  Doesn’t matter anymore?

  Evvie’s brow furrowed. After everything he did to trick her into coming here… and now it didn’t matter. Only minutes before it had mattered. Confused, she watched him walk away, attempting to find a reason for the sudden change of heart.

  She came up with nothing.

  .:。·*இ*·.:。·*இ*·。:.·*இ*·。:.

  Having sat in the garden for hours unable to understand what had made Aurelian decide to send her home, she stood and wandered back into the castle to roam the halls aimlessly. Thoughts raced through her mind, ranging from insanity, to him being a changeling. Aurelian was fae—that was something they did, not something that happened to them. A frown marred her features as she racked her brain, unable to remember the details of such things that, up until several days ago, had all been nothing more than… fairytales.

  Evvie turned the corner and managed to stop inches before she ran into another body. Her eyes traveled up the broad chest until she met warm amber eyes.

  “Nolan.”

  “Hello, Evvie,” he said cheerfully. “I was just looking for you.”

  “Oh…”

  “I was hoping we could talk.”

  “I don’t know… now isn’t a good time,” she mumbled.

  “You’re upset about something
,” he said eyeing her.

  “No…” She paused when he arched an eyebrow and looked doubtful. “Okay, yes. Something is bothering me,” she admitted.

  “Come, I will fix you some honeyed tea, and if you wish to talk it over with me, I will be more than happy to lend an ear and help you sort through everything.”

  Evvie thought about protesting, but looking up into his smiling face she thought he might provide enough of a distraction to get her out of this dark mood. Nodding, she agreed. Nolan placed an arm around her shoulder as he led her down the stairs. His hand on her arm send a chill through her. It was a far cry from Aurelian’s touch, which just added to her emotional turmoil. Auri was bad for her health, but she was drawn to him in a way she couldn't avoid.

  As they entered the lower level, the view left her gaping as they entered an open hallway. She’d expected a dark, closed off dungeon this far underground, but the sight before her eyes was anything but a prison.

  The railing, made of the stone from the mountainside, looked over a sharp drop off. Evvie approached the balustrade and leaned over. The waterfall that guarded the entrance poured over the edge creating a soft mist that dampened her face, and obscured the bottom of the ravine between the castle and the rest of the mountain. Burnt emerald green vines, covered in frost, climbed the outside rocks, and wound themselves around the open arches.

  “Come, we will sit in the atrium balcony,” Nolan said taking her arm and leading her farther down the hall.

  She kept her eyes locked on the view, unable to look away from the precipice, that was both stunning and terrifying until they came to a stop. Evvie turned her head to look at Nolan, who had dropped her arm and was standing in front of her, holding open a curtain of Ivy, revealing a large rounded room much like the hallway they’d just walked through.

  Stepping through, Evvie waited at the edge of the chamber taking everything in. The view was the same, only more awe-inspiring with a much wider expanse of the cliffs. In the center of the circular room, pillows made of opulent fabrics, were layered around a small table with a tray and two silver grey cups in the shapes of flowers, and a carafe, made of the same metal with the vines making up its shape, between them.

  “Have a seat,” Nolan’s deep voice came from beside her. He gestured for her to sit.

  Evvie sat in silence as she watched him pour each of them a cup of golden liquid.

  “Tell me what is on your mind,” he requested handing one to her.

  She took the proffered drink and sipped it. It sent a shiver down her spine as the spicy, sweet liquid slid down her throat. Expecting it to be warm, or at the very least, room temperature, she was surprised to find that it was icy cold instead.

  Holding the drink in her lap, she ran her finger around the rim. “I’m not sure. I don’t think I’m ready to talk about it.”

  “That’s all right, we can talk about other things,” he said. “How are you enjoying your stay?”

  “Uhh…” Stalling for time, she sipped on her drink, then set the cup down on the table. “This drink is really good,” she muttered.

  “I’m glad you like it, have some more,” he said as he refilled it.

  As she lifted the drink to her lips, she peeked at him through her lashes. He was watching her intently. Nervously, she lowered the cup to her lap again and dropped her eyes. A wave of dizziness washed over her.

  “I…” she started, then shook her head. “I would like to go home now.”

  “I understand why you would feel that way. But I promise you, once you determine which of us will be King, you will feel differently. However, if I am wrong, you will be free to decide.”

  Looking up into his eyes, hope sparked in her heart. “I’ll be free to go? Just like that? But I thought… what if I choose wrong?”

  The room tilted as he smiled at her. Evvie reached forward to set the cup back down on the table, knocking it over as she brought her hand to her forehead. “Sorry,” she slurred. “I’m just… I feel dizzy.”

  “You will be fine. The drink can take some getting used to.”

  Her skin felt hot. She wanted air. That’s ridiculous… I’m already outside, she thought. “What was in that? What did you do?”

  “I didn’t do a thing. Perhaps you are sick again,” Nolan offered.

  He could be right; she still hadn’t felt like herself even after coming to this place… but the dark glint in his eye told her that something was off, and it wasn’t her health.

  Pushing herself up on her hands and knees, Evvie scrambled to stand, stumbling over a loose pillow and falling to her knees. She hit hard, the crack of her bone against the hard rocky floor sent sharp pain through her legs. Her arms shook as they fought to hold her up.

  “Evvie? What’s the matter?” Nolan’s voice sounded distant, even as he took her arm and helped lift her. The sudden movement made nausea roll in her stomach.

  “You must be exhausted,” he murmured. “Let me take you back to your room.”

  She felt herself being lifted off the ground and cradled by two strong arms, rocking her with the movement of his steps. Evvie struggled to move her limbs that felt numb.

  Darkness overtook her, and unconsciousness took hold as a feeling of dread chilled her heart.

  .:。·*இ*·.:。·*இ*·。:.·*இ*·。:.

  A rough, hard surface pressed against her back, causing her to arch her spine.

  “Mmm,” Evvie mumbled, unable to form words in her parched mouth as her dry lips threatened to crack even at such slight movement. The slow beat of her heart pumping blood through her body, hammered within her head.

  Shuffling sounded from several feet away. Slowly, Evvie managed to peel open her eyes and blink several times in an attempt to focus. Dim flickering lights danced in the corners of her vision.

  Trying to lift her hand to her pounding forehead, she was met with resistance.

  The clack of footsteps on the floor echoed throughout the room as they approached her. Adrenaline spiked through her and she let her head flop weakly to the side. A tall figure moved from the shadows into view.

  Nolan?

  Desperately, she groaned, unsure why he was in her personal space.

  Where is Auri? What’s going on?

  “Ahh, I’m surprised to find you awake so soon,” he said, casually leaning over her as his cold fingers brushed a strand of hair from her face. Nolan ran his palm over the top of her head and around to the back to cradle it. Lifting her slightly, he pressed a glass to her lips.

  “Drink,” he commanded.

  Unable to resist, she did as he said.

  Water. He’d given her water. Thankful, she let the liquid quench her thirst.

  Instantly, her throat felt relief, and she let out a sigh as he gently placed her head back down on the hard surface.

  “Wha—what happened?” she croaked out.

  “You passed out. You are still quite weak.”

  “Where am I?”

  Her addled brain knew his face, knew Aurelian, but she couldn’t remember what she’d been doing before she woke up here, or where she was.

  “You are safe,” Nolan said, his hand sliding down the length of her arm as he stepped out of view.

  She tried to sit up, but her arms and legs felt like thousand pound weights.

  “Why can’t I move?”

  Silence greeted her and she wondered if he’d left her room.

  Is this my room?

  Her eyes darted around as she tried to see anything that would tell her where she was, but the lights were positioned near her, too weak to give her any hint at the location.

  Think, Evvie, where could I be? The haze that clouded her mind refused to lift.

  The dim room brightened slightly as Nolan’s footsteps returned and he leaned over her once more. He sighed sympathetically, but something about his body language told her it was inauthentic and a sinking feeling settled in her stomach, making her heart race.

  With a cat-like grin, he leaned forward unti
l he was inches away and said, “That is a little more difficult to explain.”

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  Evvie

  “Why? What’s wrong?” Evvie said, panicked.

  Nolan’s smile dropped from his lips as he let out an annoyed sigh.

  “I was trying to spare you. But if you insist on knowing…”

  Her stomach tensed, knowing that whatever words he was about to say would be the last thing she wanted to hear. The feeling of dread made her entire body quake.

  “You are being restrained.”

  The words fell so casually from his lips that it took a long moment for their meaning to register in her mind. Forcing her head upward, she looked down, noticing that a silvery glow hovered over her body.

  “I… I don’t understand. Why?” She dropped her head back down onto the rocky surface.

  “Evvie, you shouldn’t ask so many questions.”

  “Let me go… I need to find Auri,” she demanded weakly. As soon as the words left her mouth, she knew it had been a mistake.

  A sneer formed on his face, curling his lip back. “Aurelian isn’t here. I’m here, and that’s all that matters.”

  She gulped.

  “You said I could go…”

  “I said if you choose one of us you, could go. I didn’t say which one.”

  “Aurelian… I pick Aurelian.”

  He let out a sudden barking laugh.

  “It’s too late for that now. I don’t need you to decide. It was only my dear brother who needed you to pick him.”

  “Let me go,” Evvie pleaded. Tears prickled her eyes, stinging.

  “I can’t do that.”

  “Why?”

  “I still need your heart.”

  Evvie squeezed her eyes shut, trying to focus. “This isn’t the way…”

  Cocking his head to the side, Nolan said, “It is the only way. No matter, I will have your heart soon enough…”